When someone joins the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve, families often hear the phrase:
“One weekend a month, two weeks a year.”
But what actually happens during drill weekends? What does your service member do? What should families expect for scheduling, communication, and time commitments?
This guide answers every major question families have — in plain language — and applies to all six reserve components.
What Is a Drill Weekend? (Simple Definition)
A drill weekend is the monthly training requirement for Reserve and National Guard service members.
It typically includes:
- military training
- job-specific practice
- readiness checks
- administrative tasks
- physical fitness
- unit updates/briefings
Drill ensures your service member stays trained, deployable, and connected to their unit.
Who Attends Drill Weekends?
All Guard and Reserve branches:
- Army National Guard (ARNG)
- Air National Guard (ANG)
- Army Reserve (USAR)
- Air Force Reserve (USAFR)
- Navy Reserve (USNR)
- Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)
- Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR)
Regardless of branch, the concept is the same: train monthly, serve locally, and stay mission-ready.
Typical Drill Weekend Schedule
While every unit is different, the schedule below is extremely common and accurate.
SATURDAY
- 0700–0800: Formation & accountability
- 0800–0900: Briefings, training updates, admin tasks
- 0900–1200: MOS / AFSC / rating-specific training
- 1200–1300: Lunch
- 1300–1600: Weapons training, classes, or field tasks
- 1600–1700: End-of-day formation
- Dismissal
SUNDAY
- 0700–0800: Formation
- 0800–1200: Additional training/events
- 1200–1300: Lunch
- 1300–1500: Readiness checks, counseling, planning
- 1500–1600: Final formation & release
Most units end between 3–5 PM Sunday.
What Do Service Members Do at Drill?
Training varies depending on branch and job, but common activities include:
1. Weapons Qualification & Practice
- Rifle and pistol ranges
- Safety checks
- Zeroing practice
- Simulator training
2. MOS / AFSC / Rating Training
Examples:
- 11B Infantry: field drills, patrols
- 31B MP: law enforcement tasks
- 68W Medic: trauma scenarios
- 35F Intel: analysis exercises
- 88M Driver: convoy simulations
- Air Guard: aircraft support, operations
- Navy/Marine/Coast Guard: maritime or security tasks
3. Physical Fitness Training
- PT tests
- unit runs
- ruck marches (Army/Marines)
- functional fitness
4. Administrative Requirements
- medical checks
- ID card updates
- immunizations
- training certifications
- annual briefings
5. Mission-Specific Training
- Cyber drills
- Search & rescue practice
- Disaster response
- Aviation maintenance
- Firefighting drills (ANG)
6. Unit Cohesion & Planning
- Promotion ceremonies
- Awards
- Career development
- Deployment prep
In most units, drill weekends are packed and structured — not casual or unorganized.
How Communication Works on Drill Weekends
Families should expect:
- limited texting during training blocks
- long gaps during ranges
- some check-ins during meals or breaks
- regular communication after release each day
Unlike Basic or AIT, communication is easy — but the day can be busy from morning to late afternoon.
How Often Are Drill Weekends?
- 1 weekend per month
- most commonly Saturday + Sunday
- 2–3 day drills also occur
- especially before major annual training or inspections.
- Additional duties (“RFOs,” “Split drills”)
- Sometimes service members complete certain tasks outside the official weekend.
What Is Annual Training (AT)?
The “two weeks a year” part of service.
AT is:
- 10–17 days depending on unit
- once per year
- often out-of-state
- sometimes outside the U.S.
This may include:
- large-scale exercises
- field training
- disaster response preparation
- joint-force missions
Drill Pay: How It Works
Guard/Reserve members are paid per “drill period.”
A typical weekend = 4 drill periods:
- 2 per day (morning + afternoon)
Pay depends on:
- rank
- years of service
- special duties
Example:
A brand-new E-1 / E-2 earns roughly $250–$300 per weekend, while NCOs and officers earn significantly more.
Can Service Members Miss a Drill Weekend?
Yes — but only for approved reasons:
- illness
- family emergencies
- work conflicts (rare)
- school/military testing
- pre-approved rescheduling
Missed drills must be made up.
What Families Should Expect Long-Term
Drill weekends create rhythms in Guard/Reserve life:
- predictable monthly schedule
- early weekend mornings
- occasional schedule changes
- longer AT periods in the summer
- steady income
- strong community bonds
- balanced civilian + military life
Most families adjust quickly once the first few drills occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do drill weekends last all day?
Yes — typically 0700–1600/1700.
Can service members go out on Saturday night during drill?
Yes — unless the unit has restrictions or early training the next day.
Do they stay on base overnight?
Almost always no. Guard/Reserve go home after each day.
Are uniforms required both days?
Yes — typically OCPs/ABUs/NWUs/appropriate branch uniform.
Can families attend drill weekends?
No — these are closed training events unless there is a ceremony.
Do drill weekends affect civilian jobs?
Federal law protects service members (USERRA).
Final Thoughts for Families
Drill weekends are the heartbeat of Guard and Reserve service.
They keep your Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman trained, ready, and connected to their military community — while still living a full civilian life.
As a family member, knowing what drill weekends look like helps you:
- understand their schedule
- support their commitment
- appreciate the training they complete
- feel connected to their service
Every drill weekend strengthens their skills, confidence, and ability to serve both your community and your country.