Why dont you extend your RAF service for an extra 6-9 months-in the current climate they might be flexible-do your ATPL ground school distance learning on your enhanced learning credits ( and the RAF guys can probably give you a hand with the homework). From someone who made the wrong decision 20 years ago -if you want to fly commerciallythe sooner you do it the better! The longer you leave it, girlfriends, kids and houses come along that make it more difficult.There is little point in joining the police unless it is your lifetime ambition (it clearly isnt). So, in summary speak with your boss and/or posting officer, see if you can extend for a bit to allow you to complete the exams and then leave. You could volunteer for a 4-6 month op tour aswell where you could do your study and save a lot of money as you wont be spending any! It would also put you in a favourable light when you ask for an extension. If it all goes pearshape and the ATPL doesnt work out, either join the police then or re-enlist into the RAF or RMP police. You are young enough to take on a bit of risk and have the safety net of being able to come back into the Forces if it doesnt work out. PS What rank are you?