Fermi-LAT observations of transient and flaring systems in the Galaxy

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) views the entire gamma-ray sky ($\sim$20 MeV to $>$300 GeV) every three hours. The all-sky coverage provides an excellent opportunity for the discovery of new types of gamma-ray transients. Ongoing survey observations over more than two years have been successful in revealing gamma-ray flares from several notable Galactic objects. The LAT has detected the nova V407 Cygni, a first in gamma rays. The LAT has also found two short flares from the Crab Nebula in the 100 MeV to 1 GeV range. I will discuss what this activity reveals about particle acceleration in astrophysical sources and consider the prospects for future transient discoveries with the LAT.