Pentagon Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- The following news release made available Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement announcing units for upcoming Afghanistan rotations and deployment:

The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced the deployment of approximately 6,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, part of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Barack Obama on Nov. 30. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., will deploy approximately 3,400 soldiers during early summer 2010.

The deployment of this brigade will increase the capabilities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Secretary of Defense Robert Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 2,600 support forces, which will deploy at various times through spring 2010.

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