MM,
I'd suggest you go look at "www.sheppardair.com". Read up on the Military IP to FAA CFI/CFII/MEI FAQs. There's a program that you can transition your military instructor experience to civilian ratings for the price of a single FAA [written] exam. Even if you left the military long ago you still qualify.
If you're not comfortable flying SE pistons anymore, get the ratings on the cheap through this program, then go fly with a CFI to get yourself comfortable again without taking three more checkrides etc. and paying the "full price" just to knock off the rust.
Good luck,
Cubdrick