I'm a newbie poster here too CSFE. I was an Orion EWO for 10 years (89-99)...man I sure do miss the old girl. Sometimes I see 'em flying around SoCal in wht/orng/blk firefighting livery. I haven't kept up with Patrol Aviation in quite awhile...are they still planning on replacing the mighty O with the BBJ? When I first heard about it, my first thoughts were that will sure burn a lot of fuel on those 200' AGL patrols, and no more loitering #1!

I have to agree with SaltyDog on this one! If you can get the comission and the wings, and this will give you the lifestyle you would like, stay in, fly and retire. You could always get your CFI/CFII/MEI at your own pace while you are AD, too.
Another option would be to get the comission, fly enough to get the civ flying job you want, leave AD and go ANG until retirement. Sounds like you've got a few different options (and that's usually a good thing!).

The airlines will always be there if you want to continue flying after the Navy. Good Luck!

SemperFly