Would say to the OP, that once your first two tours are down, the world is your oyster. If you want to get into academia, there are opportunities (that actually aren't particularly popular to the majority of the flying branch, as they are too busy enjoying flying). Google DCDC, Shrivenham Defence College, Boscombe Down and AWC. If you are of a physical sciences bent, consider the ressurected Aerosystems Course.
Location wise, personnel at Brize live within commute distance of Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford, so plenty of opportunity for a life outside of the mob. However, unless your parents are minted, the mess provides an excellent way of saving the horrendous deposit required for said house purchase.
Drinking culture - no one is going to force a beer down your neck. The days of a hardcore drinking culture are long gone, if anything, it's quite badly frowned upon (quite rightly so) if you have a reputation for drinking and are aircrew. Many head out to socialise in the local area, if you want to organise.
Bottom line, whether you like it or not, your days of university will come to an end at some day. The military offers you fantastic opportunities, far in excess of what is available as a civvie. You just have to seek them and as an officer, perhaps develop them for your own, and other benefit.
If you aren't willing to take the rough with the smooth and are going to be the guy on my crew that bitches when on the odd occasion they are sat in austre conditions (yes, that is part of the job) and make the most of it, this job isn't for you. Make no mistake, you are joining a fighting military force that until very recently, was overcommitted on 2 major conflicts with additional commitments as and when HM Government decided. If you don't see the benefit in being part of something far bigger than yourself, willing to make personal sacrifices to support activity that you may find questionable but most of the time will find highly rewarding, again, this is not for you. It's not an easy job but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Last edited by VinRouge; 21st Oct 2017 at 10:40.