I actually had joined the Air National Guard, and planned to try to become a pilot. I, however, injured my shoulder during basic training, and had to come home. I will be given the chance to go back, if I want.

I also, before looking into the Guard, looked into AFROTC. The truth is, it is VERY competitive to become a pilot in the military. The military is also, last I was told, slowing down on the number of pilots they were taking. I visited an AFROTC message board, with a lot of concerned cadets about the manning issues with the Air Force, and reports that they would select significantly less for pilot slots than previous years.

There is one thing I will agree on, as far as SkyHigh, and Bla Bla are concerned. It is easier to become a pilot when you are young, and single. Trying to do it later on, with a family, can make it very difficult, to nearly impossible if you have a big family like SkyHigh. No doubt he cannot survive on regional FO salary. BUT, a single 23 year old should have no problem making it on $35K/ year for a few years, before becoming captain. I know plenty who do, who are FO's, or who work in other industries.

As far as regional captain salaries. Could SkyHigh survive on $70K/ year with a family of six? Maybe not. He says no. But I know people who make in that salary range, or less, who have a family, albiet not of six, but still a family, and own a home, nice vehicles, and are living a comfortable life. Also, a majority of families today are two income families, meaning both husband, and wife work, which adds to that income. I think it all depends on your situation. BUT, I still add; people are not exactly making much more, if more at all, outside of aviation.