Local troops called to active duty

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A company-sized element of local Reserve Marines and Sailors have been called to mobilize on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, received notification Jan. 22 that they will report for a year of active duty service.

The projected mobilization date is in May or June 2010. The service members will spend about four months training for an expected deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility in the fall.

The infantry company is comprised primarily of Marines and Sailors from the following states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The majority of troops in 3/25 are Reserve Marines. A small staff of U.S. Navy personnel provide medical and chaplain support. Additionally, a cadre of active duty Marines serve on the Inspector-Instructor staffs at the Battalion and Company Headquarters in order to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the reserve units.

This mobilization is the unit’s second since 2005. While in the Central Command area of responsibility, the troops will conduct various missions in support of counter-insurgency operations.