I was in the August 5th EMB class, and we didn't get our badges until the last week of systems class. You have some non-rev travel benefits earlier, but I would highly recommend staying in SLC during your days off. Especially during systems. There is a ton of material to study, and you'll need the time to recoup as well without other distractions. It's just not worth it in my opinion. You only get two chances on the systems final before they send you packing..