Exactly on point when you can leap forward with a line number as years can equal putting hundreds or thousands behind you depending on the climate especially at the larger outfits. If you have finished a decade no commitment and airlines are hiring is a no brainer. Within 1, 2, maybe 3 years from a full retirement it depends once again on the hiring climate and especially if you can edge those points from outside sources as mentioned before by others. O-6 opportunities were here and there, but I chased the retirement priority and it would have meant another three years on board and that is coming from a former active duty guy putting together AD tours/orders, etc as a Guardsman. Also didn't want/have the time for AWC as the end years were flying the LGD-6D Large Gray Desk w/6 Drawers as a Staff weenie in D.C. along with Homeland Defense down South. Check of the month club does have its benefits no doubt and creates a nice safety margin, but only you can decide if the timing is right and the sacrifices are worth it. Not only does seniority bring more clams, but lifestyle/schedules improves significantly at many places.