The Virginia National Guard unit based in Powhatan has been ordered to active duty, according to a press release issued by the National Guard Monday.

According to the release, 160 soldiers from the unit will enter active federal service in early October 2008. Another unit from Virginia, the Manassas-based 266th Military Police Company, was also called to active duty.

“The Virginia National Guard continues to play a vital role in the Global War on Terror,” said Maj. Gen. Robert. B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia.

“At this time we do not have specific information about the exact mission or deployment location of these two units, but the Virginia National Guard will ensure these Soldiers are fully trained and ready for their mobilization. We will also make sure their families receive any support they need during the time these Soldiers are mobilized.”

Formerly known as Company A, 276th Engineering Battalion, the 180th Engineer Company is trained as a horizontal construction company. As such, their mission would most entail constructing protective barriers and maintaining roads.

This will be the second time in five years that the Powhatan-based Guard unit has been deployed to Iraq.

The unit was deployed from December of 2003 to March of 2005, during which time they were headquartered in Mosul.

Both the Powhatan and Manassas units have begun pre-mobilization training at Fort Pickett, located in Blackstone, Va.

Further training for the 180th Engineer Company is expected to take place at Fort McCoy, Wis.

According to the announcement Monday, the active duty period for those serving in the National Guard should not exceed 400 days. However, the release went on to note that the Secretary of Defense can extend tours for up to 24 months.

The Virginia National Guard currently has more than 1,700 soldiers on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, said the release.