Two JBLM Battalions Set To Deploy To Afghanistan

(Editor's note: This comes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

The 109th Military Intelligence Battalion and the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, both assigned to 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade at JBLM, are set to deploy to Afghanistan in late spring of 2012.

This is the first deployment to Afghanistan for both of the military intelligence battalions. The battalions were recently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn in 2010.  The battalions will deploy as “Task Force Disrupter” (109th MI BN) and “Task Force Watchmen” (502nd MI BN) to support the government of Afghanistan by partnering with the Afghan National Security Forces, and assisting in the security of the Afghan people.

“Our ability to prepare our Soldiers and Families for this deployment is a direct reflection of our great partners we are fortunate to serve with here on Joint Base Lewis McChord and the incredible support of our communities in which our Families live,” said Col. Paul Norwood, commander of the 201st BfSB.

“I have absolute confidence in their ability to make a tremendous difference in contributing to our nation’s success in Afghanistan.  I know that their values form a solid core of who they are and how they soldier, and there are no finer Soldiers anywhere.  The battalions look forward to joining their I Corps and JBLM teammates in Afghanistan,” Norwood added.

The units have completed extensive training in preparation for this deployment. The training included a field training exercise at Yakima Training Center, multiple National Training Center rotations, a successful 109th Military Intelligence Battalion rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., and a successful 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion certification training exercise in March 2012 at JBLM. Both battalions have also completed additional military intelligence specific training at Camp Bullis, Texas, and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.

“The 109th Military Intelligence Battalion's Soldiers have worked hard to get here.  They are ready to deploy as part of the International Security Assistance Force.  Our preparation for Operation Enduring Freedom involved sending Soldiers to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., the first ever training of a military intelligence battalion at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., and specialized intelligence training at Camp Bullis, Texas,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Woodall, commander of the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion.

Woodall added, “This battalion's Soldiers also spearheaded efforts to train on the most advanced capabilities available in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., ushering in a new era of technology on the battlefield.  These Soldiers are confident in their skills and equipment, thus enabling them to help partner with Afghan National Security Forces and Afghan Uniformed Police.  Our efforts will help foster a safe environment, so that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan can better serve the good people of Afghanistan.”

“The Soldiers of 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion will be in the most complex combat environment, operating in the most physically demanding and treacherous terrain, while in ruthless pursuit of insurgent networks,” said Lt. Col. Deborah Ellis, commander of the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion.  She added, “Afghans leading Afghans is our goal and our intelligence support efforts in Regional Command–South will enable the transition of the Afghan government and security forces to take the lead.  While answering America's call to duty is not always easy, Task Force Watchmen is trained and ready.”