Well gents, 25 days until the start of terminal leave.
I was fortunate enough to fly 16 out of 21 years to include the last tour in the cockpit. As I look back at my misspent youth from the apex of my admittedly mediocre career, I can discern one simple truth for every single one of us, no matter which community we belong to: your time in Big Blue will end when you decide you have someplace better to be. It's that simple.
The other side to this is that the Big AF doesn't really care about you. If every general in the Pentagon disappeared tonight, the parties thrown by the O-6s would be legendary. The Air Force doesn't take care of people...people take care of people. If you're surrounded by sh*theads, expect to be treated accordingly. More importantly, if the organization you're part off seems to encourage and develop said sh*theads, you might wish to consider a different line of work. Also consider, however, that the sh*thead gene is strong and can also be found in most organizations, military and civilian.
Now excuse me while I get my black socks and flip flops and figure out where the satellite pharmacy is. And get the hell off of my lawn.