US Marines recalled for conflict deployment

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Tuesday August 22, 2006

Washington- US President George W Bush has authorized the recall of 2,500 Marines to meet manpower needs in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marine Corps said Tuesday. The Marines can be ordered back into service for a period of 12 to 18 months.

Bush's recent decision comes amid a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan and an upswing in violence in Iraq, and as the US military struggles to meet recruiting goals.

The group included in the authorization are Marines who have been on so-called inactive duty after serving four years of their contract, when they are allowed to return to civilian life but still have a contractual obligation to the service.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur