Service
I've got to agree with the above post. I don't look down upon those who want to do their stint then get out and look for work on the outside, not one bit. If there's one thing, they've served their country 500 times more than the average American. I myself have taken a bit of flak and "looks" from my own chain of command when I mention that I plan on going back to the Reserves (had 8 years ARNG experience prior to AD anyways) and that I'm perfectly happy retiring at 20 years as a Major.
That's the #1 bad side to the military...all the "fast burners" who are so intent on one day commanding a squadron or pinning on O-6 that they'll stab you in the back if you're not watching it. And those are the very same guys who'll try to make you feel bad for being a poor citizen for not wanting to achieve the same goals they want. If you ask me, 99% of those guys are worse than the person who wants to do an honest 8 years as a mil pilot and fly for the airlines...those guys put service second to their own personal careers. But on paper...they look like the perfect patriot because for them, being "patriotic" and "service before self" are a means to an end...a 25-30 year career that nets them O-6 or above.
I'll defend to the day I die someone's decision to put in the minimum service and then get out. That's what our country is founded on, and I'm glad that those individuals at least want to serve. If you look down on the guys who don't plan on 20 years and know they are going for an airline job later in life, then what do you think about Mr. Smith who served a 2 year enlistment, got out and worked the rest of his life in civilian jobs? Is he not a patriot either? Did he "use" the military? NO. A day of service, as I've said before, is one day more than 90% of Americans ever contribute.
Secks:
Go ahead and go for your goal of flying for the military. Understand though that having good grades and attending high-ranking colleges won't guarantee success at either OTS or UPT. Staying focused and dealing with the situation at hand in the best manner possible is what will get you through. And if you give it 110% and get washed out...well, at least you gave it a go.
Stay focused while you are in uniform, and give the nation your best effort. It's not how long you stay in, but how well you did your job while you were in service that equates, in my mind, whether or not you "used" the military. If you serve and do the bare minimum until you get out...then that's not the right way to do things. If you do your 8-10 years, and give the military a 100% effort throughout, you've given honorable service and that's something to be proud of.
The military will offer you alot that going the civilian route won't give you. You'll certainly have a wide array of experience. I don't know too many civilian-trained airline pilots that have flown worldwide, and dealt with combat operations, flying in formation, refueling other airplanes, doing air-to-air refueling themselves, or have landed on a dirt airstrip at night wearing goggles. So you'll have some good stories to tell when you're retired, and overall you'll be a better person for the experience. You'll also become a member of a great net of connections, which will serve you when you get out. And as the above poster mentioned...you'll make some great friends flying for the military. These folks aren't here to show up, fly an airplane, collect a check and go home to the family. These guys are dedicated beyond schedules and paychecks, and you'll literally live with them from time to time.
Good luck getting to where you want to be.
.
