Back on thread though, what will be interesting will be to see if the RAF thinks we now need those roles; if so, let's see how long it takes for those prohibitions to be reversed in the now, post-Hadden-Cave environment in which we find ourselves.
My understanding is that the RAF will use all of the C-17's tactical capabilities plus the prohibited strat capability: inflight refueling. Every RAF C-17 has been upgraded to the block 19 configuration (which BTW, not all USAF C-17s have). Block 19 includes, among other things, passive missile protection (ALE-47), active missile protection (LAIRCM), electroflourescent formation lights, NVG compatible cargo compartment lighting, combat lighting (IR landing and taxi lights in the wings and fuselage), a wide range of equipment airdrop systems/capabilities, multiple kinds of troop drop capabilities, satellite comms for both the aircrew and the embarked troops, non ambulatory combat aeromedical evac, etc etc. RAF is now qualifying their C-17s for troop drops and is in the process of purchasing equipment to qualify their C-17s for equipment drops. And the lease agreement notwithstanding, RAF has been operating their C-17s from austere unpaved fields in combat zones for nigh on two decades.