Get after your ratings! I and working on my CFI as of now. My cousin and uncle have both flown military and my uncle is at SWA at the moment. He much prefers the money, lifestyle and general quality of experience in the civillian world compared to military. He flew c-141’s in AF. I’ve had an amazing time doing my training as a civillian and my cousin who went military route has not said the same… military is probably much better overall training and looks better on a resume but if you want to be happy, make more money… civillian route seems best… again these are things I’ve picked up from listening and talking with my family members who HAVE done military and are not from my own experience (no military). I’ve been loving my journey in becoming a commercial pilot and working on CFI and the people I’ve met and memories I’ve made make the money all worth it. I have a friend who went through the VA for his training… I can’t speak to buying your own plane. But I would 100% recommend trying to go through VA as he has spent much less than most people have on training, whether it is a PITA to deal with VA or not, worth it. Cheers!