The Iowa National Guard opened its new readiness center in West Des Moines today (Wednesday) with a ribbon cutting. Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Stephen Osborn says it will be a key facility to keeping soldiers prepared.

The center will be the home of roughly 200 soldiers in the famed Red Bull 168th Infantry Regiment, and the 2168th Transportation Company.

Major General Osborn says the readiness center will also serve the community in a similar role that National Guard Armories have in the past.

Governor Reynolds and Major General Stephen Osborn prepare to cut the ribbon for the new Readiness Center. (Radio Iowa photo)

Governor Kim Reynolds was also on hand to mark the opening of the more than 54-thousand square foot facility.

The facility is on the southwest edge of West Des Moines and General Osborn says its location is close to the interstates, making it easy for the soldiers to reach and deploy across the state.