JBLM's 4-2 Stryker Brigade Will Deploy to Afghanistan

The Department of Defense today announced the deployment of 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, to Afghanistan in fall 2012.

This deployment is the first to Afghanistan for the 4th Stryker Brigade, which deployed twice previously in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: first as part of the “Surge” in 2007-08 and then again in 2009-10, where they were the last combat brigade to leave Iraq.

The scheduled early Winter 2012 rotation involves nearly 3,900 soldiers, according to the Department of Defense.

The 4th Stryker Brigade will deploy as “Combined Task Force Raider” and will continue the work of enabling Afghan National Security Forces to take and maintain the lead in securing the Afghan people and connecting the population to the Government of Afghanistan.

Over the past year and a half, the “Raider” Brigade has conducted extensive training in preparation for deployment, to include two brigade-wide field exercises at Yakima Training Center in central Washington State. A summer rotation to the National Training Center in California is planned, in order to certify the brigade’s final readiness prior to deployment.

“The Raider Brigade is ready when the Nation calls, and we are honored to be chosen and called upon for this mission,” said Col. Michael A. Getchell, Brigade Commander.

“Drawing on experience from two deployments and the past year and a half of advanced training, our team will step forward and serve proudly as disciplined, resilient professionals, strengthened by the support of our families and communities.”