DoD Announces Force Adjustments
October 19, 2007

The Department of Defense announced today the alert of replacement forces scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The announcement involves seven brigades from the Army National Guard consisting of approximately 18,000 personnel.

Two brigades will replace two active duty brigades currently on the ground. Those units will assume responsibility for a battlespace where they will conduct the full spectrum of operations.

Four brigades will have a security force mission. Those units will deploy with their subordinate elements to replace a capability currently being provided by more than 160 smaller, separate units in the country. The brigade deployments will simplify the command and control for these missions and help improve efficiency.

Security force brigades will be assigned tasks which will assure freedom of movement and continuity of operations in the country. Those tasks will include base defense and route security in Iraq and Kuwait.

One brigade will have a mission in detention operations.

These units are currently scheduled to begin deployment in the summer of 2008. They are receiving alert orders now in order to provide them the maximum time to complete their preparations. It also provides a greater measure of predictability for family members and flexibility for employers to plan for military service of their employees.

Specific decisions include.

Brigade combat teams:

• 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina National Guard
• 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard

Security force brigades:

• 56th Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard
• 29th Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii National Guard
• 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard
• 45th Fires Brigade, Oklahoma National Guard

Detention Operations:

• 50th Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey National Guard

Unit deployments reflect the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the Iraqi people. The Department recognizes the continued sacrifices of these units and their family members.

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 National Guard Public Affairs at (703) 607-5934, or after duty hours at (202) 369-8713.