Rusty
If you are seriously considering joining the RAF, despite having had access to this forum for the last 4 months or so, then you are clearly outside the medical limits old chum, as the clinically insane are unsuitable.
READ THE POSTS! This is not a happy way to earn a living. Please try to understand that I have nothing to gain by persuading you one way or the other, but I speak as a bloke who has over 3000 FJ hours in the mob and therefore feel qualified to comment.
It comes to this: if you know, in your heart of hearts, that you need to do the FJ thing, then join up, but do it with your eyes open, as this organisation treats its people like dirt. (You have, I assume, read the state of the nation open letter).
If you don't need to do the FJ thing, there simply is no reason to join a combative organisation, so stay in civvy street; it may not seem easy, but please believe me when I tell you that the RAF (or RN) is no soft option. I am not a bitter and twisted old chap; I have enjoyed the military flying and done a lot of reasonably cool stuff, but if I was 18 again (if only!!), with the opportunities that you guys have these days, all the sponsored 509s and the like, I WOULD NOT JOIN UP. PERIOD. Do yourself a favour - lose the weight and go see the nice people at BA. If you want to take this further, just e-mail me. Fly safe.