NATIONAL GUARD, RESERVE MOBILIZATION ISSUED FOR MORE THAN 5,000
September 20, 2001

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced today that 5,131 members of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, from 29 units in 24 states and the District of Columbia, have been ordered to report for active duty military service as part of the partial mobilization authorized by President Bush.

“No other single action more clearly demonstrates the national resolve than to mobilize the National Guard and Reserve forces of America,” said Craig Duehring, principal deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. “These Guardsmen and Reservists are just the first to be put on partial mobilization orders. They’re joining thousands of other Reserve forces members who immediately answered the call, either in a state active duty or federal volunteer status.

“I know I join millions of Americans in saluting them as they leave their jobs and communities to assist in the wake of last week’s hideous acts of terrorism in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.”

This partial mobilization continues to demonstrate the vital role of Reserve forces in our national military strategy. The 1.3 million men and women who serve in the seven Reserve forces make up nearly one half of the U.S. armed forces, and are an integral part of our nation’s military.

A listing of units ordered to active duty can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2001/0920gr.pdf.