Thinner attendance at WA National Guard training as state deals with funding clawback

The Washington Army National Guard saw a significant drop in participation during a recent drill weekend due to budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration. Approximately 5,000 soldiers were scheduled to train, but many received excused absences as the Guard aimed to save costs amid a funding shortfall. Each drill weekend typically costs about $2. 5 million, and the National Guard bureau has pulled back $3 million from Washington state since February. Communications Director Karina Shagren explained that expected federal funding to offset these losses has not materialized, leading to further financial strain.

Despite these challenges, Shagren assured that the National Guard's readiness to respond to emergencies remains intact. Officials will assess how many soldiers missed the drill and the financial savings in the weeks ahead. The situation highlights the impact of federal budget decisions on state-level military operations. As the funding landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these adjustments will affect future training opportunities.