Originally Posted by CenterSeatFE

Hello, I am new to the forum but have read many posts for months. I don't know if this was the appropriate spot to post my questions but I figured it couldn't hurt. Just a little back ground on myself, I am currently enlisted in the Navy and have about 1 1/2 years left on my original contract. I am an instructor flight engineer on the P-3. I came into the Navy (2003) with my Commercial, instrument, and multiengine ratings but have not flown more than once a month the entire time I have been in. I am currently in a bind concerning career decsions of either going to OCS and recieve a commision to fly or seperating at the end of my enlistment. The latter would involve me earning my CFI, CFII, and MEI and instructing as I only have about 300hr total time and about 15hr ME time. So the big question for any of those folks who may have been in my shoes at one time or another is which route would be the logical choice. I am 26yrs old and by the time I would be commisioned, I would only have 14 more years before that magical number "20" was attained. Overall, I enjoy the Navy minus a few things of course, but I'm sure I would like flying as a pilot in the military. My only concern is whether or not it would be worth staying in for the retirement which is ulitimately very important to me. Seperating and spending 1-2yrs instructing then maybe 2-3 more years at a less than desirable job building more flight time really concerns me especially in the financial department. I know that there is a hiring boom right now but will there be one in 3-4 yrs with the fuel prices going sky high? Well I'm rambling on. If anyone has some advise that would be great!!