Big thanks to everyone else who weighed in as well, I think I've come to my senses. And like I said before, I really appreciate the reality check.

I'm at the three-month point of a four-month deployment, with not much quality flying, and I think I "hit the wall" last week. But I've pushed through it, got my second wind, and I'm feeling much better now I should be able to coast pretty well for the next month until I'm back home to a normal life. Of course that "normal" life will include plenty of UCIs, ORIs, etc., etc., but such is life. Being deployed had the benefit of missing an ORE and ASEV though! ...but there's also the PT test I have to take when I get back

And it wasn't just the deployment, I've been through this same decision cycle a few times before, as I'm sure everyone else has. So like I said, the frustration level grew to a point where I was seriously considering options.

Still gotta love that "free money just for breathing everyday" thing. Looking forward to it.

In the mean time, I'll be working on getting the rest of my ducks in a row for when the time finally comes...or if it magically comes early. (18 year retirement as a force-shaping tool? I can dream can't I?)

btw that's not meant to start a rumor...Lord knows we don't need anymore of those!

Mox