Just playing devil's advocate here since there is a ton of negative connotations with specifically Marine but also Navy aviation. I am not a company man but any means, but I got a lot out of my time with the Marines besides flight hours. I would temper your previous experience with the USMC based off of your time in training commands and the VMU. TR time is now being accepted by airlines as powered lift (Unless something has changed again), and recent force structure changes will increase the number of VMGR squadrons in the next decade. There will be a reduction in HMH and HMLA squadrons that will increase more TR and FW opportunities in the mid to long term. This does not include all of the B-Billet flying opportunities VMR, MATSG, HMX, TPS, VMX, Station and other flying billets that have large FW time building opportunities in an 8 year contract.
I have not met a pilot who preformed well in a fleet squadron and was not able to stay in the cockpit for his B-Billet. Not saying it doesn't happen, but a pilot shortage means most pilots have to stay on DIFOP orders most of the time. I agree that if the only thing you want do is fly for the airlines then go the ANG, but if you're looking for a scenic route with other pro/cons then Marine aviation isn't a bad gig nor is the Navy. It's just not as exciting as +10 years ago when we were in sustained combat operations.
My experiences, for better or worse, have led to me where I am, and I'm grateful for them.
The Marine Corps is a good place to be from. The Marines who I developed relationships with (largely on the manned side, but the unmanned as well) and some hard work got me to where I am now- and it's a great place, and it really feels like home. I don't have to prove any macho bullshit. No one has to pretend that we carry our weight here, our TMS had a real world daily mission. And then I go home and have dinner (or breakfast, because this is 24/365 shift work) with the wife.
But I didn't stop talking and drinking beers with my manned buddies. I was still a best man in weddings, still going to conferences with, still as much a part of Marine Aviation as anyone else. As much as the USMC tried to ostricize me from "real" aviation (because I wasn't great at landing a Hornet on a boat, and no one told me I was a deck spotter until my FFPB...) those relationships never diminished.
And then I'm also surrounded by airline dudes, and dudes who flew with every service. They all say similar things. 1) they love where they came from, but it's not the smartest choice for new guys, 2) get into the airlines as early as possible, 3) the Guard is the best kept secret in the military.
