Four U.S. Army units will be deploying this winter to Europe and Afghanistan, according to several Army announcements posted Friday.
Two of the four units will deploy to Afghanistan, as peace talks with the Taliban have stalled and a deal is not yet in sight.
The Army’s 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) stationed at Fort Hood will “replace the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to Operation Freedom Sentinel.”
Brig. Gen. Charles J. Masaracchia, 3rd SFAB commander said, “Our team continues to advance the advisor profession forward as we prepare for our upcoming deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. We are prepared to advise, support, liaise and assess our partnered foreign security force as they work to bring peace and stability to their country,” the U.S. Army stated.
The second unit that will deploy to Afghanistan is the 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Fort Drum. They will rotate with the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, according to the release.
Tensions remained heightened in Afghanistan due to the ongoing violence and struggle to come to a peace deal.
Violence erupted in Kabul on Sunday when a bomb killed 63 people and injured hundreds during a wedding in Kabul. Taliban extremists associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Two additional U.S. Army units will deploy to Europe, making a presence to daunt Russian antagonism.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at Fort Hood, will replace the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Europe as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to NATO.
Maj. Gen. Paul Calvert, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division said, “The Blackjack Brigade is well-led, expertly maintained and incredibly lethal. There is no doubt that they are ready to execute this mission. While in Europe, the troopers of this brigade will continue to increase their readiness while supporting the United States’ effort to deter aggression. In doing so, our allies will be assured of the enduring commitment of the U.S. to security in Europe,” according to the U.S. Army.
The second unit to deploy to Europe is the 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield and they will replace the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, according to the unit’s press release.
Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, Jr., commander of the 3rd Infantry Division said, “Marne Air Soldiers trained hard and are ready for this important mission or anything else the nation needs. I am extremely confident in the Soldiers and their leaders, and I look forward to seeing the Falcon Brigade provide support and air capability to our military and our European Allies.”
