This.
The loudest voices on the mil meme sites are all echoing the same negative sentiments…”AD sucks, if you stay past your AD commitment you’re an idiot.” The truth is YMMV. Personally, when I came up for the bonus I was loving USAF life. I’d just spent 4 years overseas (a unique opportunity AD affords) and was on staff doing a job I found very fulfilling. We’ve lived all over the world, flown some amazing missions, met some amazing lifelong friends, and ultimately found where we wanted to settle down in a place I never would’ve imagined living otherwise. Is AD perfect? Absolutely not, but in general it’s provided me and my family a life filled with adventure. Don’t make a decision on the bonus or getting out based on what the loudest voices on the internet are espousing…do what you think is best for you and your family.