Army retirees face 'home duty'

The US Army is considering recalling to active duty up to 200,000 retired personnel. The move would free younger men and women for overseas assignment in a crisis, Monitor correspondent John K. Cooley reports.

The Army plans to notify retirees up to age 60, without disabilities, that they may be recalled.

Soldiers with 20 or more years of experience who draw lifetime pensions are eligible for recall to serve in the continental United States under terms of their retirement agreements.

The provision was last used on a significant scale in World War II and the Korean war. It has never been used in peacetime.

In May, 865 retirees will get letters designating them for possible future active service at Fort Bening, Ga.,; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Fort Riley, Kan.