Hagel Mobilizes Reserve Forces in Support of Operation United Assistance

DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has signed an order authorizing the involuntary mobilization of approximately 2,100 Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers to support Operation United Assistance. Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby says Hagel signed the order yesterday and that Army officials are now in the process of notifying individual soldiers and their families. Once all of the appropriate notifications have been completed, Kirby said additional information will be provided about units and specialties being mobilized. The troops will replace forces in Senegal and Liberia who are supporting our whole-of-government response to the most devastating Ebola outbreak in history. All soldiers will conduct regionally-specific training on Ebola prevention, malaria prevention, other medical threats, and medical readiness requirements before deploying.   Kirby said all prudent steps necessary to ensure the safety of the troops will be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission of the Ebola virus.