The reserve system is a 2 hour call up. From the time they call you you have to be able to show up in ILN within 2 hours. This pretty much covers the Cincy, Dayton, Columbus area. I would agree with hjs on the progression. It will be slow. I am at 10+ years and have been bounced back and forth from the 8 to the 9 back to the 8 to only to end up in the 9.
I would not take a KIX spot unless you really want to live there, for over 2 years.