Thank you for the responses,
In the interim, I am applying to ANG units but I may have to shoot for AD as well since I am nearing the age limit. Would you recommend I speak with an Officer recruiter for either route? The army is certainly something I have looked into as well and have heard the same thing about more lenience with granting waivers...so that option is on the table as well.
The reason I posed this inquiry was because I have read that a recruiter may say no to an applicant just because the amount of effort to reward ratio makes it not worth their time. As an applicant with little knowledge of how the system works, I am seeking first hand experience on what kind of challenges I can expect, how I may best approach those challenges, and any steps I may pre-emptively take to help my case.
And yes, it seems like we are facing an ever increasing threat with ISIS that may have to be met with a more substantial military force. I guess I'm keeping my fingers crosses for that...kinda.