the contracting or acquisition career fields might be worth considering. They're a separate career field that doesn't compete directly against pilots for promotions. You'd be competing amongst fellow acquisitions folks. There's not quite as many high ranking officer positions in that field, but you'd still be promotable. And better yet, you'd be worth a fortune on the outside. A pilot could separate from the USAF and earn a staggering $30K in the airlines. An acquisition guy could serve for 4-8 years, then get out and start at about $100.