USTRANSCOM reserve unit reports for duty

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- By mid October, more than 50 members of U.S. Transportation Command's Joint Transportation Reserve Unit were recalled for one year active duty to coordinate Department of Defense and government agencies transportation.

The majority of recalled reservists staff the Crisis Action Team cell at the command's headquarters, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Additional members serve as transportation liaison officers at several joint commands, the Global Patient Movement Response Team, and USTRANSCOM's Joint Intelligence Center.

In the days immediately following the September 11 attack on America, a dozen JTRU reservists reported for immediate duty at USTRANSCOM headquarters. Of the reporting reservists, seven were already scheduled for annual training, and many could not travel to their assigned commands due to grounded air travel.

"USTRANSCOM is the first command to ramp up following any military or humanitarian mission," said Maj. Gen. Carlos "Butch" Pair, USTRANSCOM chief of staff. "The command depends on the JTRU reserve assets to meet our mission every day and especially with new missions."

All services are represented in the one-year reserve recall: 18 Army, 13 Air Force, 13 Navy and seven Coast Guard reservists are serving in Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. The recalled reservists represent 30% of the JTRU.

Several of the recalled reservists commented on their sense of pride and honor to serve.

"Before the attacks, JTRU provided more than 5,070 contributory staff days to USTRANSCOM so far in 2001," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Lance Meyers, JTRU commander. "With the new missions, JTRU is significant to the mission's success."