flymia, To get your airliner hours you have to be in the left hand seat flying as the aircraft commander. The AC's role is not just to keep the aircraft flying correctly but to make sure you play your part in the battle, even in tanker or transport - there's more to a tanker commander's job than flying, offloading gas and tactical awareness. That's a lot to learn, qualify in and do if you just want your ticket to the airliners.

Flymia, there's a lot of good information in this thread, if you can sort the wheat from the chaff ;)

If you want some USAF-specific information, pay good attention to what rivetjoint has said. Also, you can PM or e-mail me. I've spent many years as a USAF pilot, much of it at the initial-training bases as an instructor.

One good thing that both the RAF and USAF folks have said, that you must take into account, is this: Do you really want to be a military aviator, with all that entails? If so, then great -- you should go for it. But if you're just looking at the military as a way to get your flying hours, you may end up very unhappy.

I always wanted to be in the military. I think it is a great oppertunity to serve my Country and fly. Its the best training in the world too. I know that there is more than flying the plane. The commander has to make many other important and intellgent decisions.
What about the coast gaurd? They got awesome planes and you stay in the US most of the time. Do you chose if you fly fix wing or helicopters. Or is it that only officers for a while get the fix wing jobs in the USCG? I love their helicopters see them everyday in Miami.
The USAF gives you FAA ratings? If they do I never knew this.

The way the USA is heading right now, don't be surprised if you never make it to the airlines if you join the military and use it as a springboard into commercial flying.

At the end of your engagement period, you may find yourself recalled onto the active duty list to pass gas over any number of sh*tholes, supporting 'aerobatic small planes' in pursuit of the next 2 or 3 President's foreign policy!:}

How'd you feel about that!

Conversely, there may be no airline to hire you due to the astronomic rise in the cost of gas in 10 years time.

Flymia,

Think your interest in the CG is a fabulous idea. As it keeps you in the USA it stops you from having to get one of those nasty passport thingies.

There is a saying, "there is no such thing as a bad flying job in the military" - which is true...however, the point is that it is a military flying job - irrespective of size of a/c or number of engines it will entail a very different way of operating and lifestyle than our commercial colleagues keep....

Personally, when it comes to tanking, it is always better to receive than give, and that's coming from a 'heavy' mate :-)

Good luck in whatever you choose to go for.