I would stay in. In fact, and others have disagreed with me in the past on this point, I would stay and retire if you can.

First, if you take the bonus you will be WELL over half way there. Sure, you can find a good reserve/guard job but, while possible, it is a difficult commuter life. You will have little time off between commuting to either the guard/reserve or the airline gig. Life is so much easier when you can just cut the USAF cord and go.

My experience was I always came up to a point where I could get out but no one was hiring. Then I was too old. Then the rules changed and I was able to still be flying at the end of my career (so current, a BIG DEAL) and just lucked into the timing for the NWA surge in '95. Yes I kicked myself for years flying with guys my age making bigger bucks, but since 9/11 and the wild ride the industry has taken, I've got to tell ya having an 0-5 retirement check and, if necessary, Tricare is worth the extra 5 to 6 years I spent on active duty.

I vote stay in, be the best AETC IP you can be (PIC jet time is a wonderful thing), be home with your young kids (if you have them) and I'll see you in a few years.

Ferd