I'm not in a squadron, but this kind of thing happens to me occasionally. I can change my ML status as needed, usually if I canx ML after bids are out, they will just tell me to stay home and pick OT if I want but that way I'm covered as far as fraud goes.

But I usually insist that the (navy) reserves put me on orders. I always have work to do, and while there have been occasional grumblings I think that most AD folks understand that is the cost of doing business with reserves. On the flip side, as an airline guy I am very flexible and responsive when the real world poop hits the blower and they like having me available for that kind of thing. But I'm in a high-demand specialty, so I guess it depends on how badly they need you.