reCALcitrant--got the PM--thank you.
UAL was very easy to work with for Mil LV previously and I hope that carries over with the merger. I know it's a notification of Mil duty and not a request but the flt office can still make it difficult or unpleasant to get things done.
As far as mil deferal for a CAL job offer--no other rights are involved as far as I know. Since you're not an employee yet, you don't have an ID card to keep while on mil orders. There will probably be a few guys who show for new guy class, get their ID card, and then go right out on long term orders. They've been screwed enough and if this makes their lives better--more power to them.