Annual Training (AT) is one of the foundational pillars of service in the Army Reserve. If you’re a new 38G or returning after a long break, understanding how AT works — and how it impacts your career progression, pay, and retirement points — is essential.
What Is Annual Training (AT)?
Annual Training (AT) is a federally mandated period of active duty training, usually lasting 14 days, designed to maintain readiness and ensure Reserve Soldiers stay proficient in their assigned duties. Unlike Inactive Duty Training (IDT) drill weekends, AT involves full-time service and is conducted on active duty status.
Key Features of AT
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Typically 14 days (can vary) |
| Status | Active Duty (Title 10 or Title 32, depending on mission) |
| Pay | Full active duty base pay + applicable BAH, BAS, and travel entitlements |
| Points | Earns 1 retirement point per day |
| Orders System | Orders typically issued via RLAS or ATRRS |
Types of AT Orders
Depending on your unit and mission, your AT orders may fall into a few categories:
- Unit AT: The most common — group training events planned by your company or battalion.
- Individual AT: For IRR or TPU Soldiers aligned with a unit but completing training separately.
- Specialized AT: Aligned with your MOS, PME, or a larger exercise (e.g., Joint Readiness Training Center).
- Overseas Deployment Training (ODT): Some AT events involve travel to foreign countries to support partner nations or real-world exercises.
What To Expect During AT
🛏️ Billeting
- Expect to be on-post or in contracted lodging nearby. Field training may mean tents or open bays.
- If you’re TDY, check whether you’re in government lodging or off-post hotel.
💵 Pay and Entitlements
- You’ll receive active duty base pay for your grade and time in service.
- Eligible Soldiers receive BAS, and BAH (if not in government quarters).
- Travel reimbursements apply for TDY status.
🧑🏫 Training
- Varies by MOS and unit focus. Could include:
- Mission Essential Task List (METL) events
- Civil Affairs exercises or humanitarian simulations
- Weapons qualification, physical readiness training, and administrative updates
AT vs ADT vs PME
It’s common to confuse Annual Training (AT) with other training periods:
| Type | Purpose | Can Replace AT? |
|---|---|---|
| ADT (Active Duty for Training) | Training outside of AT/IDT, often for schools | ✅ Yes, with command approval |
| PME (Professional Military Education) | Courses like BOLC, ILE, etc. | ✅ Yes, in many cases |
📝 Note: If you’re attending PME (e.g., Captains Career Course) that spans 2+ weeks in the fiscal year, your commander can certify it in place of AT — but it must be documented in orders and RLAS properly.
Why AT Matters for Your Career
- Readiness: It ensures you meet MOS and unit readiness standards.
- Points: 14 AT days = 14 retirement points toward your “good year.”
- Promotion: Participation is expected and tracked. Skipping AT (without an excused reason) can stall your career.
- Networking: It’s a key time to engage with leadership and align with future opportunities.
- Record Accuracy: Your time in service, awards, and evaluations often flow from AT periods.
AT might feel like “just two weeks a year,” but it plays a major role in your Reserve career. From earning retirement credit to meeting training requirements, it’s an essential part of staying competitive and promotable — especially as a 38G in a highly specialized space.
If you’re unsure whether your school, ADT, or mission support activity counts toward AT, check with your unit S1 or training NCO and ensure proper documentation exists in RLAS or IPPS-A.