DoD Announces Units for Next Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation
July 27, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today additional major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation. This announcement involves four Army brigades and two Marine Regimental Combat Teams consisting of approximately 25,000 service members. This is a follow-on announcement to the Nov. 7, 2005, and June 20, 2006, press releases identifying other units for deployment. The scheduled rotation for the forces identified in this announcement will begin in late-2006.

Force levels in Iraq continue to be conditions-based and will be determined in consultation with the Iraqi government. Deployment decisions are made at the recommendation of military commanders in Iraq. Based on ongoing assessments of the conditions on the ground, changes may be made that could affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy – as has occurred in the past.

This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to OIF, yet is flexible and adaptable in order to meet the evolving requirements for the mission in Iraq.

For Operation Iraqi Freedom, the major units announced today include:

• 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
• 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas
• Regimental Combat Team 2, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• Regimental Combat Team 6, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Georgia has been placed in a prepare-to-deploy status for possible deployment later this year.

Additionally, the Secretary of Defense approved a request by the Commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) to extend the deployment of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team operating in Iraq for up to 120 additional days.

The Department recognizes the continued contributions of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and their family members. This extension reflects the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the Iraqi people.

The individual services will announce the smaller, supporting units for this rotation

In consultation with the new Iraqi Government, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the Iraqi government. U.S. force rotations may be tailored based upon changes in the security situation. Iraqi security forces continue to develop capability and assume responsibility for security in Iraq.

DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as they are identified and those units are alerted. For information on the units announced today or other units involved in this rotation, please contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000 or Marine Corps Public Affairs at (703) 614-4309.