[woodreau]

Have you checked out whether they have an MWR aero club at Hickam AFB or MCAS Kaneohe? If they do you can see if you can get your private pilot done before you leave the Navy - that way you're ready to start using your VA for the commercial after you leave - whenever you're ready to start your commercial training.

I did my private training at Kadena AB in Japan then did the rest of commercial tickets while I was still in the Navy at North Island and a civilian flying club in San Diego.

But take time for the newborn - it's time you won't ever have again.

One thing I have noticed working for a regional airline - I have been gone more from home working for an airline than I ever was gone from home with the Navy - even with the 6-8 month deployments and workups off SoCal. You only had to say goodbye once before every deployment - but with an airline you're saying goodbye every week.

Staying debt free as possible is best - I saved up a alot before leaving the Navy - and we've blown through most of the savings for the 2 years I've been working as an airline pilot.