WASHINGTON, - The Department of Defense announced today the alert
of replacement forces scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
The announcement involves two brigades consisting of about 7,000 personnel
from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Ohio Army National Guard
and the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma Army National
Guard.
The units will replace redeploying units with no increase in overall force
levels. They are currently scheduled to begin their deployment in the summer
of 2011 and are receiving alert orders now in order to provide the maximum
time to complete preparations. It also provides a greater measure of
predictability for family members and flexibility for employers to plan for
military service of their employees.
The 37th and 45th IBCTs will deploy to Afghanistan to conduct
counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan National security
forces.
DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as they are identified
and those units are alerted.