PENDLETON (AP) - The worst case for state budget cuts could close 25 Oregon National Guard armories.

But the Oregon Military Department says that cutbacks just half as severe would still make its ability to perform its duties "questionable."

The East Oregonian newspaper in Pendleton reported the department, like other state agencies, has prepared a list of possible cuts if the state budget keeps shrinking with the recession.

The most recent budget analysis shows Oregon will fall $3.1 billion short of the funding needed to maintain the current level of state services through the next two years.

The quarterly revenue forecast in May is expected to add more than $1 billion to that figure.

The Oregon Military Department administers, houses, equips and trains the Oregon National Guard.

In the 2009-11 state budget proposed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the department would receive $28.3 million from the general fund - or about 8 percent of a total $349.6 million budget that is funded mostly by the federal government.

But the Legislative Fiscal Office has required all state agencies receiving general fund and lottery fund money to submit budget reduction options in 5 percent increments up to 30 percent for that budget.

For the Oregon Military Department, each 5 percent equals a little more than $1.4 million. At 30 percent, the department would slash nearly $8.5 million.

But military officials say that by 15 percent, the "operational aspect in meeting the department's mission becomes questionable."

At the 25 percent level, the department would mothball four armories, and at the top end of 30 percent it would close 21 more.

Lt. Col. Kevin Sheehy, commander of Eastern Oregon's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry, said a worst-case budget cut could hit Umatilla County harder than any other place in the state.

Sheehy also said a 30 percent cut would reduce the 3rd Battalion's ability to respond to state emergencies, forcing him to consolidate the National Guard in Eastern Oregon either in La Grande or Baker City, delaying response times.

Soldiers still would have to fulfill their commitments, but likely would have to travel farther to do it.

Capt. Stephen Bomar, deputy public affairs officer for the Oregon Military Department, said if the state were to cut back on its end of the funding, the federal government would not make up the difference.

Any empty bases would go back to the hands of the local communities and the Guard would relocate its equipment, he said.

Bomar said Oregon National Guard handles a variety of missions around the state, including rescue missions, and is on call for wildfires.