More than 92,000 troops identified for next Iraq rotation
Prediction #1: We’re going to see at least some “Big troop cuts”-type headlines tomorrow.
Problem: The list is a partial list, and includes zero Marines.
Prediction #2: Whenever the Marines and any significant additional units get added to the list, we’re going to see “Bush not cutting as many troops as earlier claimed”-type headlines.
The list as it exists right now:
The Pentagon said the following major units will deploy as part of the 2006-2008 rotation:– 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard.
– 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
– 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
– 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
– 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
– 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
– 13th Corps Support Command, Fort Hood, Texas.
– Division headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Notice the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. They’re the first Stryker brigade. They spent a year in Iraq beginning in late 2003.
Why the 2nd ACR, which is currently transforming into the fourth Stryker brigade, isn’t going instead, I do not know.
No Responses to “Just for the record”
It wouldn’t make a huge amount of difference, really…a huge chunk of the troops in 3/2 were frozen in that unit during the initial transformation that started in 2000. The exodus after they returned in late 2004 was huge. By mid/late 2006, there will be few, if any, personnel in the unit who deployed to Iraq with 3/2 in 2003-2004. Also, to the best of my understanding, what is now 2CR will be reflagged as 4/2ID. Not that that would have any effect on their deployability. The bigger thing is that they might not be scheduled to complete transformation/validation in time to meet the deployment window.
I have heard rumors regarding the deployment of soldiers of 2nd Brigade 25th IN in the near future. Does any of your information validate this?