Col K
"Professional" means paid to work. In my part of the world ex-mil are prized by airlines because of the very good, disciplined training on top machines that they get. Any young bloke who wants to get real kicks out of aviation instead of just bus driving would be mad not to join military as the first step - BUT consider carefully the consequences of joining up in these times!
GAGS
E86
PS I've seen both sides including 12 months where some on the ground did not appear to like me overly much.