First off, you should be able to keep your airline seniority regardless of which military path you choose...even regular active duty.

What is your primary goal for military service...

Gung-ho hooya duty?

Complementing and enhancing your fixed-wing flying career?

You can maybe do both with a ANG/USAFR flying slot...go for A-10's or fighters.

If a pilot slot is not in the cards, consider enlisted aircrew on helos or C-130's.

You would not be the first college-educated professional to enlist in the reserves to have some fun and serve your country...but leverage your proven value to get a gratifying job. Do you homework, figure out exactly what you want and qualify for, and don't settle for anything less. Recruiters will ALWAYS reserve their prized assignments for a tough-sell recruit who has a lot of potential. If you take whatever they offer up first, you will get sold short.

The marine corps is a great organization, but I probably wouldn't take a marginal job in the corps if you can get a better one in another service.


And you DID say you were gung-ho...

Are you in great physical shape? Look into special operations...there is nothing else quite like that line of work for those who are motivated. You may be able to get SF training and assignmement in the NG/Army reserves.

Last I heard you could still do USMC force recon as a reservist (3rd/4th FORECON) but I think MARSOC may have done away with that.

Navy SO all requires active duty to join, except you can get into EOD as an EOD Assistant. You get basic dive training and EOD training tailored to the reserve schedule... "EOD Light" so to speak.

USAF also has special ops...PJ's and tactical airfield controllers. Not sure if active duty is required, but I would assume so.