Army announces activation of second Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Bragg

By U.S. ArmyDecember 8, 2017

SFAB
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec 8, 2017)- The Department of the Army announced today the activation of the second Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in Jan. 2018. SFABs are specialized units whose core mission is to conduct advise-and-assist operations with allied and partner nations.

This is the second of six planned units. SFAB Soldiers are highly trained and are among the top tactical leaders in the Army. Their work will strengthen our allies and partners while supporting this nation's security objectives and the combatant commanders' warfighting needs.

"It is my assessment, and the assessment of the secretary and the assessment of the Army staff, that we are likely to be involved in train, advise, and assist operations for many years to come," said Gen. Mark A. Milley, chief of staff of the Army.

The decision to station the second SFAB at Fort Bragg was based on strategic considerations including projected time to activate and train an SFAB, presence of senior grade personnel to man the unit, and required facility costs.

SFABs are designed on the brigade combat team (BCT) model and consist of approximately 800 senior and noncommissioned officers who have proven expertise in training and advising foreign security forces.

Soldiers in the SFAB are screened based on qualifications and experience. The unit will receive the best, most advanced military equipment available. SFAB soldiers receive special training through the Military Advisor Training Academy to include language, foreign weapons and the Joint Fires Observer course.

Commanders and leaders in the SFAB will have previously commanded and led similar BCT units at the same echelon. Enlisted advisors will hold the rank of sergeant and above. The Army is starting to formalize policies and regulations that will help SFAB soldiers with promotion rates and boards, selection boards, and special pay.

For more information, please contact MAJ Christopher Ophardt at: 703-693-6356 or christopher.d.ophardt.mil@mail.mil.