[quote=Mox Nix;370100]O-4 with 17 years, been waiting and waiting for the calendar to keep rolling by to that magic 20 mark...sometimes it seems like it will never get there.

I've considered punching a couple times before, primarily when I got passed over for O-5 but couldn't afford it then (would have had to pay back some bonus $$). Still, the drudgery gets to me at times, and I keep thinking of breaking away...and the thought has been getting stronger lately. I have an ADSC til Aug 2009 for a PCS last summer, so I have some time to gather the information, start working the connections, and make an informed decision.

Some would call me crazy for getting out at 18 next year. After the passover a couple years ago, one of my buds said "five more years? you could do that standing on your head!" And that's what I thought too...but there's still three more years to go and my head already hurts.

So I'm looking into the Guard/Reserve thing again, and reviewing/researching all the info on my target airlines, wondering if I'll be able to make a commute work as well as maintain enough income during the first few years of airline pay with a Guard gig on the side.

I know the last 3 years seem painful - but I can't see getting out so close either. Even in the hey-day I remember them saying that you could get out at 18 years and still be better off financially; but those days are gone. I'm basically in your situation and I've been lucky to land someplace that I enjoy spending the rest of my time (little under 2 years), but I would seriously consider staying for that reitrement pay that starts in 3 years. If you're that disappointed in your current job - couldn't you look for a PCS to a more desirable job for you last few years? You've got the time required left. I don't know how it works in the AF - but best of luck.

USMCFLYR