Originally Posted by TankerDriver

Join the military because you want to be an officer and do the things officers do (which may not necessarily be flying airplanes). Join the military because you want that kind of lifestyle. Don't join the military because you want a flying career or because you think it's the quickest way to the majors because you will be miserable. Flying is only part of the job. This is not a flying career. You don't just fly a 3-4 day trip, come home, play golf for 3 days and then do another 3-4 day trip. It's staff work, writing OPR's and LOE's, etc... Lots of stuff totally unrelated to flying. You may get 3 flying assignments in a row after pilot training, but after that, plan on a staff tour. 3 years of the Pentagon for example. No flying what-so-ever. Just plan on doing 10 years and separating (which ends up to be about 11.5-12)? Fine, but going from a Major in the Air Force, making near $100k a year to the right seat of an airliner making $35k a year on probation may be a slap in the face. With a family, taking a pay cut like that may not be possible. This is when the Air Force throws the bonus du jour in your face, which right now is $125,000 for 5 more years, and you say, "Hmmmmm, should I stay for another 5?". At this point, you're possibly a DO (director of operations), flying once or twice a month to maintain currency. You get to your 16.5-17 years and at this point you ask yourself, why should I separate now when I can retire in 3 more years at 42ish years old with 50% of your salary and medical benefits for the rest of your life? What I'm trying to say is, the career progression of a pilot on active duty in the Air Force is designed to take you more and more out of the cockpit and put you behind a desk. It's called being an officer (a leader). It's not a flying career. Just be forwarned because I know a lot of youngens see these posters and TV commercials with F-16's, C-17's, you name it and possibly get suckered into something they may want or be ready for.

That said, the military has great opportunities, which may not be aviation opportunites and is what you make of it. You will not be able to do the things you'll do in the US Air Force anywhere else in the world.

I've got two words: Go Guard!!