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The National Guard and Reserves in the state of Idaho are one of the state's primary means of employment. Many individuals have their 9 to 5, Monday thru Friday jobs and are Guardsman or Reservists on the weekends, to supplement their incomes.
Consolidation of Armories benefits the federal government as fewer buildings equates to easier maintenance and upkeep. However, the drive time to these facilities for many of the Guardsmen and Reservists can total out to 3 to 6 hours of driving one way.
Most of the concern comes in MOSs needed at each facility currently, and where those MOSs will go after consolidation. Idaho Guard and Reserves current facilities have the luxury of being large enough to accomodate the respective equipment that each unit is trained for. Fewer armories means more travel for training and equipment use. The new armories would be the size of a manufacturing plant ,similar to FMC or Simplot,in order to accommodate equipment, multiple divisions or personnel, and multiple training programs.
In consideration of this proposal, I do know of an armory in Utah, Draper to be exact, that houses 4 full divisions in it. These are primarily all linguistics so they do not require the extensive space required for tanks, track vehicles, and the repair facilities necessary for their upkeep. Also the Idaho units maintain at least one or two flights of Blackhawk helicopters among a number of other rotor and fixed wing aircraft.
The Idaho Guard isn't just Tanks and Mechanized Infantry. There are Firefighter units and several other Rear Guard units in the state. Their armories are strategically placed so that they can accommodate the needs of the state efficiently.
It is easy enough for the government to say we are going to consolidate armories in the state, however, in my honest opinion, upkeep, renovating, remodeling and sustaining the existing ones is more cost effective and more to the needs of the Idahoans who live here.
Armed Forces Veterans Club helping more than 3,000 kids in need
ISU's Armed Forces Veterans have been helping out with Toys for Tots since October of this year. And this year, it's their goal to help more than 3,000 kids have something special for Christmas. Ref. Source 2w