Pick a Location or an Airframe?
 

So I am running into one of the better dilemmas that a pilot can have. As it stands it appears that there are two Guard/Reserve units that may want to hire me in the near future. Unfortunately they have different aircraft and it is like comparing apples to oranges.

One of the perspective units that I am speaking with has a great city that it is co-located with and it is pretty close to my hometown however it is not my preferred airframe.

The second unit has an awesome airframe that is my number one choice however it's in an area that has a high cost of living, the location is not as good and its four more hours away from my hometown.

All things being equal between the units, do you all advise picking an air frame or a location?

Need more details, if you have a family, go with first option. Personally, QOL trumps type of cockpit. IMHO

If you have or desire an airline job, then option one makes even more sense.

If it's only four hours away, would you consider moving? That's not too far in the grand scheme of military and airline careers

As far as preferred airframe, are you considering long-term career issues, or just personal preference/cool factor?

Fighters get you PIC fast, but heavies get you valuable crew experience, "airline-like" international experience, and more total time.

Is one airframe or another more likely to get parked/converted to UAV's?

Yeah rickair7777 is right - - - and it isn't like you'll have the rest of your life to get any of those things.

The airframe can be a very personal choice.
The time/distance away from home can be a personal choice - though I hope you aren't one of those that will chose a career that involves known travel and then complain about travel and being on the road. That always struck me as odd. Much like those few that join the military and then complain about being sent to fight.

For clarity, if I had a choice I'd pick fighters...career, etc be damned. But that's just me.

Essentially both airframes I am looking at are the same class. KC-135 vs C-17. I think the career prospects are about the same. Its like comparing Apples to Oranges that's the problem.

I would choose the one with the mission that appeals to you and not the location. 4 hours away from home is nothing. Nice to have options though!

You need to specify, I'm guessing DC/NJ is the expensive one.....

Pick a Location or an Airframe?
 

Having flown both, I think you will enjoy flying the C-17 far more than the KC-135. My guess is you will also build hours much faster in the C-17 due to the mission.