Originally Posted by
AlphaBeta
C-17 Guard and Reserve units do not deploy. A person in the unit can volunteer to deploy with the active duty.
semantics. yes, you can volunteer to "deploy" with an active duty unit, or for an active duty staff job.
units are tasked for their AEF. If squadrons cannot get enough volunteers, they can be involuntarily activated.
As the previous poster said, individuals can also be cherry-picked and involuntarily activated for staff jobs, not related to the AEF.
Also units may have exercises, evaluations, or other training where participation is "mandatory"
Check with flyers in the unit you are interested in to get the particulars.
Also, you can get a new commander, and the next thing you know your requirements can increase overnight. (e.g. all drills mandatory versus more flexible policies)