How Often Does the National Guard Work?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that combines the duties of both reserve and active-duty forces, with the ability to train and deploy like an active-duty unit while also conducting homeland security and support duties. As such, the frequency of their work varies greatly depending on their missions, training requirements, and deployment schedules. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the National Guard’s work patterns and answer the question of how often they work.
Active Duty Deployments
The National Guard conducts active-duty deployments just like the active-duty military forces. These deployments can vary in length from a few weeks to several months, and sometimes even longer. According to the National Guard Bureau, on average, National Guard troops deploy to combat zones for approximately 12-18 months at a time.
In recent years, National Guard units have been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). Since 2001, over 440,000 National Guard soldiers have deployed to combat zones in support of these operations. These deployments are often scheduled in advance, allowing unit members to plan and prepare accordingly.
Annual Training (AT)
One of the National Guard’s primary responsibilities is to participate in annual training (AT) exercises. These exercises are designed to improve individual and unit skills, prepare for potential deployments, and maintain readiness. Every year, each National Guard unit is required to complete a minimum of 32 days of AT.
AT exercises can range from short, focused training sessions to longer, more comprehensive operations. They often involve mock scenarios, such as responding to natural disasters, conducting foreign internal defense, or performing peacekeeping operations. During AT, unit members conduct training in a variety of areas, including marksmanship, first aid, and communication skills.
Weekend Duty
Another aspect of the National Guard’s work pattern is their weekend duty schedule. Many National Guard members have regular weekend duty rotations, often referred to as " Drill Weekends". These duties typically involve a minimum of 12-15 hours of training and duty, which can include training sessions, meetings, and support duties.
Weekend duty rotations usually take place on Saturday and Sunday of each month, although specific dates may vary depending on the unit and the month. During these sessions, unit members focus on ongoing training, planning, and preparation for their specific military occupational specialties (MOS).
Emergency Response Missions
As part of their homeland security role, the National Guard often participates in emergency response missions in support of state and local authorities. These missions can occur at any time, sometimes with little or no advance notice. The National Guard has responded to a wide range of emergency incidents, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and COVID-19 pandemics.
When deployed for an emergency response mission, National Guard troops work alongside federal, state, and local agencies to provide critical support. This can include search and rescue operations, security escorts, and relief distribution efforts.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the National Guard works on a variety of schedules and duty patterns, from active-duty deployments to annual training exercises and weekend duty rotations. Whether responding to national security crises or supporting local communities during emergencies, the National Guard plays a critical role in maintaining national security and preparedness.
Here is a summary of the National Guard’s work pattern:
Active Duty Deployments:
- 12-18 months deployment length, on average
- Average of 440,000 National Guard soldiers deployed to combat zones since 2001
Annual Training (AT):
- Minimum of 32 days of AT per year, per unit
- Exercise scenarios include disaster response, foreign internal defense, and peacekeeping operations
Weekend Duty:
- 12-15 hours of training and duty per weekend, typically held on Saturday and Sunday
Emergency Response Missions:
- Response can occur at any time, with little or no advance notice
- Examples include hurricane response, flood support, and pandemic response efforts
In summary, the National Guard works a combination of active-duty deployments, annual training exercises, and weekend duty rotations, in addition to responding to emergency incidents as needed. With their unique dual-mission capabilities, the National Guard plays a vital role in maintaining national security and support for the community.
