How does Flying on a military plane work?

You're talking about taking a hop flight. You'll have to check on the flights heading where you'd like to go and see if they have space to take you with. Then you have to show up and hope they sill have space for you. Hopping on the way home might not be a bad idea, but as far as returning, I'd suggest biting the bullet and getting normal air fare back home in case you can't find a hop back. Either one can cut down your leave time if you can't get on the flight.