The Department of the Army confirmed details today of the Department of Defense's announcement to deploy the 5th Brigade, (Strike and Destroy) 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SCBT) to Afghanistan instead of Iraq as previously scheduled.
The transfer of this unit from its scheduled deployment to Iraq to Afghanistan is based on recommendations by commanders on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army's newest Stryker Brigade based at Fort Lewis, Wash. deploys mid-summer to increase the capabilities of the NATO-International Security Assistance Force.
The Army will only provide the best led, best trained and best equipped forces possible to the combatant commander for operations in Afghanistan.
5/2 SBCT is the fourth Stryker Brigade Combat Team to be formed, equipped and trained at Fort Lewis. 5th Brigade has the following subordinate battalions: 1st Battalion 17th, Infantry Regiment (Thundering Herd); 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (Tomahawks); 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment (Cold Steel); 3rd Battalion, 17th Fires Regiment; 8th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment; and 402nd Brigade Support Battalion.
Additionally five separate companies are assigned: 572nd Military Intelligence Company; 562nd Engineer Company; Alpha Company, 52nd Infantry Battalion; 21st Signal Company; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
American Soldiers are deployed to more than 80 countries worldwide. They and their Family members continue to make great sacrifices for the good of our nation.
For more information, contact Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett at (703) 614-2487.
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