Operation Jump Start facts for kids
Air National Guardsmen construct a fence along the Mexican border in 2007
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| Date | 2006–2008 |
|---|---|
| Location | Mexico–United States border |
| Participants | United States National Guard |
| Outcome | Successful operation (See below) |
Operation Jump Start was a special military operation in the United States. President George W. Bush announced it in May 2006. The mission's goal was to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This agency works to secure the country's borders.
The operation sent United States National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Their job was to help with border security. They also helped build parts of a border fence. The rules for this mission were agreed upon. This agreement was between the Department of Defense and the governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
National Guard members in Operation Jump Start did not act as law enforcement officers. This was because of rules about using military troops on the U.S. border. Instead, they supported the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol. They helped with office tasks, watching the border, and gathering information. They also worked on building projects. By doing these jobs, they freed up regular border agents. This allowed the agents to focus on their main duties.
The main job for National Guard troops was to observe and report. The rules for using force were very strict. They could only use deadly force if they faced the same level of threat. The National Guard set up special sites to spot people crossing the border without permission. Many of these areas were very remote. Sometimes, troops had to be flown in by UH-60 helicopters.
Operation Jump Start: Key Facts
Operation Jump Start finished on July 15, 2008. At its busiest time, about 6,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen were on duty. More than 29,000 people from every state and territory helped during the mission.
During Operation Jump Start:
- More than 176,000 people crossing without proper documents were caught.
- Over 1,100 vehicles were taken by authorities.
- National Guard pilots flew for more than 28,000 hours.
- About 19 miles of road were built.
- About 38 miles of fencing were built.
- About 96 miles of vehicle barriers were built.
- Close to 720 miles of road were repaired.
Service Medal for Troops
In 2008, a special award was given. It was called the Armed Forces Service Medal. This medal was for National Guard members. They received it for their service in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The medal recognized their help to the Department of Homeland Security. Their work helped secure the southwest U.S. border.
