UNITED24 - Make a charitable donation in support of Ukraine!

Military


US Forces Order of Battle - 10 July 2004

This is a "best available" listing of US forces deployed to the Central Command AOR for Southwest Asia and for US forces deployed to European Command's locations in Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. It does not include forces deployed exclusively for operations in Central Asia though it may at times list units that are involved in both Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This listing also does not account for US or Coalition forces involved in operations in the Horn of Africa.

The task of developing a comprehensive listing of US forces present in the area is particularly difficult as the number of units rotating in and out of Southwest Asia are substantial. The events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the Global War on Terrorism has made such an effort significantly more difficult as the military seeks to improve operational security (OPSEC) and to deceive potential enemies and the media as to the extent of American operations. The significant number of troops that have been mobilized or activated in the United States for unspecified duties, whether they be in support of Iraq Freedom or in support of homeland security also complicates matters as it is not entirely clear what units are going where.

This being the case, mistakes, misidentifications, or ignorance regarding specific units being in the region, or not in the region will occur.

Exluding forces deployed in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, there are probably about 200,000 military personnel in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. There are probably about 425 aircraft of all types. The number of troops deployed in the area fluctuates on a daily basis as new forces surge into the region and some units begin to return to the United States.

As of early March 2004 over 114,000 US personnel and over 23,000 coalition personnel from 35 nations were deployed in Iraq. Over 26,000 US and Coalition personnel were deployed in Kuwait, providing logistical support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of mid-April 2004 the number of troops in the Central Command Area of Responsibility was officially estimated at between 200,00 and 225,000 total. Inside the Horn of Africa there were around 1,200 that dedicate or focus themselves on the Horn of Africa. In Afghanistan there were around 20,000.

Beginning in late December 2003, the United States began implementing the OIF 2 troop rotation that would begin to bring roughly 130,000 Army personnel out of Iraq and deploy roughly 110,000 troops into Iraq as replacements. The rotation was expected to last until late April 2004 but increasing security concerns in April caused the redeployment of forces to be put on hold for roughly 90 days.

Ground forces in the region that are to be replaced include the 101st Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division. There are also a significant number of echelon above division support units in the region. The Army is rotating in the 1st Cavalry Division, elements of the 1st Infantry Division, elements of the 25th Infantry Division, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and an additional three brigades from the Army National Guard.

It is believed that the total Army presence in Iraq is nearly 138,000 soldiers. An additional 30,000 soldiers are estimated to be operating in Kuwait and other areas of the region supporting operations in Iraq. Thus, the total number of soldiers in Southwest Asia is believed to be about 170,000.

The US Air Force's Expeditionary Air and Space Force (EAF) concept and organization sets a guideline for Air Force deployments to operational locations. The EAF is comprised of 10 Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEF) each with lead combat and support wings including on-call wings that could be deployed if required. While deployments for active duty units generally lasts roughly 90-days, Reserve and Guard units deploy typically for 30 - 60 days. Currently, AEF 7 & 8 are deployed, with roughly 17,000 airmen deployed in the CENTCOM AOR according to Stars and Stripes on May 26, 2004.

Naval units include a headquarters and shore-based units comprised of about 1,200 people at Manama in Bahrain. Nearly a thousand civilian mariners are associated with Military Sealift Command ships at Diego Garcia. During the 1990s overall Naval force personnel levels in the CENTCOM AOR typically varied between 8,000 and 15,000. Each Carrier Battle Group, with its associated Carrier Air Wing, has approximately 11,000 sailors embarked. As of 05 March 2004 there was one carrier strike group and one expeditionary strike group in the area for a total of around 17,000 naval personnel. These units included about 175 helicopters and aircraft. A total of about 440 Vertical Launch System cells are available for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which is roughly three times the average number typically deployed in recent years. Based on estimates of prior deployments, perhaps as many as 220 Tomahawks are actually deployed. The cruise missile force can be augmented significantly within days.

The Marine presence in Iraq is centered around the I Marine Expeditionary Force and the 1st Marine Division. One Marine Expeditionary Unit is also in the region, though it is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan [and are thus not included in this tally]. The total Marine presence is estimated to be roughly 26,000.

Note: While this listing is dated, one should keep in mind that the page is often edited numerous times during a particular edition, sometimes daily. One should visit the page often to get the most up-to-date listing of the situation.

Recent Developments

CENTCOM

  • The Baltimore Sun repoted on June 23 that CENTCOM had unofficially asked Army planners for an additional 5 brigades (~25,000 troops) to augment troops already in Iraq. According to the LA Times, in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 24, Army Gen. George W. Casey, nominee to succeed Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, confirmed that an additional influx of troops to the region was being considered which would range between 15-25,000.
  • Combined Joint Task Force 7 was disbanded and replaced in May 2004 by two new headquarters, Multi-National Force - Iraq and Multi-National Corps - Iraq. MNF-I will focus on strategic issues such as the rebuilding of Iraq's Army while MNC-I concentrates on the day-to-day tactical situation.

Army

  • As of early July 6, Companies A and B of the 1st Bn of the 509th Infantry, were in Iraq attached to the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. (Thanks JB)
  • The Army announced on July 8, that ~3,000 soldiers from the Texas National Guard 56th Brigade were being called up to active duty. The unit is scheduled to move to Fort Hood in mid-August to train, before deploying to Iraq early next year for a period of at least 12 months, most likely in the Baghdad area.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 7, 2004, that orders had been sent calling for approximately 7,000 troops from Fort Carson to redeploy to Iraq, starting in October and as late as March 2005. Included in this number is the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
  • The Associated Press reported on July 5 that the bulk of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment will have completed its rotation home by the end of jUly. On the other hand, the 115th Field Hospital, also based at Fort Polk, is set to deploy in the forthcoming months.
  • The Burlington Free Press reported on July 5, 2004, that the 86th Brigade of the Vermont National Guard, iwth about 1,500 troops was put on alert for mobilization in June.
  • On July 2, 2004, Companies B and C of the 100th battalion, 442nd Infantry, with about 200 troops were put on alert status for possible mobilization. If mobilized, it would make American Samoa, the only location among states and territories to have a 100 percent mobilization rate.
  • The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported on July 1, that the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion had been in Iraq since February and was stationed in Mosul.
  • The Sacramento Bee reported on June 29, on the 319th Signal Bn Currently deployed in Kuwait. The unit was activated in December 2003, deployed in March 2004 and is tasked with establishing communications networks in Kuwait and Iraq.
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on June 30, the mobilization of personel from various Pensylvannia National Guard units which were to be assembled under a mechanized infantry battalion called Task Force Dragoon. The units were HHC 1st Bn, 103rd Armor, B Co of the 1st Bn, 103rd, A Co, 1st Bn, 112th Infantry, A Co, 1st Bn, 111th Infantry, C Co, 103rd Engineers, and 1st Bn, 108th Field Artillery. The deployment is supposed to take place in the fall.
  • The US Army announced on June 29, 2004, plans to undertake involuntaru call-ups to active duty of approximately 5,600 members of the Individual Ready Reserve, marking this the largest activation since the 1991 Gulf War.
  • According to a Corpus Christi Caller-Times article from May 27, 2004, the 386th Engineer Bn was scheduled to deploy to Iraq with 350 soldiers on June 26 for up to two years.
  • The News Tribune announced on June 24, that the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division had received its deployment order for Iraq. The unit will start deploying in Iraq and swap place with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. The unit will not deploy with Strykers vehicles, but rather will fall on those used by the 3rd BDE, 2nd ID in Iraq.
  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on June 24, 2004 that the 1st BN, 128th Infantry Rgt would be attached to the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment on its deployment to Iraq.
  • The Asssociated Press reported on June 16th that the 264th Corps Support Battalion deployed for Iraq as part of Logistics Task Force 264 to provide support for 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division
  • The Asssociated Press reported on June 15, 2004, that the Illinois Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 131st Infantry was to be activated in July to help train US forces by acting as the OPFOR at the Fort Polk training center.
  • The 250th Signal Battalion mobilized in early-mid-June 2004. The unit will go to Ft. Bliss for training before deployment to Iraq.
  • The 1st Bn-114th Field Artillery, of the Mississippi NG, was alerted for possible deployment on May 21.
  • The Associated Press reported on June 14, 2004 that ~ 200 soldiers from the 7th Transportation Group's 6th Transportation BN and 11th Transportation BN would deploy on June 15 to support Iraq operations.
  • The 128th Forward Support BN is set to depart for training at Ft. Bliss, TX, on July 1, before deploying for Iraq.
  • According to a June 13, 2004 piece by the Austin American Statesman, members of the 56th Brigade of the Texas National Guard have been put on alert for duty in the Middle East. Close to 3,000 troops would be involved.
  • The 234th Signal Battalion completed its rotation back home in June. The bulk of the unit returned in May 2004, after having been mobilized in March 2003.
  • The is reportedly scheduled to depart Iraq by July 15.
  • An AP story from June 11, 204 reported the return of two dozen members from the Maine NG 133rd Engineer Battalion but also that other members of the unit are to return from Iraq in April 2005.
  • An AP story from June 8, 2004 mentioned an upcoming deployment by the 891st Engineer Battalion to Iraq. No further information was available.
  • An article in USA Today from June 9, 2004, quoted Gen. Myers, CJCS, as saying that though an additional extension to the 1st Armored Divison's tour in Iraq was unlikely, it could not be ruled out.
  • The 50th Main Support Battalion (NJ Guard) was mobilized and departed on June 5th for training to Fort Dix for training. Though the whole 434th Main Support Battalion was put on alert in April for possible mbilization, only so far Company B, with about 120 troops appears to have been mobilized in mid-May. It will train at Fort Dix before being sent to Iraq where it will be attached to the 50th Main Support Battalion.
  • Four soldiers from the 3-112th Field Artillery (NJ National Guard) were killed in two separate attacks in Baghdad on June 4-5, 2004. We were not previsouly aware of that unit's deployment.
  • According to a May 30, 2004, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette story, in March 2004, the 431st Civil Affairs BN redeployed after a year, most of which was spent in Mosul, starting in April 2003 until, helping the Army's 101st Airborne Division rebuild Nineveh province.
  • The Grand Forks Herald reported on May 31, 2004 that F Battery, 1-188 ADA (ND NG), had been on alert since March 2, 2004, and most of the unit would likely deploy to Iraq with the 166th cavalry Brigade, with which it has been attached since March.
  • The 1st Bn-148th Field Artillery from the Utah National Guard received in late May its activation orders for deployment to Iraq.
  • Mobilization orders have been issued for the Army National Guard's 116th Cavalry Brigade based in Idaho, Oregon and Montana. The unit's mobilization date for most of the unit is slated for 28 June 04, with units to move to Ft Bliss, TX in early July. Some 750 troops members will depart for Fort Bliss on June 7. The deployment to Iraq is slated for the October/November timeframe.
  • An Associated Press story from 25 May 04 reported that the 1st Bn of the 509th Infantry, the Opfor training unit at Fort Polk, LA, was being called to Iraq, though the deployment dates were unknown. No official announcements are known to have been made regarding this.
  • Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard's 134th Signal Battalion who had been deployed to Iraq in March 2003 returned home in May (only 26 soldiers from that unit had been deployed).
  • Not Previously noted: Members from the 141st and 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion, from Utah, returned home in May, after serving in Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq.
  • The 2nd Bn, 130th Field Artillery, from the Kansas National Guard deployed in February 2004 to Iraq. Part of the unit replaced elements of the 1st Bn, 27th Field Artillery which had been assigned to the Joint Visitors Bureau in Camp Victory. The 1-27th Field Artillery was subsequently redeployed back to Babenhausen, Germany, after a deployment dating back to March 2003.
  • Not previously noted: the 89th MP Brigade replaced, in February 2004, the 18th MP Brigade, based in Germany, in Baghdad, Iraq.

Marine Corps

  • According to a San Francisco Chronicle report from July 5, 2004, the 1st Bn, 8th Marines had arrived in Iraq to replace the 3rd Bn, 4th Marine Regiment which would itself fly out of Iraq around July 10.
  • According to an AP report dated July 5, 2004, approximately 600 Marines and sailors from the 24th MEU were to depart on July 6 for the the Middle East to join the rest of the unit, as part of a staggered deployment which began on June 10, when the USS Keasarge deployed. On July 7, an additional 850 troops from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment were also to leave from California for the Middle East.
  • As of June 30, the 24th MEU had arrived in Kuwait and would begin moving into Iraq at some point before July 15. (Thanks PE for pointing this out)
  • About 70 Marines and sailors in Company B, 4th Reconnaissance Bn, 4th MARDIV, are schedule to deploy to Iraq on September 1, 2004 for seven months. It is not clear whether the entire battalion will deploy.
  • The 3rd Bn, 1st Marine Regiment left for Iraq on June 18, 2004 as part of a regilarly scheduled tour.
  • 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division has been mobilized. The unit will move to at Camp Pendleton, CA, the second week of June for training before deploying to Iraq sometime around August.
  • 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division has been mobilized, though it is not clear how much of the unit is being deployed. B and C companies have been activated with Company deploying in early June.

Air Force

  • According to a June 17 Albuquerque Tribune story, up to 300 members of the 150th Fighter Wing are set to deploy during the summer to Iraq before returning in September.
  • According to a June 10, 2004 story, about 400 airmen from Pope AFB are due to deploy in September while members of the 23rd Fighter Group are expected to deploy in December.
  • The Detroit News reported that members of the National Guard's 107th Fighter Wing, along with its fighter squadron, the 107th FS redeployed home in early June, after 90 days deployment at Kirkuk AB.
  • A couple of media report appear to indicate that the 95th Airlift Squadron is operating out of Kuwait.
  • More than 270 members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing deployed/will deploy during the late May and June for Iraq for tours ranging from 14-60 days.
  • 50 members from the 158th Fighter Wing deployed in early June for periods of 15 days/4 months to the CENTCOM AOR to work on CAS missions Most of the Guard members will be based outside of Iraq but will work on combat missions called 'close air support" of U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf nation, either providing aircraft maintenance or flying F-16 fighter jets into battle.
  • 100+ soldiers from the 729th Air Control Squadron of the 388th Fighter Wing deployed for 120 days to Iraq in late May. Station in Iraq is unknown.

Coalition

  • The mandate of the Philippines contingent is due to expire in August 2004. The troops will be withdrawned on August 20, as originally planned.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on July 8 that Ukraine had begun training various units of its 7th special mechanized brigade. The unit would replace, around the September-October timeframe, the 6th Brigade deployed in Iraq. The report mentioned two mortar units being added to the brigade.
  • On July 4, MNF-I/MNC-I reported that approximately 45 Royal Marines from the Kingdom of Tonga had arrived in Iraq to augment the I Marine Expeditionary Force in the Al Anbar Province
  • 84 troops from Azerbaijan left for Iraq on July 1, as part of a regularly scheduled troop rotation. According to ANS, the contingent is reportedly stationed at the town of Al-Haditha, approximately 70 kilometers NW of Ar-Ramadi
  • As of June 30, 2004, the bulk of the Norwegian troop contingent in Iraq was set to leave the country. Plans called for it to cross into Kuwait before flying home on July 5, 2004. Approximately 10 staff officers were to remain in-country to serve as liaisons with the British and Polish troops.
  • As of late June 2004, it was still unclear whether El Salvador would send a new contingent of troops to replace the 380 troops from the Cuscatlan Battalion stationed in Najaf, Iraq. That contingent's mandate was due to expire in July.
  • Interfax reported on June 24, 2004, that Georgia would increase the size of its contingent in Iraq to a battalion-sized unit during the planned September 2004 rotation.
  • The Bulgarian 3rd Infantry Battalion, 61st Stryam Mechanized Brigade, composed of about 485 troops, departed in the evening of June 28 for a six-month deployment to Iraq. It will replace a 454-member infantry battalion.
  • On June 22, Italy's Council of Ministers extended the length of Italy's military commitment in Iraq to December 31.
  • The Ukrainian 7th Detached Mechanized Infantry Brigade began training on May 20 for its deployment to Iraq that is scheduled to take place in July/August.
  • South Korea officially announced on Jun 18, 2004 the deployment of 3,660 troops to the Iraqi province of Irbil. Half of the roughly 600 Korean Army engineers and medics already positioned in S. Iraq are to be redeployed to Irbil early that same month. Plans reportedly call for troops to build the necessary facilities before the arrival of 900 additional troops in August, to be followed by the rest of the contingent in multiple batches. AOR's will be in the towns of Rashikin and Shwarash and the Ninawa Province.
  • Estonia deployed on June 18, 2004 a contingent of troops to Iraq numbering 45. The units, Estpla-9 and CT-3, are respectively composed of 32 and 13 men. Seven Estonian troops were already at Tallil AB, Iraq, paving the way for this deployment meant to replace the Estpla-8 and CT-3 units who returned from Iraq on June 15. The Estonian parliament had extended on April 14 the mission of its contingent of up to 55 men until June 20, 2005.
  • Georgia will deploy to Iraq two companies of the 16th Sachkhere mountain-rifle battalion in July under UN aegis. They were originally scheduled to deploy in mid-June. They will supplement an existing contingent of 159 Georgian troops already there and will be followed by an additional unit composed of troops from the Commando battalion.
  • On June 11, 2004, the Dutch government extended the stay of its troop contingent in Iraq through at least March 2005. Their mandate was due to expire on July 15. AP also reported that in May, the government had sent a helicopter unit with an additional 100 soldiers.
  • On May 31, 2004, the Polish Defence Minister announced that the number of Polish troops in Iraq would be cut following the elections for the interim parliamentary assembly.
  • The remaining 140 troops of the first Japanese contingent to Iraq arrived back in Japan on May 31. Their replacement is scheduled to remain in Samawah until August.
  • UK Defense Minister Geoff Hoon announced on May 27, 2004 that 600 armored infantry troops from the Scottish 1st Battalion of the Black Watch Regiment would be dispatched to Iraq towards the end of June. That unit was already deployed during the ground campaign phase of March-April 2003, as part of the 7th Armoured Brigade. The unit is equipped with Warriors and would replace the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. An additional 170 Royal Engineers in addition to Royal Military Police troops would also be deployed. The deployments would boost British troop numbers by approximately 370. Additionally, 600 members of 40 Commando Royal Marines have been put on stand-by to deploy on short notice within 10 days. According to press reports, the UK contribution in Iraq would be increased as a result to 8,900.
  • As of May 25, 2004, there were about 660 Korean military medics and engineers in Iraq, all in the town of Nasiriyah. South Korea was to proceed with the planned dispatch of an additional 3,000 troops, including combatants, to Arbil, in northern Iraq. The ~660 Koreans already in-country would then relocate to Arbil.



NEWSLETTER
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list