Well, you're right about your prediction. If you can get them, get them. But I don't think it's necessary for you to have to take out a loan to finance it. If you do very well on your AFOQT and TBAS, then you probably won't need them. I've got a few buds that didn't have any hours at all and they got slots (STS). If you can get at least a few hours, I would recommend it. You don't need to break the bank, but just know that any hours you do have will help.