IRR Call-Up Puts Lives In Disarray

[Scooter24]

USA Today
August 5, 2004

Rick Howell thought his military career ended seven years ago. Then, last month, a telegram ordered him to report for duty on Aug. 31 for what surely will be at least a year in Iraq.

The timing couldn't be worse.

The 47-year-old retired helicopter test pilot will have to leave home 27 days before his wife is due to give birth to their first child. He'll also leave behind a half-finished house and two aging parents.

Howell is one of thousands of former soldiers in the Individual Ready Reserve who can be plucked from retirement and civilian life to fill the ranks of an Army taxed by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The IRR is an infrequently used pool of former soldiers who can be called to duty in a national emergency or war.

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_callup_080504,00.html