To me this is a no brainer. Go active duty. First, it's a good paying job. Second,it keeps you current for when the airlines do start hiring. Third, you have a high probability of getting a AD retirement.

I'm not an expert in this area, but my understanding is; if you get within 2 years they must let you finish. With the recall program this may not apply, so I would check it out. As for getting the 1 year extension to make it happen; I can almost guarantee your commander will push to make it happen. Commanders are human and will do everything in their power to help a guy out, especially one in your possition. I once saw a commander go to bat for a guy with 5 DUI's to get him to the 18 year point so he could retire.

I know it's been said before, but in the world we currently live, an AD retirement is worth a lot in peace of mind.

Also check this out it may be true; there was a new rule passed which says you reduce the year you start a guard retirement by 1 year for every year on AD orders. Maybe the three years of AD would reduce your guard retirement down to age 57. This recall program is new and I don't think they have thought through all the possible options so the above may not apply, but worth looking into.