Advertisement

Texas governor activates 400 guard members

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Gov. Rick Perry Friday ordered more than 400 members of the Texas Army National Guard to active duty to provide additional security at the state's 27 commercial airports.

Perry and Texas Adjutant General Daniel James said the men and women from the 49th Armored Division would probably begin training next week. They will receive about three days of instruction from the Federal Aviation Administration before reporting to airports.

Advertisement

James said they could be visible at Texas airports in about two weeks.

The troops are expected to stay on active duty for six months or until the federal government assumes supervision of airport security as President Bush has proposed.

"The sight of national guard troops will be a sign that every security precaution is being taken to assure the safety of air travelers and citizens of Texas," Perry said.

Perry acted after the president asked the nation's governors to call up about 4,000 members of the guard to work security at 720 checkpoints in the country's 420 commercial airports.

Latest Headlines