Most military pilots are happier because they came from the military with the qualifications needed for the majors. They aren't flying as an f.o. for Mesa If ex-military guys were flying for a commuter somewhere, my bet is they would be a little bit angry also.

BC...I regret that you found that comment to be arrogant. Maybe if I rephrase it, you might see things differently.

The military isn't the training league for a career in the airlines. I'm not so blind that I don't recognize that some do feel this way and may well enter military aviation with this in mind. Nor am I so jaded at today's generation that I have lost faith in the idea that there are still those who serve for duty's sake and not their own selfish self-interests.

For those in the first category, my advice is to pull your weight until you can get out...and then leave. No one will stand in your way, and as long as you have done your share, you'll get a handshake on the way out.

On the other hand, for those of that mind, my suggestion is that you keep these plans to yourself...sort of a 'don't ask, don't tell' idea. You won't be the first guys to think that the grass is greener on the other side...trying to sell that idea in the squadron may not receive universal acclaim. You'll be happier and your squadron mates will be too if you don't make this an issue.

Fair enough.

Even though there's alot about the Air Force I can't stand, there's also alot about it I do like.

I love serving my country and feeling like I doing something that's important. Unfortunately, paperwork and deskwork takes priority over everything else.

I do hope to continue my military career in the reserves. This way I can actually fly as a pilot, not sit behind a desk.

Read Military vs civillian

arrogance at it's finest[/QUOTE]

There are some outstanding civilian pilots at Fedex, the same is true of military pilots. We all seem to be equally happy doing this job. I would never say one route is better than the other, it depends who you talk to.

In answer to original posters question, are military pilots happier?
The bottom line is that for most, if not all of us, that chose the military route did it because we were called to serve. It is a calling, I was never in it for the money. There were days as a 2Lt taxing out for takeoff in an F-4E at Taegu Korea that I would have to pinch myself to make sure this was for real, hell I'd of have done the job for nothing--OK, maybe beer money and a place to sleep. It was never a job, flying in the airlnes is. We are not called to serve in the airlines, but rather to make the most amount of money for the least amount work. I'm very happy to be here at FedEx, but it's just a job. A job that I happen to enjoy and they pay me very well for.

If you feel called to serve, then please do so. You will never regret it. But don't join up if your only reason for doing so is to someday become an airline pilot. The airlines will always be here just waiting to scarf you up when the time comes if you choose to leave the service. As far as being happy---Have you ever been at 30,000 feet in an F-15 about to split S on a train of F-16's at Cope Thunder? That's about as good as it gets, I was very happy that day and many others.

Couldn't do the military thing due to knee surgery, 80's medical technology or lack there off. Had to do the civilian gig but grew up, so to speak, while training at my local airport. Got lots of experience cleaning a/c, turning wrenches, driving a tug, pumping gas, flying some corporate stuff, doin' the CFI bit, traffic watch and forestry patrol. When I got to the regionals I got to fly the J-31, Saab and CRJ. Flew with some great guys and again got to learn more as a FMS instructor and working in the sim and line checkairman stuff.

Was I upset because a staple in my knee that kept me out? You bet I was, did I let it stop me? No, because I'm at the same point in my career had I been able to give Uncle Sam 20+ years.

The point I'm trying to make is no matter where you work take it seriously but try to have fun as well. Is one better than the other, each have their good points and bad points. If one thinks that civilian or military is better than the other, you're smoking crack.

BTW Jolly, I'll buy you a lifetime supply of Guinness in exchange for a chance to do a split S in a F-15. It's not as fun when I did it in the CRJ sim on in a CEEE 1-5-2 by accident.

God bless you guys who keep us safe!!!

Yea what JollyF15 said. Biggest **** eaten grin on my face was coming aboard the boat in an F14 (DAYTIME). Biggest load in my pants......... doing it an (NIGHT).

As far as being happy---Have you ever been at 30,000 feet in an F-15 about to split S on a train of F-16's at Cope Thunder?[/QUOTE]

No, but I have been the untargeted Viper at 100ft and 700kcas about to immelman to 30k into the wall of Eagles just north of THE Farms.

Not trying to start a Viper/Eagle thing.

Hehehe!! Don't we all have stories like this!! Makes the movie TopGun look pretty tame.

I ended up in Hogs...one day we were playing around with the Coon Ass Eagle guys, and a young'un jumped me. Nothing stays inside a Hog break and when it's at low altitude, we can hold our energy better than most think.

Certainly better than he thought. First he tried to kill his overtake, then realizing he was going to overshoot anyway, he went vertical.

I know he had drank the Kool Aid that says a Hog can't go up...and so as I went across the top with a face full of Eagle in full burner going nowhere fast, I let go with a "Boy's, it don't get any better than this!".

It got a laugh or two in the debrief!!