You can likely get EWR right out of training, or very soon thereafter. Can't really speak to your other question, but folks are talking on another thread about some spots opening up this fall. I would harass the recruiting department until I got a class date. And, IMHO, Republic is worth the wait for most people, unless you happen to live in/near another regional's base. As many have said before, living in base = much better QOL and often should trump pay and some other benefits. Of course you also want to consider where you would like to end up. For example, if your dream job is at AA, it might be better for you to have the insurance policy (notice I didn't say sure thing) of a flow from one of the WO's.