Hello Everyone!

I am currently an Air Force Officer who is considering a career in civil aviation while I am still young enough to pursue it. I joined to military in order to be a pilot, but unfortunately, I cannot fly due to medical reasons, but I have secured an FAA Class 1 physical.

I understand the appeal of the airlines, but I am curious if there are other exciting pilot jobs out there that won't necessarily go to the ex-military pilots exclusively like I think some of the weather/firefighting/DoD-contracted jobs might. Of course, I have the leadership and the sought-after "military experience," but no flight hours as a servicemember. If I'm going to be a professional pilot, I'd want something that still has a specific "mission" apart from just transporting people and cargo.

Has anyone been in this situation or known someone who has? Any advice for someone like me? I love flying, and I'm prepared to simply make aviation my recreational passion, but it's always called to me as a job and I'm just trying to make the best decision before I call it off. I've posted this to r/flying also, and I got a lot of great info, but please ignore if you saw my other post.

Thank you all!