Before there is a FW vs. RW flight time battle, I'll touch on the MIL air failure = no airline job discussion.
I know a person who attrited twice from primary (Once at Whiting, then started from scratch in Corpus and attrited again). Switched communities in the USN, picked up civilian pilot certificates and ratings. Left the USN and got hired by the Army NG to fly helicopters.
Graduated from Army flight school and eventually hired at a regional. Failed out of training at first regional (despite a few of my buds going to bat for her prior to learning of her USN flight school debacle). Got hired at a second regional.
The OP's friend got winged hinting that "he" is somewhat squared away and has been through more screening than the average civilian pilot. Case in point the 24 year old regional airline new hire I met hanging at the gliderport a few weekends ago. Said he's "Done his share of flying turboprops, and if he doesn't get the CRJ or ERJ he's going to quit." This came shortly after he said, "Airline flying is the best flying out there." His fair share of turboprop flying was 2.5 years in the right seat of a 1900D.
Yes I think the OP's friend could get a regional airline job, and in turn have a successful career in the airlines.
Now back to your FW/RW flight time debate.