I must say that this is really not encouraging. I have recently been offered a DESO position but we are doing our due diligence on whether or not this is a right choice
If I have the intention to get on a base as soon as possible, with the new COS08, and what Crunchero has precisely pointed out, It does not sound like I will be able to get back home for quite some time
As a new SO hired after Jan08, it is important also to realize that after you will take a base (at least three to four years after joining, possibly more), you will be paid according to the DEFO payscale! The difference between the current scales on bases and the new unified DEFO scales on which you will be is quite large...around 30 000$ the first year in one case.