Western THQ to relocate to Crestmont

Cost-saving measure will reunite territory’s administrative and educational headquarters on one campus.

With its current facility in Long Beach, California, now under sale agreement, Western Territorial Headquarters (THQ) is set to relocate this fall to The Salvation Army’s Crestmont Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The roughly 15-mile move will reunite THQ with the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont, which has served as home to CFOT since 1973 and housed THQ prior to its move to Long Beach in 2000. Currently underutilized, the campus will once again serve as the administrative and educational headquarters for the territory, allowing for a consolidation of costs and resources between the two entities.  

“This is not a move back; this is a move forward for our territory,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder. “It is not only a move for increased financial stewardship, but one that will allow greater exchange in a campus environment. The possibilities for interdepartmental collaboration will only improve the delivery of services that Territorial Headquarters offers in service to the territory.”

The decision comes on the back of a wide-ranging study designed to assess the financial strength of the territory. Known as Project 180, the three-year, three-prong effort aims to reduce costs, increase income and develop ministry.

Due to high maintenance costs associated with the current THQ facility, the Board of Directors determined the headquarters move would be an appropriate cost-saving measure to reduce administrative costs without impacting effectiveness.

Yet it’s the increased engagement opportunities that those involved in the move most anticipate.

“We look forward to the interaction with THQ personnel as well as the energy and vibrancy that THQ will bring to the campus,” said Major Brian Saunders, CFOT Principal. “What happens outside the classroom can be just as important as what happens in class. I envision a campus where cadets will interact with Army leaders and employees, gleaning insights and understanding of the Army directly from those most intimately involved in the ongoing work of the territory—sharing thoughts across the lunch table, casual conversations in the library, or brainstorming ideas over a cup of coffee—all will serve to enhance the cadets’ understanding of the Army and its mission and will encourage officers and employees alike that the future of the Army is in good hands.”    

To prepare the campus for the addition of THQ’s officers and employees, a group of architects and consultants performed a “fit test,” which demonstrated that there is adequate space at Crestmont once again for all of THQ’s personnel.

A Territorial Relocation Implementation Group composed of various section and department heads is coordinating the myriad dimensions of the move. At present, the group is working to finalize schematics for campus revisions with the architects.