Not to be a buzz killer, but if you can't do at least 8 days a month as a new guy in a fighter squadron, you're in the wrong business. Did you not know this going in? Anyways, You should go on seasoning days for about 2 years. You will never be good if you don't commit yourself some time early on. If your not at a legacy now, there is no hub to move to. You'll only have 2-6 airline jobs in your life. Live where your squadron is until you have some seniority at your forever job. The worst thing to be is furloughed and commuting to a guard job. Times may be good now, but you are always one black swan event from a furlough. Early on, pick up a man day where you live and bum. Open time at a regional isn't worth it if you are getting turbine pic in a fighter. You can take mil leave all the time. If you are going on big chunks like a year at time you could run out. Not all orders count toward your five year limit. Are the guys in the squadron not explaining this to you? Ask them, I guarantee you they have this wired for their max benefit. BTW, be careful who you talk airline **** with at UPT. Be commit to their program, not your own. Best of luck, you have a golden ticket.