Fort Bliss-based 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team to be converted to an Armored Brigade

By 1st Armored Division Public Affairs OfficeSeptember 20, 2018

The Army will convert 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division from a Stryker to an Armored Brigade Combat Team
Today the U.S. Army announced the conversion of a 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas providing the nation a 16th ABCT and bringing the total number BCTs in the Regular Army (RA) and Army National Guard (ARNG)... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

EL PASO, TEXAS -- The Army's realignment of combat forces will affect the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. This brigade will be converted to an armored brigade.

This conversion, effective summer 2019, will take place to better align Army Forces to support combatant commanders requirements under the 2018 National Defense Strategy and changes Divisional Units to be more alike, lending to increased combat readiness. Placing the Army's 16th ABCT in the 1st Armored Division brings the total to three armored brigade combat teams on Fort Bliss.

"This announcement by the Department of the Army reaffirms the importance of the 1st Armored Division, and the role we play toward our nation's security," said Maj. Gen. Patrick E. Matlock, commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. "Converting our Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT) to an armored brigade combat team (ABCT) will bring a consistency among our division and greatly enhances our capabilities to fight and win our nation's wars."

"Fort Bliss has the proper facilities, space and personnel to support this conversion. Fort Bliss is the best place to train armored formations and build better readiness for the Army. We are "America's Tank Division;" this is what we do."

"We will remain the 1st Armored Division, and they will remain the 1st Brigade of the 1st Armored Division," added Maj. Gen. Matlock.

"If there's one thing we've learned in the Army, it's that we're accustomed to change. Our Army has asked us to do something that is really incredible, and we're going to do it. This transition is about overall readiness and positivity. It's about embracing and leading change," said Col. Michael J. Trotter, commander of the Ready First Brigade.

This will provide the nation a 16th ABCT bringing the total number BCTs in the Regular Army (RA) and Army National Guard (ARNG) to 58. There will be a total of 31 BCTs in the RA, to include 11 ABCTs, 13 IBCTs and seven SBCTs. The ARNG has a total of 27 BCTs, to include five ABCTs, 20 IBCTs and two SBCTs, ensuring a more balanced distribution between its light and heavy fighting forces.

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