I agree. I’m just not sure if I’m willing to deal with the things I presented nor take the chance of getting stationed where I would be best utilized. You give up alot of freedoms. I’ve contemplated that perhaps the best is to be residency trained as a civilian and then go in or join the reserves after residency. With the one I would still be exposed to the potential of deteriorating skills. I work at the Mecca of Navy Medicine and know a bunch of docs who moonlight to keep their skills sharp. The Reserve route might work. There’s no financial incentive, at least none that makes me stand up and shout. However I would still have the potential of earning a pension but this one wouldn’t be paid until I’m at true retirement age. So not exactly sure prolonging the pain is worth it. 
Just not sure I’m still that guy who wanted to be a lifer. I have a g_d-daughter now and can’t imagine if she was my own leaving her to deploy and not truly work in the capacity I trained for. It begs the question, why would I join? For the financial benefits? Seems a bit ridiculous but then I think about reaching 52 and then looking back and saying “what if”…
Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.
Just posting some ideas I’m throwing around while studying organic. Nothing’s in stone except that I will be a physician so time will tell.