The C-17 Reserve world continues to have an unending supply of active duty orders and plenty of hours to be had. Who knows how long the gravy train will last. There is a lot of work to be done in the middle east, but there is also new c17 units spooling up all over, and tons of new crews coming on line.
As far as the future, reserve and gaurd bumming can only improve when all the furloughed guys go back to their airlines. With the serious paycut/work rule changes, industry instability, caustic management/worker relations, fly to 65 rule coming on line, open skies, etc, if those guys could go back, a lot of them are in no hurry. And I don't blame them.
This is one disturbing industry, if only flying weren't so fun! Do you continue to chase the dream, or go get that MBA? Where's Ms. Cleo when you need her!