I will likely put in for field grade. I'd like it to be functional upon delivery.
Does going for the highest grade ensure you could have a shot at grades below it if those go first?
Also, I'm a bit confused about the requirement to be affiliated with a CMP affiliated club. I've shot at the Bedford Contingent which is listed, but they don't really have a membership per se.
This is my first rodeo so I'm not sure about all the details either. It looks like grade will be more dependent on having a lower number, or a bunch of folks going for an auction-grade. Without knowing the numbers (XX% Rack, XX% Field, etc.) or how many of "us" there are we really won't know. If there are no Service grade available when my number comes up? I may go for a Field grade.
Having a Blue-ID Mafia made-member card (USAF Retired) and being an American Legion member checks almost all the boxes for me. It looks like find something that checks a box and make a copy.