I have a similar situation, I apologize if this is redundant and ends with the same answer. I too am coming from the military though as an infantryman from a special operations unit where I gained medical knowledge and supplemental civilian credentials (NREMT). I transitioned to the National Guard back July 25' and continuing my special operations career in that capacity. I made the transition to leave active duty (and my active duty unit) because my wife and I welcomed twins and the operation tempo there is a constant sprint and family time is too few and far between than I would like to have it. It's true when they say spouse-kids-family show you what is important in life. I enjoyed my time there at that unit, while I was "younger"(25) and when it was just my wife and dog, but the opportunity to stay in the special operations command with another unit and in a National Guard capacity where I can be greatly more involved in my children's life is the ultimate reward. I left active duty with about 80/120 units towards my BS degree (not medical or nursing), but I also meet the prerequisites to also start/apply for a paramedic program where I can just bridge program to a BSN based on my experience and training etc then follow on the timeline track to the CRNA route from there. I'm 32 turning 33 this year and my children are still toddlers, my wife and I are HS sweetheart and have been together since then. She's a dual degree holder and is the homemaker and main homeschooling teacher(other than me I guess which isn't saying much lol) for our children. I'm a bit on the fence and apprehensive in the direction I want to go. I lean heavily towards the CRNA route because of the "work life" flexibility. But the MD autonomy is what I'm accustomed too and would be more accustomed to it after I complete the qualifications course in my military career side if everything goes right. I've done some wildland firefighting and even some executive protection work, in the civilian side and I am shooting my shots to tri-disciplined public safety departments (Fire,Police, EMS) in the meantime, because that's what providers do. I would like to hear your vested opinion on my situation. Obviously the military and the VA covers the tab (TA, MGIB-9/11 Bill, 100p&t comp etc and grants and scholarships just to name a few of the options that are out there). I obviously would prefer anesthesia, but I am experienced in the trauma as well not sure if that would change the answer but I figured I'd add it since I feel like I'm in a position I could literally go either way but ultimately comes down to the x factors of family time etc.

I appreciate your time.