New Army National Guard facility opens in Easton

EASTON, Md. – The new Maryland Army National Guard Readiness Center has finally opened its doors in Easton.

“This is a paramount display of modernization in the Maryland National Guard,” said Major Kurt Rauschenberg.

This new 18.4 million dollar state-of-the-art facility in Easton brings major upgrades to the former National Guard Armory.

It includes things like modern classroom spaces, a spot for drill training, a gym and even space for equipment repairs.

“It has essentially everything that an individual Army National Guard soldier needs in order to come to one location and have essentially everything that an active duty military installation would have in a compact construct,” said Rauschenberg, the public affairs director for the Maryland Army National Guard.

According to Rauschenberg, right now these tools are critical for modern warfare.

“Our missions are constantly evolving and we have to make sure that we stay ready for any mission regardless,” said Rauschenberg.

So, the readiness center will also give soldiers a chance to use simulations and outdoors spaces to refine their skills.

“The state has really, the state and federal government has really put a lot into the capabilities of the installation and what the individual soldier has now for them to prepare themselves,” said Rauschenberg.

It is something people like Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says will make an impact on the Maryland Army National Guard for years to come.

“The people in the community are going to be proud to see it, and I think it’s going to help with recruiting,” said Hogan.

This new facility will also provide more support services for military families.

Construction for the new readiness center started back in June 2017. It replaces a state armory that was around for over four decades.

This new facility was made possible by 14.9 million dollars in federal funding and over 3 million dollars in state funding.