For me, the fact that I'm on a mil leave of absence, after 12 years in the airline biz, and 28+ years in the military, should say something.

I enjoy better pay, benefits, schedule, flying, and camraderie in military flying than I do with the airlines.

That being said, I'm glad I have an airline seniority number, and have a post-military job to go to. The airline biz in and of itself no longer has the long-term fortune-making ability it once had (maybe SWA). But supplemented by a military retirement, it isn't bad.

If I had it to do over again, it would be virtually identical: I wouldn't give up a military career to go airline (ie, I would have a Guard or Reserve job lined-up before I separated).

Good luck---it's a tough decision.