Governor Schwarzenegger Issues General Order to Temporarily Deploy National Guard Troops to Secure Border

Governor Schwarzenegger has issued General Order Number 2006-01 directing the California National Guard to temporarily support federal efforts to secure the US - Mexico border. Text of the General Order is below as well as a link to a PDF version bearing the Governor's signature.
TO: The Adjutant General, State of California:

In light of the request by the President of the United States for the California National Guard to support security operations on the southwest border in support of the Department Agency, I am issuing the following General Order of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

Pursuant to Sections 146 and 365 of the California Military and Veterans Code, I am ordering you to call into Active Service such forces of the active militia that are needed to respond to this request. Such service may include Title 32 status or State Active Duty Status on a reimbursable basis. You shall use volunteers to the maximum extent practicable.

You shall coordinate with the appropriate federal officials to determine what such personnel and other resources are needed within the impacted areas. You shall deploy such personnel and equipment to the impacted areas in support of DHS and CBP. You will select only those units that the Department of Defense has not designated for federalization in support of military operations within the United States or abroad.

You shall coordinate with The Adjutant General of any state that provides forces to ensure adequate coordination, training and proper utilization. The military forces deployed in support of this request will not be employed in a direct law enforcement role. The military personnel shall not be armed during the performance of their duties in support of this border enforcement effort (Operation Jump Start) except by order of The Adjutant General or his designee, if designated in writing. Any approved use of weapons shall be consistent with the agreed-upon regional rules for the use of force. To the extent that military weapons may be required, the military personnel shall deploy with issued military weapons.

You will provide me a periodic Situation Report that will include recommended activation, the number and types of units deployed, as well as the number of personnel available for additional activations. Notify me if additional resources or directions are required.

This order remains in effect until 31 December 2008, unless earlier rescinded.


Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Commander-in-Chief