Thanks for the realistic post TBone- it is a good reality check.

I seperate 1 Jul and am fully aware that I am giving up all the tax advantages and great health care. I had an interview with Delta that got canceled so thank god for the reserves...

My decision is based on the fact that I see my career path on active duty ahead of me and it isnt where I want to go. I have very little freedom or variance in that path despite all the exchange and phoenix programs. True good deals are not considered "what I want to do" by leadership because they are not what THEY think should be done.

Plus the active duty seems to like to take its best performers and give them "opportunites to shine" which translate into crap deals...meanwhile those who do nothing and min run it slide under the radar and just fly the line. What kind of incentive is that to continue? I will take the insecurity of the civilian world to have a chance at some freedom and career choice...

of course when I am living in a van down by the river and having my kids work in the textile mill here in a few months yall can say I told you so!