What is your average drill weekend like?

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:16:13 -0400

So I'm curious to hear what other service branches do on their drill weekends. So far I've heard everything from literally sitting around doing nothing to some pretty highspeed stuff. So lets hear it, what's your average drill look like? What would you like to see instead? Does your time feel well spent and your contributions meaningful?
Keep OPSEC in mind when replying please.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 12:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:27:03 -0400

Inventory of Cyclic/SII. MOS Training as best as we can fit in (barring any STAT taskers that come our way). NCO/Soldier interaction (SGT's Time), and the usual Admin duties of Counseling, etc. PMCS.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Sep 18 at 2015 12:49 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:49:06 -0400

Being an IMA (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), I am assigned to an active duty unit and I don't have drill weekends. However, when I used to be in the Air Guard, drill weekends depended on your job. I worked as CATM and we were busy all weekend providing training and weapons qualification for the rest of the wing. Other folks did some training on Saturday, conducted unit based moral exercises Saturday night, and worked a 1/2 day Sunday. By the time I got back from the Range Sunday afternoon, the rest of the unit had already gone home.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Sep 18 at 2015 12:50 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:50:25 -0400

Classes. More classes. Even more classes. Oh, and if there's time left over...classes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 1:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 13:18:41 -0400

I write counselings. A lot of them. All the junior enlisted are doing classes. Then a few random formations for no reason what so ever.
I wish my unit had more space, so we could break off and make platoon training instead of the full unit classes on MRT. Resilience training is possibly the most useless thing I have experienced in the Army. Only second to the ACU camou pattern/color scheme.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 1:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 13:39:12 -0400

For the most part it's classes and counselings, evaluations and mandatory online training. The most frequent being SHARP and its subsidiaries, then maybe 3 or 4 drill weekends in the year you'll get some real high speed training. Also this depends on the type of Unit too.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 1:48 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 13:48:45 -0400

Average drill weekend: show up 30 min prior to muster to get my own platoon accountability, then assign tasks put forth by my direct superiors, then I submit the numbers, and learn that word has changed. So I adjust accordingly; active duty usually shows up 2-3 hours later and informs us that the changes word is wrong and we need to do something else that wasn't part of the plan- and we can't counteract it because they represent battalion.

After a high speed, low drag morning, chow starts, and abruptly ends- no PX runs, you have a choice of an MRE or a UGR (field rations) and you have about 15-20 min to eat and get back to work... Of course the active duty Marines get 2 hours for chow and usually change into civilian attire so they can eat off base...

After chow the Company Gunny usually stops by and asks why the f&@k my Marines didn't attend the Company training that morning, so I have to bring all work to a halt and send the platoon to do some BS training I didn't even know about because motor t is out of the main building in the island of misfit children. After that I attend a staff meeting where 90% of the information I receive doesn't really apply to motor t, and then I pass along the new plan.

After the awards ceremony, the LT expresses his wishes to learn close order drill and I have to show him how to do it properly. Then I fill out counseling statements on the box next to the trash can in the shop, because even though I'm a platoon sergeant I don't rate a desk (but all the active duty Marines have desks) and then the whole shop waits for about an hour to be released.

In case it isn't pretty obvious what my issues with the reserves are, I'm sick of the double standards between the active and reserve component. Either all or nothing; treat us like damn Marines or get them out of our way. I would also like to see some slow down in ops tempo so counselings can actually be meaningful.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 5:06 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:06:05 -0400

Show up prior to formation. If it's a day we do PT, we go do PT, then get time for personal hygiene and breakfast (about an hour. It works if you bring breakfast with you).

Show up for "mission". Do mission until lunchtime. Go to lunch, come back on time, Do "mission" until about 15 minutes prior to when formation is scheduled. Start cleaning up and be outside in time for formation.

Oh, and that "mission"? Well, some get to work with ACAS. It's a security and vulnerability assessment system. Some get to work the HBSS mission (McAfee's host based intrusion protection system). My mission?

I get a number from the coordinator of the mission.

Go to a specific place on a SharePoint server, look at a list, and find that number. Take down the information at that entry.

Go to another place, and grab a copy of a questionnaire in Word.

Go to a third place (still the same SharePoint Server) and create a folder based on info you've gotten from the first list. Drop the questionnaire file in there.

Based on the info from the first list, start filling out the Questionnaire, and go find a second list...get more information, put it in the questionnaire.

Once you've done all that, start searching for specific documents on the server using Sharepoint search. If you find any, drop them in that same folder.

When you're done, lather, rinse, repeat with another number.

I almost hope my name is NOT on the promotion list when it's released next month so I can retire.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Sep 18 at 2015 7:09 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:09:17 -0400

Formation, PT Test and Height and weight for those that need it, Death by powerpoint, SHARP/Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment training. Lunch, more death by powerpoint and if we are lucky a class or two on MOS Sustainment. The unit I train with tries its best to do occasional training outside the box, but often HQ mandates training and very little is accomplished.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 10:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:41:17 -0400

So, I've also had a wide array of types of drills, and I'm in charge of a unit so I get to do a lot of the planning for training.

If we can in the mornings, we will do PT led by an E4 to help them prep for WLC. We have a master fitness trainer in the unit that helps them run through it by the numbers.

After hygiene, we'll usually go into pack operations (parachutes) for both cargo and personnel. One of the great things about my current mission is that it is a real time one. We're not training; we're doing real work that affects the lives of a lot of paratroopers.

Normally, though, we have an airborne operation, so that means we're up at zero dark thirty until the chutes are shaken out at about 1600.

We'll usually end drill with remedial PT.

One of my pet peeves is when counselings are done during the work day, especially if they're negative. This takes leadership away from their soldiers and training. So, my policy is that NCOs need to do counselings either before or after work hours (they're choice), but that they should maximize time with their troops.

Also, in a lot of their units, we have low density MOSes that may not be fully utilized. I've tried to organize split training opportunities where they're able to spend a drill with other units so that they stay proficient in their MOS. We have 92F that don't get utilized as much, and don't want them to later transfer to an FSC or ASB and not know how to do their jobs.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 2:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:26:14 -0400

LTJG? A sailor among soldiers; outstanding!

As such, you will understand when an old salt like myself communicates to you in your language, sir.

Army Reserve is a beast that has many heads. It has a fraction of the travel and geedunk but with the right unit and level of motivation, it can be very engaging.

Remember, when joining the Army, everyone is a 'Soldier First'. Where I was floundering in the Navy, filling a Boatswain's Mate slot as an LS and tanking every exam, I am engaged on multiple fronts with PLENTY of focus on my MOS as well. As painfully inefficient as the infrastructure can be compared to the Navy, I merely chalk it up to being a much larger force.

There is a vast amount of focus on Resilience training and sexually harassment awareness (a crippling amount at times), I'm ultimately happy I switched. It's far more active, far more engaging and geared toward advancement. Does it have its drawbacks? You bet. It can be very chaotic at times. But then, situational awareness is an important skill for a soldier.

Hope that helps, sir.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Sep 20 at 2015 1:34 AM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 01:34:45 -0400

In my Army Reserve unit, the day generally begins at about 0500 (PT and APFT). Training/classes begins around 0800 and goes till 1130. Lunch for an hour then back to training/classes. Final formation is around 1700. Anyone who didn’t complete essential tasks such as NCOERs/OERs stays late. As a CI/HUMINT company, training is usually pretty interesting and MOS related (interviewing, use an interpreter, surveillance, PCASS, biometrics, vulnerability assessments, etc.). We also do more mundane training, which is important, but when you do it every month it gets old (sexual harassment, SHARP, resiliency training, EEO, etc.). We also have to do a lot of online training at home, which is often uncompensated, except maybe for points. We stay busy one way or another.

Unfortunately, there are some units out there that are not squared away and don’t do much at all. I had thought those days were over but apparently they’re not (so I’ve been told on this forum by some pretty unhappy Soldiers). I’ve been lucky to have never been in such a unit.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 12:17 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:17:23 -0400

We muster at 0700, and hope to god that nobody else has left our already-tiny unit, then we spend the morning doing PHAs on the various squadrons and units attached to the NOSC. Then in the afternoon, we go to the NOSC, do GMTs, and break for meetings or any of the other administrative...stuff we might be on a hit list for. It's hard to describe my drill weekends without heavy use of expletives, so this is a stretch for me.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 7:31 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:31:31 -0400

GMT,GMT and then paperwork, paperwork ad more GMT, GMT. Did I mention GMT?? other than that ... once a while out of blue moon we do some production run. If somehow ... we finish everything, it happen once or twice, we just sit around watch youtube on our smartphone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 8:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:04:09 -0400

I see all these comments but, what I have observed is more of the same A meeting of key staff over another meeting and no Computers for the Reserve Soldiers to work on as they need to maintain CAC access to do their training, and then PMCS of vehicles and only a elite few knows what is Mission Command. Most Soldiers dosen't even know what the METL for their section is or what their section should be working on. Reservist wants to do their MOS not training that is not related to their MOS, and so they are leaving the units because they are wasting their time coming to a drills that doesn't include them in the overall full spectrum operation. Annual Training is another headache for Reservist its too long and once again much of the same 21 days-29 days and what have we learned, how the senior folks fight with each other over something simple as a briefing slide, or aspect of their respective job, and not much work gets accomplish. "Everyone wants to look good when the CG is coming, but ask the Junior Soldiers whats really happening, you'll get the truth".

Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Sep 21 at 2015 11:11 PM

Cpl Gregory Hajder — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:11:03 -0400

Formation
Dunkin Donuts
Hide
Sleep
Lunch
Hide again
Formation
Beer
Repeat

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Sep 21 at 2015 11:25 PM

COL Randy Alicea — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:25:47 -0400

It depends on the training calender and schedule. Theres been some down time, but I have made my units Cdrs and soldiers involved in doing the right thing. If they have down times, I would have do a family event, or volunteer at a local police, hospital or JROTC program. You need to make every drill exciting, fun and on focus towards your future combat mission requirements.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 10:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:48:56 -0400

Surprise urinalysis testing

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Sep 22 at 2015 12:39 PM

SSG Rafael Rodriguez — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:39:31 -0400

When i was in the unit took a good chunk from each platoon for KP, unit support and unit maintenance, they seem to never have enough Soldiers of their own to support unit missions whether is training preparation or equipment maintenance which is always behind on its weekly, by-weekly or monthly maintenance, most likely because short on day to day support( not enough full timers) my platoon engaged on TUAS training on the nearest runway and our equipment maintenance and of course the endless platoon formations which most could have been prevented by passing information down to PLT leaders on down, that's pretty much my take on a drill weekend.

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Sep 22 at 2015 12:42 PM

SSG Rafael Rodriguez — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:42:03 -0400

I forgot, classes, training and endless meetings, how could i forget!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 1:52 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:52:17 -0400

Being in the "Company" year of the ARFORGEN model, we do a lot of Platoon level training. Its nearly impossible to conduct Company ops without outside support. Last drill weekend we conducted battle drill rehearsals in the park. Weapons classes are also very common.

My intent moving forward is to spend more time at local training areas. We need to actually get out in the woods and run STX lanes. Otherwise we only get a couple of weekends before being expected to execute at Annual Training.

After 9 years in the RC this is my take on home station training: it will be as good as your leadership makes it. Units who sit around all weekend are suffering from lazy leadership and/or a poor organizational culture.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 4:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:23:42 -0400

Drill is half an hour early for the weight control people . We have Sharp or some sort of touchy feely training . Go to golden coral . Another alleged training and repeat . If we do PT it's typically meaningless . It has no value since we just do whatever is in the PT manual plus maybe a run every once in a while .

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 4:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:51:44 -0400

I am or was until recently a 13B 30 instructor. We spend most drill weekends sitting in repeated classes on mandatory training. I feel Our time would be better put to use by being afforded the time to conduct cross training and even brushing up on the MOS critical skill sets. I feel with the transition from a manual gunnery army to an automated gunnery military that those critical skills are going to be soon forgotten and by the time the powers from above realize the problem if will be too late. I believe it is crucial to the military to keep all the troops trained on the manual skill sets along with the new less strenuous digital skills.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 5:16 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:16:51 -0400

Lots and lots of monotonous Computer Based Training (CBTs) and going thru your folders making sure you're up to date, including medical.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 6:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:35:21 -0400

While we sometimes have weekends that are nothing but "hurry up and wait" (case in point: last month's inspection), most of the time we are doing our MOS or something related to it. MPT [small group] rehearsals, full band rehearsal, drill band practice are all possibilities. Often we're performing on our drill weekends, so we can expect anything from a change of command to a concert in the park to a parade. We still do PT and eat at Golden Corral, and sometimes sit through boring death-by-PowerPoint training, but mostly we get to do our mission.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 7:39 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:39:10 -0400

Well, in the CAV we have a wide variety of tasks to complete. Everyone has normal yearly things to check the box on. Individual and crew served qualifications and gunnery, death by PowerPoint classes, and apft tests. (Not to mention remedial tests every quarter until they pass.) But then we get the high speed, super secret squirrel recon stuff. Lots of force on force exercises. Having just come out of two different platoons, I had the opportunity to work with some of the best platoon sergeants in the army. When we get a large AO to complete a zone recon on is when my platoons did their best work. Never say quit type guys. By far, best job in the army.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 7:48 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:48:21 -0400

Our drill weekend consists of 3-5 meetings per day, starting with morning announcements. The announcements run from 30-90 min. Mostly filled with BS that isn't necessary. We then run like headless chickens from meeting to meeting, that could almost all be cut in half or combined. We have approximately 25 personnel for every one computer. Most of our required training is CBT or actually has to be accomplished on the aircraft. I would wind up leaving a drill weekend further behind than when I arrived. Having to accomplish much of my actual required training on my own, unpaid, time and scrambling to get on flights. We have an enormous flight cancellation rate. That leaves the reservist in a no pay status or with 4 hours pay when you were expecting 3 or 4 days pay and in a job jeopardy situation with your civilian employer. The exception is a wing designated block training weekend where you get the classes you truly need. They are packed full but productive weekends. All others, in my squadron at least, are packed full but don't provide access to computers and the required tools/classes for being deployment ready. Not to mention allowing time for your supervisory or own career progression tasks. Most of us would reschedule every UTA and be far more productive and efficient. If only it were allowed!

Response by LTC Henry Barber made Sep 24 at 2015 12:10 AM

LTC Henry Barber — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:10:59 -0400

Its all about leadership!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 8:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 20:49:23 -0400

Half the time is spent trying to get things done and hitting roadblocks. I tried to get my CAC card renewed... office is closed on the weekends (when the reservists are there). Trying to get on-line work done but can't get on a computer for access. Sitting and waiting 8 hours to see an RPAC person to do a birth month audit... Same stuff!

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Sep 25 at 2015 12:23 AM

MSG Lance Kelly — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:23:08 -0400

I am in JAG so when we are not in mandatory training we are conducting administrative separation boards. My paralegals are the reporters so they record the hearing and then transcribe it afterwards. My office is generally busy processing legal actions and briefing our one star on the status of cases.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 8:28 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 20:28:17 -0400

Muster, shop work, chow, shop or unit work on Saturday. PT, shop or unit work, chow, shop or unit work on Sunday.

Response by CPL Dan McCready made Sep 30 at 2015 1:27 AM

CPL Dan McCready — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 01:27:06 -0400

Granted, I have been out for ten years now, but in my last unit, we hit the ground running right after first formation (usually 0800.) Drivers would go out with gunners and PMCS the vehicles, and depending on the weekend, we would break off into platoons and then do training. If it was a weekend in the field, we would have some people come in the night before and get things ready to move out. We were pretty busy throughout the entire drill weekend. In my first unit, there wasn't much training going on, and pretty much everybody just sat around staring at each other, or playing basketball.

Response by MSG William Wold made Oct 1 at 2015 1:40 AM

MSG William Wold — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 01:40:11 -0400

We basically had about 16 hours to do 30 days of admin and mandatory stuff. Admin need so see certain people to upgrade their records, so you loose a few key people in your squad for hours. PT, or a PT test /weigh in/tape ect takes most of one UTA. Lunch, now afternoon. Seems every few months, Mandatory classes. Dress rehearsal for a change of command, then the change of command. Next day, more classes, shots, PT, average weekend is 3 hours of total actually getting to do your MOS. IN the men time NCO's are doing multiple counseling, and NCOERS..
Sitting in the commanders call, he says well we have 3 months to plan this up coming FTX. No sir, you have 4 days. We have this weekend, which is almost over, next weekend drill, and the next one is execute plan. You have 2 full time AGR's that are here every day, the rest of the soldiers are here two days a month. Most of them leave it behind as they go out the gate until they have to put the uniform on next month. So they see everyone 2 days a month, to them that puts it at 4 days away. Once you make E-5/6 or higher, you put in a whole lot more hours than the two days of 8-5. You start coming in on your days off to coordinate things,.
When I was assigned to a certain piece of equipment along with 11 others, we would come in Friday night on our own to get the certain piece of equipment online to maneuver two other pieces of equipment in place where the other two similar units could perform. When they left, we put it all away. We loved it. We didn't get paid any more or more points. But as you all know, there isn't room in the military for the professional specialist or sergeant, because if your not looking to advance, even though you thoroughly love the position your in, then your blocking upward movement and your removed for not advancing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 5:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:26:22 -0400

Being AMXS it can be "go go go" one month and be a mix of classes and waiting at the clinic the next month. The flight and maintenance schedules in a way, dictate our weekends

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 5:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:32:26 -0400

It's exactly what you have heard. There is a vast difference from unit to unit and different commands. For example ARMEDCOM vs USACAPOC have different funding schemes, requirements and missions

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 4:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 16:51:44 -0400

Counselings, paperwork for flags, classes, meetings, mentoring new soldiers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 7:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:52:12 -0400

Sir,
Generally, attempting to execute 20 days worth of training in about 20 hours.

I'm AGR training nco for a 175 Soldier forward support company attached to a combined arms battalion.

during the next idt period, muta 7, we are supposed to conduct iwq-including night qual, annual briefs, quarterly resiliency training, make up apft, make up pha, dcsa training, as well as provide our normal support of maintenance, class v, class III, and class I. topping that off is the 3 hour convoy to the training site each way, and we're supposed to be back to home station by noon on Sunday to conduct frg events for the holiday season.

we are excited though, because in the second quarter we'll have three home station muta 4 in a row. first time in two years to have multiple home station idt in the training year.

as far as the Troops, they are getting burned out due to out routine muta 6 and muta 7 weekends. we are beginning to take hits in strength because this is getting harder and harder for college students and employers.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 6:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:59:28 -0500

Reading through this thread makes me thankful for my unit, which generally keeps its troops busy with as meaningful as possible drills. We spend almost all summer in the field or on ranges.

Response by PO1 Lyle Brownrigg made Nov 12 at 2015 5:48 AM

PO1 Lyle Brownrigg — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 05:48:15 -0500

I retired in 2012, just before SHTF. My unit was de-commissioned and absorbed by other units much further from home base. They also moved from a monthly drill weekend to a quarterly, 4-2-0 schedule. 4 days with their parent unit one month, then 2 days near home, then 2 days of catch up for the 3rd month, if needed. Glad I left when I did. I feel bad for my fellow reservists, though.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 12:12 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 12:12:26 -0500

I'm a LT with PSU313 currently filling the role of WEPO. Drilling with the PSU is extremely busy and rewarding. At any given time over a drill weekend, you will find a division shooting a .50 cal at a range in Yakima, security standing up a mock ECP while performing squad movement exercises, comms sitting with a technical rep discussing how to configure green gear encryption, while waterside is running a tactical coxswain check ride with auxiliary acting as OPFOR. I have 3 years remaining here and I don't ever want to leave this unit. I love my drill weekends with PSU313

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 10:23 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 10:23:09 -0500

Typically, Drill weekends are super busy for me. here is a typical day during a Drill.
0625 - 0700 -Setup Sign in/ conduct sign in
0701 - 0800 -Send of an absentee roster to the flight chiefs to let me know why their members didn't sign in
0801 - 0930 -Handle Personnel/Administration issues for the members of the squadron
0931 - 1059 -Handle any Medical/Required training issues required of me and my Airmen
1100 - 1200 - Lunch
1201 - 1545 - Continue to handle Issues for the members and my Commander/Chief
1545 - 1630 -Setup Sign out / conduct sign out

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 11:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:53:52 -0500

Depends on your unit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 8:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 20:07:20 -0500

My average drill, in a Drill Sergeant unit, can vary from running rifle and pistol ranges, running round robin training for other units, we assist with running APFT's (almost every month), and then the MANDATORY power points and training.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 6:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 06:10:43 -0500

Depends on the unit. When I was a reservist I got to see things from very different perspectives. In an MP unit we pretty much did nothing unless slotted to deploy. When I drilled with a psyops unit. They worked their buts off to get training in. They were actually doing pt. While in that unit the air national guard was near by. I also witnessed them doing more than just sitting around. However when the national guard who shared the same space was seen. They rarely were doing anything outside to include pt.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 5:19 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2016 05:19:29 -0400

Formation
Stand-by
Hip pocket classes
Chow
MOS training
Standby for word on final formation
Field day/skate
Promotions
Final formation
School circle
Moto Speech

Response by CPL Dan McCready made May 19 at 2016 9:42 PM

CPL Dan McCready — Thu, 19 May 2016 21:42:24 -0400

In my first unit, drill weekends consisted of basketball games, and very little training. I transferred units and it was 100% different. From first formation, until final formation, we had little time to loaf around. We were either in the field or in classes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 11:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 11:55:35 -0500

I would say it would depend on the unit and what assets are available to that unit. Like some have said there has been allot of check the box type stuff, mandatory classes etc that takes away from unit training time in the USAR.

Response by Mallory Johnson made Jan 7 at 2017 4:15 PM

Mallory Johnson — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 16:15:11 -0500

Do they have access to their phone during drill?

Response by Crystal Tolbert made Oct 29 at 2017 10:05 AM

Crystal Tolbert — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 10:05:24 -0400

I have afew questions im dating a lieutenant in the navy and i dont believe some of the stuff he says so hopefully somebody can help me on here. He says they have field training on weekends is this an actual thing? And that he never really gets time off do how many days do they get off to spend with family/girlfriend ?

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2020 9:09 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 21:09:06 -0400

I was Navy reserve and heard the best description ever from the reserve Flag Officer. The Admiral said, “LT I have finally figured out what we do on every drill weekend. On Saturday we talk about what we did last month and on Sunday we talk about what we will do next month!”

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2021 1:32 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 13:32:21 -0400

Probably the extreme end here : Seven day long drills every other month, 200 miles of convoy with five of the days in the field, plus two weeks of AT (one recent year it was a six week AT) and a few regular two or three day drill weekends as well.