Originally Posted by
HouseMouse
Does it make sense to apply first? Or should I reach 750 before doing anything else?
You can apply early to regionals, many will interview you and give you a CJO conditional on getting your hours. They might even give you a class date if you can project when you'll be R-ATP eligible.
I'd prioritize your top preferred regional employer(s), apply to them first and see what happens. Then go from there.
Primary considerations for a regional are geography and upgrade opportunity. If you are free to move anywhere, go for upgrade opportunity and QOL/pay.
Under the circumstances of a presumably adverse departure from the mil, you should plan on staying for a while at a regional, upgrading and acquiring some 121 PIC. If your mil situation is so adverse that you're at risk of not getting a major job, might want to consider longer-term factors in selecting a regional (size, stability, culture, etc). But there's also fractionals and ACMI, you'll have options as long as the majors are hiring, worst case that opens things up down the food chain.