Why do civilians think that Military pilots lead a life of luxury and decadence? Being an ex-Army pilot I can catagorically state that this conception is wrong. You were a soldier first and a pilot second.
The flight training is extremely comprehensive and probably the best in the world (we've been here before, me-thinks). Unlike our civilian counterparts we have other duties to perform over and above our flying/ground training.
These duties usually occur on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday so as not to interfere with the training schedule, so our family lives were affected as well.
Employers selected ex-military pilots because of the training and diverse experience of most ex-mil jocks. The ex-military pilot has the flexibility to perform under extremes of conditions, and the self discipline is very obvious in the way most ex-military pilots conduct themselves.
Most ex-military pilots are socially adept, having been a member of the SNCO's or Officers Mess (or both).
Steve, please dont tar us all with the same brush. I worked bloody hard during my 21 1/2 years serving my country in some pretty inhospitable places in the world and I left the service to take a flying job in Canada that I was offered because of my military flying experience.
I will state that this is not a whine, its just saying it like it is. I am only stating my experience of life in the Army, not the RAF, Navy or Royal Marines.