USMCR Combat Battalions May Face Redeployments
The Marine Corps has started planning to activate some of its reserve combat battalions for second deployments to Iraq, said officials Oct. 18. The Marines have returned reserve support units and active-duty forces to Iraq, but this would be the first time the reserve combat units would be redeployed. The new deployments would begin in 2008, according to sources, with 12-month mobilizations commencing next year. The Marine Corps is restricted to a 24-month limit on the total time a reservist can be mobilized, so Marines who already have served on active duty more than 12 months would not be remobilized. The new 12-month mobilizations would provide for pre-deployment training, followed by a seven-month tour in Iraq, and a demobilization period. The move would reduce some of the pressure on deployments of active-duty Marines.
