More Iraq Research today. I'm gonna be an EXPERT!!

I downloaded many more TTPs and Manuals for my deployment today. Here is a newspaper article from today:

Guard receives deployment alert
By Russell Hood
Winston County Journal - May 19, 2004

A Mississippi National Guard brigade that includes a unit based in Louisville has been alerted for possible deployment.

The Guard announced last Monday that the adjutant general's office had received an alert notification for the nearly 4,000 soldiers of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade, headquartered in Tupelo.

The notification alerts the command of the brigade and its units to begin sensible planning and preparation for possible mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to a statement from the adjutant general's office.

The 155th SAB comprises units in 49 locations throughout the state. They include the A/98 CAV of Louisville and the 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery headquartered in Starkville, which has an authorized strength of 607 soldiers. The unit includes Bravo Battery in Ackerman and Detachment 1 in Eupora as well.

"These are highly trained soldiers, and I know they will do an excellent job supporting our national defense if called," said Gov. Haley Barbour, commander in chief of the Mississippi National Guard. "Marsha and I wish them well, and we certainly stand by all of them and their families."

Maj. Gen. Harold A. Cross, the Guard's adjutant general, said, "Although the brigade has received an alert, the decision to mobilize or deploy these units has not occurred. Our troops are trained and ready to provide any military support overseas if needed."

Possible mobilization is expected to occur in the upcoming months, according to the National Guard.

Maj. Danny Blanton of the Guard's public affairs office in Jackson told The Associated Press this week, "They're going to make sure all their records are ready to go. Likewise, they're going to make sure that their equipment meets mobilization standards, make sure the personnel strength meets mobilization standards."

Blanton told The AP he had no specifics about when the anticipated order will be issued or where troops will be headed. "It could be as few as 30 days or as long as three months," he said. "That's up to the Army."
Blanton also said it's possible the troops would not be mobilized, according to the report.

"We have had units that have been alerted and de-alerted," he said. "It just depends on the needs of the combatant commander in the theater."