LEWISTON – As National Guard units across the country struggle to find new recruits, armories in every state plan to celebrate the Guard’s 368th birthday.

At armories in Lewiston, Norway and a dozen other Maine towns, leaders plan to cut birthday cake and talk about the Guard to anyone with an interest.

“Maine’s like the rest of the country,” said Lt. Col. John Goulet, who oversees recruitment and retention for the Maine Army National Guard. “We’re short, too.”

When the 2003-04 fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, enrollment in the Maine Guard missed its goal of 2,225 by 128 people.

The remaining 2,097 soldiers have been carrying a big load. Almost 700 of them are on active duty in Iraq. Hundreds of others have already served.

For its population, Maine has had more soldiers on active duty than almost any other state.

But as Guard members complete their active duty, many are leaving the service, said Maj. Peter Rogers, spokesman for the Maine Guard.

Their numbers are not being replenished as fast as leaders would prefer.

One reason is the military’s current “stop loss” initiative, which is keeping many people in the regular Army from leaving when their enlistments end. Traditionally, many of those people shift to Guard service.

“They can’t leave, and we can’t get them,” Rogers said.

Meanwhile, the flow of 17-year-old recruits has also slowed. The issue is not with the teenagers, who are willing, Rogers said. But before a 17-year-old can sign up, parents have to give their permission.

“They are understandably reluctant,” Rogers said.

Goulet hopes Monday’s events – which begin at 9 a.m. at each armory – will introduce new people to the Guard and its benefits.

The service can pay for school. It also carries intangibles, he said.

“It’s a way to experience the world,” Goulet said. “It allows people to mature.”