Ordering the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty

This executive order authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation to activate Selected Reserve military units and individual members for operations in and around former Yugoslavia. It was issued to augment active forces for peacekeeping operations related to the Bosnian War and NATO's IFOR deployment.

Federal Register Open PDF 60 FR 63895

Impact dates

Dec 8, 1995
Order signed and effective
Dec 8, 1995
Transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Key directives

Authorize Secretary of Defense to order Selected Reserve units and individual members to active duty
Authorize Secretary of Transportation to activate Coast Guard Selected Reserve when not operating under Department of the Navy
Determine necessity to augment active forces for operations in and around former Yugoslavia
Transmit order to Congress
Publish order in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Authorization for activation takes effect upon signing
Order transmitted to Congress and published in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

Potential activation of reserve units and individuals for Yugoslavia operations

Long term

Reserve personnel may be deployed for duration of Yugoslavia operations (timeline unspecified in order)

Risks & tensions

No explicit cap on number of reservists activated or duration of activation—authority is broad and discretionary
Coast Guard dual-authority structure (Defense vs. Transportation) creates command complexity
Timing coincides with NATO IFOR deployment to Bosnia; actual troop numbers and specific units not specified in text
No sunset clause or review mechanism stated