To date I have earned more money in USAF retirement then they paid me in 22 years of active duty. The check AWAYS comes the first of the month and gives you many options after retirement.

SIDE NOTE: See photos :High ALtitude Recon and CA Coast for interesting U-2 and RB-57F photos.

I'm getting ready to retire this summer. I had 2 big decision points in my career. With both, just when I thought I had enough, I got offered a great assignment that I knew I would enjoy, so I decided to stay in each time. Looking back over 23 years, 2 hiring booms and one furlough period later, I'm glad I stuck it out. Lots of new pins in the map, great people to work with, and some fantastic stories to tell when I'm old and gray. Sorry--getting a little misty-eyed there...

Besides...it sure feels nice knowing I'll have a check always there, no matter what happens--furlough, medical, etc.

The medical coverage is one of the best benefits you and family will have. Not to mention BX, Commissary, MWR Recreation facilities, etc. :D

And????
 

Since my ODP looks a lot like yours, and I have also more or less made up my mind.....what road did you travel herkdrv? Did you take the career carrot?

T-1

I am curious about the outcome also.

Just food for thought. There is a common thread where everyone complains about the deployment rate in the Military today. That is a valid point. But, If you get out and become a line flyer in the airlines, you will spend almost half of your life on the road also. It's just in smaller stretches, in nicer hotels.
Some guys will do more, some less. It all depends on who you work for and where you live.

True, but unless you go into mgmt or the training dept, you've got almost no BS to deal with off duty, especially when compared to working for Uncle Sam!

Bingo!

That is the nicest thing about it. The absence of a BS additional duty, or office politics. No next assignment to worry about. (Just upgrades to daydream over). You choose when and if you go to training. You choose when and if you ever move again... Disregarding a Bankruptcy.

It will take a while to adjust to the fact that your time off is yours! No more being restricted to the "local area" unless on leave.

It is also an adjustment to the lack of a "Squadron Feel". You can fly for years, having never met the guy/gal beside of you before.

Pros and Cons all around. Don't make a decision based on short term plans.

My hats off to all that made retirement. As an OG's exec post 9/11 I asked around and polled around my peers about the life of the O-5s and O-6s- would you care to live it? Mostly got NOs! Seems that the 12 year point is really only about 1/3 of the way to 20 years unless you can really find your Zen. Each year after seems to take 2 or 3 more off the lifespan/family funmeter. I bailed at 12, but had the nice bonus line up for me and found a great Reserve unit. For the originator- the 737 type would be nice. The ATP would also be nice, assuming you don't have either yet, and can work it in conjunction with a recurring or upgrade eval. Do you need the in-command or multi engine jet time to get where you'd like to be next? Will you find a year of non-flying TDY away from Germany in your 2-3 years there? Willl Stop Loss creep up ever again? Lots can happen to you ONLY on active duty to balance off that check down the road, as sure as it does make it to you each month on time.

I flew OSA and strat, both had their ups and downs, started out non-rated. Germany is a hoot more times than not, make sure the unit has a bunch of good bros- the best plane isn't so hot in a Sq full of dopes. You are in a GREAT position either way- congrats- you either have lived clean or lived well or both. I hope you are done before OTBH is a main base of assignment to the active duty.

I just hurled. I hope Cathy and her 2100 hours of flight time do great things.

OK as promised I'll let you know what I came up with. I have decided to get out and try my luck with the airlines. Great plane and a great location but I can't deal with the BS anymore. Who knows if this was the right call. Only time will tell I guess. A little off topic but do any of the budda guys know if a reserve unit would take a herk guy? Hey I'm changing careers so might as well change my plane as well. So if you are a Major in need of a job give AFPC a call there is an opening in ETAR ;)