For those interested, the policy that prohibits the MEPS from airborne-qualifying an Army applicant can be found here:
USMEPCOM Regulation 601-96, Appendix R-6, Section A, lines 2 and 5 (Page 83 in that PDF).
I was able to have an Exception To Policy (ETP) submitted in order to circumnavigate that regulation. I was told by an LTC that the likely hood of that ETP being granted is high.
In the mean time, I went back to the MEPS this morning to obtain approval for my security clearance required for 18X. The security interviewer sent my information to OPM at Ft. Leonard Wood for review. OPM denied my request for security clearance due to repeat traffic violations (speeding), and failure to carry insurance card (all of the later were thrown out, i.e. no convictions). I can PM a full legal history if anyone is interested.
I would imagine that I am sunk for 18X at this point. Anyone have a different opinion?
If 18X is not an option for me, I will be enlisting as 11X and going the ol' fashioned way. Anyone have any tips for me to sweeten up my contract? I.e. are there any good schools that I can request right of the bat? I will be attempting to have Airborne in my contract as 11X (option 4), but what else can I request to make myself more attractive to the SF?
Also, should I knock out my DLAB at the MEPS before I enlist, while waiting to ship, or should I do it in the Army?