The commander of the North Dakota National Guard says about 50 soldiers with an aviation unit have been ordered to mobilize for duty in Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk says the Bismarck-based members Company C of the 2nd Battalion's 285th Aviation Regiment are expected to mobilize in October.

The Guard says they will join members of the Utah Army National Guard, based in West Jordan, Utah, to form one company during mobilization.

The unit's mission is expected to involve transporting service members and equipment. The Guard says each state will mobilize with five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

- AssociatedPress