Military

DATE= 9/25/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON/RUMSFELD (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281002

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the principal code name for military operations in the U-S led campaign against global terrorism will be "Enduring Freedom." V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon.

TEXT: "Enduring Freedom" replaces the original draft code name "Operation Infinite Justice" which was deemed offensive to Muslims. Some had complained that "infinite justice" was something only God or Allah could mete out - not a government leader or military forces.

The new name was disclosed by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at a Pentagon news conference (Tuesday). He was once again reluctant to discuss details of any planning military actions or joint military cooperation with foreign countries.

But he told reporters the multi-faceted campaign now being fashioned will be broad, sustained and dangerous.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

In this effort, victory means crippling the ability of terrorist organizations to coerce and terrorize and otherwise disrupt the way of life of men and women in the United States and our friends and allies around the world. There's no question but that some steps will be visible as in a traditional conflict and in other cases they will be not visible. It will not be an antiseptic war, I regret to say, it will be difficult, it will be dangerous and there is as we are aware and regret the likelihood is more people may be lost.

///END ACTUALITY///

Mr. Rumsfeld spoke two weeks after bloody and devastating terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington. More than six-thousand people were killed.

The Defense Secretary acknowledged U-S forces have been on the move worldwide in preparation for immediate military action against the main suspect in the attacks, Osama bin Laden, who is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.

Mr. Rumsfeld said when President Bush decides on military action, U-S forces will be ready to go.

///REST OPTIONAL///

In addition to deploying elements of the armed forces, the Defense Department has already called up over 10-thousand reservists.

And the Pentagon says Mr. Rumsfeld has now given the various services authority to retain on active duty individuals who were planning to retire or leave the military. Defense officials have said the so-called "stop-loss" authority will be mainly aimed at servicemembers with critical military occupations.

(Signed)

NEB/BEL/RH