Nevada Guard put on alert

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003 | 11:22 a.m.

The National Guard was informed this morning that the 321st Signal Co. has been put on alert, April Conway, Army National Guard spokeswoman, said.

"This simply means to be ready," she said. "It means to be ready because they will probably be called in the future."

The 321st Signal Co., which consists of about 100 people, is based out of Stead, just north of Reno. The unit operates equipment that provides the army with long-range communication capabilities.

Conway said there are currently about 300 members of the Nevada National Guard in Iraq.

The 72nd Military Police Co., based out of Henderson, has been there since spring, Conway said. The Army National Guard is trying to get the unit home by Christmas. Conway said they are hopeful.

The 777th Engineer Utility Team Co., also based out of Henderson, currently has about 50 people in Iraq.

Around 125 men and women from the 152nd Air Lift Wing, based out of Reno, are there as well. The 152nd Air Lift Wing is part of the International Guard.

So far the Marine Reserves have not been alerted, Capt. William Ghilarducci said.

Ghilarducci said the Marine Reserves currently have one of its two units in Iraq.

Fox Co.'s Weapons Platoon, which consists of 107 men, is not currently listed on the Secretary of Defense's rotation schedule for operation Iraqi Freedom, but are on a high level for readiness, Ghilarducci said.