DoD Announces Units for Next Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation
June 20, 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 several combat brigades and headquarters elements consisting of approximately 21,000 service members. This is a follow-on announcement to the Nov. 7, 2005, press release identifying eight other headquarters, combat and combat support 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 by the secretary of defense 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.

This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to Operation Iraqi Freedom, 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:

• III Corps Headquarters, Fort Hood, Texas
• II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
• 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters, Fort Hood, Texas
• 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
• 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
• 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska
• 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

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

In consultation with the Iraqi Government, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the Iraqi government. The 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.