National Guard has 'belt-line inspections'

Troops from the 1140th National Guard engineering company will meet in Perryville, Mo., Dec. 6 and 7 to make sure everything is in order for a potential call-up.

Charles Hutchings, a spokesman for the 1140th, said the guardsmen will have "belt-line inspections," meaning the troops will be given some last-minute training and will make sure everything is in order for both soldiers and their families.

Troops will have their paperwork checked, including their identification cards. Families will be updated on what to expect from the government.

"This is a pretty big deal," Hutchings said. "I can't believe how many people this affects."

In early November, the 1140th was put on alert that mobilization is possible. The 1140th has companies in Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Perryville, Jackson, Sikeston and Portageville.