MONTGOMERY- The Department of the Army has issued mobilization orders for approximately 140 members of the 2101st Transportation Company from Camden, Aliceville and Butler.

The Guard unit will report for active duty early next month and will begin preparing for an overseas deployment in support of operations in Iraq.

The unit’s mission is to provide personnel and equipment for the movement of bulk petroleum products to military forces.

The 2101 is equipped with 7,500-gallon tanker trailers and M915A3 trucks, the most modern long-haul tractor in the U.S. Army inventory.

The trucks have automatic transmissions, air conditioning and anti-lock brake systems. The six-cylinder engines can generate 430 horsepower.

The 2101st is the fifth Alabama Army Guard transportation company to be mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Earlier transportation units called to active duty were the 781st of Fort Deposit, Georgiana and Daleville, the 1128th of Clayton and Eufaula, the 1670th of Brantley and Troy, and the 2025th of Jacksonville.

Three other Alabama Guard units remain on alert for possible mobilization – 1200th Engineer Battalion of Linden; 128th Medical Company based out of Ashland, and Selma’s 122d Corps Support Group.

The mobilization of the 2101st will run the number of Alabama Army and Air National Guard called to active duty since 9-11 to nearly 8,000 personnel.