THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411170661
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Scores of National Guard and reserve units across the country will be closing their doors over the next 10 months as the military tries to cut costs.
The cuts, announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday, will affect reserve units in 39 states, the District of Columbia and six foreign countries. National Guard and reserves in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force will drop from 1.036 million to 996,100, a reduction of nearly 39,900, or almost 4 percent.
Long-term Pentagon plans call for cutting an additional 44,400 by 1999.
Defense Secretary William Perry said the cuts will eliminate redundant forces and enable the remaining guard and reserves to operate at a higher level.
``To do that, it is imperative that we eliminate force structure we don't need and apply our finite resources to enhance the mission-readiness of those who remain in the force,'' Perry said.
Cuts were made with geographic equity in mind and with an eye to trimming those units judged below par in their operating readiness. Cutting out those units saves the Pentagon the annual operating costs they consume, as well as extra funds that would have been needed to bring them up to par.
Members of units being deactivated or subjected to reductions will have opportunities to move to other units where possible. If there is no new position available, ``the individual will be separated with the appropriate transition benefits,'' according to the Pentagon announcement. Those enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill program will continue to receive benefits.
The cuts were ordered by Congress in the fiscal 1995 budget passed earlier this year.
The largest cuts are coming from the Army and Navy reserves: 1,800 from the Army National Guard; 25,300 from the Army Reserve; and 9,100 from the Navy Reserve.
Marine Corps Reserve and Air National Guard forces will be cut only slightly. The Air Force Reserve will be cut by 2,900.
Pennsylvania and New York are the two hardest-hit states, losing 5,558 and 4,577 guard and reserve positions, respectively.
Others hard hit include Alabama, 2,235; California, 2,830; Kentucky, 1,980; Tennessee, 2,611; and Wisconsin, 2,997.
KEYWORDS: BUDGET CUTS NATIONAL GUARD
by CNB