Governor Abbott Commands State Guard to Monitor Jade Helm 15 Operation

04/28/2015 02:12 PM

04/28/2015 06:59 PM

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Governor Abbott is putting his citizens' rights first by commanding General Betty keep Texans properly informed during an upcoming military exercise.

The United States Army says that United States Military Operation Jade Helm 15 is designed to train special forces units such as the Army's Green Berets, Air Force and Marine Special Operations Commands, Marine Expeditionary Units, and the 82nd Airborne Division. 

It will take place in various locations across the State of Texas including the Big Country's own town of Big Springs from July - September of 2015. 

Citizens have been raising concerns since preliminary operation plans came to light, and Governor Greg Abbott is making it his mission to quell these fears the best he can. 

He penned this letter to Commander of the Texas State Guard Major General Gerald "Jake" Betty urging him to monitor all aspects of the operation in the interest of keeping his public informed. Governor Abbott wants to make it clear to Texans that their "safety, constitutional rights, private property rights, and civil liberties will not be infringed".

State Guard monitoring would make information like military personnel movements and training exercise schedules public knowledge. 

Abbott ends his letter by highlighting "Texas' long history of supporting our military forces and our proud tradition of training, deploying, and supporting our active-duty troops and return veterans." 

More information on Jade Helm 15 from the United States Army.

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