Guard to deploy 400 to eight Missouri airports

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Army National Guard is asking for 400 volunteers to provide security at eight commercial airports around the state.

Plans call for the soldiers to begin staffing airports security checkpoints Oct. 6, spokswoman Lt. Tamara Spicer said Friday.

The deployment comes after President Bush urged governors on Thursday to call up National Guard units to protect airports while he implements a long-term airline security plan.

Gov. Bob Holden's office had said Thursday that at least 150 Guardsmen would be posted at seven Missouri airports.

But more soldiers are needed in order to provide 24-hour security at some of the larger airports, Spicer said.

She said the Army National Guard is asking for volunteers from any of its occupational fields; specific training will be provided before they are placed at airports.

If enough Guardsmen don't volunteer, then some will have to be called to airport duty.

Soldiers will be in staffing commercial airports in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Fort Leonard Wood, Joplin, Kansas City, Kirksville, St. Louis and Springfield.