Budget cuts force Hawaii Army National Guard to cancel drills
The Hawaii Army National Guard is cancelling monthly drills for 3,000 soldiers scheduled for next weekend because of a nationwide budget shortfall.
The shortfall means Hawaii won’t receive $1 million for training it expected to get next month. This prompted the Guard to cancel drills scheduled for Sept. 6-7. It’s also curtailing training travel for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30.
Hawaii National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Charles Anthony said the National Guard Bureau outside of Washington informed local commanders of the news Friday.
Anthony said the Hawaii Army Guard may hold 13 drill weekends next fiscal year instead of 12 to make up for the lost training.
The Air National Guard will hold exercises next week.