Ordering the Selected Reserve and Certain Individual Ready Reserve Members of the Armed Forces to Active Duty

This executive order authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation to activate up to 33,000 Selected Reserve and certain Individual Ready Reserve members for operations related to the Kosovo conflict in the former Yugoslavia. It delegates activation and termination authority to the relevant cabinet secretaries without specifying exact units or individuals.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 23007

Impact dates

Apr 27, 1999
Activation authority effective immediately upon signing

Key directives

Authorize Secretary of Defense to order Selected Reserve and IRR members to active duty
Authorize Secretary of Transportation to activate Coast Guard reserve members when not operating under Department of the Navy
Authorize termination of active duty service for activated units and members

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Authorization to order reservists to active duty takes effect

Near term (90d)

Potential activation of reserve units and individuals for Kosovo operations

Long term

Service members may face extended active duty; termination of active duty service to be determined by secretaries

Risks & tensions

No cap specified on number of reservists; 'any units' language gives broad discretion
No fixed duration for active duty stated—termination left to secretaries' judgment
Potential strain on reserve component readiness and civilian employment
Text notes this is 'internal management' only, disclaiming enforceable legal rights