Well, not only for the resume, but also for the peace of mind that I'll be qualified to hold a 1st class. I'm pretty confident, but it's a nice-to-know kind of thing. I've also read some good stuff in the medical forum here. Guys were talking about how if you're applying for the first time and are initially deferred due to the EKG or something in the lab work, well then getting it this early gives plenty of lead time to pursue a waiver. And it's easier to hold onto it once you have it. If something questionable comes up when you renew, then the waiver process is apparently a bit easier if you already held a first class than if you're just trying for the first time. So I've heard...couldn't hurt to get one just to stay ahead of the game.

And I wouldn't have to keep it current every six months; I'd just renew it annually (so it reverts to 2nd class privileges)...just as long as I make sure it's current within 6 months when I get within a year of my retirement date (which is when I hope the interviews start happening)