(Des Moines)– Some local National Guard members have been put on alert for possible active duty.
Colonel Robert C. King, Public Affairs Officer for the Iowa National Guard, says the Iowa Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, have been alerted in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle.
The Battalion is headquartered in Fort Dodge and has subordinate units in Storm Lake, Spencer, Algona and Estherville. It has about 460 officers and soldiers.
Colonel King says its possible mission and duty location, if mobilized, have not been identified.
He says the battalion could be ordered to active duty for a year, which could be extended by an additional year, by the Secretary of Army.
King says the unit is organized, equipped and trained to provide indirect fire for infantry division combat operations.
