U.S. ready to deploy 10,000 guard troops

5,000 others on alert for future service

Associated Press Sept. 27th, 2003

WASHINGTON—The U.S. military, faced with reluctance by other nations to send forces to Iraq, last night activated 10,000 Army National Guard troops to go there and put 5,000 more Army Guard soldiers on alert for likely service in Iraq.

The mobilization order for the 30th Infantry Brigade from North Carolina and the 39th Infantry Brigade from Arkansas, each with 5,000 troops, to mobilize over the next two weeks had been expected. They were earlier alerted for replacement rotation into Iraq, where the U.S. now has about 130,000 troops.

The army also announced last night it was alerting the 81st National Guard Brigade from Washington state, also with 5,000 troops, to be prepared for a likely call to active duty in Iraq.