Just wanted to chime in here after reading all the threads. To answer the first question--- you can be deployed until you separate. In fact, you can have your separation date extended to coincide with you coming back from deployment. I have only seen this happen a couple of times. Usually, commanders will work with someone separating; but they don't have to. I always allowed a guy at least 90 days. Ideally, it is for six months, but does not have to be. There was one guy that we brought back with only one month before he separated. But we told him up front that would happen if he took the job---and he took the job; so he was partially responsible--and still unhappy with the AF to this day.

Second, do not trust the "experts" at MPF; do your own research--you are all officers. I can guarantee that you will not get a 100% correct answer to a complex question MOST of the time. IF you rely on them for LIFE DECISIONS, you "get what you pay for". Please do your own research.

Lastly, and this is important--- THE JAG WORKS FOR THE COMMANDER, NOT YOU. The JAG is the government's lawyer. Just look upon them as you adversary NOT your advocate. The ADC (Area Defense Counsel) is YOUR advocate, but ONLY for criminal (ie UCMJ) offenses. If you were to challenge the government for anything they did "wrong" to you or any rule, reg, law, etc. that was violated and you are paying for it, you would have to hire your own attorney that specializes in going after the government.

But to answer the first question-- a. six months ideally; b. recently they shoot for 3months; c. nothing is required (ie needs of the AF) and d. your separation CAN BE extended due to deployment.