Annual Training Season: It’s That Time of the Year Again!

Annual Training (AT) season is finally coming to an end for the year, but it’s never “just two weeks” for Guard families.

Annual Training season hits differently when you’re in the National Guard. For the service member, it’s a shift out of your civilian routine and into full “Army” or “Air” mode. For the family at home, it’s two weeks of managing life solo, while hoping everything runs smoothly and that the phone charger actually made it into their duffle.

Even with a solid packing list, something always gets left behind. We all know about the last minute Walmart run, but don’t sleep on the Commissary or PX. Most of what you need — snacks, hygiene kits, caffeine, extra socks — will be right there and usually way cheaper.

For those staying behind, it’s a whole other operation. Schedules shift. Kids ask questions. The dog acts like it’s the end of the world. It’s not dramatic, it’s just real. However, for the Guardsman, it’s tough knowing you’re missing home while still needing to stay locked in. 

Now that AT season is finally coming to an end for this year, we can all breathe a little easier. The two weeks may seem short, but they bring a unique kind of stress, and the adjustments don’t always feel temporary. Don’t worry though…Guard families are built for this. We juggle, we adapt, and we show up, even when the plan changes at the last second. 

So, if you’re wrapping up AT this July, take a moment to relax. You made it. And remember, you’re not alone. Guard families stick together, no matter the distance. 

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