Military

Army Brigade Deployment Changed

Apr 03

By Lt.Col. Lee M. Packnett

April 3, 2009

The Department of the Army confirmed details today of the Department of Defense's announcement to deploy the 4th Brigade (Fury from the Sky), 82nd Airborne Division Infantry Brigade Combat Team in late summer 2009 to Afghanistan, instead of Iraq as previously scheduled.

The transfer of this unit from its scheduled deployment from Iraq to Afghanistan is based on recommendations by commanders on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The deployment of this unit will aid in the training and development of the Afghan National Security Forces.

The Army will provide only the best led, best trained, and best equipped forces possible to the combatant commander for operations in Afghanistan.

The 4th Brigade Combat Team derived its lineage and heraldry from the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Red Devils) and was formed with Paratroopers from the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment during a reorganization ceremony on Jan. 6, 2006.

This ceremony represented the Division's formal organization into Brigade Combat Team formations while remaining ready to deploy as the Nation's Strategic Response Force.

The 4th Brigade Combat Team also includes the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment; 508th Special Troops Battalion; and the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion. Following its activation, staffing, and initial training, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Afghanistan, where it operated into 2008 before returning to Fort Bragg.

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett at (703) 614-2487.