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I’ve searched the threads, but can’t find quite what I’m looking for. My question is, what’s it like to live about nine hours or more from your unit? I got hired at a unit in one state, but have a great civilian career opportunity in another state. Also, the unit does allow out of state commuters. Serving the unit comes first and that’s the priority, but I’d like to have a loose idea of a “plan” for the coming civilian side of my life in the upcoming years after training. For those of you who have a far commute to the unit, or have knowledge of others who do, what’s it like? I’m talking about in the ways of weather, stress, work/life balance, finances. Is it not too bad for 20 years, or would it be miserable after awhile even if it’s once a month? Would commuting via airline and rental car be better, or would driving? Is commuting for civilian airline pilots easier because they can jumpseat compared to non-airline pilots who commute via airline?

Getting ready for a DITY to UPT, and I've come across several regs over government travel. There's a bit of ambiguity and overlap between them, so I wanted some clarification. Mostly, what's the difference between the JTR and JFTR? Both title pages say "for uniformed servicemembers," even though the JTR also says "and DOD civilian employees." Is there a primary reference that Finance and TMO uses for active duty travel? Are there any other regs you'd recommend skimming through for getting the most $$ out of a DITY? Thanks.

So obviously there are dudes living around the world and flying around the world here. I figured we should list our favorite cities and why, maybe someone gets a good idea. I'll go first... If you're single, go to Finland. Now. Unless you hate tall smoking hot blondes who think Americans are a commodity. I went a couple weeks ago and every single bar I walked into someone said "are you American? What the f are you doing in Helsinki? Let's have a shot!" The stereotype that Fins are quiet, reserved, and keep to themselves I found to be absolutely untrue. Recommend going in the summer...it's light out from 3:00am until 2:00am or so. I imagine the winter is about the opposite. Also, Prague. You can get as trashy or as classy as you want there. See an opera in a 300 year old opera house then go to a strip club with midgets. Or something like that. Harleys and James Dean are the big expat bars near the astronomical clock square. I watched the bartenders nearly burn down Harleys when they started juggling flaming bottles of 151 at around 2:30 one morning. What do you guys have? I'm always looking for new places to go...