An additional bit of info, if you get military credits for exams, a JAR ATPL issued with credits may only be useful in a JAR member state. Some other agencies will not issue a validation on a licence with credits. For example, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department want to see a list of exams taken with pass marks. Creidts are not good enough, and you will have to take the relevant exams in Hong Kong. One or two pilots slipped through the net when credits were first being given, but these are exceptions.
Something to bear in mind if your aim is to work overseas.