Thats a nice job, but, like any pilot, I have my two cent opinion. When you define the airline pilot career path, you fail to make mention that, traditionally and still to this day, many airline pilots are former military pilots. This method, at least to me, remains the most practical way to reach a major airline job. It will depend on what you fly, but I have met all services and platforms (including helicopters) at my major airline. 1 out of 2 seem to be military. More often than not, the guys who came through civilian routes indicate that they regret not seizing this opportunity. Obviously I am former and pro-military aviation.

The military career path you define is Air Force-centric. The Army operates more aircraft than any other service. You may know that a college degree is not required to fly in the Army. In fact, your flying career there may be prolonged if you do not have one (Army aviation doctrine). The boat services (my background);USMC, USN, and USCG; have great flying opportunities. These services seem to take more non-elite commissioning sources to flight training. Remember, the USAF largely revolves around its flying service members. In the other services, flying is an elite assigment, but it is not always the most desirable assignment--possibly more opportunity.

Somebody mentioned "senoritas and margaritas" enticed him into the job. You will find that in military flying. You may also find combat, hardship, and some very traumatic life experiences. All routes to a successful flying career have their benefits and, of course, their costs.