NY Guard Holding Annual Training Week At Camp Smith

CORTLANDT, N.Y. (AP) — Members of New York state's uniformed volunteer defense force are gathering at a Hudson Valley military post for their annual weeklong training.

The state Division of Military and Naval Affairs says 250 members of the New York Guard will train starting Saturday at the Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt in northern Westchester County.

The 500-member organization assists the New York National Guard during state emergencies. While they're paid for their service only when they are activated by the governor, their training is unpaid.

New members will undergo initial entry training, while current members will participate in programs aimed at preparing the future junior and senior leaders for upcoming operations.

The New York Guard was created 101 years ago during World War I as National Guard troops headed for Europe.