Were you working just the AD route to UPT? If so what about the reserve/guard route? If that's not an option and your goal is flying no matter what it takes (and no matter what the industry is going to hit you with over your career) then I'd go civilian. Should be plenty of threads for options in that area here on APC.
I find it interesting the various backgrounds of guys I fly with and how they got where they are. Don't limit yourself to just the AF if it's what you really want to do.