By the way, lots of mates have left for the airlines recently, they all got jobs immediately (it is easy out there - and I'm talking fast jet and rotary mates - not multi boys with 1000's of hrs in a Tristar), and are all earning (with route/sector pay etc) at least as much as they were in the RAF. Add in the gratuity(especially if max commutation is realised, then divide by 5) and the pension over 5 years, and a 100K bonus for a 5 year bond is is about what you would get if you left and took the money that you had coming - and you'd be on a MUCH bigger salary ladder and in control of your life.
Don't ever believe that working for an airline gives you control over your life. The only control is to have your own business and even then you will work all hours but at least for no other b*ggers benefit!!