Duke: first things first...I'm not the kind of guy to raise my eyebrows, OK? Now, I'll assume you're a Major-selectee ...ACSC slot kinda gives it away. Do you realize how much golf you'll get in while at school? Maxwell has 2 courses, hell your handicap will be in single digits after a year down there. What's more, you'll have a chance to network for a follow-on assignment. I know the service fills its needs first, and it's a crapshoot, but the odds of finding some other interesting out-of-cockpit endeavor are greatly enhanced post grad by the contacts you make there. After you (theoretically) complete a staff-level assignment, you'll be a light col-selectee, and when you go back to a squadron-level job, they (USAF) will be grooming you for command. Then the fun really starts. FWIW, there is absolutely no such animal as merit or emphasis on job performance with the airlines...simply show-up, pass your checkrides, engage in lively debates on whether or not to wear your hat, etc...yawn. I guess promotion is the military's motivation, and it comes much more slowly in the civvy world. You can wind up being a co-pilot for some of the wizards you hear from on this site, as seniority covers all bets and bettors. I notice you've used guarantee several times, and just like the AF, you'll be hard-pressed to find it in the airlines. Several are just one terrorist attack (either here at home, or in some way that snarls the oilflow and consequently its barrel price) away from oblivion, and a few more are almost as shakey. Lastly, quit worrying about dying. That crapshoot is out of everybody's hands, and you just have to keep on rolling with what you know. Best of luck, whatever you decide to do. I'll bet both of my ample retirements that you'll see those graduations.