I'll throw in my experiences in the 17.
Pros: Flying an aircraft to it's limits, whether landing assaults (spot landing in an 500 x 90 ft landing zone and then coming to a full stop in 2000-2500 ft) while on NVGs (night vision goggles), flying +5000fpm descents (you can achieve 2-3x that amount if you throw out the thrust reversers in-flight, a legal procedure), or doing low levels up the coast at 300+ kts. I've hit every continent except the permanently frozen ones, I've made a ton of great friends, and I absolutely love my assignment location. (Charleston, SC ... 3 reserve + 4 active duty units blended wing)

Cons: Well, unless you take a deployment in the reserves, you'll only really be gone on 10 day missions which hit Germany, somewhere in Iraq/Afghanistan, Germany and home. Currency can be tough to keep up with, if you're an airdropper especially, but it's not that difficult. An airland type can cover his requirements with 1 day + 1 night flight a month. (if your tanker doesn't canx of course) ...I'm still trying to think of some cons for a 17 reservist. Hmmm...let me get back to you.

Anyway, the 17 is an amazing aircraft, and for the most part, the equipment and the avionics are pretty high speed. I'll never feel completely right flying a yoke again. I believe that we'll have reserve/guard 17 units at every AD base except Alaska. Currently 17 reserve/guard options are Hickham (good luck), Jackson MS, March AFB (near LA), McChord (Seattle, WA), and of course, God's country, Charleston AFB. I believe that Dover DE, McGuire (NJ) and Travis AFB (near San Fran) are also coming on line, though not as sure. Hope this helps!