For Immediate Release
October 14, 2003

General Wesley Clark Announces Plan to Create Civilian Reserves
Rallies Americans to Commit to Public Service

New York - General Wesley Clark kicked off his four-part New American Patriotism speech tour with a call for national service.

In describing his vision of a New American Patriotism, General Clark said, "In the face of new and growing challenges, we need to call on a New American Patriotism from our leaders and our citizens. A New American Patriotism that makes the right choices for all our people; that unites our country and works with the world community; that calls all Americans to make the commitment and sacrifices to meet these historical challenges."

Clark's Civilian Reserves proposal would make it possible to draw on the vast array of skills and ingenuity of ordinary Americans. Under the proposal, every American over the age of eighteen years would be eligible to join the Civilian Reserves. Their service would be called upon to assist in fighting forest fires, rebuilding after earthquakes or storms and helping foreign countries implement political and legal programs.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters at Hunter College in New York, General Clark announced his new service plan, saying, "Today I want to offer a new call to service - a Civilian Reserve that will reinvigorate America's ethic of service, tap the vast reservoir of skill, generosity, and energy that is the American people, and call millions more Americans to duty."

Individuals who volunteer would:

1. Make a five-year commitment.
2. List their occupation, skills, and contact information.
3. Indicate a preference to serve in the United States or overseas.

In the event of an emergency, the Homeland Security Department would call up only those volunteers whose skills are needed for the particular emergency or crisis. The plan would take advantage of modern technology, particularly the Internet, to reach volunteers quickly and efficiently. If called into action, Reservists would receive a stipend and protections comparable to members of the military reserves. Service would be limited to a six-month stint every five years. At the end of the five-year period, volunteers would choose whether or not to renew their commitment.

General Clark estimates that the proposal would cost approximately $100 million/year. The program would be fully paid for in General Clark's overall budget plan to reduce the deficit. The program could actually save money because it would eliminate the waste, duplication, and delay that occur when trying to organize an ad hoc response after an emergency.

Clark continued, "I believe that the call to service is the highest calling any American can answer -- that your time and talent and energy are the greatest gifts you can give your country. That service to your country is patriotism."