Most Kansas National Guard soldiers and airmen will not be attending their monthly drill this weekend as a result of the current shutdown of the federal government.

One exception to this is Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation, headquartered in Topeka, which is beginning premobilization training.

The decision to cancel was made prior to the weekend because of the time needed to notify soldiers and airmen, food contractors and others involved in the drill activities.

The drill period will be rescheduled once the shutdown has been resolved.

Because of the shutdown, the 35th Infantry Division, Fort Leavenworth, has rescheduled the change of command set for Saturday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. The change of command ceremony is still planned to take place at Fort Leavenworth’s main parade field.

A change of command ceremony for the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry will also be rescheduled to another date.

Despite the federal shutdown, the law allows the National Guard to maintain personnel involved in life and safety response to continue in their roles.

“If there is a tornado, a flood or other emergency, we are allowed under the laws regulating the federal shutdown to deploy the personnel needed to protect the health and safety of the people we serve,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. “However, every day that this shutdown continues it diminishes our operational capability and our readiness.”