15T - 160th SOAR

Looking at joining the Army and interested in 15T.

My wife is pregnant with our 3rd child. I’d really like to use Option 19 to select Fort Campbell as my duty station. We have close family less than an hour away, and they’d be a huge help to my wife while I’m not available.

I’ve been reading about the 160th SOAR and also interested in maybe giving that a shot. But like I said, I’d really like to stay at Fort Campbell.

After doing some research, would the following plan make sense? And how likely would it be to go this way?:

1. Enlist as 15T, using Option 19 to select Fort Campbell as my duty station.
2. Complete BCT and AIT and get to first unit at Campbell. (I’ve read that 160th recruiters often show up at AIT. But, if I decide to volunteer before completing AIT and reporting at Campbell, would I loose that Option 19 because now I essentially changed my contract by going to selection for the 160th?)
3. Spend some time learning the job at conventional unit and then submit a packet for 160th selection as appropriately fast as possible. (I’m thinking that since I’m already at Campbell, they wouldn’t move me if I pass selection).

Any info and insight is appreciated.

Also, as a follow-up question: Is there a swim qualification for the 160th? I think I read something about a swim qual, but I can’t find/remember where I read it. And I don’t see anyone else bringing it up. I’m in decent shape, but I’m a terrible swimmer.