Hi ric.c Hope you get on . Dont disregard the forces just yet. It is a good lifestyle as long as not married or settled. Note that a shared background is a great "in " during the application process . Of the 4 who inteviewed me 3 were ex mil, granted not BA but there are a lot of us out there. Not saying that being ex mil is the B all and end all, but it is a great life ( both pay wise and life experience wise)for a young person and it will give you the time to reflect and assess if you really want to be flying airliners for your whole life. Better to have done something before and then change as airline work can be repetative although great fun.