I wouldn't worry so much about the costs as someone should not coming from the military. You get VA benefits which cover pretty much all of your ratings 100%. I believe in some cases it only covers up to 60% of the costs, but with your background, you'll never have to worry about spending $100k on your ratings. It will be considerably less, the only requisite is that you get your PPL on your own.

I do agree with other people when they say that you should first and foremost get your PPL and see if you feel like this is something for you. Becoming a pilot is not for everyone, no matter how much you wish to become an airline captain after watching countless videos on Youtube and on TV. See first if flying is for you, by going and getting your private. The national average is around 50-70 hours of flying.

In regards to other people trying to discourage you from becoming an airline pilot and/or working at a regional, take what they say with a grain of salt. There are TONS and TONS of regional airline pilots who are happy with their job and their life, everyone knows that the first couple of years is tough, but it's like that at most places where you need to climb a ladder. Remember that people usually speak up ONLY when they have something negative to say, or are frustrated because THEIR situation sucks, so, remember that it's not necessarily going to be as bad for you just because everyone says so.

Make sure you research the company you want to work for and go for the one that seems to know what they're doing (i.e Skywest).

My last advice to you is to try to live where you'll be based. You usually start on reserve and it really does suck to have to commute for that. 75% of all the crap you hear about working for a regional comes from the fact that people have to commute on their free time, sleep at dingy crash pads and spend money where they shouldn't due to that.

Just be prepared to be a nomad for a while and never ride against the wave.

I think the best advice anyone ever gave me about getting into the industry was simply "it is what you make of it".

In my last new hire class of 14 people....

Eight had been furloughed.
Five were on their fourth or more airline
Four had declared bankruptcy due to losing their jobs (more than once).

But hey, it's all what you make of it.

A 14 person sample size from one airline and one hire class is considered an insignificant statistic. I know people who went through basic training and half their unit died in Iraq. That does not mean that half the Army (or anywhere near it) died or will die in Iraq. Your point is interesting but irrelevant.

If you haven't realized your GI bill can pay for a lot of your training then you didn't do enough research. Look through the threads on the military section for more info. If your branch still has TA, see if it'll cover your private under the "one time certification" rules. It may only be for AF types though.

Second, consider going Guard/Reserve. Health Ins is $60/mo for a single guy and you're guaranteed to get paid part time. Yes you could still be activated but it's a great financial safety net. Depending on your specially there are oppurtunities to go "on orders" in the reserves for days/weeks/month/etc. Finish a rating, go work for a month (plus per diem in some cases).

Plenty of options.

My point is that this isn't abnormal.

Of course it isn't abnormal. You were at a regional at one of the most turbulent times in aviation history (record increase in fuel, massive economic recession). There are literally millions of people who were laid off between 2008-2010 and still don't have work. The airline industry is not a constant and not immune to economic pressures.

It wasn't a regional, but thanks for guessing. And you're right. And the industry has gotten progressively worse, which the reason for the negativity that is so prevalent on these forums. Look at the new pay rates DHL is trying to pawn off on it's contract companies for the 737 flying. It's pathetic.

I'm simply stating that there is very good reason some of us have a skeptical view, and it isn't just because WE didn't make it. Look around.

That about sums it up. But that’s O.K. Managers and shareholders have to get paid. The public has to fly from N.Y to LA for $89.00 round trip. Union bosses and senior CAs need their salaries and pensions. All of which depend on “crazy and stupid” people investing a lot of their own resources and working for peanuts. Your hard work a sacrifice will be greatly appreciated by all the above. My advice, instead of donating your VA benefits to a flight school get a masters degree in wealth extraction through fossil fuels or medical insurance mechanisms for the acquisition of liquid capital. These days it would be a much better investment
P.S, I did the regionals for about three years before I looked myself in the mirror and realized, I had become the instrument of my own demise.