2,500 veterans resist call-up to active duty

• 2,000 ex-soldiers asked for exemptions, filed lawsuits or didn't report for active duty.

The U.S. Army has encountered resistance from more than 2,500 former soldiers whom it has ordered back to military duty. They are seeking exemptions, filing court cases or simply failing to report for duty, moves that will be watched closely by approximately 110,000 other members of the Individual Ready Reserve. In the past few months, the Army has notified more than 4,000 former soldiers that they must return to active duty, but more than 1,800 have already requested exemptions or delays, many of which are still being considered. And of about 2,500 who were due to arrive on military bases for refresher training by Nov. 7, 733 did not show up. When soldiers enlist, they typically agree to an eight-year commitment but often are allowed to end active duty sooner. Some join the Reserve or National Guard to complete their commitment; others finish their time in the Individual Ready Reserve. [more]

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