Fort Location Endorsed

As Suitable For Training

State Troops.

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Nicollet county may furnish the solution to the campsite quandary which is now facing the executive committee of the National Guard association, if recommendations favoring Fort Ridgely as a permanent site are approved. The adjutant general’s office has been instructed to prepare a survey dealing with the acquisition of a site for the yearly encampment that will accommodate all branches of the service adequately and without crowding. The results and the question as a whole will be presented to the yearly convention of the state guard and then will go to the legislature.

Third Site Needed

This action is the result of conditions existing some time in state guard circles. To date the only facilities have been Fort Snelling and the small state reservation at Lake City. Artillery units have been forced to go outside the state.

Fort Ridgely seems to be a fortunate solution to the problem. As a camp site for the state guard it would be ample and healthful and the beauty and historic associations of the spot would be on a par with any other in Minnesota. The only objection that can be raised is the lack of railroad facilities, which in this day of motor transportation can easily be over-looked.

Other Military Matters

Other recommendations of the committee urged that field training be held in June, that regulations- authorize issuance of a good conduct medal for enlisted men and that a medal be issued for valor and distinguished service. Another medal advised is a basic service medal for ten years’ service with a bar for each additional five years and so designed as to permit the wearing of a ribbon on the service blouse. Other suggestions brought out advocated simplification of unassigned officers’ pay rules, regular periods for committee meetings and a move toward increased membership.

New Ulm Review,

Dec. 30, 1925

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