Originally Posted by
di1630
Dude, stay in and min run that ****. Fly, make a difference by helping the USAF be better but don't give 2 f-cks's about the qweep and BS unless it adds to the mission, saves a life or helps someone in genuine need.
I'd be a the gym each day, out of the office by 1630 or earlier, chaffing off BS, using leave whenever I please and voicing my real opinion without fear of repercussion.
Other than the few bucks you are missing on O-5 pay, you are on the home stretch man to a guaranteed pension and healthcare for life and no reason to play the game.
Stick it out.
This. Retired AD here as well.
Couple of things I didn't realize that are pretty massive right now. TRICARE is the biggest benefit out there bar none. When I hear some of the healthcare cost stories from others, I realize what a huge bullet that's been dodged by having that.
Major or Lt Col retirement money means you don't have to run around doing stupid sh!t on year 1 trying to make a mortgage. Having that pension made life a lot easier that first year.
Have I missed out on some things because I was a couple of years late to the party? You bet, but for me having those other things for the rest of my life make up for it IMO.
Good Luck.