The Nation - News from Sept. 4, 1987

The Pentagon said President Reagan has signed a directive ordering it and other federal agencies to ensure that commercial airlines are ready to help move military cargo and troops in wartime. The directive is part of an effort to spell out a national airlift policy and to make clear that agencies besides the Pentagon have a role to play, Lt. Col. Vic Wald said. An important initiative will be an effort to get more airlines to modify their passenger jets to carry military cargoes in an emergency.