FORT STEWART, Ga. </B>- As the time grows closer toward deployment, the Soldiers of the 293rd Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, stand in mass formation one last time for their friends and Families before they deploy to Afghanistan, July 24.

The 150 Soldiers are slated to head to Afghanistan and help train Afghani armed forces and police.

Aca,!A"These warriors will help bring freedom and democratic principles to Afghanistan where chaos has reigned,Aca,!A? said Lt. Col. Chris Henshaw, commander of the 385th MP Bn. Aca,!A"The 293rd MP Co., Warriors, will help provide training and other important infrastructure services to rebuild the war-torn nation.Aca,!A?

The past five months have been spent training for their upcoming mission, said Lt. Col. Henshaw. Their training has been rough but thorough.

Training such as individual training, combat life saving, team certification, squad collective training, IED defensive training, and convoy live fire are just a few of things every member of the Warrior team went through in preparation for deployment.

Aca,!A"The Warriors are trained and ready for this deployment. They are confident and competent,Aca,!A? said Lt. Col. Henshaw.

Aca,!A"The 293rd is trained and dedicated to the Warrior Ethos and the Army values. These men and women understand the nobility of service and practice it every day.Aca,!A?

The Soldiers of the 293rd have a lot of expectations put on them and an even harder work schedule to look forward to, he said.

Aca,!A"These warriors will be working on the front lines to strengthen security in Afghanistan, often putting in 18-hour days drafting curriculums that teach squads and patrols in the new Afghan police the philosophies and principles of democratic policing and human rights,Aca,!A? said Lt. Col. Henshaw.

The 293rd are not the only Soldiers around the world contributing to the spread of democracy and freedom, he said.

There are Soldiers standing guard, helping preserve the peace, providing the best defense against tyranny and injustice in more than 120 countries around the world.

Aca,!A"Next week, (the) Warriors will join those Soldiers in the fight against terrorism,Aca,!A? said Lt. Col. Henshaw.

Aca,!A"I would like to thank all these heroes for their service and willingness to answer the call to duty. I and this battalion will think about you every day until you all return home safely. You are in our prayers and in our thoughts.Aca,!A?