18" with a RIFLE LENGTH gas system. If you go with a 16", at a minimum get the mid-length gas system.
You want a 1-6x scope with an ILLUMINATED RETICLE/DOT
The mount is not very important; you DO NOT NEED a LaRue (although they are really really nice mounts with repeatable zero). But for about $75 or so, an Armalite mount/ring combo & some blue Lock Tite works fine.
Ammo, ammo, ammo! Practice ammo is what you need & what will help you win matches. That and dry-fire.
FREE FLOAT handguard is a must. Its one of the biggest contributors to accuracy after barrel selection.
If the barrel is accurate, the ammo need not be special; American Eagle 55 grain should get you the accuracy you need in most guns. Its 3gun, not a bench-rest shoot.
A brake is common & many work; the JP/Cooley is fine; if money is tight, Jerry Miculek's brake is cheap and very effective.
The SJC work great! Loud as hell too.