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Hello Agenlank,

I might have misunderstood your first post but, yes you need to enlist on or before your 35th birthday, however you DO NOT need to ship by your 35th birthday.
Things may have changed but you can generally delay your shipping date possibly even up to a year. I think the Guard has a kind of DEP (delayed entry program) similar to the active side. Not sure if this helps.

RE: Your second post
Firstly, if it helps and YMMV, but different states approach the SF pipeline differently, as a rule they either enlist you to the SF unit and you go either straight through the pipeline or a broken up version.
Or, they enlist you as a base MOS (11B, 68W, etc) in a non SF unit in state, and you are "lent" to the SF unit. Makes for easier paperwork if you fail.
And, again they might approach it from a straight through the pipeline model, or a broken-up pipeline model.
It helps to understand how your state approaches things.

Next, it's possible there are currently no open slots for 18 series IET. On the active side you can simple ask that they call the Rock and open up a slot for a later date.
I imagine it's similar for the Guard.

Also, Unless things have changed, you could drop your 18 packet whenever you want to, so the 11B only route isn't necessarily a game stopper.
But yes, I would agree it's wise to get the 18 in your contract. You currently have the leverage, they need you, use that respectfully and wisely.

Lastly, often the local State SF unit, has an attached or pet recruiter, who knows the ins and outs of 18 packets far better.
Have you called the local unit directly?

HTH

S