What are determining factors when soldiers are assigned the Grey Eagle or Shadow platform? Also, is 160th very selective?

Please Kevin, 160th SOAR is one of the most selective- They pick you, you can't volunteer for them. The best rotary aviation unit in the Army.

My (albeit, limited) understanding is that the determining factors wouldn't be made public in a place such as this - ie, social media.

If you make it through Green Platoon, I think you'll find you enjoy yourself either way.

When I went through the school house it platform selection depends on if you're national guard/reserve/airborne (you will get shadow automatically). If that doesnt apply then it's completely random. There were some active non airborne guys that were chosen for shadow and some that weren't. I know nothing about 160th bc they only take grey eagle and I was airborne so I was put on shadow.