I was going to start a thread on this topic, but you've already answered. Is this across the board for Marine air contracts? I'm graduating TBS in 2 months and am trying to figure out what the hell is going on. The rumor up here is that there is a 13-20 month wait for Marine air, seems a little over-the-top though.
Can you elaborate a little more on the entire timeline/SOM once you graduate TBS up through API/Primary. Also, how difficult is it to take PTAD post-IFS if you already have a unit lined up?
Your wait won't be over 12 months. There are under 300 people in the pool (unless there's been a huge dump from Quantico lately) and there are 6 to 7 starting API every week. That's 300 to 350 starting in a 12 month period. BAM! You have a long wait, but not over a year. I reported Jan 30th and was supposed to start API in October, but started early due to other circumstances.
PTAD is easy to take, but you have to hit some wickets first: NOMI upchit, new anthro, will, IFS, grey belt, and the EWS course. After that, you can do PTAD anywhere that will take you.
Of course you could always volunteer for Vance and be in API within 4 weeks. That's the only time I've ever seen anybody get TOLD what their primary location was going to be.