Stay in for your 20...then don't look back. You won't regret it. Make full Commander, and you've got a potential couple million dollar IRA that starts paying the month after you retire. I retired at 20 (LtCol), played golf for half a year, got a corporate job, thought I wanted to go major airline, got hired, upgraded to F100 Capt over the 10 years, got furloughed after 9/11, got back with my old corporate flight department, still there, so it goes. The extra money at 0-5 rate is gravy now, and really came in handy during the pinch periods. BTW, our corporate pay is roughly equivalent to a current 10 year United 737/A320 captain's. No per diem though, but we sure go to a hell of a lot neater places.;)

I'm straight civillian so I don't know if I should even be here.

Money wise, I'd think you are better off in the Navy. In six years I don't think things will be any worse in the pilot biz. If you get out now, I don't think it's a good bet that the six extra years in the airlines will make up for the low pay and lifestyle at the bottom of a major list.

Totally agree. Stay in, GET THE PENSION, then look for an airline job if you want one.

If you do the reserve route, with the airline job and the guard/reserves, you will have no home life.

Stay in. Did 10 years active and another 8 flying VR as a drilling reservist (and finishing up my last 2 in a CV unit). If I could do things over I'd go TAR, now called FTS and fly VR, man that is the best gig in the Navy and almost no one knows about it. I tried to go FTS when I saw what a good life they had but was too senior and had to stay a drilling reservist so I don't get my retirement until I'm 60. Even if you can't go VR stay in. The airlines are dumping pensions, cutting pay and benifits, screwing you in work rules and there are no guarantees they'll stay in business or that things won't get worse. I was in initial class with America West and the oldest guy in the class was an Eastern pilot who was basically starting over. Believe it or not you'll probably spend more time away from home with the airlines than with the Navy, especially if you commute, only it will be in 3-5 day blocks instead of big chunks like dets, work-ups and cruise. Of course with fewer Carriers and no real stand-down after cruise and going right to sustainment ops, that may not be true now. You're also making a lot more right now than you would at a major for a LONG, LONG time. I got called up for 6 months in 2004 and couldn't believe how much a full time 0-5 makes now. If I did it again I'd stay in, even for the 2 year disassociated sea tour I was up for when I punched out. I know west coast F/A-18 life sucks, but you've been doing it and like they say "you can get used to anything." Point is, the getting used to it part is the worst, and you're past that. Don't forget you're coming up on a 3 year flying shore tour, even Kingsville's tolerable when you're home every night.

Stay!!
 

Stay in. Did 10 years active and another 8 flying VR as a drilling reservist (and finishing up my last 2 in a CV unit). If I could do things over I'd go TAR, now called FTS and fly VR, man that is the best gig in the Navy and almost no one knows about it. I tried to go FTS when I saw what a good life they had but was too senior and had to stay a drilling reservist so I don't get my retirement until I'm 60. Even if you can't go VR stay in. The airlines are dumping pensions, cutting pay and benifits, screwing you in work rules and there are no guarantees they'll stay in business or that things won't get worse. I was in initial class with America West and the oldest guy in the class was an Eastern pilot who was basically starting over. Believe it or not you'll probably spend more time away from home with the airlines than with the Navy, especially if you commute, only it will be in 3-5 day blocks instead of big chunks like dets, work-ups and cruise. Of course with fewer Carriers and no real stand-down after cruise and going right to sustainment ops, that may not be true now. You're also making a lot more right now than you would at a major for a LONG, LONG time. I got called up for 6 months in 2004 and couldn't believe how much a full time 0-5 makes now. If I did it again I'd stay in, even for the 2 year disassociated sea tour I was up for when I punched out. I know west coast F/A-18 life sucks, but you've been doing it and like they say "you can get used to anything." Point is, the getting used to it part is the worst, and you're past that. Don't forget you're coming up on a 3 year flying shore tour, even Kingsville's tolerable when you're home every night.

STAY IN!!! There couldn`t be a worse time to get out. You can do 6 years standing on your head. You`ll have a retirement, and Tri Care. You might not think the medical coverage is important now, but believe me, it will be. In 6 years you will still be competitive. I`m an ex Marine fighter guy, and know just how great bending the Hornet around can be, but consider building some multi time if you can. And one more thing...DON`T GET OUT!!!

United flys just about everywhere. What neater places are you referring to, Bismark ND?

Surely you jest.

The Navy Reserve has explicit policies that FORBID anyone who is anywhere near accumulating 20 years ACTIVE time from going on any active duty assignments. The reserves do not budget for full military retirements for reservists and they do not want to pay the bill for them. A few folks have slipped through in the past, but only accidently (or by being injured while on active duty). This is NOT a realistic option in the nav. Don't know about the other branches, maybe the ANG is OK with it.

As to the original question, yes stay in for 20.

Not really,

Several months ago my line included layovers in Rio De Janerio, Amsterdam, Honolulu and Guam all in one month. I'll bet UAL flys to some great destinations as well

Not sure, but I don't think you see those places too much in corporate flying?