WASHINGTON - The Department of Defense today announced the deployment of approximately 16,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, the initial elements of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Obama on Nov. 30. An infantry battalion task force, with approximately 1,500 Marines, from Camp Lejeune, N.C., will deploy later this month. Regimental Combat Team-2, headquartered at Camp Lejuene, N.C., will deploy approximately 6,200 Marines in early spring 2010. A Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) headquarters from I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif., will deploy approximately 800 Marines in spring 2010.
A Brigade Combat Team (BCT), with approximately 3,400 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. will deploy in early spring 2010 to conduct a training mission.
Secretary Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 4,100 support forces, which will deploy at various times into spring 2010.
DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as they are approved. For additional information on the Marine units, contact Marine Corps Public Affairs at 703-614-4309. For additional information on the Brigade Combat Team, contact Army Public Affairs at 703-614-2487.