leaving the airforce as a pilot?

If I'm reading your question correctly you seem to think that working as an airline pilot would in some way fulfill some part of your military commitment, that you could be an airline pilot instead of an Air Force pilot.

No, but some of your obligation could be serving in the reserves, where you train with the AF once a month, and can be called back into active service if need be. There are a lot of airline pilots still serving the reserves, but you are not required to be a pilot in civilian life. Once on reserve status, you can pursue any civilian occupation you like (but the airlines are fond of military pilots and the millions of dollars that have been spent on their training).

Once you put in the 10 years obligated by when entering flight training, you can leave the Air Force. At that point they no longer care if you are a pilot or driving a school bus.

OK, first, Air Force is two words, both capitalized.

Second, the only reason you should be joining the Air Force is because you want to serve your country, not because you want to get your flying lessons at taxpayers' expense. The path to becoming an Air Force pilot is long and difficult. Many apply, few a chosen, and even fewer complete the training.

After completing their active duty commitment, which today is "Wings plus 10," (which together with flight training means 12-14 years of active military service) some Air Force pilots join the Air Force Reserves or Air National Guard where they fly military aircraft part time.

A lot of professional pilots started in the military, completed their military obligation without renewing their contract, switched to civilian pilot work.

As all pilots are officers I don't know off the top of my head what the minimum active duty obligation is. At least 4 years.

The minimum commitment after getting through flight training is 10 years, so the total minumum commitment is about 11.5 years. And before you can be selected you must hold a 4 year college degree, so the average age of eligibility for civilian employment is around 33 to 34. Ten years with the military does not earn you a retirement. The minimum service required to earn a pension is 20 years.

The current commitment for AF Reserve pilots is 10 years of active duty as pilot -

I served in the AF Reserve long ago (1960's Vietnam era) - things were then different -

But it definitely helped me to be selected as pilot by a major airline -

I flew KC-135 - I stayed 5 years in Active and 20 years in Reserves -

The airline chief pilot who interviewed me was an ex-tanker pilot too (KC-97) -

Got hired after a 10 minute conversation and handshake -

I was told the Navy Reserve pilots now requires 10 years active duty as well -

Thanks, Joseph -

I agree with you - The primary reason to become pilot in the military is to serve your country

BUT if you acquire a skill, in the military (i.e. flying or maintenance) you can take advantage of it -

You serve your country for pay, and for all privileges, advantages, benefits and retirement -

In Vietnam - many AF or Navy Reserve or ANG pilots gave their life -

Ask the air force, how would we know?

You fly boys crack me up.