U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release

DoD Announces Units for Next Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.  This announcement involves a combat brigade, headquarters element, and combat support and combat service support units totaling approximately 11,000 service members as presently envisioned.  The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in late-2006.  Decisions made by the secretary of defense at the recommendation of military commanders in Afghanistan may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy. 

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

The major units announced today include:

82^nd Airborne Division Headquarters, Fort Bragg, N.C.

4^th Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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

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

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

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