National Guard armories being reviewed

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May 16, 2008

<a href="mailto:kdedam@pressrepublican.com">By KIM SMITH DEDAM</a> The Press Republican Fri May 16, 2008, 11:31 AM EDT

SARANAC LAKE — The Army National Guard is conducting fiscal review of regional facilities but has no plans to close any of the smaller armories, including the one here.

Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, spokesman for the Army National Guard based in Latham, said financial review is ongoing to assess the cost effectiveness of each facility.

New state-of-the-art Readiness Centers under construction are scheduled to open soon in Queensbury, Fort Drum, Schenectady and Utica.

The Armory in Saranac Lake is home to about 20 soldiers who are part of the 600 soldiers of the Second 108th Infantry with headquarters in Utica.

“The Second Battalion is comprised of companies,” Goldenberg said, “with about 100 soldiers in each company A, B, C and D.”

Saranac Lake soldiers are a slice of the larger Company B, based in Morrisonville, near Plattsburgh.

Historically, the smaller armories were established decades ago when people didn’t drive very far to work.

“People didn’t commute as much as they do now,” Goldenberg said. “The armories weren’t very big to begin with. Our soldiers are much more accustomed to driving 30 or 40 miles now.

“There are some real efficiencies in keeping entire units together, so we walk that balancing act of what makes sense for the Army National Guard and what makes sense for the soldier, his family and the community. What we’re finding is that it’s better for our soldiers to train together and work together.”

Any armory closure takes years to facilitate.

The new Readiness Centers about to open are the result of nearly 10 years of planning, Goldenberg said.

“We don’t come in on a Monday and announce we’re closing facilities.”

As to ongoing review at the Saranac Lake armory, it’s just routine, Goldenberg said, and there are no plans to close any facility.

“Not even close. We’re just gathering data. The residents of Saranac Lake understand that that facility does get reviewed frequently for its cost effectiveness.

“At the end of the day, your readers should be comforted knowing we’re trying to do the right thing, looking to spend their money in the most effective way and provide the best facilities for our soldiers.”

E-mail Kim Smith Dedam at:

kdedam@pressrepublican.com