Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the N.D. National Guard, told members of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee this month that Camp Grafton Training Center-South is an asset but it is not adequate in size to support range and maneuver functions.

The Minot meeting was held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Meeting additional training requirements of operational reserve requires additional in-state range and maneuver training areas to allow units to train and prepare in state more frequently. This includes ranges for all weapon systems.

At a minimum, according to Dohrmann, the N.D. National Guard would like to expand Camp Grafton Training Center-South with 6,000 more acres to build a new range complex. They would also like to add another 17,000 acres if that opportunity is available.

Submitted Photo North Dakota National Guard members prepare to shoot pistols at a combat marksmanship match at Camp Grafton South rifle range in July 2015, shown in this photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp.

Dohrmann said the proposed expansion will benefit soldiers and airmen by training in the state so they are ready to accomplish their missions when they are called upon.

Military members from Minot Air Force Base have also trained at the Camp Grafton.

Currently, military members in North Dakota go to such places as Camp Guernsey in Wyoming and Camp Ripley in Minnesota for some of their training.

Dohrmann said the Guard wants to continue to be good neighbors and will work with willing landowners for a fair land transaction for the proposed expansion.

He said the N.D. National Guard has no authority for eminent domain and will not seek such authority.

He said they will work with all landowners, counties, cities and the Spirit Lake Nation to receive input and discuss the proposal. Some townhalls and meetings have already been held.

The proposal is in the preliminary stages of discussion to determine interest and to receive feedback before deciding if they should proceed with a proposal to the North Dakota Legislature during the next legislative session.