In preparation for the deployment of the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Col. Patrick E. Matlock, 107th IBCT commander, has provided answers to frequently asked questions about the brigade's deployment. Many of the who, what, when, where and why aspects about the deployment are addressed:
Q: Why is the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team going to Afghanistan'
A: We are deploying to Afghanistan to accomplish missions in support of the International Security Assistance Force and the people of Afghanistan. Two of our units have already deployed. B Company, 40th Engineer Battalion has been conducting route clearance missions in southern Afghanistan since July 2010. 3rd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment deployed in December and is conducting missions in support of the training of Afghan National Security Forces. The remainder of the brigade will partner with Afghan National Security Forces and border police to assist in providing security for the Afghan population. Our primary focus will be to develop these forces, so they can provide security for their own population. We'll also work with NATO-led provincial reconstruction teams to build governance and improve the economy in our areas.
Q. Where will the brigade be in Afghanistan'
A: The brigade will be conducting operations throughout Afghanistan, but will mostly be responsible for the northern region, including key districts and border crossings in Kunduz, Faryab and Baghlan provinces. Additionally, 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment will be part of a Canadian Battle Group in southern Afghanistan.
Q: When is the 170th IBCT scheduled to deploy and for how long'
A: The majority of the brigade will deploy in February for approximately 12 months.
Q: How has the 170th IBCT prepared for this deployment'
A: We've had roughly 21 months of dwell time since this brigade, under the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division colors, came back from Iraq. We found out about this mission more than a year ago, laid out a training timeline in March and have stuck to it almost to the week. The brigade has trained multiple times in Grafenwoehr, conducted a rotation at the Joint Multi-National Training Center in Hoenfels, and we've completed situational exercises here in Baumholder; ensuring we are prepared to complete our mission under a tough set of conditions. If you give our Soldiers a vote whether they want to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, they will pick Afghanistan almost every time. That's a good thing. They want to be in the fight.
Q: What should a family considering returning to the U.S. during their spouse's deployment know'
A: We believe strongly that we have, and will continue to have, a great environment for Families in the Baumholder military community and its surrounding areas. We want our community to be the best place for families during the deployment. We have worked very hard to have family programs in place to support them and keep them informed throughout the deployment. We do understand some families will make the decision to return to the U.S. either permanently, or for an extended duration. We have procedures in place for both of these options. I strongly encourage families considering these options to work closely with their chain-of-command and the brigade's rear-detachment to ensure they understand how these procedures work.
Q: Where should family members go for additional support'
A: We are blessed with having a community that is very cohesive, supportive, and experienced with our Soldiers' missions and deployments. I encourage all Bayonet family members to attend our third pre-deployment fair being held at the Rheinlander Community Center Feb. 11. All of the Baumholder family support agencies will have representatives available to answer questions regarding what the agencies have to offer. During the deployment, I cannot encourage enough that our family members stay connected with their Family Readiness Groups, Family Readiness Liaisons, and take advantage of what agencies like Army Community Service have to offer.
Social Sharing