Reserve Troops May Be Sent to Assist with Ebola Outbreak in Liberia

pongsak deethongngam/iStockphoto/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Reserve troops or National Guardsman could be sent to assist in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in Liberia after President Obama signed an executive order on Thursday.

Current rules limit National Guardsman from being deployed overseas for more than 30 days. A U.S. official told ABC News that the executive order allows for involuntary mobilization of National Guard or Army Reserve troops for deployments of over 30 days to Liberia if needed.

Obama’s decision, the official says, does not mean that a significant call-up of Guard or Reserve members is being planned.


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