UPDATE IN RESERVE: HAVY HAS SCREENING AT LOCAL CENTER

More than 100 Navy Reservists who live within a 200-mile radius of the city reported to the Cape Girardeau Naval Reserve Center on Saturday to participate in a one-day screening of the Navy's Individual Ready Reserve.

The screening is part of a nation-wide effort by the Navy and Defense Department to identify, locate and verify Navy men and women who have a military obligation in the reserve that does not include active participation in a local reserve unit.

The reservists have completed four years of active duty and are now completing the remaining two years of a six-year military service obligation in the ready reserve.

"The men and women here today are all former active duty who are now part of the ready reserve, but not a member of any particular reserve unit," said Navy Commander Stephen Jones, commanding officer of Naval Reserve Personnel Mobilization Team Number 2318, based at the Naval Reserve Center in Bridgeton.

"As members of the IRR, the reservists no longer wear the uniform, or attend monthly drill with a reserve unit. But they are subject to recall to active duty in the event of a selective or total mobilization. The IRR gives the Navy a ready pool of previously trained individuals for mobilization, if needed. For this reason, it is imperative the Navy be able to contact these people at all times."

During the screening, each reserv~ist updates IRR team members on the status of their family and dependent status, home address and telephone numbers. The reserv~ists are also given a medical screening to determine if there are any physical conditions that would affect their mobilization. Any expired military identification cards are also renewed at the same time.

The reservists are also briefed by a legal officer on legal matters pertaining to mobilization, such as power of attorney, insurance, pay, and benefits to dependents.

The screening concludes as each reservist collects one-day's active duty pay from the finance officer.

"The IRR screenings are conducted on a regular cycle by the Navy Reserve Personnel Center in New Orleans," said Jones. "The Bridgeton team conducts screenings at the Cape Girardeau Naval Reserve Center every three years, and at centers in the St. Louis area, and at Joplin."