Pentagon Announces Units for Next Iraq Rotation and Extension

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2009 -- The following news release made available Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement announcing replacement units scheduled to deploy for the next Iraq tour rotation and extension:

The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next force rotation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The announcement involves three brigade combat teams, and one armored cavalry regiment totaling approximately 15,000 personnel. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in the summer of 2010.

These units will serve as advise and assist brigades and will replace redeploying units, with no increase in overall force levels.

Specific units receiving deployment orders include:

• 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

• 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Wahiawa, Hawaii

• 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas

• 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

Additionally, the secretary of defense approved a request by the commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) to extend the deployment of the 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters for up to an additional 23 days, and elements of the II Marine Expeditionary Force for up to an additional 79 days.

The extensions will ensure that key capabilities are maintained during the critical period following the January elections, and provide additional support for the orderly redeployment of the remaining Marine Corps forces and equipment.

The department recognizes the continued contributions of these units and their family members.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)