DES MOINES – As a result of force structure and stationing study findings, the Iowa National Guard has permanently closed the Centerville armory, effective immediately. The unit previously assigned to the Centerville armory, Company A (Forward Support Company), 224th Engineer Battalion has been consolidated and moved to Fairfield, Iowa. Fifty Soldiers are currently assigned to Co. A (FSC), 224th Engineer Battalion.
The 21,000-square foot Centerville armory is the twelfth armory to be closed as part of a state-wide consolidation and facilities upgrade program initiated in 2000 by the Iowa National Guard. Constructed in 1992, the Centerville armory has been home to the following Iowa National Guard units: Company C, 224th Engineer Battalion; 2133rd Transportation Company; and Company A, 224th Engineer Battalion.
Since 2000, as part of the Iowa National Guard plan to relocate military units into higher demographic areas, close outdated armories, consolidate units on a regional concept, and upgrade existing facilities through renovation and new construction, the Iowa National Guard has consolidated units and closed armories in Sioux Center, Villisca, Mapleton, Atlantic, Clarinda, Glenwood, Hampton, Jefferson, Chariton, Newton, and Eagle Grove. Closed armories are generally offered to the communities for repurposing.
