JONESBORO, Ark. – After decades of training for 37 days a year, senior leaders are warning the Army National Guard that their training requirements may expand. Soldiers expressed mixed feelings on the potential change, but liquor store unions and lobbying groups are throwing their full weight behind the increase.

The alcohol industry is no stranger to supporting the military, having produced memorable events such as Bud Light’s® honorable parade celebrating a soldier’s commitment to the nation.

The Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine And Good Times Council, a trade association, explained the industry’s training-policy support in patriotic terms. “We love our brave service-members," the Council said in a written statement. "We simply want to ensure that they have the proper training and that this training occurs in the heart of downtowns across America. Specifically, this training should be in areas where local businesses and store-owners can connect with these young men and women to bridge the civil-military divide.”