I went through about 3 yrs ago and it took about 4 months from initial application until I was eligible to go to Artesia. Great training, food, people and bar.

Just do it.

There are no strings attached. Some people go through the program and decide it is not really for them. This is OK too.

If you currently have any bad habits when shooting, they will be discovered and fixed. It was a really really good time.

...and you get to avoid the Smurf police... except on those pesky international flights