Lucy,
The RAF does allow you to fly fast jets as does a number of other air force's around the world. 12 years might seem like a long time to you right now but it only applies if you complete your training. Those 12 years seem to go by very quickly when you love what you are doing.
As for Military vs Civilian, I guess it would depend if you like flying at 250ft/450+kts dropping bombs or at 35'000ft/450+kts eating an inflight meal
. There are good pilots and challanges to both. ie evading SAM's or not spilling sauce on your shirt
