RELEASED BY: LT. COL. GREG HAPGOOD
     PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
     OFFICE: (515) 252-4582
     CELL: (515) 971-6385
     HOME: (515) 986-5725

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

TWO IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD UNITS MOBILIZED FOR ACTIVE DUTY IN IRAQ

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C., have announced that two Iowa Army National Guard units have been mobilized for federal active duty. These mobilizations are part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism.
 

Approximately 120 Soldiers have been mobilized from Company D, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry based in Denison, and another 120 Soldiers have been mobilized from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry based at Camp Dodge in Johnston, with an effective date of active duty anticipated for June 2007. Information regarding the units’ sendoff ceremonies will be provided at a later date. They will eventually report to their mobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss. for additional training and preparation before assignment to a specific location. The new DoD mobilization policy goal is to mobilize National Guard and Reserve servicemembers for no longer than 12 consecutive months, but if necessary, those servicemembers can serve up to 24 months consecutively on active duty.
 

Co. D, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry is based at Denison. The unit’s core mission is to conduct close combat with enemy forces and provide security of key terrain, facilities, and installations. Members of this unit previously deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from February 2004 to June 2005.
 

Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry is based at Camp Dodge, Johnston. The unit performs reconnaissance and surveillance missions to assist commanders in planning and executing combat operations. This unit was last deployed in support of peacekeeping operations in Kosovo from September 2003 to September 2004.
 

For questions concerning this release or additional information about the operations, training, and activities of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard, please contact Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer by email at gregory.hapgood@ia.ngb.army.mil or (515) 252-4582 (office), (515) 971-6385 (cell), or (515) 986-5725 (home) or contact Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden at duff.mcfadden@ia.ngb.army.mil or (515) 252-4666.

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