Understanding National Guard Part-Time Commitments

The Army National Guard offers a unique mix of military service and civilian life. For those who do not see active deployments, understanding the part-time nature of service is crucial. This article explores the typical schedules for National Guard members who are not deployed, focusing on the drills and annual training periods.

Weekend Drills: A Regular Part of Service

For those in the National Guard who do not see active deployments, weekend drills are a significant aspect of their service. These drills usually take place on a Saturday and Sunday, when members assemble to perform their duties. The typical schedule follows a pattern that is both routine and reliable.

Typical Weekend Schedule

Friday Night (Rarely): In rare instances, members might be required to report for drills or exercises on a Friday night. These are often infrequent, perhaps only once a year. Saturday: The regular drill day starts at 0700 hours. Here is the typical breakdown: Sunday: Sunday often mirrors Saturday, starting similarly and also ending by 1700 hours. However, on some Sundays, additional activities like firing ranges might extend the day a bit.

Summer Training and Annual Camp

When it comes to summer training, National Guard members engage in more extensive training at their designated military camps. This period typically lasts for two weeks.

Summer Training Schedule

Arrival and Setup: Members usually report on the appointed day and move into their bivouac sites, such as barracks or tents, in the early morning of Saturday or Sunday. Training Days: The two-week period is filled with rigorous military training and activities, often starting early in the morning and continuing late into the evening. Release: The training concludes with a return to regular drills, and typically, members are released around 1800 hours on the final day.

Personal Experience: 1966-1972 Service

My own experience in the Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972 offers a firsthand account of this part-time service. Weekend drills were scheduled from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during summer training, we were up at 5:00 AM and off at 6:00 PM, reflecting the demanding nature of military training.

Community and Resource Considerations

For many National Guard members, it's important to find an armory that is convenient to their daily lives. The ideal armory would allow for a balance between military obligations and personal commitments. Some might prefer to have the armory near their home, while others might need to stay there overnight due to location or operations.

As a National Guard member, it’s crucial to consider the hours and activities involved in this part-time service. Understanding the regular drill schedules and the summer training timelines can help in planning and integrating military service with personal life effectively.