Conference repair::reserve_forces

176.0. "WAR ON DRUGS" by AKOCOA::LORENTZEN () Thu Jul 11 1991 18:47

    Hi all,
    
    I've been AWOL from this note for quite some time, busier than a
    one-armed paper hanger!!!  Anyway, it seems like things are looking
    pretty tough for the military in general with all the cutbacks and
    base closings going on world-wide.  I hear that even the Warsaw Pact 
    has been disbanded.  Jeez, now what the h___ are we going to do?!?
    It seems like peace is breaking out all over!  Except in Eastern
    Europe, Africa and various and sundry other places.  I wonder if
    the "powers-that-be" are noticing that?
    
    Well, pilgrims, for some of you here in the good old USA there is
    a bit of an opportunity rolling around at the moment.  I had a call
    from our unit training NCO the other day asking if I would be
    interested in spending 30 days in "a Southwestern State" (US, of
    course) helping out with the "WAR ON DRUGS".  It seems that the
    DEA and Border Patrol are totally strapped for resources and are
    looking for support from the Army.  As far as I know, only Army
    personnel with an infantry MOS (not necessarily current) are
    being considered.  If any of you former grunts are interested
    in some of that action, you might want to check it out with your
    unit.  My understanding as of now is that those selected will 
    receive active duty orders (individuals, not units) for a period
    of 30 days.  Everything is a bit sketchy right now but as I get more
    info I'll post it here.
    
    In the meantime, keep humpin',
    
    Len
    

    Len,
    
    The DEA is after the Air National Guard also.  They want us for 
    various type of duty for tours of various lengths.
    
    Jane

    watch out!
    
    Our state has been using troops to assist in checking ships & trucks
    for a couple of years now.  A reliable source informed me about the
    problems involved in long term ADSW.  It seems your health/life
    insurance coverage could be flakey if something happens while assigned
    to the DEA/Customs group.  Make sure your local JAG briefs you before
    accepting the assignment.
    
    Randy Schwartz
    NJARNG

    The deployment to Southwest US occurred as scheduled, unfortunately I 
    was not able to make it due to MOS Qualification training.  The troops
    returned recently looking beat up and tired but full of interesting
    "war stories".  Their mission was purely surveillance which was
    accomplished via short range patrols and observation.  Minimum
    equipment was carried which included rucksack, LBE and M16 with only
    one 20 round magazine.  The orders were to report any activity in the
    assigned sector and avoid contact completely.  The ammo was for self
    defense only with strict orders on rules of engagement.  The patrols
    averaged 3-4 days with 2 days off back at basecamp.  Most of the people
    I talked to enjoyed the experience and appreciated the beauty of the
    desert in that part of the world.  All were glad to be back after their
    38 day tour!
    
    Len