Take it from a military guy. Pay to volunteer? Not on my watch and not in my lifetime. Aint' gonna pay to play.
And what effect will this have on the quota for the MR?
$275 can buy a whole lotta things. Just check out Adventure 16's or REI's websites. Yes, $275.00 can buy a whole lotta bullets, too.
John Muir himself would have a hissy-fit.
Tell me (and my wife) to be there to work the trails for nothing and we will be locked and cocked and ready to rock. We will manage our out-of-pocket expenses. The only thing we would pay for are the permits for the days we will work.
Other than that, + @ti2d rests.
Just my thoughts.
Have fun.
