The Army on Thursday announced winter deployments to Afghanistan and South Korea for three major units.
The units deploying are the 4th Infantry Division headquarters, the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
The 4th Infantry Division headquarters, of Fort Carson, Colorado, will deploy to Afghanistan this winter.
The division headquarters will replace the 101st Airborne Division headquarters as part of a regular rotation of forces to support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, officials said.
“The 4th Infantry Division has a legacy of answering the nation’s call and serving with distinction for more than 100 years," Maj. Gen. Randy George, the division commander, said in a statement. “Throughout our proud history, one thing that has not changed is the heart and courage of our soldiers. Ivy soldiers are highly trained and ready to answer the call to fight and win our nation’s wars and to support this important mission in Afghanistan.”
Also deploying to Afghanistan are soldiers from 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division.
The Fort Drum, New York-based brigade will replace 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division as part of a regular rotation of forces to support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
“The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is well-trained and ready for any mission the Army calls us to do," Col. Paul Larson, the brigade commander, said in a statement. "We are not strangers to operations in Afghanistan as proven through our extensive deployment history. Our soldiers have conducted rigorous and realistic training over the past two years which has made mentally and physically fit soldiers ready for the mission we will soon face. As we prepare to leave, we are thankful for the tremendous support we have from our spouses and families and extend our sincerest gratitude for continuing to enable our formation to deploy.”
Finally, soldiers from the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd BCT, of Fort Bliss, Texas, will deploy to South Korea.
Once in country, the brigade will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division as part of a regular rotation of forces and support to U.S. Forces-Korea’s commitment to America’s Republic of Korea partners.
“The Bulldog Brigade is looking forward to supporting the mission in the Republic of Korea,” said Col. Marc Cloutier, the brigade commander, in a statement. “We are honored to sustain and strengthen the longstanding ROK-U.S. alliance, and our soldiers are trained and ready for this important mission. I am proud of our soldiers for their hard work and commitment, and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering support from our families and the Fort Bliss and El Paso community.”
Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.
