What happens if I don't go to drill
So you're thinking about skipping drill. Let me tell you—it's not some little slap on the wrist kind of thing. Depending on who you are, how many times you've done it, and what your unit's policy looks like, you could be looking at anything from a sit-down chat with your NCO to some seriously ugly legal and financial trouble.
What are the immediate consequences of missing a drill?
The second you don't show up, your chain of command is gonna start asking questions. If you didn't get permission beforehand, congrats—you're now an "Unexcused Absence" (UA). Your immediate supervisor will probably whip up a counseling statement (DA Form 4856 if you're Army) documenting the whole thing. That piece of paper? It's now in your permanent record. And it's the first domino to fall in the disciplinary mess that follows.
What happens after I miss multiple drills?
Keep missing, and things get real serious, real fast. The military has this thing called a "Good Faith" effort requirement—they expect you to actually try. Miss four or more drills in a year, or blow off your Annual Training (AT), and you're flagged as an "Unsatisfactory Participant" (UP). That flag sets off a chain reaction:
- Counseling and Warning Letters: You'll get formal counseling and a letter saying your status is on thin ice.
- Bar to Reenlistment: Say goodbye to reenlisting or extending your contract.
- Loss of Pay and Allowances: No pay for those missed drills. Plus, you might lose special pays like SRIP or tuition assistance.
- Reduction in Grade: They can bump you down a rank, which means less money in your pocket.
Can I be discharged for not going to drill?
Yeah. And that's probably the worst outcome. Once you're tagged as an Unsatisfactory Participant and you don't fix your act, your unit will start separation proceedings. The kind of discharge you get matters a ton:
| Discharge Type | Characterization | Impact on You |
|---|---|---|
| Honorable | Rare for chronic missed drills | Full benefits (GI Bill, VA home loan) retained. |
| General (Under Honorable Conditions) | Common for first-time or minor UP patterns | Loss of some benefits (e.g., GI Bill may be partially forfeited). |
| Other Than Honorable (OTH) | Common for repeated, willful absences | Loss of nearly all VA benefits. Difficulty finding civilian employment. Can be used against you in court. |
| Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) | Only after a court-martial | Felony-level conviction. Loss of all benefits. Permanent civilian record. |
What financial penalties will I face?
Honestly, the money hit is brutal and hits fast. You don't get paid for the drills you miss—that's obvious. But here's the kicker: they can come after money you already got. If you pocketed a bonus for enlisting or reenlisting, they'll start recouping it on a pro-rata basis. You'll have to pay back a chunk of it. And if you skip your Annual Training, they might claw back your drill pay for the whole year.
What is the difference between an excused and unexcused absence?
An excused absence means your commander or someone they authorized gave you the thumbs-up beforehand. Legit reasons include medical stuff, family emergencies, or work conflicts—with proof, naturally. An unexcused absence is just showing up unannounced (or not showing up at all) without permission. Only the commander can say it's excused.
What should I do if I cannot make it to drill?
Look, the absolute worst move is to just ghost them. Don't do that. Here's what you should actually do:
- Call your unit immediately. Get in touch with your chain of command—your NCO or officer—as early as you can.
- Request a "Make-up Drill." You can ask to do the missed duties on another day. That's called a "make-up" or "alternate" drill. But you need approval beforehand.
- Provide documentation. Got a doctor's note, a work schedule, or any other proof? Hand it over.
- Do not go AWOL. If you're drilling, you're under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Don't test that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for missing drill?
Not usually, not for just one missed drill. But if you're ordered to show up and don't, or you go AWOL for a while (like 30+ days), you could face a court-martial and confinement. It's rare for reservists, but it's possible.
Can I get a civilian job if I have an OTH discharge?
You can, but it'll be a nightmare. An OTH discharge is a huge red flag for employers. Lots of companies won't touch you with it. Plus, you'll lose your security clearance, which can end any career in federal or defense contracting.
What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from drilling?
Tell your unit. Ask for a "Medical Hold" or a "Profile." You'll need paperwork from a military or civilian doctor. If it's a permanent thing, you might get a medical discharge or retirement. Seriously—don't just stop showing up.
How many drills can I miss before being discharged?
There's no magic number. It's about a pattern of Unsatisfactory Participation. Usually, after 4 missed drills in a year, you're flagged. After 9 unexcused absences in a year, your commander will probably start separation. The whole process can drag on for months.
Short Summary
- Immediate Action: You will be counseled and marked as an Unexcused Absence (UA), starting a paper trail.
- Escalation: Missing 4+ drills triggers "Unsatisfactory Participant" status, leading to pay loss, demotion, and bar to reenlistment.
- Discharge Risk: You can receive an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge, losing VA benefits and harming civilian job prospects.
- Best Course: Always communicate with your chain of command and request a make-up drill or excused absence before missing a drill.
