Ordering the Selected Reserve and Certain Members of the Individual Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty
Executive Order 14102, issued in July 2023, authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating as a Navy service) to order to active duty up to 3,000 members of the reserve forces to augment the United States military for Operation Atlantic Resolve in the Europe theater (EUCOM area of responsibility). This activation can include units not organized as a unit in the Selected Reserve and certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) designated as essential. Of the total activated at any one time, no more than 450 may come from the IRR. The order allows the active-duty service to be terminated as needed and clarifies that it does not create new legal rights in favor of any party. In short, it provides a limited, temporary mobilization option to bolster forces in Europe.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope: Authorizes activation of reserve forces to support Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe, under authority in 10 U.S.C. sections 121 and 12304.
- 2Activation cap: Up to 3,000 total members on active duty at any one time, with no more than 450 from the Individual Ready Reserve.
- 3Eligible groups: Includes units not organized to serve as a unit of the Selected Reserve and IRR members designated as essential under Secretary regulations.
- 4Termination authority: The Secretary concerned may terminate the active-duty service of those mobilized when no longer needed.
- 5Legal note: The order does not create any new enforceable rights or benefits and is limited in scope to mobilization authorities and operational needs.