Can I miss a drill weekend

So you're wondering if you can just skip a drill weekend? Short answer: nope, not without permission. When you sign up for the National Guard or Reserves, those weekends are part of the deal—mandatory, non-negotiable. But life happens, and there are specific situations where you might get a pass. Let's break down how this works, what happens if you blow it off, and how to handle things the right way.

What are the official reasons for missing a drill weekend?

Look, nobody expects you to be a robot. The military gets that stuff comes up—sometimes bad stuff. Your commander has some wiggle room, but here's what typically gets approved:

Medical emergencies: Like, you're in the hospital, seriously sick, or someone in your family is in crisis.
Family emergencies: Death or serious illness of an immediate family member—parents, spouse, kids, that kind of thing.
Military duty conflicts: If you get active duty orders, have school, or another military thing that clashes with drill.
Employment conflicts: Sometimes your civilian job can't be rescheduled. But don't count on this one—you'll need actual proof, like a letter from your boss.
Natural disasters: If a hurricane or wildfire personally hits you, that's a thing.

Here's the thing: missing drill because you want to go on vacation or just don't feel like it? That's not gonna fly. And it'll bite you hard if you try.

What happens if I miss a drill weekend without authorization?

Missing drill without asking first is what they call an Unauthorized Absence (UA) or AWOL. Sounds scary because it is. The consequences get worse each time you do it. Check this out:

Number of Missed Drills	Typical Consequences
1 missed drill	Marked as unexcused. Your First Sergeant or Commander will probably have a chat with you. Might have to make it up or lose some pay.
2-3 missed drills	Formal counseling, written up. You'll get flagged—no promotions, awards, or schools for you. They might even start asking why you shouldn't be kicked out.
4 or more missed drills (over a period)	Separation proceedings start. Could get an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge. Say goodbye to your GI Bill, retirement points, and maybe even your signing bonus.
9 or more missed drills (in a 12-month period)	They have to start kicking you out. This is a pattern of "unsatisfactory participation." OTH discharge is almost guaranteed.

How do I properly request to miss a drill weekend?

You can't just text your buddy "hey not coming" and call it good. There's a process, and you gotta follow it:

Contact your chain of command immediately: Like, as soon as you know you'll miss drill. Don't wait until Friday night. Call your squad leader or platoon sergeant.
Submit a formal request: Usually a DA Form 31 (Request for Absence) or whatever your unit uses. You'll need to explain why and back it up.
Provide documentation: Doctor's note for medical stuff. Death certificate for family emergencies. A letter from your employer on company letterhead for work conflicts.
Wait for approval: Don't assume you're good until someone says so. Excused absences aren't a right—your commander grants them as a privilege.

Can I make up a missed drill weekend?

Yeah, sometimes you can. It's called a MUTA (Multiple Unit Training Assembly) makeup. Here's how it goes:

Talk to your unit's training NCO to set up a makeup date.
Do the training or duties on a different day.
Make sure it's approved and logged in your file.

But here's the catch—makeups aren't always possible. Depends on your unit's schedule, resources, and why you missed. And if your absence was unexcused? No makeup for you. That black mark stays.

What is the difference between excused and unexcused absence?

This matters a lot. An excused absence means your commander said okay for a legit reason. No penalty, but you might still have to make up the training. An unexcused absence is when you skipped without permission or for a dumb reason. That goes on your record permanently and triggers all those nasty consequences in the table above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I miss drill for a vacation?

Honestly? Probably not. Vacation isn't a valid excuse. Plan your time off around your drill schedule. If it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing like your own wedding, you can ask. But your commander might say no, and you gotta accept that.

What if my civilian job fires me for missing work for drill?

That's illegal under USERRA. Your employer can't fire you for doing your military duty. If it happens, call your unit's legal office or the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) right away.

How many drills can I miss before being separated?

Technically, 4 unexcused misses in a 12-month period can start the process. But mandatory separation kicks in after 9. Honestly, just don't miss any without approval—it's not worth the headache.

Can I miss drill for a family wedding or funeral?

Funerals for immediate family? Usually excused. Weddings? Not automatically. You've gotta ask and get approval. For funerals, bring proof like an obituary. For weddings, show the invite and explain why you can't skip it.

Checklist: What to do if you must miss a drill weekend

Notify chain of command as early as possible (at least 2 weeks in advance for non-emergencies).
Submit a formal DA Form 31 or unit request.
Provide supporting documentation (doctor's note, employer letter, etc.).
Wait for written approval before assuming you are excused.
If approved, coordinate a makeup date with your training NCO.
If denied, you must attend drill or face consequences. Do not simply stay home.
Keep copies of all paperwork for your personal records.

Resumen breve

No sin permiso: No puede faltar a un fin de semana de simulacro sin autorización previa. Las ausencias no autorizadas tienen graves consecuencias.
Razones válidas: Las emergencias médicas, familiares, y los conflictos de servicio militar son las razones más comunes para una ausencia justificada.
Consecuencias severas: Las ausencias no autor pueden llevar a la pérdida de beneficios, bonificaciones, y una baja no honorable.
Proceso correcto: Notifique a su cadena de mando inmediatamente, presente un formulario de solicitud y proporcione documentación de respaldo.