WLDPLT and 2dots,

Great words and I really appreciate it. You guys are making me think about things I haven't thought about in a while and from a different perspective.

It sounds like I need to factor in "job security" a little higher on my decision matrix and I think that I will pass on the "bonus" and just see how the timing is in about 2 years. The freedom to choose is always a good thing I think.

In the meantime, I think I'll continue to groom myself to be competitive either direction I go; meaning I'll continue to stay competitive in the military, but continue to pursue qualifications that will make me more attractive to the airline (ATP complete, so I think I'm progressing).

My biggest problem is that I'm impatient. I see other's that are senior in age in leadership positions and we all know that age, wisdom, and experience are all a part of making a leader....but definitely not the most important ingredients. I think the AF getting rid of the BTZ to Major was a mistake. However, just like 2dots points out, it's worse in the airlines. That would aggravate me to no end. Maybe the airlines are not for me.

As far as the death thing....I'm not worried about it. I'm just more sensitive to how short life is. I was WIA in Iraq in Mar2003 and the two little ones I've got now were almost not to be. I think anyone who has been in a near death experience views the world with new eyes. Maybe that's why the "queep factor" that's involved with all government jobs bothers me so much now. My tolerance for it is very low now that I've got a whole new perspective. But, I'm sure you've got some of that no matter where you work if it's a large organization.

Vr
Duke