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Are National Guard drills mandatory?
It’s a 24/7 commitment for the length of your enlistment. When you join the Guard, you will be required to attend a paid drill one weekend a month and attend paid Annual Training for two weeks every summer. When needed, you can be called into full-time, Active-Duty service.
What happens if you miss a National Guard drill weekend?
The rules for guard members missing drill and what can be done about it vary from state to state. In practice, punishments for missing a part or all of a weekend drill range from nothing, to not being paid, to having to make up the drill, and in some rare instances arrest and punishment.
How often does the National Guard do drill?
National Guard and Reserve soldiers perform a minimum of one weekend drill per month and two weeks per year of active duty.
Can you be excused from National Guard drill?
It could be but you need to notify your unit and follow their proscribed policy for rescheduling or being excused from weekend drill. So contact your unit about this ASAP and ask them what the policy is for rescheduling or being excused.
How many drills can you miss National Guard?
2 Unexcused Absences In some states, when you reach a certain number of unexcused absences, commonly six, you may be demoted in the National Guard. After nine unexcused absences, or a third missed weekend within a year, you may be released.
Can you miss drill for being sick?
If you’re sick/injured, they want you to get fixed up so you’re combat-ready, and they’ll need documentation if you’re going to be on profile. The simple answer is that if you are ADMITTED to the hospital then it will probably be an acceptable excuse.
How many drills can you miss in the National Guard?
In some states, when you reach a certain number of unexcused absences, commonly six, you may be demoted in the National Guard. After nine unexcused absences, or a third missed weekend within a year, you may be released.
How many days is drill weekend?
Drill weekends occur one weekend out of every month during the year. Specifically, they are conducted on a Saturday and Sunday. For most units, the drill weekend will be followed by an “off Monday”. Drills at most units start around 0730 and conclude at 1630 in the afternoon.
How many times a year does the National Guard drill?
You get 15 participation points, just for being a member of the Guard and Reserves. This is automatic. Each Drill Period is worth one retirement point and one day of base pay. There are two drills per day, for a total of 4 drill periods per drill weekend. Finally, you have the “two weeks per year” which is 15 days.
How often do I have to attend training drills?
After this, you are required to attend training drills one weekend per month and a separate two-week period once a year. Failure to attend these drills has consequences that vary by state.
What happens after basic training in the Army National Guard?
Their service differs only after they complete basic training, tech school, and any required follow-on training (if any). After initial training, the member then reports to their Guard or Reserve unit and is then on the standard Guard or Reserve schedule, which is often referred to as “one weekend a month, two weeks a year.”
Is the National Guard one weekend a month two weeks a year?
If you have heard of the National Guard or the Reserves, you have probably heard the phrase, “One Weekend a Month, Two weeks a Year.” Perhaps you saw it on a billboard or TV advertisement. Maybe you heard it from a recruiter, or while you were on active duty. One Weekend a Month, Two weeks… Advertising Disclosure.