Just got to my unit a few months ago from basic to qualified 17 load was about 10 months. Best job in the enlisted USAF! I highly recommend it but the first school out of basic is very difficult to weed out the weaker students. I am already a CFI on the civilian side and all the Loadmaster schools were just as hard as flight school was so bring your A game!!! Good luck and go for the 17, it is a dream to fly on!!!!!