Hey, Its a definite possibility. It will depend alot on what happens in those 3 yrs tho. As for a direct commission, shouldnt be a problem up to 04 ie your LT vs Capt. above that you will probably lose a grade. They are pretty top heavy with 04's and 5's at the moment.
What you need to do is start looking at the type of unit you want and the state you want first. Stop in and start networking now. But dont leave it to just one state, visit and network many. If you have any buddies in a unit use that first as well.
Not sure if that helped or not... Oh and it will depend alot on whether you are fixed or rotorwing... alot fewer rotor wing units out their, mostly cali, oregon and ny if I'm not mistaken..
Good Luck
Capt Happy...