Originally Posted by rickair7777

All wrong. There was no PR factor related to vets when airlines started hiring military pilots en masse... they were all that was available.

The airlines grew up and evolved with a strong military pilot culture. Taking that out would have consequences.

If you just need seat-meat, then any RJ FO is fine.

But majors want pilots who have leadership experience (perhaps more than leading one FO and one FA out to dinner at Applebys in Shebogan). They also want "whole people" who can represent well and interact with their customers. Ex-mil are known quantities. Also guaranteed to have performed under real stress, not all civilians can say the same.

The other thing you're conveniently glossing over is that mil people have passed several quality cuts for stamina, mental fortitude, mission accomplishment, and leadership all in a competitive environment. That kind of stuff builds character. It's possible (perhaps with parent's money) to come up the civilian track without any real hardship.

Not to say that no civilian meets all those criteria, many do and others would rise to the occasion if they had the opportunity. But mil is known quantity...

Again you're peeing into the wind, your emotional prejudices aren't going to change the world.