'A chance to write history': SFAB provides a groundbreaking opportunity for proven leaders

By Lisa RayJune 9, 2017

1st Security Force Assistance Brigade visits Fort Bragg, N.C.
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1st Security Force Assistance Brigade leadership visits Fort Bragg, N.C.
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1st Security Force Assistance Brigade visits Fort Bragg, N.C.
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers interested in joining the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade speak with a representative of Human Resources Command, Jun. 7, at Fort Bragg, N.C., after learning about the conventional Army's first permanent unit whose core mission is to a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Security Force Assistance Brigade
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- The commander of the Army's newest formation, the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, spoke with nearly 100 Soldiers here on Wednesday about the conventional Army's first permanent unit, whose core mission is to advise and assist foreign security forces.

Col. Scott Jackson is the first commander of the brigade, which will be staffed with more than 500 seasoned officers and noncommissioned officers who volunteered to be a part of the unit.

The Secretary of the Army approved the growth of SFABs in 2016 to provide a specially designed force for security force assistance, to preserve brigade combat team readiness, and to provide a cadre to support rapid regeneration of brigade combat teams if required.

Jackson said the Army is looking for Soldiers who are already proven leaders in the conventional Army to provide the best advice and assistance to foreign security forces. The Soldiers must have successful operational experience and have demonstrated competence in their career fields.

Once selected for the brigade, Soldiers will report to Fort Benning, Ga., in October to begin a year-long training regimen that will include formal schooling of security force assistance-specific tasks such as building, training, advising, assisting, and assessing security forces.

Additionally, SFABs will receive collective training with a new training strategy developed specifically for security force assistance including cultural, language and foreign weapons training.

"If you want a chance to write history, to be a part of where history is being made, this is the brigade for you," said Jackson. "If you want the chance to do what you joined the Army for; to be a master-at-arms, then this is the place for you."

Soldiers who volunteer and are selected for assignment to an SFAB will be eligible for a $5,000 Assignment Incentive Bonus. Soldiers who successfully complete their SFAB assignment of 2-3 years will also be eligible for a follow-on "Assignment of Choice."

The first SFAB is on track to be ready for deployment by the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

Soldiers interested in joining a security force assistance brigade should contact their branch manager or unit S1.