To the original poster...don't get your mind set on the 170...I was hoping for it just because I lived near DC for 4 months and liked the area, and was hoping to be based there again. I received the 145 class, and am happy for it. Then again, I live in FL and will have to move regardless. If you already live near a base, that may influence your decision on equipment type. But really try to base the decision on class dates and base reserve time instead of equipment type. Most folks I've spoken with from the last several interview classes are in the 145...some asked for the 170 and got it, but the class dates were usually a month later...that doesn't make much sense to me.