UNITED24 - Make a charitable donation in support of Ukraine!

Military


US Forces Order of Battle - Developments

Mid-2005

DoD

CENTCOM

Army

Marine Corps

Air Force

Navy

  • A Mar 31 Navy NewsStand story reported that 200 sailors making up the third and final wave of Navy Reserve Cargo Handlers mobilized and deployed by the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force (NAVELSF) in August 2004 woudl return to Naval Station Norfolk on April 2.
  • On Mar 27, the Kearsarge ESG completed embarkation of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. It Deployed on Mar. 29.
  • A Mar 21 Navy NewsStand story reported that 200 mobilized Reservists of the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force's (NAVELSF) Forward Bravo group had returned home to Norfolk from Kuwait on March 20 after completing a seven-month deployment.
  • According to a Mar 28 Navy NewsStand story CVN-75 Harry S. Truman was relieved on Mar 19 2005 by CVN-70 Carl Vinson

Coalition

  • Japan's opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan, announced on August 16, that if elected to power as a result of the schedule September 11, 2005 elections, it would pull out japan's entire contingent from Iraq at the term of its mandate set to expire in December.
  • On August 13, 2005, the Italian daily La Stampa, reported that Italy had begun its pullout from Iraq earlier than expected. Affected were ~ 130 sailors along with a squadron of CH-47 helicopters and accompanying ~100 army personnel. It was reported that half of these troops would not be replaced.
  • On August 11, 2005, the UN Security Council renewed for one year the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
  • As of early August 2005, Albania had ~120 troops in Iraq.
  • As of early August 2005, The Czech Republic had ~90 troops in Iraq. The mandate approved by the Czech parliament allowed for up to 100 troops to be deployed to Iraq until at least the end of the year, depending in part on the status of UN Security Resolution 1546. The troops are located in Basrah under British command. The Czech contingent, mostly made up of police trainers, also includes a small logistical element. The Czech Republic also has 5 personnel deployed to Iraq as part of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq.
  • As of late July 2005, Japan had ~~600 ground self defense forces in Iraq. These troops were tasked with providing medical assistance and engineering work pertaining to water facilities. The troops were initially stationed with Dutch troops, but were now being located with Australian troops. In addition, Japan also had ~200 troops stationed in Kuwait providing air transport in support of the contingent deployed to Iraq.
  • Reuters reported on July 29, 2005, that El Savalador still had 380 troops in Iraq and would continue to do so for at least a year following a vote the previous day by its Congress to send a fifth contingent in August which would itself be rotated out and replaced the following February. The Cuzcatlán Batttalion is due to rotate out of Iraq in August. Numbering 380, it replaced in February 2005 a unit that had 360 troops.
  • As of July 27, 2005, the Netherlands still had 4 troops in Iraq, as part of SFIR(Stabilization Force IRaq). In addition, it also had 14 troops in the country as part of the NATO Training Mission Iraq(NTM-I)
  • While on a visit to Iraq, Australia's PM Howard was said to have declared that Australia would keep its troops in Iraq until the Iraqi government no longe needed them. The article also mentioned that Australia had about 750 troops in Iraq.
  • Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty reported on July 21 that the first contingent of Armenian troops deployed in Iraq the previous January had returned home the day prior after a six-months rotation. The unit was reported to be composed of "doctors, demining experts and military truck drivers" and had been statitioned in the Polish-led multinational division-controlled area of south-central Iraq.
  • On July 21, 2005, Italy's Lower House approved funds to extend the deployment of Italian troops in Iraq until the end of the year. The measure still required the approval of Italy's Upper House.
  • As of mid-July 2005, Slovakia had a 100-soldier engineering unit serving with the Multinational Division Central South, based in Hillah, Iraq
  • The 4th Macedonian contingent to serve in Iraq returned home in mid-July. They were replaced by another contingent of 33 Special Forces troops, in addition to a high-level liaison officer and a logistics officer who left on June 8, 2005 for Iraq for a period of six months. Macedonia also has two officers asigned to US CENTOCM HQs in Tampa, Florida. for a yearlong assignment.
  • On July 17, 2005, British Defense Secretary John Reid was reported as saying that a transitional handover process could start during the next 12 months allowing for the return of British troops.
  • As of August 3, 2005, the Netherlands had 13 military personnel for the NATO Training Mission Iraq (NTM-I) and 4 troops in the Irak region for SFIR
  • As of July 4, 2005, Australia had approximately 1370 personnel in the region. Its contribution to coalition operations in Iraq consisted 568 personnel divided among the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) with 450 personnel; an ADF medical team of 20 specialist medical personnel based at the Balad Military Hospital; An Australian Army Training Team of 55 personnel that provides logistic training to the Iraqi Army; an Australian contribution to the MNF HQ of 35 personnel; a small group of RAAF air traffic controllers at the Balad Air Base (approximately 6) plus the Australian Defence Attaché on the staff of the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the Senior Australian military officer working in the British HQ in Basra. In addition, Australia also maintained a security detachment of about 100 personnel equiped with Australian LAVs and an explosive ordnance detachment to provide protection and escort for Australian Government personnel working in the Embassy in Baghdad. That security detachment is not being counted as part of the coaltion but is included in the total tally for the region. As of July ne 15, 2005, Australia also had in the region, an RAAF C-130 Hercules detachment, likely based in Qatar with about 160 personnel providing intra-theatre air lift and sustainment support in the Middle East, with two transport aircraft, ground crew and other support elements. It also had an RAAF AP-3C Orion detachment of about 160 personnel conducting maritime patrol operations, itself also not based in Iraq with two aircraft and associated command and support elements; HMAS Newcastle about 220 personnel deployed to the region; and an Australian Joint Task Force HQ of about 100 personnel, though it was not clear where the Australian JTF HQ was based out of.
  • As of mid-July S. Korea's contingent of troops to Iraq stood at a strength of 3,300. The contingent was reduced from an initial strength of 3,600 following reorganization to avoid duplication of effort and relocation of units present on the ground. The contingent it mainly tasked with a reconstruction and peacebuilding mission, but does provide assistance to Iraqi forces, in the form of training. Though there were no plans to either increase or decrease the size of the contingent, the S. Korean National Assembly initially authorized the deployment for a period of a year, leaving the door open for a decision at the end of the year.
  • Bulgaria, as of mid-July 2005 was believed to have approximately ~400-450 troops from the 5th Bulgarian Infantry Battalion in Iraq as part of the coalition under Polish Command. On March 30, 2005, the Bulgarian Cabinet decided that it would end its commitment to the mission in Iraq by December 31, 2005. The decision called for a reduction of troops assigned to the infantry battalion deployed there from 500 to 400, following approval by the Bulgarian Parliament, which did so on May 5, 2005. Bulgaria deployed in May 2005 its fifth rotation of troops to Iraq, with a strength of 400 troops as ooposed to 500 in previous rotations. Bulgaria elected a new government on June 25, 2005, but was, as of mid-July 2005 still in the process of forming a cabinet which might result in a possible change in policy. The policy still left open a possible extension of troops tobelieved to also be contingent on whether the UN mandate set forth in United Nations Resolution 1546 would expire at the end of 2005 or whether it would be renewed.
  • As of mid-July 2005, Norway still had approximately 10 staff officers deployed to Iraq. These Norwegian personnel form part of the British and Polish divisional headquarters staff.
  • As of mid-July 2005, Azerbaijan has 1 infantry company deployed to the Al Anbar region in Iraq with 151 troops. There were no immediate plans to either increase or decrease the size of the contingent.
  • As of mid-July 2005, Lithuania had ~120 personnel in Iraq, evenly split between a Danish Battalion near Basrahm and the Polish Division in Al Hillah, in addition to several officers assigned to the MNF Headquarters in Baghdad.
  • Poland completed in mid-July 2005 the rotation of its contingent in Iraq. A farewell ceremony had been held on July 4, 2005 in Rzeszowie in Eastern Poland for the 5th contingent of troops. The contingent drawn from the 1st Warsaw Division and reportedly numbering 1,500 troops would be deployed for a period of 6 months. Poland also maintains a quick-reaction force, battalion-sized, in a ready-state for deployment to Iraq. With UN Security Resolution 1546 set to expire at the end of 2005, Poland's repotedly contemplated withdrawal was officially nevertheless contingent on situation and events in Iraq.
  • As of July 9, 2005, the Estonian unit deployed to Iraq was the 34-strong light infantry platoon ESTPLA-11; operational control of which rested with US CENTCOM. In addition, at least one Estonian Officer was known to be serving with the coalition forces' information department. On April 20, 2005, the Estonian Parliament extended the mission of its contingent in Iraq until December 31, 2005, with the option left open of revisiting that deadline pending any extension by the United Nations of the mandate set in UN Security Council Resolution 1546. The unit deployed in June 2005 to Iraq. Prior units were the Estonian light infantry unit (ESTPLA-8) based in Baghdad and a cargo handling team (CT-2) which operated at Tallil Airfield near An-Nasiriyah; both units were deployed in Iraq for six months and returned home on June 15, 2004. They were replaced by ESTPLA-9 with 32 troops and CT-3 with 13 troops for a period of six months. This rotation was followed by the ESTPLA-10. ESTPLA-8 and ESTPLA-10 are understood to have served under the 1st Cavalry Divison.
  • As of early July 2005, Latvia had 136 troops in Iraq.
  • As of July 2005, Romania had ~863 troops in Iraq. This included an infantry company numbering between 120-130 tropps assigned to UNAMI. Its contingent of troops assisting the coalition was made up of 1 infantry Battalion, 1 Engineer unit, probably company-sized, 1 MP company, 1 Infantry company, 1 medical group, 1 reconnaissance group in addition to officers and NCO assigned to HQs.
  • Italy announced on July 8, that it would withdraw 300 troops from Iraq in September 2005. As of July 1, 2005, Italy had 3,038 troops committed to Operation "Antica Babilonia", its name for operations in Iraq. Of these, 8 were being assigned to locations in United States, while 30 troops were being stationed in Kuwait with 2,945 troops were in Iraq. 55 personnel from the Italian Red Cross were also in the region.
  • During an interview with BBC's Newsnight programme on July 1, 2005, Jordan's King Abdullah said that his country would consider sending troops to Iraq if tha country's interim government asked.
  • The Xinhua New Agency reported on June 20 that Italy's Defense Minister had that day commented that the country would likely withdraw its contingent from Iraq once a new Iraqi government takes power and is capable of securing the country.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina deployed on June 10, 2005, a contingent of 36 troops to Iraq. The unit is Explosiive Ordnance Disposal unit was to be subordinated to a US Marine Engineer unit in the Fallujah area. Bosnian contingent are set to rotate to Iraq for a period of six-months each.
  • As of June 8, 2005, Kazakhstan still had 27 engineers in Iraq serving with the Ukrainian contingent and taked with UXO duties
  • As of late-May 2005, Fiji was set to deploy an additional 90 troops to Iraq to support UNAMI
  • As of late May 2005, S. Korean troops in Iraq were drawn from the Zaytun Division who had assumed operational authority for the northeastern province of Irbil, Iraq, on Oct. 1, 2004.
  • On May 25, 2005, UK Secretary of State for Defence John Reid announced the latest rotation of UK Forces to Iraq to the Multinational Division (South-East) (MND(SE)) As part of the plan, 4 Armoured Brigade, formerly the lead UK formation, was being replaced by 12 Mechanised Brigade; a transition to be mostly complete by 30 May 2005. The rotation would account for approximately 8,500 troops or an increase of a 400+ UK troops to Iraq.
  • As of April 21, 2005, Italy's contingent of troops in Iraq was led by a Maneuver regiment based on the 187th Parachutist Regiment and composed of two task groups: a battalion of "Tarquina" parachutists with a company of the from the San Marco Regiment; and one battalion made up of one armored reconnaissance squadron from the 4th Cavalry and one Mechanized Company using Centauro and Dardo vechicles.
  • On April 15, 2005, Bosnia and Herzegovina announced that it would deploy in June 2005 a Explosive Ordnance Disposal platoon to Iraq. The unit would number 36 troops
  • As of early April 2005, the 13th Infantry 'Shavnabada' Battalion (also identified as the 3rd Battalion of the 11th Brigade) from Georgia had been attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. The unit, with 550 troops would be responsible for security at the al-Rasheed Hotel and the Iraqi Convention Center, the home to the newly-elected Iraqi National Assembly, in addition to providing security for United Nations convoys in Baghdad. There are conflicting reports as to whether the Shavnabada is deployed as part of UNAMI or as part of the coalition but assisting UNAMI. They joined a contingent of 300 commnado troops already in Iraq near Baquba.
  • An early April 2005, 4th BCT, 3rd ID PAO article mentioned that the Estonian and Macedonian contingent deployed to Iraq were supporting Multi-National Division-Baghdad.
  • On March 15, 2005, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced that Italy would begin to withdraw its troops from Iraq in September 2005. Berlusconi later seemed to backtrack from this comment with his spokesman downplaying the announcement as being consistent with prior Italian policy and thus contingent upon the ability of the Iraqi Government to assume responsibility for itself. As such, it is unclear whether Italy will in fact withdraw its contingent from Iraq.
  • Ukraine witdrew 500 troops from Iraq on May 15, 2005. This followed the 150 or so who left on March 15, 2005. The rest of the Ukrainian contingent, numbering ~950, is set to leave the country by the end of 2005, possibly by mid-October.
  • The UB Post reported on March 10, 2005, that Mongolia's third rotation of more than 130 troops to Iraq returned home on March 4 after six months spent in-country. They were under Polish command. The first rotation of Mongolian contingent, which was composed of an infantry company and construction platoon, was deployed to Iraq from mid-August 2003. As with the second and third rotations of Mongolian troops to Iraq, only infantry companies were deployed.
  • Singapore Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Resolution, with a crew of 180, returned home on March 19, 2005, after a three month deployement to the Northern Arabian Gulf as part of Singapore's contribution "to the multinational effort in support of the reconstruction in Iraq". It was not clear if another ship had been dispatched to replace it.
    • as part of Singapore's contribution "to the multinational effort in support of the reconstruction in Iraq". RSS Resolution had.
  • On February 22, 2005, the Government of Australia announced that is had decided to send a new Australian Task Force to Iraq. The Task Group would be sent to the Al Muthanna province in S. Iraq and it would be tasked with 1) providing a secure environment for Japanese engineering and support forces there; and 2) being involved in the further training of Iraqi security forces. The new Australian Task Group was to consist of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron, an infantry company, and a training team. The total numbers would be approximately 450, and it would have some 40 ASLAV armoured vehicles. The great bulk of the Task Group was to be drawn from the Darwin 1st Brigade, and it would take some 10 weeks from that announcement for the Task Group to be ready. The unit deployed in late April 2005.
  • The fifth Danish Contingent was dued to rotate out of Iraq sometime in August, after arriving in Kuwait on February 10, 2005. The contingent is made of ~540 troops, or an increase from the 496 that made up the fourth rotation. The unit is deployed in Basrah, Iraq. They are taksed with providing security around their camp and to convoys traveling through the supply routes in Southern Iraq. The contingent is made up of infantry, military police officers, medics, in addition to a civil affairs team.
  • As of early Januuary 2005, Kazakhstan had rotated in three contingent of 27 engineers to Iraq with another scheduled to follow.
  • On March 15, 137 Ukrainian soldiers arrived home as part of the first group from that country's contingent in Iraq to withdraw from Iraq.

  • Moldova withdrew its contingent of 12 troops from Iraq in February 2005. The withdrawal had not been previously noted.
  • The Kingdom of Tonga withdrew its contingent of 40+ troops from Iraq in December 2004. The withdrawal had not been previously noted.

  • On March 14, 2005, The London Daily Telegraph reported that on March 7, 2005, Dutch military forces in Iraq handed over command in the province Al Muthanna to the British, thereby officially ending its mission in Iraq. It also reported that, as of March 14, 2005, only 200 Dutch troops were reported to still be in the province. They were scheduled to leave Iraq by the end of the month. The Associated Press reported on Mar. 15, that 150 troops had returned home on Feb. 21. The BBC reported on Mar. 15. that another 150 had returned home that day, but 800 troops were still in Iraq.
  • Ukraine's defense ministry announced that it would begin withdrawing its troops from Iraq on March 15, with the departure of 150 troops.
  • Poland is slated to withdraw several additional hundred soldiers from Iraq by summer
  • BBC News reported on Mar. 2, that Ukraine had outlined the timetable fo the withdrawal of its 1,650 or so troops in Iraq. They are to depart the country in three stages set between mid-March and October 2005. During the first phase, 150 troops would leave. They would be later followed by an additional 590 troops. The remaining Ukrainian soldiers are to leave Iraq by mid-October.
  • A contingent of 558 troops, as well as 40 liaison officers, from Georgia deployed on Mar. 02 for Iraq, via Kuwait, where they will stay for two weeks. The troops are assigned to the Shavnabada Battalion. As a result, Georgia will have 898 troops in Iraq.
  • Albania announced on Feb. 25, that it would boost its troop contribution to Iraq by 50 in April 2005 during a regularly scheduled troop rotation.

1 March 2005

DoD

  • The Department of Defense announced on Dec. 1, that "a request by the Commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF(I)) to extend two Army brigades and a Marine Expeditionary Unit operating in Iraq [had been approved]. The Secretary also approved the Commander's request for two additional infantry battalions to deploy to Iraq." Affected by the extension order were the Army's 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, the 2nd Brigade 1st Cavalry Division, the Marine Corps' 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the 66th Transportation Company. Two battalions from the 82nd Airborne Division were also slated to deploy to Iraq for an anticipated duration of approximately 120 days. The approved request was to add an additional 1,500 active duty soldiers, and extends approximately 10,400 active duty combat forces. The extension, in conjunction with the current force rotation, would increase the U.S. forces in theater from 17 to 20 brigades, and increase the force size in Iraq to approximately 150,000 personnel during the election period.

  • The Washington Post reported On Nov. 21, that, according to senior U.S. military commanders, additional US troops would be required in Iraq to deal with the increased tempo of operations against the insurgency. Possible scenarios discussed included the need for an additional 3-5,000 troops, possibly drawing on a brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division, and/or delaying the redeployment of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division

CENTCOM

Army

  • As of Feb. 28, the 319th Signal Battalion was scheduled to soon redeploy home. It was serving under the 7th Signal Brigade
  • The Wilkes Barre Times Leader reported Feb. 27, that part of the 2nd BN, 103rd Armor Rgt had returned home, namely Charlie Company. Bravo Company was scheduled to follow it later.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 26, that the 2nd BN, 197th Field Artillery had returned home that day.
  • On Feb. 25, DOD announced a casualty with the 797th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 79th Ordnance Bn, 52nd Ordnance Group, TF Liberty. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Portland Press Herald reported on Feb. 25, that the 548 men of the 133rd Engineer Battalion had begun arriving back in the US on Feb. 23.
  • The Rocky Mountain News reported on Feb. 24, that the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment would deart for Iraq within the following two weeks.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 23 that close to 300 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery would return home on Feb. 25 and 27 from Iraq. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 23, that the 500 or so soldiers from the 276th Engineer Battalion returned home that day.
  • On Feb. 23, DoD released the names of casualties with the 1st Bn, 151st Field Artillery, 34th Infantry Division. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • According to a Feb. 22 August Chronicle report, the 293rd Military Police Company returned home on Feb. 20.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 22 that the 153rd Engineer Battalion had returned to the US.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 21 on the return that day of 500 troops, mostly from the 2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division. As of that date, 1,500 troops from the 1st Cavalry Division had returned home, with the rest slated to return by April.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 20, that the 891st Engineer Battalion had been in Iraq since mid-January and was stationed in Southern Iraq. The unit is stationed at Tallil AB.
  • DoD released on Feb. 20 the name of a casualty with the 377th Transportation Company, 181st Transportation Bn, 1st COSCOM. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Olympian reported on Feb. 20, that al least part of the 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery was scheduled to return home that week.
  • The 105th Military Police Battalion is in Iraq at Camp Bucca since October 2004, when it took over the 160th Military Police Battalion
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 18 that the 39th Infantry Brigade (eHSB) (Light) would, in theory, return home to Arkansas by late April.
  • The 133rd Engineer Battalion was, accoring to a Feb. 18 Portland Press Herald report, pulling out of Mosul ahead of its initial schedule, with a possible return to CONUS by late the following week and a return home by mid-march.
  • The Oil City Derrick, PA, PA, reported on Feb. 17, that Battery C, 1st BN, 107th Field Artillery had returned home that day. According to a Feb 18Youngstown Vindicator report, Battery A returned on Feb. 17. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Battery B had reached For Dix on Jan. 25.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 17, that 210 soldiers from the 115th Signal Battalion would arrive home on the 20th of Feb.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 17, that the 116th Cavalry Brigade had taken over responsibility for its sector in Iraq, replacing the 2nd BDE, 25th Infantry Division
  • The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) reported on Feb. 16, that the 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery would return home within days.
  • The Honolulu Advertiser reported on Feb. 16, that the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry had retuend home. It also reported that the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry would return on Feb. 15 and 21. The 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry was expected to return within a few days.
  • The Bismarck Tribune reportedon Feb. 16, that most of the 141st Engineer Battalion's troops would return home that day, or about 300 of the unit's 475 troops.
  • A Feb. 15 AFPS story reported that the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment had taken command from Task Force Olympia on Feb. 13
  • The St. Cloud Times reported on Feb. 14, that the 150 men of the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor as well as the 250 men of the 434th Main Support Battalion, B Co had arrived in Iraq in January 2005.
  • A Feb. 14 New York Times piece reported that the 250th Signal Bn was in Iraq at Base Danger and operating under the 42nd Infantry Division
  • A Feb. 14 Associated Press report mentioned that the 113th Engineer BN had been in Iraq for less than two months and was based near Mosul.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 14, that most of the 120th Engineer Battalion had returned home to Okmulgee, OK, that day. Some 200 members of the unit were still in Kuwait but were due to return home within the following three weeks.
  • On Feb. 13, DOD released the name of a casualty with the 767th Ordnance Company, 63rd Ordnance Bn, 52nd Ordnance Group, TF Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Philadelphia reported on Feb. 12, that the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery had officially returned home the previous day, after serving as a provisional military police unit in Iraq.
  • The Toledo Blade reported on Feb. 12, on the return of Company C of the 216th Engineer BN while the Chillicothe Gazette reported on Feb. 20 that the other companies from the Battalion had also returned home.
  • The Wisconsin State Journal reported on Feb. 12, that B Company 118th Medical Battalion had returned home from Iraq. It had been in Iraq since Feb. 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 11, that two battalions from the 82nd Airborne Division, namely the 2nd BN, 325th Airborne Infantry and the 3rd BN, 325th Airborne Infantry, deployed in support of the Jan. 30 Iraqi elections, might return in March, one month earlier than originally expected.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 11, that the 197th Field Artillery Brigade's Headquarters returned home that day. During its deployment, the unit had three artillery battalions assigned to it, with more than 1,300 soldiers. This deployment had not been previously been noted.
  • An Feb. 11, MNF-I release related that III Corps had relinquished command of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq to XVIII Airborne Corps on Feb. 10 at Camp Victory's Al-Faw Palace.
  • The San Bernardino Sun reported on Feb. 10, that members from the 1st Battalion, 185th Armor would return home on Feb. 15. Other soldiers from the units would follow them within the next couple of weeks.
  • The Columbus Dispatch reported on Feb. 10, that the 391st Military Police Battalion had returned home the previous night.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 10, that the 29th Infantry Brigade was in Kuwait and would soon be moving into Iraq, though it would leave behind a battalion for security purposes in Kuwait and Qatar. The report also mentioned that the unit's headquarters would be based at LSA Anaconda. The Honolulu Advertiser reported that the 29th Infantry Brigade's troops were marshalled at Camp Buehring, Camp New York and at Kuwait Naval Base.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 9, that the 80 memebrs of the 264th Engineer Group had returned home.
  • The Olympian reported on Feb 8, that all the soldiers from the 81st Brigade Combat Team would be home by the end of March.
  • On Feb.8, the Department of Defense released the names of two US casualties suffered on Feb. 4 and with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry with the 1st BCT, 3rd Infantry Division. The arrival of that unit in Iraq had not been previously noted.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 7, that about 200 soldiers of the 368th Cargo Transfer Company with the 11th Transportation Battalion would return home by Feb. 14. It had deployed on Feb. 14, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 7, that the 1st Battalion, 86th Field Artillery would leave Iraq the following day and, after spending two days in Kuwait would return home via Fort Dix. 190 men from the unit were deployed to Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 7, that most of the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery had arrived at Fort Sill, OK, the day prior.
  • On Feb. 7, the Bangor Daily News reported that the men from the 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery had returned to the US and would return home, possibly on Feb. 13.
  • On Feb. 7, the Associated Press reported that the 141st Engineer Battalion had arrived at Fort Carson and were scheduled to return home after a year in Iraq.
  • The Viriginian-Pilot reported on Feb. 6, that 200 soldiers of the 368th Cargo Transfer Company of the 11th Transportation Battalion would return on Feb. 11.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 4, that the 1-244th Command Aviation BN had returned home that week,
  • The Argus Leader (South Dakota), reported on Feb.2, that the 2nd BN, 147th Field Artillery and the 153rd Engineer Battalion were in Kuwait where they had moved to the week prior to prepare for their early return home. The units were reportedly scheduled to stay until June.
  • The Associated Press reported on Feb. 2, that the 110 men from the 118th Area Support Medical Battalion would return to the US the following day.
  • The Kansas City Star reported on Feb. 2, that the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division had left for Iraq the day prior.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 31 that the 1st Battalion, 172nd Field Artillery would return home on Feb 2.
  • The Birmingham News (Alabama) reported on Jan. 29, that members from the 279th Signal Battalion had returned home. Soldiers from the unit had been attached to either the 115th Signal Battalion or the 711th Signal Battalion, both of which also had redeployed home.
  • The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA) reported on Jan. 29, that the 29th Signal Battalion had returned home and held its welcome-home ceremony the day before.
  • The Albuquerque Journal reported on Jan. 28, that the 515th Corps Support Battalion would arrive home that day.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 25, that the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion would return home the following month.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 25, that the 1st Battalion, 172nd Field Artillery was expected to return home the following week.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 25 that 50 troops from the 1-244th Command Aviation Battalion had returned home, leaving 150 troops from the unit still deployed overseas.
  • The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA) reported that the 81st Brigade Combat Team might begin redeploying home over the next two months.
  • The Times-Picayune reported on Jan. 25, that the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry was in the process of deploying to Iraq via Kuwait.
  • According to a Jan. 25 Associated Press report, the National Guard only had about 86,000 personel available for future deployments to Iraq, while the US Army Reserve had only about 37,500 soldiers available for deployment from its overall troop strength.
  • The Honolulu Advertiser reported on Jan. 24 that the 84th Engineer Battalion had returned home on Jan. 13.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 24 that the 1st BN, 86th Field Artillery would return home in approximtely a month and a half.
  • During a briefing to reporters on January 24, 2005, the Director of Army Operations, Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, reported that the US Army expected to maintain its force levels at about 120,000 troops in Iraq through at least 2006.
  • DoD announced on Jan. 24 the death of a soldier with the 3rd Bn, 3rd Aviation Regiment in Kuwait. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The State Journal-Record reported on Jan. 21, that the 232nd Corps Support Battalion woudl return home to Springfiled on Jan. 28.
  • The Wausau Daily Herald reported on Jan. 21, that the 376th Finance Battalion would return home on Jan. 24, after a year in Iraq. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Star-Gazette (Elmira, NY) reported on Jan. 21, on the mobilitazation of the 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor the day prior for training before an eventual deployment to Iraq.
  • The Aberdeen American News reported on Jan. 20, that the 153rd Engineer Battalion was scheduled to return home on March 1.
  • According to a Jan. 20 Associated Press report, the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion could arrive in Kuwait as early as the end of January, in preparation for their redeployment home.
  • The Honolulu Advertiser reported on Jan. 19, that soldiers with the 65th Engineer Battalion, the 125th Signal Battalion, as well as the 125th Military Intelligence Battalion, and the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation had returned home the previous day.
  • The Aberdeen American News reported on Jan. 19, that the 2nd BN, 147th Field Artillery might return to the US around February 20 instead its previously scheduled date of March 1.
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette repoted on Jan. 14, that HHD, 336th Military Police BN had returned home the previous day from Iraq. The unit was reportedly based near Baqubah, and had under it Batteries B and C, 107th Field Artillery, and a Texas cavalry troop.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 14, that the 1st BN, 172nd Armor Rgt would deploy for Iraq in summer 2005, where it expected to operate tanks.
  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on January 13, that the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division would leave on Jan. 15 for Kuwait. It would then deploy for Baqubah, Iraq, to be placed under the 42nd Infantry Division.
  • The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, PA) mentioned in a Jan. 11 article, that the 28th Signal Battalion would deploy with the 2nd BTC, 28th Infantry Division
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 11, that the entire 147th Field Artillery Brigade was in Iraq. Only the 2nd BN, 147th Field Artillery's deployment had been previously noted. The brigade is due to return in early March.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 11, that the 1st Battalion, 150th Armor REGT had returned home the day prior. The AP later reported on Jan. 20, that the last 136 soldiers from the unit would return the next day.Meanwhile The News & Observer reported that with the last plane arriving at Pope AFB the night before, the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade (eHSB) (MECH) had officially concluded its tour in Iraq. Only about 200 troops were left in Iraq to supervise the loading of the unit's equipment onto ships.
  • The Augusta Chronicle reported on Jan. 8, that the 170 soldiers of the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion were returning home that day.
  • A Jan. 8, Chattanooga Times Free Press story mentionned that the 106th Transportation Battalion was based at Camp Navistar, Iraq, though it probably referred to Camp Navistar in Kuwait.
  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on Jan. 8, on the deployment the day and month prior of troops to Iraq. According to the report, 80 troops from HHC, 36th Engineer Group had deployed the day prior to Iraq. They joined 120 soldiers from the 13th Corps Support Battalion and 150 soldiers from the 598th Maintenance Company. It also reported that the bulk of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division would deploy for Iraq in the next couple of weeks. The Associated Press reported on Jan. 7, that 1,800 troops would deploy with the 36th Engineer Group to Iraq.
  • The Hattiesburg American reported on Jan. 8, that the 298th Corps Support Battalion had returned home on Jan. 6, after having been deployed for a year to Iraq.
  • The Honolulu Advertiser reported on Jan. 7, that the 29th Infantry Brigade's troops would not deploy to Iraq until after the elections. It also reported that, when deployed, the unit's 3,600 troops would be headquartered out of Balad, but be based out of Baghdad's Green Zone and Camp Victory South.
  • The Allentown, PA, Morning Call reported on Jan. 7, that the 228th Forward Support Battalion had activated on Jan. 9. The units 419 troops would train for 100 days before deploying to Iraq, via Kuwait In June.
  • PacNews reported on Jan. 6. that the 29th Infantry Brigade would deploy by Jan. 20 to Kuwait, before going to Baghdad.
  • The Indianapolis Star reported on Jan. 6, that 139 troops from the 138th Signal Battalion mobilized the day prior. From previous news reports, it was not clear if the the whole battalion was being mobilized or simply A Company.
  • The Aberdeen American reported on Jan. 6, that the 2nd BN, 147th Field Artillery was scheduled to return on March 1, though the article alluded that it might be back by Feb. 15.
  • 129 soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 115th Infantry were mobilized on Jan. 6 for an eventual deployment to Iraq.
  • The Birmingham News(Alabama) reported on Jan. 5 that the 711th Signal Battalion was expected to return home that month with approximatedly 600 troops after spending a year in Iraq. The unit deployed in February 2004. The article also reported that the 115th Signal Bn had deployed at about the same time to Iraq with about 500 troops and had been based out of Mosul.The deployment of these units had not been previously noted.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 5. that the 112th Military Police Battalion had returned home the day prior after a year in Baghdad.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 5. that the 184th Transportation Command would deploy overseas the following week. The article also mentioned that the 155th Armored BDE (Separate) had begun leaving for Iraq via Kuwait that week.
  • The Burlington Free Press reported on Jan. 4, 2005, that 600 soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard, mostly from the 2nd BN, 172nd Armor Rgt had arrived in Kuwait the day prior. Most of the troops were to be stationed and operating accross multiple locations in Kuwait.
  • The Associated Press reported on Jan. 2, 2005, that the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry REGT's 760 troops had returned home that day from Iraq.
  • The Houston Chronicle reported on Dec. 31, that the 56th Brigade Combat Team was activated on July 2, 2004, and would begin to deploy after Jan. 1, 2005 farewell ceremonies to be held in their honor.
  • The News & Observer reported on Dec.31 that the 1st BN, 252nd Armor Rgt returned home that day.
  • The Patriot Ledger reported on Dec. 31 that 177 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 102nd Field Artillery had deployed to Iraq on Dec. 29 and 31 for Iraq via Kuwait. The bulk of the unit has been retrained as a security unit.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 30, 2004 that 55 troops from the 115th Signal Battalion would return home the following day, with the remaining troops from the 480-members unit to return home over the following six weeks. The unit's deployement on Dec. 7, 2003 had not been previously noted.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 30, 2004, on the return of 100 soldiers that day, from the 25th Infantry Division. These troops were part of the unit's advance party to Iraq. The remaining troops from the unit, oringally scheduled to return in January were extended for two months in anticipation of the Iraqi elections.
  • The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) reported on Dec. 29, that elements from the 105th Engineer Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery had returned that day.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 29, that the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Rgt returned from Iraq on Dec. 28. The remaining troops from the 30th Infantry Brigade (eHSB) (MECH) were expected to return within the next following two weeks.
  • The Portland Press Herald mentioned on Dec. 25, that the 204th Engineer Battalion was deployed in Mosul.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 24, that the 983rd Engineer BN (Combat) (Heavy) would leave for the Middle East on Dec. 26.
  • On Dec. 24, DoD released the name of a casualty with the 2nd Bn, 390th Infantry Regiment, assigned to TF Olympia. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Dec. 22, DoD released the name of casualties assigned to the 180th Transportation Bn. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Dec. 14, DoD released the name of a casualty assigned to the 95th Military Police Bn. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Dec. 12, DoD released the name of casualties assigned to the 1st Bn, 151st Aviation and assigned to TF Olympia. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Duluth Tribune reported on Dec. 8, that the 724th Engineer Battalion had returned home April 1, 2004. The redeployment of that unit had not been noted.
  • On Dec. 7, DoD released the name of a casualty assigned to the 1st Bn, 258th Field Artillery. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Dec. 6, DoD released the name of a casualty assigned to the 202nd Military Intelligence Bn, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Dec. 6, DoD released the name of a casualty that occured on Dec. 4, assigned to the 3rd Bn, 21st Infantry Regiment and assigned to TF Olympia. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 24, the death of a soldier with the 1st Bn, 101st Cavalry, assigned to TF Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 24, the death of a soldier with the 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, assigned to TF Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 19, the death of a soldier with the 411th Engineer Brigade. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 17, the death of a soldier with the 782nd Main Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division assigned to 13th COSCOM. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 15, the death of a soldier with the 2nd Batallion, 72nd Armor, 2nd Infantry Division. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • DoD announced on Nov. 13, the death of a soldier with the Army Reserve's 1st Bn, 339th Regiment, 7th Brigade, 84th Division. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The 416th Civil Affairs BN returned home in mid-October 2004. The unit had replaced the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion in Mosul. The redeployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division redeployed home from 14-26 Sept. 2004.
  • The 842nd Engineer Company returned home in Sept. 2004.
  • The 1742nd Transportation Company returned home in June 2004.
  • The 68th Corps Support BN redeployed home in mid-late March 2004. The redeployment had not been previously noted. Its HHC detachment did receive however new deployment orders in July 2004.
  • The 11th Signal Brigade returned home in mid-February 2004, though some of the unit's soldiers were to remain in Iraq. The redeployment had not been previously noted.
  • As of Sept. 2, 2004, the 1775th Military Police Company was reported to have recently left Iraq.
  • The 49th Military Police BN appears to have returned home around the April 2004 timeframe.
  • The 877th Engineer Battalion returned home in March 2004. The redeployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The 607th Military Police Battalion returned home in March 2004.
  • The 720th Military Police Battalion returned home in March 2004.
  • The 3rd BN, 18th Field Artillery Rgt returned home in March/April 2004. The redeployment of that unit had not been previously noted. 5th BN, 3rd Field Artillery Rgt also redeployed home around that time since it had originally deployed to Iraq in March 2003. Same with the 1st BN, 12th Field Artillery Rgt. The 6th BN, 27th Field Artillery Rgt is also believed to have returned home around that time-frame(the unit deployed to the Middle East in April 2003). As a result, the 17th Field Artillery BDE is not believed to be in the CENTCOM AOR.
  • The 321st Military Intelligence BN returned home, apparently in early 2004.
  • The 221st Military Intelligence BN (Tactical Exploitation) was incorrectly listed in the Iraq orbat. It appears that the unit deployed to Afghanistan where it was part of Coalition TF-180.
  • The Public Opinion (Chambersburg, PA) reported on Nov. 25 that the 458th Engineer BN had been in Iraq at Baghdad IAP since March. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.

Marine Corps

Air Force

Navy

Coalition

  • On Feb. 22, Australia announced that it would deploy an additional 450 troops to Iraq and would leave for Iraq within 10 weeks for an indefinite amount of time. The units are to be reportedly drawn from the 2nd Calvary Regiment and 5/7 RAR of the Darwin-based 1st Brigade and would include a Infantry company, a cavalry squadron and 40 or so LAVs. The unit would deploy for six-months to the Muthanna area. In addition, the deployment is expected to cost AU$300 million a year
  • Xinhua reported on Feb. 21, that Denmark had rotated its contingent of troops in Iraq that weekend at Camp Danevang, inside the British Shaiba Log Base; its fifth contingent to be rotated in.
  • A Feb. 17 MNF-I release reported that the fourth rotation of troops from El Salvador had taken place the day prior. AFP Reported on Feb. 10, that the unit was with the 4th Cuscatlan Battalion.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Feb. 17, that the Romania was deploying troops for its IV Engineer detachment to Iraq.
  • The Italian Parliament voted on Feb. 16, to extend the deployment of its contingent to Iraq through June.
  • According to a BBC Monitoring report from Feb. 14, the 2nd Infantry Battalion from Romania had relaced the 812th Infantry Battalion at camp Mittica at Tallil Air Base. On Feb. 9, it reported that the new unit was the 2nd Calugareni Battalion.
  • AFP reported that Portugal would have withdrawn its troops from Iraq by Feb. 12. They left Iraq on Feb. 10, two days ahead of schedule
  • According to a BBC Monitoring report from Feb. 11, that Romania would send in March a new infantry Battalion to Iraq, thereby boosting the size of its contingent in Iraq.
  • BBC Monitoring International Reports reported on Feb. 2, that Romania was rotating its MP company in Nasiriyah.
  • A Baltic News Service report from Jan. 31, reported that there were some 120 Lithuanian troops in Iraq, with approximately 50 in both the British- and Polish-controlled sectors and another dozen or so at command posts in Baghdad, Babylon and Basrah.
  • ITAR-TASS reported on Jan. 28, that Russia's First Deputy Defense Minister had announced that the country would not send to Iraq its newly formed, 2,500-men strong, airborne-peacekeeping brigade.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Jan. 27, that the 400+ tropps from Romania's Capathian Hawks(812th Infantry Battalion) had begun redeploying home.
  • A BBC Monitoring report from Jan. 25, reported that Romania had begun rotating troops for its contingent in Iraq and that the total number of Romanian troops in Iraq stood at 730.
  • BBC Monitoring Europe reported on Jan. 21, that the Bulgarian President, Georgi Purvanov, had in his address to the National Assembly, declared that while Bulgaria should withdraw its contingent from Iraq, it should not do so hastily. He called on the National Assembly to fix the end of 2005 as a deadline, while keeping open the possibility of extending it depending on UN, EU, or NATO involvement in Iraq.
  • MNF-I announced on Jan. 21, that a contingent of 46 Armenian soldiers had joined Multi-National Division Central - South. The troops were to become a part of the logistics battalion located in the city of Al-Hilla and be tasked with transportation and explosive ordnance disposal tasks.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Jan. 18, that Lithuania woud not consider withdrawing its contingent of troops from Iraq until the end of 2005. The size of its contingent in Iraq is capped at 120.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Jan. 17, that Armenia's contingent of 46 troops would leave the follwoing day for Iraq.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Jan. 10, that Georgia would deploy between Jan. 10-20, another contingent of 500 troops from the Shavnabada Battalion, the 3rd Battalion of the 11th Brigade. After a 2 week acclimatation period in Kuwait, the unit was expected to deploy to Baghdad, Iraq, mainly to provide security to UN offices there.
  • On Jan. 10, 2005, the outgoing Ukrainian President, Leonid Kuchma, tasked his government's defense and foreign ministers to begin planning for the withdrawal of Ukraine's contingent from Iraq in the first half of 2005. Interfax reported that the 72nd Battalion mighe depart Iraq in the March-April timeframe, with the remaining Ukraininan troops being withdraw in the following two or three months.
  • According to a Jan. 7 Agence France Press report, Lithuania's Foreign Minister was quoted as saying that day that the country was considering withdrawing its troops after the elections.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Jan. 6, that 169 Polish troops left for Iraq. It also reported that the troops from Poland's 3rd rotation of troops to Iraq would be returning home over that weekend and that the new contingent was expected to number 1,700 troops.
  • BBC Monitoring Europe reported on Jan. 4, 2005, that a farewell ceremony had been held that day for the next contingent of Polish troops to deploy to Iraq. According to the report, 1,700 troops from the 11th Lubusz Armoured Division would deploy to Iraq, in addition to 200 men from the 1st Pomeranian Logistics Brigade. The latter were to be deployed specifically for the Iraqi Elections. Poland's Deputy Minister of National Defence, Janusz Zemke, was quoted as saying that Poland would reduce its contingent of troops from 2,500 to 1,700 after the Iraqi elections.
  • AAP Newsfeed reported on Dec. 29, 2004, that elements of the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; the Darwin-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment; and the Sydney-based 1st Military Police Battalion had deployed that day for Iraq to provide securirty for the Australian embassy there. The security detachment there was reported to number a total of 120 personel.

26 December 2004

DoD

  • On Oct. 30, 2004, DoD announced that it would extend the deployment of 6,500 troops in Iraq through the Iraqi elections, scheduled for late-January 2005. 3,500 soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and 3,000 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division are affected by the move. The units were officially told about the deployment adjustment by their commanders Oct. 28. The affected troops, who had originally been slated for 10-month deployments, will now serve 12 months on the ground, the deployment timeframe most Army units serve in Iraq.
    In addition, the 42nd Infantry Division's upcoming deployment was to be adjusted by 30 to 60 days to avoid swapping out a headquarters element during the critical Iraqi election period. The unit's headquarters troops mobilized May 27 to train for their mission at Fort Drum, N.Y.
    The official request was made in late September, and Army Gen. John Abizaid, head of U.S. Central Command, made the decision Oct. 16, with the concurrence of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

  • USA Today reported on Oct. 26, that the Pentagon was considering a temporary increase in the number of troops deployed to Iraq for the period surrounding the January elections there. The plans would call for increasing the length of tours for unit already deployed there as well as accelarating the deployment of unit scheduled to rotate to Iraq. The plan might raise troop levels in the country to as high as 160,000 troops. The need for additional US troops would stem from the lack of additional allied foreign troop contributions as well as a shortage of trained and qualified Iraqi troops. Options under consideration, and mentioned in the article, would call for delaying the redeployment of the 1st Cavalry Division, accelerating the deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division, using reserves stationed in Kuwait, or deploying units from the 82nd Airborned Division

CENTCOM

Army

  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 24, on the return home of 260 troops assigned to the 21st Military Police Company, the 126th Finance Battalion and the 7th Transportation Battalion, 1st COSCOM
  • The Associated Press reported that the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion had just returned home after a year spent in Iraq. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted. During that time, the unit was stationed at Camp Victory
  • A Dec. 24, Associated Press story mentioned that the 28th Signal Battalion was in Baghdad and attached to the 39th Infantry Brigade
  • A Dec. 22, Associated Press story mentioned that the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion was set to deploy to Iraq although no timeframe was given for its deployment.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 21 that the 185th Aviation Group would return home on Christmas Eve.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 21, that the 30th Infantry Brigade (eHSB) (MECH) would begin returning home starting around New Year's Day.
  • The Idaho Statesman reported on Dec. 18, that the 116th Brigade Combat Team had arrived at its station in Northen Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 17, that 330 members of the Vermont National Guard had received mobilization orders for an evential deployment to the Middle East. The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Dec. 15, that the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery had been mobilized and move to Camp Shelby, Miss., in early January for training before deploying for Iraq. Almost 500 men are affected by the order.
  • According to the Great Falls Tribune' Dec. 12 reporting, the 1st Battalion, 163rd Infantry depart for Kuwait on Nov. 27.
  • A Dec. 14 Army News story reported that the 1,500+ paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division had begun deploying to Iraq on Dec. 3, with the first troops arriving at Baghdad IAP the next day. The units involved were the 3rd Battalion, 325th AIR, attached to 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 2nd Battalion, 325th AIR, attached to the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
  • A Dec. 12, MNF-I/MNC-I News Release stated that the 13th COSCOM had transferred authority that day to the 1st Corps Support Command. It was unclear at the time which units assigned to either COSCOM were still in Iraq or were to be rotated in/out.
  • An Dec. 10, article in USA Today mentioned that the 276th Engineer Battalion was in Iraq and operating in Mosul. The deployment of that unit had not previously been noted.
  • According to a Dec. 9 Chicago Tribune piece, about 140 troops of the 133rd Signal Battalion will deploy to Iraq in support of the 48th Infantry Brigade.
  • The Honolulu Advertiser reported on Dec. 9, that the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade had been told to prepare for mobilization and would deploy to Iraq, sometimes after the Iraqi general elections of Jan. 30, 2005, likely in early-to-mid-2005.
  • The Christian Science Monitor reported on Dec. 9, that the 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division would deploy to Iraq the following month.
  • The Associated Press reported on Dec. 7, that almost all of the 10th Special Forces Group had deployed to Iraq in the weeks prior. No numbers or information regarding length of deployment were available.
  • According to a Dec. 7 Associated Press report, 182 troops from the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery were mobilized in November for an eventual deployment to Iraq.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Dec. 7, that 23 troops from the 184th Ordnance Battalion were deploying the day prior for Iraq. The unit was to be based near Baghdad IAP, but operate throughout the country with an approximate 200 technicians working with them there.
  • The El Paso Times reported on Dec.7 that 100 soldiers from the 263rd Quartermaster Company were deploying to Iraq. It also reported that in February, 600 soldiers from 1836th Transportation Company had deployed as well.
  • A Dec. 4 stroy by the State in Columbia, SC, reported that the 111th Signal Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery were in Iraq. The deployment of these units had not been previously noted.
  • The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported on Dec. 3, that 2,400 National Guradsmen from Pennsylvania would be deployed to Iraq, in the state's largetst call-up since World War II. The troops are to begin mobilizing in January 2005. A piece in the Dec. 18 Pittsburgh Post Gazette clarified that the units affected are to be drawn from the 2nd Brigade, 28th Infantry Division. These are the 1st Battalion, 103th Armor, the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry. Also affected by the call-up would be the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry, the 876th Engineer Battalion, the 1st Battalion, 104th Cavalry, the 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery, the 128th Forward Support Battalion and the 228th Forward Support Battalion.
  • On Dec. 1, the Associated Press reported that the 450 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry had been activated for a possible deployment to Iraq.
  • A December 1, Navy NewsStand story reported that equipment for the 3rd Infantry Division's upcomig deployment to Iraq had begun being loaded on Nov. 29, aboard Military Sealift Command's large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs) USNS Sisler (T-AKR 311) and USNS Seay (T-AKR 302) in Savannah, GA. Together, the ships were to load more than 514,000 square feet of military cargo. ccording to an Associated Press report, the ships were to transport 2,250 ground vehicles and 40 helicopters for the 3rd ID.
  • A Nov. 30, New Orleans Times-Picayune article reported that the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion would deploy to Iraq in April 2005.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Nov. 28, that the 1st Brigade and 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division would, along with the 278th Regimental Combat Team from Tennessee and the 116th Brigade Combat Team would fall under the 42nd Infantry Division in Iraq. Additionally, the report stated that the 4th Brigade and 4th Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division would be supplemented by the 256th Brigade and the a href="/military/agency/army1ad-3bde.htm">3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, with the 2nd Brigade expected to be assigned responsibility for the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad while the 4th Brigade is tasked with patroling the "Green Zone."
  • The Lancaster Sunday News reported on Nov. 28, that the 1185th Transportation Terminal Brigade had been activated and deployed to Fort Dix for training before deploying to DKuwait for a year.
  • The Associated Press reported on Nov. 24, that approximately 100 men from the 1st Battalion, 245th Aviation, from the Oklahoma National Guard would deploy to Iraq by the end of the month.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Nov. 21, that the 2,800 troops from the 48th Infantry Brigade would be mobilized on December 15, and report to Ft. Stewart for training in January. An additional 500 National Guard soldiers would join them and soldiers previously mobilized before deploying to Iraq in late-April, early-May 2005.
  • The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on Nov. 20, that the 278th Armored Cavalry REGT began deploying on Nov. 19, to Iraq, via Kuwait. Flights carrying the unit's troops wer expected to last throught the weekend.
  • The Associated Press reported that 150 troops from A Co., 434th Main Support Battalion had been activated for an eventual deployment to Iraq. The unit would leave on Nov. 29 for Ft. Benning for training.
  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on Nov. 19, that the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division would be stationed near Baqubah when it deploys to Iraq.
  • The Florida Times-Union reported on Nov. 18, that the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion deployed for Iraq on Nov. 17.
  • A Army News Story from Nov. 17 reported that approximately 300 paratroopers from the 1st Squadron, 17 Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division had deployed to Iraq from Green Ramp, Pope Air Force Base, on Nov. 11-12, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • The Jackson Sun reported on Nov. 16, that 150 troops from the 230th Engineer Battalion would activate on Nov 18, for a likely deployment to Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on Nov. 13, that the 30th Infantry Brigade (eHSB) (MECH) might return home in January 2005.
  • The Associated Press reported on Nov. 12, that 350 or so members of the 44th Medical Command had left that day for Iraq. The 44th Medical Command Task Force in Iraq is to comprise approximately 3,400 personnel once in theater.
  • The Idaho Statesman reported on Nov.11 , that 1,600 troops from the 116th Cavalry Brigade would leave for Kuwait, enroute to Iraq, the day after Thanksgiving.
  • The Iowa State Daily reported on nov. 11, that the 394 Corps Support Battalion had returned home on Nov. 10, after having spent 10 months deployed in Kuwait at Camp Virginia where it was tasked with maintaining an army base camp.
  • The Macon Telegraph reported on Nov. 11, that about 1,300 members of the 48th Infantry Brigade would be activated in early December and begin undergroing training. The article also reported that an additional 2,300 members of the unit were expected to be also called up in January 2005. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the unit received its mobilization orders on Nov. 9.
  • An Army News Story from Nov. 10, reported that an advance party numbering moer than 500 soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division had departed for OIF 3, to staging areas in Kuwait, at the end of October, in preparation for TF Liberty's upcoming deployment.
  • The Associated Press reported on Nov.7, that more than 250 soldiers from the 39th Infantry Brigade had returned to the US the previous day. These troops returned home early as a result of having been deployed overseas to Egypt in 2002.
  • The Dayton Daily News (Ohio) reported on Nov. 4, that 480 soldiers from the 612th Engineer Battalion were being mobilized in mid-November for deployment to Iraq.
  • The Newark Advocate reported on Nov. 4, that 200 men from the 211th Maintenance Company had been mobilized for duty in Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 31, that the 812th Transportation Battalion had redployed home after 8 months in the Middle East.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 31, that the approximaterly 3,700 men of the 256th Brigade had arrived at Camp Victory North
  • The 0lympian reported on Oct. 30, that the 3rd BCT, 2nd Infantry Division had returned home.
  • The Tacoma News Tribune reported on Oct. 30, that 800 soldiers from the 62nd Medical Brigade would be deploying over the forthcoming weeks to Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar.
  • The Associated Press reportedon Oct. 29, that 200 troops from the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment left for training in preparation of their deployment to SouthWest Asia for 12 months.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 28, 2004, that the 278th Armored Cavalry REGT would begin deploying for Iraq, via Kuwait, in the days following Veterans' Day (Nov. 11, 2004).
  • During the Annual Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody discussed deployments, and cited the need for maintaining deployment length at 12 months. This was a result of the need to fight an adaptable enemy requires troops with experience on the ground. Shorter deployments would mean more troops per year needing "greening" time in theater to gain that experience. This was also a reason the rotation between Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 and 3 forces is being conducted across about a nine-month period rather than the roughly 45 days it took to swap out OIF 1 with OIF 2. As well, deployment lengths of 12 month reportedly allow Soldiers to establish and maintain contacts with the local population -- not only to win their "hearts and minds," but also for gathering intelligence on the insurgency, while shorter tours would mean greater demand for National Guard and Reserve units to mobilize than currently is the case. Furthermore, ongoing efforts to rebalance the force among the types of units in the active, Guard and Reserve, with the Army planning to convert 100,000 positions, means a number of Soldiers remain unavailable to deploy due to retraining requirements.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 25, that the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry was slated to be stationed north of Baghdad in December.
  • The Akron Beacon Journal reported on Oct. 22, that 200 men from the 1st Battalion, 107th Armor had been mobilized for an eventual deployment to Iraq. 154 men from the unit are already deployed in Iraq.
  • The 983rd Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Heavy) was mobilized in late September.
  • An article by the Associated Press reported on Oct. 22, that the 306th Military Police Battalion had been activated on Oct. 18 for a later deployment to Iraq.
  • The Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) reported on Oct 20, that the 256th Brigade was already in Kuwait and would move into Iraq in the next couple of weeks.
  • An Oct. 15 Army News story reported that the 98th Division (Institutional Training) would be deploying more than 700 troops to Iraq to help train that nation's new Army. The unit would also provide command and control of advisory support teams as part of the Army's new Foreign Army Training Assistance Command or FA-TRAC. The deployment was scheduled to take place over the forthcomign two months.
  • An article in the Oct. 18 Los Angeles Times, mentioned that the 425th Civil Affairs Batttalion had left Iraq and returned to the US.
  • On Oct. 18, 2004, DoD announced the death of two soldiers in Karabilah from the 9th Psychological Operations Bn, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Oct. 18, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier in Mosul from the 1st Battalion, 25th Avitation assigned to TF Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • An Oct. 17, story by the Daily Press mentioned that most of the 7th Transportation Group was based at Camp Arifjan.
  • The Gazette (Colorado Springs) reported on Oct. 16, that 1000 soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group would deploy to the Middle East in the Fall, presumably Iraq.
  • On Oct. 16, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier in Mosul from the 2nd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery assigned to TF Olympia. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • On Oct. 16, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier in Mosul from the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion assigned to TF Olympia. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The St. Cloud Times (MN), reported on Oct. 15, that troops from the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor were being activated for an evntual deployment to Iraq. Not the entire unit was bing activated given the recent return of part of the unit's soldiers from deployment to Bosnia and Honduras in May and June.
  • The Des Moines Register reported on Oct. 15, that the 224th Engineering Battalion's 500 troops deployed for Iraq for a duration of 15 months on Oct. 14.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 15, that the 114th Area Support Group 120 or so soldiers were expected to return home on Oct. 18. The Hattiesburg American, itself reported on Oct. 1, that the unit was returning three months earlier than expected as a result of the unit replacing it having already arrived at station. While deployed it was assigned to the 377th Theater Support Command,
  • The Associated Press initially reported on Oct. 15 that 600 members from the Vermont Army National Guard's 86th Brigade were being deployed to Iraq. The Vermont Guard Burea later clarified that the troops were being sent to the CENTCOM AOR, but not to Iraq or Afghanistan on a security mission where they would be tasked with guarding buildings, airports and other critical areas.
  • The Lancaster New Era mentioned on Oct. 15, that the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Operations) deployed to Iraq in January 2004. In parallel, the unit is attached to the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade also deployed in Iraq with III Corps Headquarters. Other units under the 504th MI Bde include the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation), the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion (Tactical Exploitation) (Georgia Army National Guard), and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion (Corps Support) (U.S. Army Reserves).
  • On Oct. 15, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier from the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery assigned to TF Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.

Marine Corps

Air Force

  • The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on Nov. 2, that the 200-300 emembers of the 148th Fighter Wing were likely to deploy to Iraq early next year. According to the press report, the deployment would also involve several F-16 fighters.

Navy

Coalition

  • On Jan. 10, 2005, the outgoing Ukrainian President, Leonid Kuchma, tasked his government's defense and foreign ministers to begin planning for the withdrawal of Ukraine's contingent from Iraq in the first half of 2005.
  • The United Kingdom announced on January 10, 2005, that it would deploy more troops to Iraq in order to help boost security support for the upcoming Iraqi elections. The UK would deploy an additional 400 troops from the 1st Battalion, "The Royal Highland Fusiliers," "for a limited period of time" as security reinforcements. The Cyprus-based battalion, known as the "Extremely High Readiness Reserve battalion," would deploy to Iraq to join Multinational Division (Southeast).
  • The South Korean parliament voted on Dec. 31 to extend the deployment of its contingent in Iraq for a period of one year.
  • Associated Press reported on Dec. 24, that Armenia's Parliament had approved that day by a vote of 91-23 the deployment of a contingent of 46 troops to Iraq. The troops's role would ostensibly only be to only conduct humanitarian operations. They would be assigned to the Polish Area of Responsibility. It was not exacly clear when the troops would be deployed, though it could happen as early as January 2005.
  • AFP reported on Dec. 22, that Hungary's contingent of troops had begun arriving home from Iraq that day at Budapest airport. All of Hungary's troops were reported by the Defence Ministry to have left Iraq that day, with the redeployment expected to be completed by Christmas. However, Hungary is set to deploy 150 non-combat troops to Iraq in mid-2005, as part of a larget NATO training mission, a mission which does not require parliamentary approval.
  • RFE/RL reported on Dec. 20, that Fiji's contingent of troops in support of UNAMI had arrived in Iraq. It also reported that Romania had offered 100 troops for UN security outside of Baghdad's Green Zone and that Georgia might deploy 500 troops, in support of UNAMI as well.
  • The Glasgow Herald reported that the UK ministry of Defence was calling up 150 medical reservists from Scotland. They would be deployed to man a field Hostpital in Iraq in the spring of 2005.
  • Poland announced on Dec. 14, that it would cut the size of its contingent in Iraq by 700 and down to 1,700 troops by February 2005
  • Agence France Presse reported on Dec. 8, that the deployment of the final group of 800 South Korean troops to Iraq was completed in November.
  • Agence France Presse reported on Dec. 4, that the 850 or so troops from the Black Watch Regiment redeployed south to Basra that day.
  • The Bulgarian troop rotation is due to be completed by the end of the year.
  • On Dec. 4, the Australian Defence Minister announced a naval rotation of Australian ships in the Persian Gulf in support of operations in Iraq, with the frigate HMAS Darwin to soon afterwards replace the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide.
  • A Dec. 3 ITAR-TASS report noted that there were 1,589 Ukrainian troops with 2,072 pieces of equipment deployed to Iraq. It also noted that a majority of the Ukrainian Parliament had offered their support for a proposal calling on the country's president to withdraw its troops from Iraq.
  • The Press Association reported on Dec. 1, that the British MoD had announced that day that the 2nd Battalion Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment would deploy to Iraq in early January 2005 as part of a normal rotation to replace troops of the 40 Commando Royal Marines stationed there.
  • The Macedonian state news agency reported on Nov. 30, that as part of a regularly scheduled rotation, a new contingent of troops was to deploy to Iraq and would be there from December 2004 until June 2005. The report stated that the unit would be drawn from the Rangers' Battalion of the Army Special Operations Forces and would number 32 troops in addition to a liaison officer in Baghdad, as well as another liaison officer and a representative at CENTCOM in Tampa, FL.
  • The Bulgarian news agency reported on Nov. 30, that the first group of troops from the fourth Bulgarian unit to rotate into Iraq had arrived at their base location at Camp E in al-Diwaniyah.
  • Agence France Presse reported on Nov. 30, that General Bill Rollo, second in command of British forces in Iraq, had acknowledged that more British might be dispatched to areas of Iraq under US control should the need arise.
  • A Nov. 29, 20004 AFPS story reported that Singapore dispatched on Nov. 27 a Singapore Armed Forces landing ship tank, RSS Resolution with a crew of 180, to the Persian Gulf. The ship will reportedly "protect waters around oil terminals and provide logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters. It also will conduct patrols, queries and boarding operations".
  • On Nov. 28, the Sunday Telegraph reported that the 2nd Battalion of The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment had been put on 10 days notice to deploy to Iraq. If deployed, it would add another 1,000 or so British troops on the ground.
  • A Nov. 28, Bulgarian News Agency quoted the country's Defense Minister as laying a pullout of the country's contingent in Iraq as being dependent on 3 factors: 1) democratic elections; 2) functionning law-enforcement structures; and 3) a request by a new Iraqi government for a pull-out.
  • According to a BBC Monitoring report of a Bulgarian Radio item, troops used to fill the 4th Infantry Battalion dispatched to Iraq are drawn from the country's 68th Special Forces Brigade in Plovdiv.
  • In a Nov. 18 interview with Rzeczpospolita, the Polish deputy chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Gen Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, confirmed that Poland would have a smaller contingent of troops deployed to Iraq when it implements its fourth rotation of troops there in January 2005. The number of troops was however undetermined.
  • The Associated Press reported on Nov. 17, that Bulgaria had begun the fourth rotation of its troop contingent in Iraq, but said that the unit, numbering 462 troops, would leave for Iraq by January 5, 2005.
  • AFP repoted on Nov. 16, that following the Parliamentary vote against extending the deployment of the country's contingent in Iraq, the Hungarian government was considering sending troops to Iraq in 2005, but as part of a NATO training force.
  • The Hungarian Parliament vote on Nov. 15, against extending the mandate of its contingent in Iraq to March 31, 2005. The mandate of the troops is set to expire on December 31, 2004. As a result, Hungary will withdraw its troops from Iraq by the end of the year. The Hungarians were tasked with logistical transport duties in Iraq.
  • Agence France Presse reported on Nov. 14, that Japan had deployed 200 troops from the GSDF 6th Division based at Higashine, Yamagata Prefecture, to Iraq the previous day to relieve forces some of its forces already in-country. Part of the country's fourth contingent, they are to be followed by an additional 300 troops by the end of the month. According to a Nov. 13, Kyodo News Service report, the remaining troops are from the Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures and the contingent will replace Japan's third contingent from the GSDF 9th Division, based in Aomori.
  • The Korea Herald reported on Nov. 12, that the remaining 800 south Korean troops scheduled to deploy to Iraq would be dispatched the following month.
  • The Melbourne Herald Sun reported on Nov. 5, that Australia was dispathing a 45-strong contingent to Iraq as part of a four-monthly rotation of troos for the 120-strong security detachment guarding the Australian embassy in Iraq. The contingent is made up of soldiers from the 5/7th Battalion, some troops from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, as well as some military police troops.
  • RIA Novosti reported on Nov. 7, that Georgia was dispatching a contingent of 300 troops to Iraq via Kuwait. The rotation was to be completed by late the following week and would mark a near-doubling of the country's presence in Iraq.
  • The US Dept. of State announced on Nov. 4, that Georgia would increase the size of its contingent in Iraq from 159 to 850, although the increase was framed as being made in order to provide security for the United Nations presence in Iraq.
  • The International Herald Tribune reported on Nov. 4, that the Netherlands had confirmed that week that it would not rotate in new troops to replace the contingent in country once its deployment expires.
  • Bulgaria annouced on Nov. 3 that it would reduce the size of its contingent in Iraq to 430 troops during the next scheduled unit rotation, when the 4th Infantry Battalion replaces the 3rd Battalion.
  • The Associated Press reportedon on Nov. 3, 2004, that Hungary would withdraw its contigent of troops from Iraq by the end of March 2005.
  • Geoff Hoon, the British Defence Secretary, gave assurances on November2, before the Commons defence select committee that the Black Watch regiment troops deployed to Central Iraq would be pulled out within 30 days, and return to its base in Basra, by 2 December, 2004.
  • The UK announced it would redeploy approximately 850 Black Watch troops to an area near Baghdad from their location near Basrah. The contingent would include 650 troops from the regiment in addition to 200 support troops. According to BBC, Geoff Hoon, UK Defence Minister denied reports the UK would dispatch an additional 1,300 troops to Iraq. The London Times reported on Oct. 21, that the 1,300 troops would be involved in the event that contingency plans had to be put into action. These plans reportedly call for one battalion to be sent to S. Iraq, with another battalion if need be for a short period. Under these plans, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment, based in Cyprus, would be likely to be deployed to Iraq on short notice. The article also mentioned that of the UK contingent of troops in Iraq, only 7,400 were ground troops.
  • The Algemeen Dagblad reported on Oct. 21, that the Netherlands woudl pull its troops out of Iraq in March 2005, at the end of the troop's mandate. Citing the Dutch Defense Minister, the Dutch Government had reportedly turned down an Iraqi Governmetn request to extend the Dutch contingent's stay in-country.
  • The Ukrainian national security and defense council decided on Oct. 19, to gradually reduce the size of its contingent in Iraq. The reduction is reported to begin with the rotation of troops begun on Sep. 22 and will reduce the number of troops there by 200. The rotation was completed on Oct. 15, with 1,200 troops having returned home.

18 October 2004

DoD

  • An Oct. 18, 2004 article in Stars and Stripes related that V Corps Headquarters had begun training in anticipation of a deployment to Iraq. III Corps HQ replaced V Corps in February 2004 while XVIII Airborne Corps is scheduled to replace III Corps early next year. Following this schedule, the article reports that V corps would be set to return to Iraq in early 2006, but that given the stated hope of Army officials to reduce tours to Iraq to a duration of 6 months, V Corps would return to Iraq as early as summer 2005.
  • An article in the Wall Street Journal published on Sept. 24, reported that the Pentagon was planning on a temporary increase in the number of US troops in Iraq around the time of elections to be held there in January. The increase in troop levels would take place in the January-April timeframe and would seek to take advantage of the ongoing rotations of units in and out of the country. The paper quoted an Army official as saying that "as many as three additional Army brigades -- about 15,000 troops -- could be in Iraq around the time of the elections and thereafter". The troop levels would then be reduced to 'regular' levels, ie 138,000 troops by the end of April.

CENTCOM

  • Gen. John P. Abizaid, CENTCOM, was quoted as telling reporters on Sept. 24, 2004, that more forces were expected to be needed for Iraq , in anticipation of coming elections there, though it was believed and prefered was that those troops would be newly-trained Iraqi troops and soldiers from other nations. Contingency plans were nonetheless reported to be in the development stage should the need for additional troops be felt. Such planning would be partly contingent on the strategy to be adopted in offensive operations to be conducted in the Sunni Triangle, and would likely rely on extending the tours of unit already deployed in country.

Army

  • The Akron Beacon Journal reported on Oct. 13, that 200 members of the 1-107th Armored Battalion were being mobilized over the forthcoming weeks for an eventual deployment in support of OIF. About 150 members of the units are already deployed in Iraq.
  • The Detroit Free Press reported on Oct. 12, 2004, that the 1225th Combat Support Battalion had been just been activated and would undergo training before deploying to Iraq at an unspecified date.
  • An Oct. 7, 2004 ceremony at Wiesbaden, Germany marked the official return home of the 1st Armored Division after a 15th month deployment.
  • The Denvere Post reported on Oct. 6, that 1600 soldiers with the 43rd Area Support Group would be deploying in mid-October for Kuwait.
  • On Oct. 05, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier from the 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery in Taji, assigned to Task Force Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported on Oct. 4, that the 980th Engineer Battalion was operating out of camp Cooke in Baghdad. The deployment of that unit had not previously been noted.
  • An October 4, 2004, Belleville News-Democrat article mentionned that the 232nd Corps Support Battalion was stationned at Camp Speicher near Tikrit.
  • The Associated Press reported on October 4, that the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry was undergoing training for deployment to Iraq and would be assigned there to the 42nd Infantry Division.
  • It was announced on Oct. 4, that more than 150 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery were being mobilized in preparation for an eventual deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rotation #3. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Iraq for a yearlong security mission. The article also mentioned that 200 soldiers from the unit were currently deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and whose 12-month tour was expected to end in December. (Thanks JM) ibrary/news/2004/10/mil-041004-centcom01.htm">announced on October 4, 2004, that the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division would complete a one year dedployment and would begin redeploying home in January 2005, instead of completing its redeployment by december 2004 as had been envisioned by one plan.
  • The Maine Portland Press Herald, reported on Oct. 2, that the 2nd and 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment were about to deploy for Iraq where the units will be tasked with conducting basic combat training.
  • The 1st BN, 178th Field Artillery (S. Carolina ARNG) arrived in Kuwait in mid-September. The unit is tasked with conducting security force missions for convoys throughout Iraq and Kuwait. It has four batteries: Headquarters (Georgetown, SC), Alpha (Andrews, SC), Bravo (Clinton, SC) and Charlie (Manning, SC). (Thanks K)
  • The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA) reported on Sept. 29, that the 256th Brigade had begun deploying its troops to Iraq. The transfer would take approximately one week to be completed. In addition to the 3,000 troops that normally comprise it, the unit is deploying with an additional 1,000 troops from other units that will be attached to it.
  • The Pasadena Star-News reported on Sept. 29, that the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (OPFOR) woudl deploy 1,500 over the next four months to Iraq. The unit's 1,000 remaining troops were set to remain at the NTC. 450 troops from a unit identified as the Nevada National Guard's 221st Armored Cavalry Regiment, though likely misidentified for the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavlary replaced the unit two weeks prior in its training role as OPFOR. The article mentioned the unit was scheduled to return in February.
  • The 600 men of the 244th Engineer Battalion appear to have redeployed home in April 2004. Its redeployment had not been previously noted.
  • A story in the Sept. 24, Washington Post mentionned that personnel from the 230th Area Support Group and the 414th Transportation Battalion, a South Carolina reserve unit, were in transit on Sept. 23, for their deployment to Iraq.
  • The Boston Herald reported on September 25 that about 150 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 102nd Field Artillery would mobilized on Oct. 10, and an additional 30 on November 23, for a deployment to the Middle East in support of OIF.
  • The Tennessean reported on Sept 23, that 2,100 soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell would deploy in support in OIF beginning that week and ending in January. Affected by the orders were support units and did not include any infantry units. These were the HH Det.-1016th Transportation Battalion, 372nd Transportation Co., 494th Transportation Co., 541st Transportation Co. and 613th Movement Control Team, HH Det.-129th Corps Support Battalion, the 50th Medical Company, 86th Combat Support Hospital, HH Det.-716th Military Police Battalion, 194th Military Police Company, 163rd Military Police Team, 2nd Brigade (likely mistake/should be Battalion), 101st Aviation Regiment; and the 4th Battalion of the 3rd Aviation Regiment (the unit was recently reassigned to the 3rd Infantry Division but it still based at Fort Campbell).
  • The Associated Press reported on Sept. 23, that the head of the National Guard Bureau had announced that the 86th brigade of the Vermont Army National Guard would deploy to Iraq as part of the next scheduled troop rotation. The story reported that 1,300 soldiers of the units had in June been put on alert for a possible mobilization.
  • On Sept 23, 2004, DoD announced the death of a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Iraq. The deployment of that unit had not been previously noted.
  • The Bismarck Tribune reported on Sept. 22, that the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion had deployed in February with 475 men. In Iraq, the unit was assigned to Task Force Trailblazer, and tasked with sweeping a major highway for IEDS. According to the article, the unit had, since March 15, 2004, had discovered 150 IEDS while clearing roughly 124,000 miles of roadway, mostly in the area north of Baghdad.
  • On Sept. 21, 2004, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued a statement where he denied the existence of a "secret plan by the Bush Administration to call-up additional reserve troops after the November Presidential election."
  • A story in the Orlando Sentinel from Sept. 21, appeared to suggest that the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion which deployed in January would redeploy home in October. It also reported that the 112th Military Police Battalion was in Iraq and would return home in January. The 478th is subordinate to the 350th Civil Affairs Command, but it appears from the story that the 112th MP Bn is attached to it as well.
  • A Sept. 20 Honolulu Advertiser story reported that the 84th Engineer Battalion had left on Jan. 23, 2004 for Iraq and would return in four months time. The article mentioned the unit had built roads and schools at and around Balad Air Base in addition to some work at the Abu Ghraib prison. The article also reported that ~250 soldiers with the 17th Corps Support Battalion had left that month for Mosul.
  • According to the Sept. 20 NY Times, the week prior, the US Army Reserve announced that 800 soldiers from the Rochester, NY-based 98th Division would be deployed in the forthcoming nine weeks to Iraq. The overseas deployment would be the unit's first since World War II. In Iraq, the unit will assume a lead role in training the New Iraqi Army.
  • The Sunday News (Lancaster, PA.) reported on Sept. 19, that the 1185th Transportation Terminal Brigade would be activated in November. Once deployed, the unit will run port operations.
  • More Guard Call-ups? On September 17, 2004 Congressman John Murtha stated that he had learned through conversations with officials at the Pentagon that at the beginning of November, 2004, the Bush Administration planned to call up large numbers of the military guard and reserves, to include plans that they previously put off to call up the Individual Ready Reserve.
  • According to the Lansing State Journal, 150 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 126th Armor are set to leave in December for training at Fort Dix. The paper also reported that 215 soldiers from the 1073rd Maintenance Company, would be mobilized along with about 160 soldiers of the 1436th Engineer Company for deployment to Iraq. About 40 soldiers from the 507th Engineer Battalion, would also mobilized in early November for a likely deployment to Iraq.
  • According to a Sept. 14 Associated Press report, the 113th Engineer Battalion had been activated and would be mobilized in October in support of OIF. The report also stated that to bring the unit to full strength (~500), an additional 64 soldiers from another unit had also been activated and transferred to the 113th. The unit are to in in Iraq no later than January.
  • The Baltimore Sun reported on Sept. 4, that 50 member of the 1297th Support Battalion mobilized that day for a deployment in Iraq. It appears that only part of the unit was affected by the callup.
  • The Associated Press reported on Sept. 13 that 130 soldiers from the 212th Signal Battalion were set to be mobilized on October 13. The soldier will assist a unit of the Mississippi National Guard under the 39th Infantry Brigade.
  • The Associated Press reported on Sept. 13, that more than 500 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division had returned home on Sept. 11-12. A remaining 3,000 or so from the unit and supporting units will completed their deployment home by the end of October.
  • The Greenville News (Greenville, SC) reported on September 12, that the 151st Signal Battalion returned from its deployment to Iraq in April and were demobilized on April 25. Their return had not been previously noted.
  • The Associated Press reported on September 12, on the return of part of the 1st Bn, 32nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. The entire unit is to return home that same month.
  • The Times-Picayune reported on September 12, that the 256th Infantry Brigade would deploy to Baghdad the following month.
  • A September 12, 2004 CENTCOM release announced that the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division had transferred authority to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division on September 11. The soldiers of 1BCT, who had been in Iraq for more than a year, were planning to return to their home base of Fort Riley, Kansas. In the early stages of the deployment, the 1BCT was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division before switching over to the 1st Marine Division, which the unit was been attached to since March 20, 2004.
  • The Anchorage Daily News reported on September 11, 2004, that 130 infantry soldiers from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry of the 207th Infantry Group had been ordered to report to Fort Richardson for an eventual deployment in support of OIF. This order marked the first involuntary activation of a unit from the Alaska Army National Guard since World War II.
  • The Great Falls Tribune reported on Sept. 10, that more than 650 soldiers from the 1st Bn, 163d Infantry as well as Troop E, 163d Cavalry were training at Fort Bliss, TX, in preparation for their upcoming deploymentin support of OIF.
  • An article in the San Antonio Express-News reported on September 10, that the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry would deploy to Iraq. It will join the 56th Brigade Combat Team also, a unit of the 36th Infantry Division deploying to Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on Sept. 10, 2004, that the Army Reserve's 844th Engineer Battalion had been mobilized for a possible deployment. The unit is to move to Camp Shelby, MS, for training in October.
  • The Daily Press (Newport News, VA) reported on september 5 that part of the 7th Transportation Group was deploying to the Middle-East for a period of one year. Only the 6th Transportation Battalion was deploying with the Command Element of the 7th Transportation Group. Elements of the 7th's other units (10th, 11th and 24th Transportation Battalions) which specialize in port operations were reported to be already in the area but attached to other units.
  • The Associated Press reported on September 3 that the 17th Corps Support Battalion would deploy the following week to Mosul, Iraq with 250 troops. There the unit would support the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade.
  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on September 1 that the 3rd BCT, and 1st Brigades of the 3rd Infantry Division would be the units attached to the New-York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division when that unit deploys to Iraq as part of the OIF3 rotation.
  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) was reporting that only 80 soldiers in Battery B, 1st Battalion, 126th Field Artillery was being activated on September 4 for an eventual deployment to Iraq with the remaining 400 soldiers in the battalion having been released from the April 9 alert notice.
  • The Daily Record (NJ) reported on Sept. 2, that 250 personnel from Batteries A and , 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery were being activated in support of OIF, though they would not necessarily deploy to Iraq. Other personnel from the unit are serving in Iraq, including with the 759th M.P. Battalion.
  • The Associated Press reported on September 2, that 330 or so members of the 150th Engineer Battalion had mobilized that day, becoming the last of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade to mobilize for their upcoming deployment to the Middle East.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 25, 2004 that the Department of Defense had extended a mobilization alert order for 90 days. Affected by the order were roughly 1,300 members of the 86th Brigade. If activated, it is unclear whether the units concerned would be deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan.
  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on August 29, that the 264th Engineering Battalion had arrived in Tikrit in February.
  • The 115th MP Battalion returned home in late December 2003. Their return had not been reported then.

Marine Corps

  • An Oct. 15 Marine Corps News story reported that Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 was training in preparation of a possible deployment to Iraq.
  • An Oct. 15 Marine Corps News story reported that Co B, 3rd Amphibious Assault BN was redeploying home. while deployed, the unit, in addition to supporting the movement of troops throughout the province, conducting counter rocket and counter mortar patrols, cordon and knocks, security patrols and maintaining supply routes, some of these Marines were made into provisional infantrymen, while others served as instructors at the Al Asad Police Academy. They are being replaced by Co C, 2nd Amphibious Assault BN
  • An Oct. 10, Marine Corps story mentioned that Marine Air Control Squadron 38, 3rd MAW, Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, and Marine Wing Support Group 37 were stationed at Al-Asad.
  • The 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines arrived back home to Camp Pendleton around Oct 8, 2004.
  • The 4th Battalion, 14th Marine deployed to Iraq in mid-August 2004. The unit is stationed at Al-Asad Airbase.
  • The 1st Light Reconnaissance Armored Battalion is scheduled to return home in early October. No additional detail was available.
  • The Associated Press reported on October 1, that the 175 men of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine had left Iraq. The deployment of that unit to Iraq had not been previously noted. It was not clear if the whole battalion had deployed as well. They arrived home on Oct. 9, 2004.
  • 300 men of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine returned home on Sept. 24. During the course of its deployment, the unit suffered 35 dead, 180 wounded.
  • A Sept. 24, Marine Corps News story mentioned Al Asad, Iraq, as being within Combat Service Support Battalion-7's responsibility. That unit's deployment had not been previously noted.
  • A Sept. 23, Marine Corps News story reported that 1st FSSG, which provides logistical support for I MEF, had just received a new wave of personnel over the previous month. Combat Service Support Group-11 has two battalions, Combat Service Support Battalions 1 and 7, which support the infantrymen with the 1st Marine Division's 1st and 7th Regimental Combat Teams.Combat Service Support Group-15 serves as the general support group for all I MEF units, and acquires and distributes food, water, ammunition and medical supplies. 1st FSSG arrived in Iraq in February 2004. The article also reported that the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, an artillery unit from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., had replaced the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine, a reserve infantry battalion headquartered out of St. Louis, Mo.
  • A Sept. 22, Associated Press story reported that the 9th Communications Battalion had deployed to Iraq in September and would redeploy home in March. It also reported that the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines was in Iraq.
  • A Sept. 20 Honolulu Advertiser story reported that the 31st MEU had recently arrived in the Gulf region with ~900 Marines with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine and 70 Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 equipped with six CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters
  • A Sept. 16 Marine Corps News story reported that the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment was in Iraq and would take over the duties of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at Al Aqim, near the Syrian border.
  • A Sept. 14 Marine Corps News story reported that the 4th Low-Altitude Air Defense Battalion was operating at Al Asad AB.
  • A September 9, 2004 Marine Corps News story reported that HMM-161 has cased its colors at Camp Al Taqaddum on September 2, in preparation for its upcoming redeployment home
  • Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452), deployed for Iraq on August 24, 2004 for a period of six-months. The unit operates KC-130T Hercules.
  • According to a Sept. 13, 2004 Marine Corps News story, the 300 members of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 returned to MCAS Beaufort on Sept. 3 and 4, 2004 after a six-month deployment to Iraq. There, the unit joined Marine Wing Support Group 37 in support of 3rd MAW operations. An advance party of the unit had returned home on August 18.
  • A September 4, 2004 Marine Corps News story related how Marine Aircraft Group 16 was in the process of rotating squadrons in and out of Iraq. According to the story, "Scarface" Marines of HMLA-367, MAG-39, had arrived in Iraq to replace the "Coyotes" of HMLA-775, MAG-46. The "Moonlighters" of HMM-764, MAG-46, were being relieved from duty in Iraq by "Wild Goose" HMM-774, MAG-42. The "Red Dragons" from HMM-268, had also come from MAG-39 to assume the casualty evacuation mission from the "Greyhawks" of HMM-161, MAG-16. The "Blue Knights" from HMM-365, MAG-29, had taken over the support responsibilities from the "Raging Bulls" of HMM-261, MAG-26. Other changes included the "Flying Tigers" of HMH-361, MAG-16, replacing the "Wolfpack" of HMH-466, MAG-16; the "Yankees" of VMGR-452, MAG-49, relieving the "Rangers" of VMGR-234, MAG-41; and the "Vipers" of HMLA-169, MAG-39, who had replaced the "Warriors" of HMLA-167, MAG-26. Other units were to be changing over personnel, but stay in Iraq to continue operations.
  • The 31st MEU departed around 20 August 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It left Okinawa with about 2,000 Marines and sailors with its deployment orders from the U.S. Secretary of Defense coming nearly a month earlier than its routine fall deployment. It is composed of Battalion Landing Team 1/3 from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; an aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-265 from Okinawa; and a combat service support element, MEU Service Support Group-31.
  • According to a Marine Corps News story, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 left Iraq in late June. This redeployment had not been previously noted.
  • A previously unnoted Marine Corps News story from June 7, 2004, noted that Marine Attack Squadron 214, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, along with its sister squadron VMA-542, MAG-14, 2nd MAW, had arrived at Al-Asad, Iraq to augment MAG-16 with the AV-8B Harrier II. They were also joined with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13

Air Force

  • Copley News Service reported on Oct. 12, that 300 members of the 183rd Fighter Wing would deploy that month to SW Asia, and would return home either in December or January.
  • The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Oct. 4, 2004, that 150 or so members of the 729th Air Control Squadron had returned home after a four-month deployment at Balad Air Base.
  • An Oct. 2, 2004 Colorado Springs Gazette article reported Air Force Secretary James Roche as saying that the US Air Force has "2,300 airmen in Iraq protecting Army convoys and taking on other Army duties because the Army [had] exhausted its transportation corps"
  • According to an IRNA story, a number of aircraft, including at least a dozen A-10s from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB were deployed to Iraq for 120 days. According to the report, approximately 1,000 airmen were taking part in the deployment.
  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) reported on August 31, 2004 that approximately 300 members of the Air Force Reserve 440th Airlift Wing had been activated in November 2003, with 185 deployed to Kuwait a few weeks later. 150 were reported to stationed at Ali Al Salem Air Base at part of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, with the remainder rotating in and out.

Navy

  • The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group deployed on Oct. 13, 2004.
  • According to a Sept. 18, Navy News story, the remaining three ships from the USS Wasp (LHD 1) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG 2) returned to their homeports on Sept. 18. These were the USS Wasp (LHD 1), the USS Shreveport (LPD 12) and the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41)
  • According to a Sept. 13, 2004, Navy NewsStand story, more than 200 members of the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force (NAVELSF) ALPHA returned home on Sept. 11, aboard three C-40 aircraft. The Reservists, who were mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, departed Jan. 5, 2004 and had the distinction of being the Navy's most forward deployed unit force. NAVELSF Reservists are primarily from the Naval Supply Support Battalion 1, Phoenix, Ariz.; Naval Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB 11), Jacksonville, Fla.; Naval Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB 14) Port Hueneme, Calif.; and Naval Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB 9) Columbus, Ohio.
  • The Biloxi Sun Herald reported on August 31 that the last 160 of the 600 or so members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 had just returned home the week prior. The newspaper also reported that Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 was expected to return in either September or October at which point it would be replaced by another unit. Part of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 was expected to be deployed to Iraq while the rest of the unit is deployed to Rota, Spain.

Coalition

  • The Ukrainian national security and defense council decided on Oct. 19, to gradually reduce the size of its contingent in Iraq. The reduction is reported to begin with the rotation of troops begun on Sep. 22 and will reduce the number of troops there by 200. The rotation was completed on Oct. 15, with 1,200 troops having returned home.
  • Singapore's KC-135 tanker aircraft and crew returned to Singapore on September 11, 2004 after completing a three month mission in the Persian Gulf. Their return home had not been previously noted.
  • A number of media accounts reported [Other account] on Oct. 18, 2004 that the US had requested the redeployement of between 600-800 British troops from the region of Al-Basrah to one nearer to Baghdad. Soldiers from the Black Watch Regiment are believed likely to be affected by this plan. The unit was due to remain in Iraq until January with the possibility of a return early if not needed. If the redeployment proceeds, then the return home of these troops would be likely be delayed as well.
  • On Oct. 18, Australia turned down a request by the United Nations to send additional troops to Iraq in order to protect U.N. personnel there. The country however agreed to provide support and training to a contingent of Fijian soldiers set to deploy to Iraq under a UN mandate. The article mentioned that Australia had about 920 troops in the region.
  • On Oct. 16, the LA Times reported that Poland's Prime Minister had announced that it would begin drawing down its contingent in Iraq starting in January 2004, with the pull-out possibly to be completed by the end of 2005.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 15, that Armenia might not after all deploy 50 troops to Iraq given the current security situation and also given that the deployment was still subject to approval by the country's constitutional court and parliament.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 15, that the British Brigade to which the Black Watch regiment is attached is due to rotate out at the end of the month.
  • The Associated Press reported on Oct. 15, that the British Brigade to which the Black Watch regiment is attached is due to rotate out at the end of the month.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Oct. 13, that the Bulgarian Defence Minister had declared that a withdrawal of Bulgaria's contingent of troops in Iraq would only become possible once local forces are trained up.
  • UPI reported on Oct. 11, that the US was reportedly asking Thailand to deploy a new battalion of troops to Iraq. Thailand had offered sending its Chakri Naruebet helicopter carrier to serve as a floating hospital, but that offer had been rejected. The article mentioned that if Thailand does deploy troops, it would most likely be a company-sized unit of about 200.
  • Albanian TV announced on Oct. 11, the deployment of 71 Albanian troops for Iraq as part of a regularly scheduled rotation of troops. The contingent, the fourth to go to Iraq, reportedly includes members of the commando regiment in Zall Herr.
  • Agence France Press reported on Oct. 10, that Georgia was about to deploy a 300-strong contingent of troops to Iraq to replace its troops currently stationed there at the end of the month.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on Oct. 8, that Fiji was deploying an advance reconnaissance team to Iraq in preparation for the eventual deployment of 155 troops to Iraq under the United Nations banner for the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to provide security for the UN. The deployment date was reported to take place at the end of the month.
  • As of September 24, 2004, according to the Italian Ministry of Defense, Italy's ground component numbered in Iraq 3,085 troops. Italy also had 27 troops stationed in Kuwait and an Italian Red Cross cell of 57 whose station is unknown.
  • As of September 15, 2004, the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands' website was stating that it has 1,345 troops stationed in Iraq.
  • Poland's Defense Minister announced on Oct. 4, 2004, that Poland would withdraw its troop contingent from Iraq by the end of 2005. The timing of the pullout is meant to coincide with UN Security Council resolution 1546. However, the rest of the Polish Government tried to distance itself from these comments, with later in the day, the Defense Minister reportedly xlaiming he had been expressing his personal opinion
  • Thailand began withdrawing troops from Iraq in August 2004, on completion of its one-year commitment to Iraq. By August 27, 2004, all Thai troops had left Iraq for Victory Camp in Kuwait from where they were to be flown back home in early September. They were originally scheduled to return by Sept. 20, 2004. That redeployment had not previously been recorded.
  • According to a RFE/RL story the Armenian contingent to Iraq would consist of approximately "50-60 medics, U.S.-trained sappers, and drivers" and would only be deployed after getting the approval of the Armenian legislature. The Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian reportedly stressed the nature of the deployment as being "humanitarian". According to the article, the planned deployment was encountering significant domestic concern as well as some within the Armenian community in Iraq.
  • According to the Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland), Poland's contribution to the Coalition would be reduced by more than 1,000 soldiers wouldbe composed mainly of units from the 11th Armoured Division during its fourth deployment of troops to Iraq.
  • New Zealand's contingent of 61 engineers arrived back home on Sept. 25. They are not being replaced.
  • The Washington Post reported on Sept. 24, that Georgia was planning to deploy an additional 800 troops to Iraq by the end of the year. The deployment, not yet announced, would increase the size of Georgia's contingent in Iraq to 980 troops. The article also reported that Romania was planning to increase the size of its contingent as well, and suggested the possibility of a contigent from Fiji being sent as well.
  • The International Herald Tribune reported on September 23, that South Korea had completed the deployment of 2,800 troops to Iraq. The brigade had absorbed other S. Korean unit already deployed in-country. An additional 800 troops would deploy to Iraq once expansion work on the Brigade's facility in Erbil is completed. The deployment took 50 days as a result of logistical difficulties encountered.
  • The Korea Herald, reported on Sep. 23, that approximately 1,300 soldiers from the Korea Zaytun (Olive in Arabic) unit had flown into Irbil from Kuwait using 23 US C-130 aircraft. An additional 1,200 troops from that unit deployed to Irbil via road using 394 tanks and other military vehicles, all the while under escort from US Apache helicopters and fighter jet aircraft. They joined the 300 who already dispatched to Irbil as an advance unit.
  • Acording to a Sept. 23, 2004 IRNA story, Pakistan had ruled out deploying troops to Iraq "under present circumstances".
  • Interfax reported on Sept. 22, that the Ukrainian 7th Detached Mechanized Brigade would deploy to Iraq in late-October by Il-76 aircraft. Equipment, which comprises 43 vehicles, including 31 BTR-80 APCs, and an additional 50 containers had already been shipped via sea.
  • The Observer (UK) reported on Sept. 19, 2004, that Britain's military contribution in Iraq would be reduced by a third by the end of October during the next rotation of units, when the First Mechanised Infantry Brigade is to be replaced by the Germany-based Fourth Armoured Division which will be equipped with Warrior APCs instead of the Challenger tanks it normally uses. The First Mechanised Infantry Brigade is composed of six battle groups of around 800 men each, while the Fourth Armoured Division will only have four or five. The number of Royal Navy ships in the Persian Gulf will remain unchanged at four.
  • AAP NEWSFEED reported on September 22, that Australia would pull out the hostage rescue team it had dispatched to Iraq on the basis of reports suggesting an Australian citizen had been kidnapped. No further details were available on their return date.
  • According to an article by the The Times (London) published on Sept. 18, the UK was ready to dispatch additional troops to Iraq to deal with the violence there. A 680-strong battalion was reported to be on 24-hour standby.
  • The Australian Newspaper reported on Sept. 16, that Australia has dispatched an advance team of of 12-30 Special Air Service (SAS) reconnaissance specialists aboard a C-130 on Sept. 14, at night to verify claims that two Australians had been taken hostage in Iraq.
  • AAP Newsfeed reported on September 16, 2004 that New Zealand's contingent of 61 military engineers deployed in the southern city of Basra would return home that month, following the conclusion of the unit's 12 month deployment, originally scheduled for 6 months. According to that report, the unit was deployed in response to a request from the United Nations as New-Zealand had refused to join the US-led force in Iraq.
  • The Korea Times reported on September 10, that S. Korea's deployment of 3,000 troops was well on track, given some progress in the Iraqi security situation, though no other information on dates was provided in the article.
  • The Ukrainian President announced on September 7, 2004, that the Ukrainian contingent in Iraq would be reduced by roughly 200 soldiers during the scheduled troop rotation currently taking place. The brigade set to be rotating into Iraq in September was to originally number 1,722 troops and replace about 1,576 troops. A reported by Deutsche Presse-Agentur stated that the Ukraine brigade in Iraq currently stationed numbered 1,650 officers and men and that with the troops cut, the contingent would be reduced to to 1,450 following the completion of the troop rotations ending in early October. The announcement reversed the government's previous position that the rotation involved would increase Ukraine's contribution as an additional helicopter squadron with 150 troops was to also deploy to Iraq.
  • Armenia announced that it would send 50 troops to Iraq. The troops concerned would fall under the Polish Multi-National Force. The force was expected to deploy by the end of the year, with a small team of deploying in September to pave the way for that deployment. Armenia's commitment would bring the number of countries involved in the Coalition to 32.
  • Agence France Presse reported on September 6, 2004 that Georgia would double its military contingent in Iraq during its next troop rotation in October to a size of 300 from 159, though the number is still less than the 550 Georgia pledged earlier this year.
  • 155 soldiers from El Salvador's Cuscatlan Battalion arrived home on August 30 as part of a regularly scheduled rotation. The remaining 219 soldiers were expected to return home on September 2.
  • In an article in the British Western Mail from August 26, 2004, an MoD spokesman was reported as saying that there were 8,361 UK service personnel in Iraq.

23 August 2004

Army

  • The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) reported on August 23 that the 216th Engineering Battalion had deployed to Iraq in February 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 23 that the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion had been activated in January 2003 and had returned in March 2004 from a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. This unit had not previously been noted.
  • According to the Associated Press, the Army Reserve's 395th Quartermaster Battalion had a send-off party on August 22 for its departure for training to Fort Drum in New York, before deploying to Southwest Asia.
  • The State (Columbia, SC) reported on August 22, that the 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, was deployed to Iraq. After more research, it was gathered that the unit deployed to Iraq in January. Other units from S. carolina which deployed around the same timeframe are the 51st Rear Area Operations Center, 268th Engineer firefighter detachment, 1052 Transportation Company, 175th Maintenance Company, 874th Medical Team, 343rd Quartermaster Company, 450th Ordnance Company, 360th Adjutant General Battalion, 277th Adjutant General Replacement Company and the 460th Adjutant General Replacement Company
  • The Associated Press reported that the 1864th Transportation Company with 175 troops deployed for 18 months on August 19 for Fort Lewis from where it would deploy to Kuwait and Iraq.
  • The 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division deployed with 900 troops to Iraq in June. Their deployment had not previously been noted.
  • An August 17, 2004, story in the Times-Picayune, mentionned that the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation was in Iraq and stationed at Camp Anaconda. The article mentioned that the unit's tour was to last another 6 months+.
  • The Associated Press reported that member of the 29th Infantry Brigade was mobilized on August 16. The unit is scheduled to depart for Fort Bliss on October 2.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 15, 2004 that the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion from the Army Reserve in Connecticut departed for Fort Bragg, N.C. on August 14, for training before its deployment to Iraq.
  • The Korea Times reported on August 13, 2004 that the U.S. military had completed on August 11 a 10-day airlift operation aimed at shifting troops from the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division to Iraq. The final flights left Osan AB for the Middle East.
  • The San Antonio Express-News reported on August 12 that troops from the 56th Brigade were to report for duty by August 16. They are scheduled to undergo training at Fort Hood in preparation for their deployment for Iraq in January 2005.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 11, that the 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment with 275 soldiers, was likely to be mobilized later that week. No additional information was available. Update: The unit left for training at Fort Bragg, N.C. on August 13.
  • The 120th Engineer Battalion deployed in late-February to Iraq with 600 troops. The deployment had not been previously reported.
  • According to a Newsday report from August 9, the Army Reserve's 354th Transportation Battalion was scheduled to leave on August 12 for training at Fort Dix before deploying to the Persian Gulf area.
  • The Korea Herald, reported on August 3, that the 2nd BDE, 2nd Infantry Division held a departure ceremony at Camp Casey in Dongducheon on August 2.
  • The Reno Gazette-Journal reported on July 31, that the 1st Squadron 221st Cavalry would deploy in mid-August to Fort Irwin, CA, for at least a year out of a period of 18-24 months.
  • The Asheville Citizen-Times reported on July 30, that the North Carolina National Guard's 105th Military Police Battalion had received its mobilization orders. The 175-strong unit was scheduled to mobilize shortly after August 12 for training before deploying to Iraq. It was unclear how many in the unit were actually being called up.
  • Members of the 203rd Engineer Battalion began returning home in July. It is believed the redeployment home was completed by the end of the month.
  • A Xinhua report from July 29, 2004, reported that two cargo ships carrying for the 2nd BDE, 2nd Infantry Division consisting of M-1A1 Abrams tanks, M-109A6 self-propelled Paladin howitzers and other combat equipment had left S. Korea the previous week for the Middle East.
  • A July 28, 2004 story in the Oregonian mentionned that the 405-man strong 1st Battalion, 162nd Batallion had returned home three months prior, in April, after a 14-months deployment.
  • The Associated Press reported on reported July 28, 2004 that the 372nd Military Police Company was in Kuwait, in preparation for a return home at an unspecified date. seven members of the unit have been charged in connection with abuses perpetrated at the Abu Ghraib prison facility.
  • The Associated Press noted that part of the 17th Corps Support Battalion had deployed to Iraq in January.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 28, 2004, that more than 400 soldiers of the 39th Infantry Brigade had been un-officially notified that they would be allowed to return home early in the fall. The troops affected were initially deployed to the Sinai Peninsula as part of a peacekeeping operation before returning home and then being deployed to Iraq. They would return as a result of Army policy which dictates that Guard and Reserve forces are not to serve on the same active-duty mission for more than 24 cumulative months.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 27, 2004, that 50 guardsmen of the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment had been alerted to deploy to Iraq, with hundreds more from that unit possibly being alerted as well. The report also mentionned that part of the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry had deployed to Iraq and was stationed in the outskirts of Baghdad.
  • The Associated Press reported that mobilization orders were given out for approximately 1,100 Kansas National Guardsmen. Affected by the order were the 74th Quartermaster Company, the 891st Engineer Battalion, the 137th Transportation Company, and Battery E, 161st Field Artillery.
  • The 3rd Infantry Division announced on July 23 that it had received deployment orders to return for at least a year to Iraq as part of the OIF III rotation.
  • The Columbus-Ledger reported on July 22, 2004 that the 1148th Transportation Company of the 110th Corps Support Battalion had just returned home after 14 months in Iraq.
  • The 223rd Engineer Battalion redeployed sometime in the March 2004 timeframe. Their return from Iraq had not been reported previously.
  • According to the Associated Press, 2,000 members of the Hawaii Army National Guard received orders on July 20 to report for active duty on August 16.
  • An Associated Press story from July 17, reported that the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division would begin pulling out of South Korea the following week, and would be in Iraq by the end of August.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 16 that the XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters staff would deploy in the fall to Iraq as part of a regularly scheduled deployment. Other units included in the rotation were the 1st Corps Support Command, 18th Airborne Corps Artillery, 44th Medical Command, 18th Aviation Brigade, 20th Engineer Brigade, 35th Signal Brigade, 16th Military Police Brigade, 525th Military Intelligence Brigade, and 18th Soldier Support Group. The article also noted that approximately 300 soldier from the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry would deply to Iraq at the end of the year taking with them three OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
  • A July 16 story by the Associated Press mentioned that the Army Reserve 468th Chemical Battalion had returned home in April after a year spent in Iraq.
  • MNC-I/MNF-I officially announced that the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division had arrived in Baghdad.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 15 that the 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery from the South Carolina Army National Guard had been called to active duty. The unit 600 troops will train at Fort Dix.
  • The Wichita Eagle reported on July 15, that the 317th Quartermaster Battalion had been called to active duty.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 14, that the 778th Transportation Company of the Kansas Army National Guard had been mobilized for duty in Iraq. It was unclear whether the whole unit to which it belogs, the 169th Corps Support Battalion, had been mobilized as well.
  • According to a July 7 HASC hearing, the 11th ACR's role as OPFOR is being backfilled by the 1-221st Cavalry, a Guard unit from Nevada, and augmented by the 86th Armored Brigade from the Vermont National Guard. The 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry would be backfilled by a brigade from the Illinois National Guard.
  • The Associated Presse reported on July 3, that the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry had been mobilized for training at Fort Bliss for their upcoming deplyment to Iraq.
  • The 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division began arriving back to Baumholder, Germany on July 2.
  • The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade has been alerted for deployment. The Honolulu Advertiser reported that the unit could be mobilized as early as September for deployment in February to replace the 81st Brigade
  • Soldiers from the 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment began arriving back at at Fort Polk on July 8. The deployment back home is to be completed by the end of the month.
  • According to testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on July 7, the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, was already in Iraq.
  • The 115th Field Hospital is due to depart for Iraq toward the end of July.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 9, that an internal Army document obtained by the Daily Star of Oneonta raised the possibility of the 98th Army Reserve Division's 3,600 soldiers being deployed to the Middle East. The unit announced that between 500 and 700 reservists would deploy to Iraq in September to train the Iraqi army.

Marine Corps

  • The Associated Press reported on August 24 that about 160 members of the 2nd Force Service Support Group had left the previous day for Iraq. Another 90 from the unit were already reported to be in theater.
  • The 11th MEU assumed operational control of the An Najaf and Al Qadisiyah provinces from the U.S. Army during a ceremony on July 31.
  • The Los Angeles Times reported on July 16, that 700+ soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment returned to Camp Pendleton on July 15. The rest of the battalion would arrive over the next couple of days.
  • USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) began offloading elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Arabian Gulf July 7, reaching the mid-point of its surge mission to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR). The process took three days.

Air Force

  • The Fort Wayne News Sentinel reported on August 9, 2004, that approximately 275 members of the 122nd Fighter Wing had just been deployed to Qatar as part of an AEF for a scheduled 90-day rotation. An Associated Press report from August 6 reported that the members from the 122nd would however only serve for the the last 30 days of the AEF 90-day cycle.
  • The Albuquerque Journal reported on July 28, that 185 airmen from the 150th Fighter Wing had departed for Balad, Iraq on July 27 for a 45 day rotation.

Navy

  • The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) reported on August 22, 2004, that Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 9, had deployed to Kuwait in January and would redeploy back to the United States in December 2004.
  • The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on August 16 that Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 woudl mobilize on August 19 for a deployement to the Middle East. The deployment was expected to be Iraq.
  • Navy Times reported on August 2 that 318 reservists attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 23 had received mobilization orders on July 20 for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They would report for duty in August before deploying to Iraq where they would replace Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14. The article also metionned that 475 reservists from NMCB 14 and 15 were stationed in Iraq.
  • The Biloxi Sun Herald reported on August 9, 2004, that 280 members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 had returned home on August 8, with more troops from that unit due back on August 25. The unit deployed in January.

Coalition

  • In an article in the British Western Mail from August 26, 2004, an MoD spokesman was reported as saying that there were 8,361 UK service personnel in Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 19, that El Salvador had that day dispatched 150 for Kuwait as part of a regularly scheduled rotation to Iraq. The remaining 230 troops would leave on August 20 and 22.
  • The Sunday Territorian in Australia reported on August 15, that 50 soldiers from the Territory's 1st Brigade were to be deployed to Iraq in September for a period of four months and tasked with protecting Australian diplomats and escort supply convoys. The troops are to be drawn from the 2nd Calvary Regiment and 5/7 RAR Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. They will be equipped with 6 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles.
  • Ukraine announced on August 13 that it would proceed with the rotation, in the mid-September and mid-October timeframe, of a brigade to Iraq to replace its contingent deployed there. The brigade would consist of three battalions.
  • Clarification: Japan was believed to have had ~1,100 troops in the region. This figure included approximately 550 troops based in Samawah, Iraq. It also included an approximately additional 200 or so Japanese Air Self-Defense Force personnel based out of Kuwait's Ali Al-Salem Air Base. These provide C-130 airlifts of aid and equipment. The remaining were from two Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force ships (the destroyer Murasame and the transport ship Oosumi) which ferried vehicles and material to Kuwait for the Japanese GSDF troops. The return home of two ships however on April 8, 2004 had not been previously noted. Though, as of late April 2004, two japanese supply ships and three destroyers were supporting US-led anti-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea, with the next rotation to consist of a single supply ship and two destroyers, these are not included in this tally for Japanese troops are they are prohibited by law from supporting missions unrelated to anti-terrorism activities related to the 11 September attacks. As a result the number of Japanese troops in the area has been revised downward to ~750 troops in the region.
  • On August 09, 2004, Philippine military officials announced that a battalion of soldiers were getting prepared for the possibility of a deployment to Iraq, should the Philippino government decide to send another contingent of 500 peacekeepers to Iraq under the mandate of the United Nations.
  • BBC Monitoring Reports reported that on August 6 a ceremony was held for the departure of the Romanian 3rd National Engineer Detachment to Iraq. The unit is composed of 149 troops from the 96th Engineer Battalion and 58 troops from other units. The departure date was not announced. Also unclear was whether this deployment would be in addition to other Romanian troops already deployed or as part of a rotation.
  • A Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman announced on August 2 that Pakistan would not contribute troops for Iraq given the 'volatile' situation in Iraq.
  • Ukraine's prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, openly called on August 2, 2004, for Ukraine to reduce the size of its troop contingent in Iraq, numbering 1,576 troops. The report by the Associated Press, also mentionned the announcement on August 1 by the Ukrainian Defense Minister, that a brigade would be rotating into Iraq in September and would number 1,722 troops, reflecting an increase in strength of close to 10%.
  • BBC Monitoring reported on August 2, that the rotation of the Romanian 26th Infantry Battalion Neagoe Basarab was complete, with the last detachment from that unit having arrived back home earlier that day.
  • El Salvador announced on July 30, 2004 that it would deploy a 380-strong contingent of troops to Iraq on August 17. The third Salvadorian contingent, the unit is to include both medical personnel and engineers and is to be tasked mainly with civil recontruction as well as training of Iraqi forces. The country is the lone remaining member of the "Ultra Plus Brigade" formerly commanded by Spain.
  • According to a July 29, 2004 Xhinhua report, the Czech Republic, in drafting its peacekeeping missions participation plan had settled on withdrawing troops from Iraq, thereby reducing its presence to an at-the-most 10-men stron surgical team in Basrah. The account also reported that roughly 100 MPs were in-country for training purposes.
  • According to a ITAR-TASS report from July 29, 2004, Ukraine restated its intention to carry out the roration of its' brigrade seven in Iraq. Negotations to that effect had been started in Warsaw and pursued at the June Istanbul NATO defense ministers meeting.
  • According to a BBC monitoring report, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had abandoned plans to deploy a battalion to Iraq, for financial reasons.
  • According to a BBC Monitoring report from July 27, 2004, the rotation of Romanian troops involving the relieving of the 26th Infantry Battalion Neagoe Basarab with the 812th Infantry Battalion would be completed by mid-August.
  • A BBC report from July 20 reported that the first detachment of the Romanian 812th Infantry Battalion Carpathian Hawks left on that date to replace the the 26th Red Scorpions Battalion of Craiova.
  • The peacekeeping mission in Iraq of the Philippines contingent terminated on July 19, as the last troops still in country left for Kuwait to return home.
  • According to various press accounts, the withdrawal of Philippine Troops will be complete on Monday, July 19. Polish troops will take over the duties previously assumed by the Philippines contingent.
  • On July 16, 2004, the Philippines announced the withdrawal of an additional 10 soldiers as well as the head of its humanitarian mission to Iraq. This brought the number of Philippines troops still in country to 32.
  • Various news media were reporting that Singapore had quietly reduced its presence in Iraq from 191 to 33. It is unclear when the troops left the country. Update: Singapore has a KC-135 refueling aircraft deployed to the region. Conflicting media reports suggest the 33 troops might be assigned to that aircraft with some uncertainty as to whether the aircraft is actually based in Iraq.
  • The Washington Post, on July 15, reported that Moldova had quietly reduced its contingent to 12. It also reported that New Zealand was planning to pull out its 60 engineers by September and that Thailand was almost certain to withdraw its 450 men contingent. On the other hand Albania had pledged to increase its commitment from 70 to 200 troops.
  • A BBC Worldwide Monitoring report from July 14, mentionned the departure of 100 MPs from the Romanian 265th Battalion to Iraq's province of Di Qar for six months. They are to operate under Italian command there.
  • According to An Associated Press report from July 13, Poland had announced the week prior that it would reduce in January its troops strength in Iraq from 2,400 to between 1,000 and 1,500.
  • The 2nd Bulgarian Army infantry battalion stationed in Iraq completed its rotation home on July 13.
  • On July 13, 2004, the Philippines announced that it would withdraw its troops from Iraq as soon as possible under pressure from kidnappers holding a Filipino hostage. They were originally scheduled to leave the country on August 20, 2004. On July 14, 2004, it had reduced its troop contingent from 51 to 43.

10 July 2004

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

  • 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.

31 May 2004

CENTCOM

  • Combined Joint Task Force 7 has been disbanded and replaced 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

  • The 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery Regiment was identified as operating in Iraq. According to the Associated Press on May 19, 2004 some 350 soldiers have been in Iraq since February and are performing military police duties. The unit was identified following the deaths of two its soldiers, Spc. Carl F. Curran II and Spc. Mark J. Kasecky.
  • The availability of troops to send to Iraq appears to have become dire as there are indications that the 2nd Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is being considered for a deployment to Iraq. The 11th ACR is tasked with providing the OPFOR at the National Training Center. An official announcement has yet to be made and it is unclear when the deployment would take place. Elements of the 11th ACR did deploy to Afghanistan in 2003 to assist in the training of the Afghan National Army.
  • A DOD release on May 18, 2004 confirmed that elements of the 2nd Infantry Division would be deploying to Iraq and the deployment would take place sometime during the Summer. The 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is the unit tapped to go. The deployment will be for one year.
  • The 155th Armored Brigade (Separate) received an alert notification on or about May 12, 2004. These soldiers are slated to be sent to Iraq. 4,000 soliders are involved.
  • An Army News Service story issued on May 13, 2004 reports that the 118th Area Support Medical Battalion is currently operating at LSA Anaconda under the 13th COSCOM.
  • A press release on the 1st Cavalry Division's website (which is surprisingly informative) indicates that the 878th Engineer Battalion which has been in Iraq for roughly a year will be returning to the US by mid-June 2004.
  • Finally, information concerning the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division has become available, though the unit continues to receive scant coverage in the press or by the military. The unit is currently operating in Baghdad at FOB Headhunter. The unit is comprised of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment as well as elements of the Engineer Brigade and DISCOM.
  • The Associated Press reported on May 13, 2004 that 680 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment had been activated and alerted to deploy. The unit has been activated for an 18 month period, 6 months for training and a year in Iraq. It is unclear when the unit will actually depart for Southwest Asia though it is possible that the unit could depart as soon as November 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on May 12, 2004 that the 264th Engineer Group, consisting of 80 soldiers, was operating in the Middle East. Two of its subordinate units have also been identified as having been activated (by the DoD in its weekly release), but it is unclear how many are with those units or if those units are in Iraq, though they are thought to be.
  • The 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment has been identified in Iraq and is operating at Abu Ghurayb, according to the Associated Press on May 12, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on May 12, 2004 that the 317th Military Police Battalion had returned from Iraq after more than a year. The unit returned on May 12.
  • The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment received its mobilization orders on May 11, 2004 and it will begin activating on June 7. The unit will begin heading to Iraq by November.
  • A May 3, 2004 V Corps Release indicates that the 3rd Corps Support Command returned on April 29, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on May 4, 2004 that military commanders in Iraq have requested that 5,000 Marines and 5,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division would be deployed to Iraq later this year to replace the 1st Armored Division and the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Some 37,000 National Guard and reserve soldiers are also to be called up to support the deployment of three National Guard Brigades that will deploy in 2005.
  • A story in Newsday on May 4, 2004 indicates that the 10th Mountain Division currently has three battalions in Iraq including the 1-32nd Infantry, the 3-17th Cavalry and the 548th Corps Support Battalion. The 2-14th Infantry that had previously been listed on the order of battle apparently returned to Fort Drum sometime in March or April.

Marine Corps

  • The Department of Defense announced on May 4, 2004 that Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit would be deployed to Iraq within 70 days to replace soldiers from the 2nd ACR and the 1st Armored Division.

Air Force

  • The Associated Press reported on May 18, 2004 that 220 airmen from the 120th Fighter Wing would deploy to Baghdad by the end of May. Roughly 10 aircraft are believed to be involved in the deployment.

Coalition

  • Various sources are reporting that the Spanish troops will be completely out of Iraq by May 21, 2004. Some of these soldiers will, however remain in Kuwait, thought the precise number is unclear.
  • Agence France Presse reported on May 18, 2004 that all 369 Honduran troops deployed to Iraq will have returned to Honduras by May 21, 2004. The report indicated that some 312 soldiers had already departed Iraq and that some 57 were still in the country awaiting transportation out of Iraq. On May 20, AFP reported that Honduran troops were no longer in Iraq.
  • The BBC reported on May 18, 2004 that Hungary had sent 83 troops to Iraq as part of a unit rotation. The BBC had also indicated that five soldiers from the Presidential Guard Regiment will be sent to Baghdad to provide security for the Hungarian embassy. These soldiers will not be added to the list of foreign units, as they are not part of the stability operations.
  • The UK MOD is reported to be drawing up plans to send roughly a second brigades worth of soldiers to Iraq to reinforce 7,500 soldiers already in Iraq. This would be the British presence up to 15,000. Agence France Presse reported on May 18, 2004 that the MOD will announce a plan to send up to 3,000 soldiers to Iraq, bringing the total UK presence in Iraq to about 10,000, and the total troops presence in the region to 15,000.
  • The Associated Press reported on May 12, 2004 that the Bulgarian contingent had decreased from 496 to 454 due to the departure of soldiers who no longer wanted to remain in Iraq and because of six Bulgarian KIAs.

30 April 2004

It has been a very bad month in Iraq, and this is resulting in a significant reevaluation of the force structure that Central Command believes it needs to secure the country. General John Abizaid, commander of Central Command, has reportedly requested an additional 20,000 soldiers to bolster OIF 2, a force roughly the size of two brigades. In the short term this has resulted in the freezing of the redeployment, and a 90 day extension in the deployment of the 1st Armored Division, which has been in Iraq for roughly one year (some elements of the division have been in Iraq for 13 months). The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment's deployment has also been extended. The stop loss coupled with deployment of OIF 2 forces to the region should push the number of troops in the region to roughly 135,000 troops. Finding an additional 20,000 troops to send to Iraq so that some units may be relieved, presents a number of options:

  • Another option that is available to the Department of Defense is to order additional Marines to deploy. Marine from I Marine Expeditionary Force would be available, as would Marines from II MEF. It is generally believed that Marines attached to III MEF in Okinawa would not be available in large numbers as this unit would be needed to deter North Korean aggression. Sources indicate that Marines from the 1st Marine Division still at Camp Pendleton have been alerted to deploy to Iraq by the end of April. An official statement on the issue has yet to be released by the military.
  • Also, the US Army may choose to deploy the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division which recently completed training at the National Training Center. This unit returned from Iraq in July 2003 and is believed to be due to return to Iraq in late 2004.
  • Finally, accelerating the deployment of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 116th Armored Cavalry Brigade, and the 256th Infantry Brigade should also be considered. These units were alerted for an activation on March 1, 2004 though where these units would deploy has not been specified. The deployment of these forces would take time though, as training would be necessary to prepare these soldiers to the realities of Iraq.

Army

  • Stars @ Stripes reported on April 29, 2004 that the 22nd Signal Brigade and its units had returned to Germany.
  • The Raleign News & Observer reported on April 30, 2004 that the entire 82nd Airborne Division was back at Fort Bragg, which appears to be consistent with the general lack of news on 82 ABN units in Iraq. However, the Associated Press did report on April 28 that everyone from the 82nd was back, except for one brigade which was still in Iraq.
  • The Tacoma News Tribune on April 30, 2004 provides a number of details relating to the 81st Armor Brigade operating locations.
  • The Seattle Times reported on April 22, 2004 that the 555th Combat Engineer Group and the 14th Engineer Battalion has returned to the United States. The unit returned in late March.
  • A V Corps Release, not issued until April 15 but dated April 2, indicates that the 11th Aviation Regiment had returned to Germany at the end of March 2004.
  • It now believed that all of the brigades of the 4th Infantry Division have returned to Fort Hood. Unfortunately, news reports concerning the redeployment have been insufficiently vague or non-specific, thus the return of all of the brigades by mid-March to late March went unnoticed.
  • By April 13, 2004 the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Armored Division had completely returned home to Fort Riley. These troops, who had taken part in the main ground assault on Iraq in March 2003, had been deployed for roughly 13 months.
  • Reports on April 9, 2004 indicate that the Department of Defense has extended the deployment of the 1st Armored Division by 90 days. The division was due to return to Germany by May, but the recent increase in violence in Iraq required additional soldiers be made available.
  • The 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, returned to Fort Sill on April 5, 2004 according to a helpfull visitor.
  • The 81st Brigade is reported to be now operating in Iraq, specifically in Baghdad.

Navy

  • The Navy announced on April 28, 2004 that the USS Typhoon and USS Sirocco would deploy from Little Creek on APril 30 to relieve the USS Firebolt and USS Chinook. This deployment will last for roughly 18 months. The crews will be on a six-month crew swapping rotation. The crew swap initiative increases the Navy's forward presence.

Coalition

  • On April 20, a Dominican Republic General, Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez, announced that the 300 troops from his country in Iraq would also be withdrawn as soon as possible.
  • On April 20, Honduran President Ricardo Maduro announced that the 370 troops from his country in Iraq would also be withdrawn as soon as possible.
  • Spain announced on April 18 that it would withdraw all of its troops in Iraq as soon as possible. Spanish defense officials indicated that this would take roughly 6 weeks to occur.

30 March 2004

CENTCOM

  • General John Abizaid, head of CENTCOM, stated during testimony at a Congressional hearing on March 3, 2004, that he had ordered US military personnel to begin vacating palaces of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and to hand over Baghdad International Airport with a year. US troops will likely relocate to former Iraqi Army locations.
  • Repeated attempts to verify the presence of elements of SOCCENT in Iraq have come up with little positive results. This being the case we are no longer confident that the units previously listed are still in Iraq. Thus the listing for SOCCENT has been edited to reflect confirmed presence of some civil affairs units, as well as the possible continued presence of Task Force 56.
  • Task Force 121 is reported to have left Iraq and set up shop in Afghanistan, according to the Washington Times on Feb 23, 2004. It has been joined by elements of the 160th SOAR.

Army

  • The 320th Military Police Battalion is scheduled to return to the United State on March 25, 2004. according to the Wilkes Barre Times Leader on March 25.
  • The 724th Engineer Battalion is scheduled to return to the United States on March 26, 2004, according to the Duluth News Tribune on March 25, 2004.
  • Elements of 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment returned to Wiesbaden on March 19, 2004 according to a V CorpS release on March 25.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 24, 2004 that some 600 soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and from the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division returned to Fort Cason on March 24. This brought the total of returned troops to roughly 5,300 soldiers.
  • The 812th Transportation Battalion has been identified as being in Kuwait, at the soon to be renamed Camp Big Sky Oasis, according to the Charlotte Observer on March 23, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 23, 2004 that 500 soldiers from the 1092nd Engineer Battalion will return to Fort Bragg on March 25, 2004.
  • The Biloxi Sun Herald reported on March 22, 2004 that the 890th Engineer Battalion returned on March 21. About 600 soldiers had been deployed for a year.
  • A V Corps release on March 19, 2004 stated that an official ceremony to welcome home soldiers and units from V Corps was held on March 19, 2004.
  • A visitor to the site has indicated that the 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, and element of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, has transited from Iraq and is currently in Kuwait.
  • A V Corps release on March 17, 2004 indicates that the first elements of the 1st Armored Division have begun to return to Wiesbaden. The "torch party" returned on March 12. Numbers were not given, but it is assumed that the detachment was very small.
  • Rocky Mountain News reported on March 16, 2004 that some 506 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division as well as soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment returned to the United States. Units specifically mentioned include the 3rd and 4th Squadrons of the 3 ACR and the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment of the 4 ID.
  • Additional research on the 1st Cavalry Division's deployment has yielded further information about what its presence looks like. The 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment has been identified in Baghdad (Camp Victory) according to an Associated Press story on March 14, 2004.
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on February 29 that the 39th Infantry Brigade deployed to Kuwait. The deployment took place on or about February 28. This departure came despite reports in late February that deployment had been delayed.
  • 1st Infantry Division, the 30th Brigade, and the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division are operating under Task Force Danger, which is replacing Task Force Ironhorse.
  • News reports indicate that elements of the 30th Enhanced Brigade are currently in Iraq. A soldier from the 120th Infantry Regiment died when his vehicle struck a mine during a convoy operation, according to the Associated Press on March 16, 2004. Further research indicates that the brigade departed for Iraq beginning on or about February 23, 2004, according to the News & Observer on February 24. The unit is reported to be attached to the 1st Infantry Division.
  • Roughly 300 soldiers from the 368th Engineer Battalion returned from Iraq on March 15, 2004 according to the Associated Press reporting on March 16.
  • Another helpful visitor reports that the first elements of the 81st Armor Brigade began deploying in support of OIF 2 on March 12, 2004. Elements of 1st Battalion, 303rd Armor Regiment were part of this initial deployment, and may have been followed by additional forces on March 15, 2004.
  • A very helpful visitor, and parent of a soldier from the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, indicated that the unit is currently deployed to LSA Anaconda and has been in the region for the last two weeks or so. Further research indicates that other elements of 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division are also in the region.
  • A V Corps release on March 12, 2004 indicates that the Headquarters Battalion for the Corps has returned to Germany. Information on the transition from III Corps to V Corps is generally sparse, though best available information indicates that a rotation will take place sometime in April.
  • The 42nd Engineer Battalion returned to New Mexico on or about March 6, 2004 according to the Albuquerque Journal on March 10.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 12, 2004 that the 122nd Engineer Battalion has returned to the United States on Mar 11, following a 14-month deployment to Iraq.
  • Copley News Service reported on March 8, 2004 that the 419th Transportation Battalion had returned to Illinois following a 15 month deployment to Iraq.
  • According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on March 6, 2004 the 81st Armored Brigade has completed is training at the National Training Center and is in the process of cleaning equipment, prior to its deployment to Iraq in late March 2004.
  • The 173rd Airborne Brigade is no longer believed to be in Iraq as various images from the Air Force in late February show troops and equipment from the unit offloading in Italy.
  • Agence France Presse reported on March 8, 2004 that the 14th Engineer Battalion was operating in Iraq, near Tikrit and was under the control of the 555th Combat Engineer Group. Both units are I Corps units, and have been listed under Task Force Olympia. The units are currently involved in explosive ordnance disposal.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 7, 2004 that roughly 40 reservists from the 52nd Engineer Battalion returned to the United States. The unit had deployed to Iraq last Spring and was operating with the 101st Airborne Division to assist with reconstruction efforts. The unit left Iraq in early February 2004 and trasited to Kuwait.
  • The 101st Airborne Division's rotation from Iraq is believed to have been completed with the recent return of the 716th Military Police Battalion, the Associated Press reported on March 7, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 7, 2004 that the first elements of the 142nd Engineer Battalion had begun to return to Fort Carson. Roughly 630 soldiers from the battalion were deployed to the Middle East, and 70 were on the first plane back to the US.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 6, 2004 that the 1st Battalion, 86th Field Artillery Regiment would be completing training at Fort Dix on March 7 and would deploy to Kuwait by March 9 at which point they would begin to head towards Iraq.
  • The State (Columbia, SC) reported on March 4, 2004 that roughly 350 soldiers from the 122nd Engineer Battalion were expected to return to Fort Stewart on March 4.
  • The Associated Press reported on March 4, 2004 that the 142nd Engineer Battalion would be returning from Iraq on or about March 6, 2004.
  • The Associated Press reported on Mar 1, 2004 the first elements of the 1-124th Infantry Regiment began returning on or about February 28 and that the remainder of the unit was to return by March 3. This completed the deployment of the 53rd Infantry Brigade.
  • The Deseret Morning News reported on February 29, 2004 that the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion returned from Iraq on February 28. This unit is believed to have had about 110 troops deployed who have now returned. The unit had not previously been identified as being in Southwest Asia.
  • The Killeen Daily Herald reported on March 2, 2004 that elements of the 4th ID's artillery have begun to return to Fort Hood. This rotation is believed to be completed in April.
  • The 13th Corps Support Command is also reported to have begun flying back elements to Fort Hood, the Killeen Daily Herald reports.
  • The New York Daily News reported on February 26, 2004 that the roughly 100 troops from the 800th Military Police Brigade returned to the US.
  • Troops assigned to the 1-152nd Infantry Regiment returned to the United States in late February according to the South Bend Tribune on Feb 24, 2004.
  • The Newport News Daily Press reported on February 24, 2004 that the first elements of the 7th Transportation Group began rotating back to the United States. The report indicates that roughly 60 troops from the 10th Transportation Battalion returned, though another 480 remain in Iraq whose return in unclear.
  • The Leaf Chronicle reported on February 21, 2004 that 12,739 troops from the 101st Airborne Division had returned from Iraq.
  • The Ocean County Observer reported on Feb 20, 2004 that the 310th Military Police Battalion had returned to the United States.
  • The 671st Engineer Company returned to the United States in mid-February 2004, according to the Associated Press on Feb 16, 2004.
  • The Salt Lake Tribune reported on February 7, 2004 that the 489th Engineer Battalion had returned from Iraq following a thirteen month deployment.
  • The troops from the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment returned to the United States sometime ago, according to the Associated Press on Dec 20, 2003.

Navy

  • The Biloxi Sun Herald reported on March 23, 2004 that a Seabee from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 was wounded in Iraq.
  • The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group transited the Suez Canal on March 16, 2004 according to the Associated Press and is currently operating in the Red Sea. The ships that transited with the Wasp include its amphibious and surface components, the USS Connecticut (SSN 22) did not transit the Suez, and according to recent Navy releases is not even being listed with the Wasp.
  • The US Coast Guard announced on March 4, 2004 that Three Naval Coastal Warfare units are deploying to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, March 6, 2004, from Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif. The units are HDCU 111 and two Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Units (MIUWU) that will form Naval Coastal Warfare Detachment Six, comprised of more than 250 personnel.
  • The Biloxi Sun Herald reported on March 4, 2004 that roughly 35 Seabees from the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment departed for Iraq on March 3.
  • On or about February 17, 2004 the George Washington Strike Group transited the Suez Canal and entered the 5th Fleet AOR.

Marine Corps

  • According to the Associated Press on March 31, 2004 the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit began deploying to Afghanistan in support of OEF. The whole MEU is slated to deploy.
  • Copley News Service reported on March 8, 2004 that the 1,000 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines currently in Kuwait will begin deploying to Falluja over the next two weeks. The unit will reportedly be taking the place of elements of the 82nd Airborne Division that have been operating from Camp Volturno.

Air Force

  • Incirlik experienced another transition on March 12 when the 39th Air Base Group was deactivated and the 39th Air Base Wing stood up. This is the fourth redesignation to take place in the last year or so.
  • Elements of the 34th Bomb Squadron returned from operations in support of OIF and OEF on or about March 7, 2004, according to the Aberdeen American News on March 8, 2004. The news article does not specifiy where they were operating from, other than Southwest Asia. The article speculates that maybe the unit was deployed to Diego Garcia, but as this is a B-1B unit, and that B-1Bs have not generally been operating from DG in over year, it is more likely that the unit was operating at Thumrait. Roughly 200 airmen returned. More information to follow.
  • The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on March 4, 2004 that the 820th RED HORSE Squadron had returned from Iraq.
  • The Great Falls Tribune reported on March 2, 2004 that the 819th RED HORSE Squadron deployed to al Udeid in Qatar. Roughly 99 airmen were involved in the deployment.
  • The 203rd RED HORSE Squadron returned to the United States in October 2003 according to the Virginian-Pilot on October 9, 2003.
  • The 96th Airlift Squadron returned to the United States in October 2003.
  • Airmen from the 192nd Airlift Squadron returned in December 2003.

Coalition

  • The Korea TImes reported on March 9, 2004 that the first of some 3,600 soldiers will begin deploying to Kuwait by April 7. The first batch will consist of roughly 320 soldiers.

29 February 2004

DOD / Coalition

  • The New York Times reported on January 8 that a 400-member team, the Joint Captured Matériel Exploitation Group, which is subordinate to the Iraq Survey Group, has been withdrawn from Iraq. The unit was headed by an Australian general.
  • The New York Times story also identified an explosive disposal unit named Task Force D/E, for disablement and elimination.

Army

  • The Killeen Daily Herald reported on March 2, 2004 that elements of the 4th ID's artillery have begun to return to Fort Hood. This rotation is believed to be completed in April.
  • The 13th Corps Support Command is also reported to have begun flying back elements to Fort Hood, the Killeen Daily Herald reports.
  • The San Antonio Express-News reported on February 17 that the first troops from the 4th Infantry Division have begun to return to the United States. Roughly 60 soldiers returned to Fort Hood on February 16 the report says, and indicates that bulk of the troops will return following March 25.
  • V Corps reported on February 13 that troops from the 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion returned from Iraq.
  • The Nashville Tennessean reports on Frbruary 11 that the last convoy of troops from the 101st Airborne Division have departed Iraq and are currently in Kuwait. The article indicates that elements of the 801st Main Support Battalion and the 502nd Infantry Regiment were part of the convoy. Local papers also indicate that roughly 8,000 troops had returned to the Fort Campbell as of February 10, 2004. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to track individual units of the 101st ABN still in Southwest Asia, listings of brigades have been removed.
  • Stars & Stripes reported on February 10, 2004 that the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division arrived in the first week on February and is patrolling Baghdad with the 1st Armored Division. Roughly 3,000 soldiers from the brigade are in Iraq and it is equipped with some 90 M1A2 main battle tanks. The official handover of responsibility from the 1st AD to the 1st CD will not take place until mid-April.
  • Task Force Olympia has relieved elements of the 101st Airborne Division and has operational control of Ninewa, Irbil and Dahuk provinces.
  • The 1457th Engineer Battalion has been identified as being at Baghdad International Airport. It is unclear when the unit originally arrived. Task Force Olympia is a sub-element of I Corps headquarters based at Fort Lewis, Wash. The unit includes representatives from all three components of the United States Army (Active, Reserve and National Guard) as well as United States Marine Corps and Australian officers. Task Force Olympia's subordinate units include the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), from Fort Lewis, four Iraqi Civil Defense Corps battalions, three Iraq Border Police battalions and several thousand members of the Iraq Facility Protection Security Forces and will soon include an Iraq Armed Forces battalion.
  • Troops from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment (of the 53rd Brigade) will begin returning to the United States by January 30 according to the Tallahassee Democrat on January 29, 2004. This is the first element of the brigade to begin its rotation back to the US.
  • The Aberdeen American News reported on January 28, 2004 that the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery Regiment began departing for Iraq on the same day of the report.
  • The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle reported on January 28 that 260 soldiers from the 2-44th Air Defense Artillery and from the 1-377th Field Artillery returned to Fort Campbell on January 27, 2004.
  • The Fayetteville Observer reported on January 29 that 100 combat engineers from the 37th Engineer Battalion had returned from Iraq.
  • The Fayetteville Observer also reported on Jan 29 that roughly half of the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division had returned to Fort Bragg and that the brigades rotation would be completed by mid-February.
  • General Peter Schoomaker has revealed the Army is planning two further year-long rotations of similar troop strength that is currently present in Iraq - plans that, if approved, would keep American soldiers in Iraq in strength through early 2007. The Army chief of staff made the disclosure during a Congressional hearing January 28, 2004.
  • According to a press release from CENTCOM issued on Jan 28 the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, from the 101st Airborne is in Kuwait and is preparing to return to the United States. It is not clear when the unit will transition back to the United States.
  • According to the Fayetteville Observer, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 325th Airborne Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division are beginning to head to Kuwait via convoy.
  • Photo's released by V Corps on January 20 indicate that the 94th Engineer Battalion returned to Hohenfels, Germany on or about January 17.
  • A CENTCOM Release on January 17, 2004 indicates that the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division handed over control of part of Northwest Iraq to elements of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
  • According to the Associated Press on January 19, 2004 the firs 200 soldiers of the 325th Airborne Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division have begun to return to the United States.
  • The Louisville Courier-Journal reports on January 16, 2004 that the first elements of the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne began returning to Fort Campbell on January 15. Specific numbers were not reported.
  • THe first elements of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division have begun departing Hawaii according to the Honolulu Advertise on January 13, 2004. Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment led off the departures which will continue through January 26.
  • Elements of the 101st Airborne Division are redeploying through Turkey, instead of through Kuwait, as many analysts had previously believed. According to an Air Force Print News story on January 14, 2004, roughly 300 soldiers arrived at Incirlik on January 6. Each group of soldiers will spend a few hours on average here before heading home on commercial aircraft; however, the base is ready for unforeseen circumstances.
  • The Tacoma News Tribune reported on January 11 that the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division had relieved elements of the 101st Airborne Division based in Mosul, specifically at FOB Glory. It is not clear which elements of the 101st had been relieved.
  • The 203rd Engineer Battalion, a National Guard unit from Missouri, has been identified by a visitor of the site as being located in Iraq. The unit has apparently been in country, supporting the 1st Armored Division since June 2003.
  • The Fayetteville Observer reports on January 8, 2004 that the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division began deploying to Iraq. This deployment may last between 4 to 6 months.
  • The Army News Service reported on January 7, 2004 that the 67th Signal Battalion was deploying to the CENTCOM AOR to replace the 63rd Signal Battalion, which will be returning in February. The unit deployed shortly after the New Year.
  • The first elements of the 101st Airborne Division have begun to return to the United States, ahead of the rest of the division which is slated to begin returning in large portions at the end of January 2004. Roughly 200 soldiers returned to Fort Campbell on January 7, 2004.
  • The first element of III Corps headquarters has begun deploying to the CENTCOM AOR according to local papers. Roughly 250 soldiers took part in the initial deployment.
  • Associated Press reports on December 31st that the 101st Airborne Division will begin returning to the United States sometime in late January, rather than the previously expected February or March.

Navy

  • On or about February 17, 2004 the George Washington Strike Group transited the Suez Canal and entered the 5th Fleet AOR.
  • On February 4, 2004 the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group made a port call at Darwin, Australia. It has been removed from the list of naval forces in the region.
  • On or about February 2, 2004 the USS Enterprise and its strike group were in the Red Sea indicating that it will soon transit to the Mediterranean and begin making its way home. The Enterprise will be relieved by the USS George Washington.
  • The Peleliu's status is still very much in doubt, as the Navy indicates that as of January 20 the ship is in the Gulf of Aden, instead of the Indian Ocean. Significant elements of its Expeditionary Strike Group have been operating in the Indian Ocean for some time, it maybe that she and the group still have some time left in the 5th Fleet AOR.
  • Indications are that the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group is heading east and is currently in the Indian Ocean. While an announcement has not been made as to when she will specifically return from deployment it looks as if the Peleliu, her group, and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit could return to California in late February.
  • Vice Admiral Timothy LaFleur, Commander, Pacific Fleet Surface Forces, stated that one week after the departure of the USS Boxer from San Diego, the USS Bataan would depart the East Coast after picking up Marines and equipment from the Cherry Point/New River/Camp Lejeune facilities and will head to the Persian Gulf.
  • The Navy announced on January 8 that the USS Boxer had been ordered to deploy to the Persian Gulf region in support of the OIF-2 rotation. The Boxer will be ferrying equipment and personnel from the I Marine Expeditionary Force and from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Two CH-46Ds from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 will be deploying with the Boxer to provide logistical support. The Boxer is scheduled to return to San Diego in April.
  • The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot reported on January 9 that the USS Bataan may also receive orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region to ferry Marines from Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point. It would be deployed for roughly two to three months.

Marine Corps

  • The Jacksonville Daily News reports on January 9 that roughly 5,000 Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force would be joining 1st Marine Division in Iraq. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and elements from the 2nd Force Service Support Group: 8th Communication Battalion, 2nd Intelligence Battlion, the headquarters, communications, and Delta companies of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Military Police Battalion, the Transportation Company, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, the Ordnance Maintenance and Electronic Maintenance companies from 2nd Maintenance Battalion, elements of the Ammunition Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, Alpha and Bravo Surgical companies of 2nd Medical Battalion, and the Alpha Bridge and Bulk Fuel companies of 8th Engineer Support Battalion are all scheduled to deploy.
  • Also, the Jacksonville Daily News indicates that elements of HMM 261, HMLA 167 (actually the JDN states that and HMLA 176 is to be sent to Iraq but no such unit has been detected), Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, MWSS 273, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and elements from 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, MAC Squadron 2, and Marine Air Support Squadron 1 will be deploying to Iraq.
  • Some 200 Marines are reported to be deploying with the Boxer and she will also carry 16 CH-53s from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466.
  • The Wall Street Journal reports on January 6, 2004 that at least two battalions from the 7th Marine Regiment, the 1/7 and the 3/7 are currently training in preperation for a deployment to Iraq. It is unclear how much of the rest of the regiment is being sent.
  • The Pacific Stars and Stripes is reporting that the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment may be slated to head for Iraq with the 1st Marine Division.

Coalition

  • The first elements of the Japanese Self Defense Force have arrived in Kuwait, preparing for the arrival of nearly 1,000 soldiers that will provide support in southern Iraq.

31 December 2003

Army

  • The first element of III Corps headquarters has begun deploying to the CENTCOM AOR according to local papers. Roughly 250 soldiers took part in the initial deployment.
  • Associated Press reports on December 31st that the 101st Airborne Division will begin returning to the United States sometime in late January, rather than the previously expected February or March.
  • The Washington Post is reporting on December 19, 2003 that the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division will be deployed to Iraq in January and will remain in the AOR for 120 days. Also, the 3rd Brigade will have its tour extended by 60 days, pushing its departure back to April 2004. This extension is due to problems with the 81st Armor Brigade's activation, apparently it needs more time to train.
  • Soldiers from the 54th Engineer Battalion returned to Germany in December 2003.
  • Significant elements of the 11th Signal Brigade have made their way home according to local news reports. The unit had at one time had as many as 1,300 soldiers deployed to the Middle East and over the last couple of months that number has dwindled to "several hundred". The remainder of the unit is to return from the Middle East in March 2004.
  • Repeated searches have been unable to identify units assigned to PATRIOT Task Forces, which have been deployed around the Middle East for roughly a decade. It is presumed that these units have returned home and the Task Forces have been deactivated as the missile threat from Iraq has been removed.
  • The 101st Chemical Company returned to the US in July.
  • The 459th Engineer Company returned in mid November 2003.

Marine Corps

  • The Pacific Stars and Stripes is reporting that the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment may be slated to head for Iraq with the 1st Marine Division.
  • The New York Times reported on November 6, 2003 that the Department of Defense plans on deploying roughly 20,000 Marines from the 1st Marine Division to serve in Iraq in support of OIF. Initial details were sketchy, but the times indicates that roughly two brigades would be deployed from Camp Pendleton, which would appear to be an error as there is only one brigade associated with division. Details are said to be forthcoming.

Air Force

  • Debka.com has reported (and various other groups including Orbat.com have picked up on) that the United States is sending significant numbers of fighters and bombers from the United States to the Middle East in preperation for attacks on Syria or some other country. However, upon conducting some research it becomes clear that the significant numbers of aircraft that have been spotted over Scotland recently are actually, cargo aircraft. In fact, the traffic over Europe in the last week or so has consisted of cargo and refueling aircraft with some fighter flights out of US bases in Europe. There was only one B-52 report. Furthermore, there has not been any indication from airbases in the US that a major deployment is under way. One might think that Debka is trying to make Syria nervous.

Coalition

  • The Korean Government has agreed to deploy roughly a brigade sized force to Northern Iraq, to the Kirkuk area by May 2004.

31 October 2003

Joint

  • Navy Newsstand identified Army and Navy explosive ordnance disposal units as operating under Special Operations Task Force 56, which is located in Bahrain though operations are taking place in Iraq.

Army

  • The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division held its farewell picnic recently, highlighting its upcoming deployment to Iraq. With this in mind, and the fact that command elements of the unit have almost certainly been in the region for a while, the 3rd Brigade is being added to the force presence listing.
  • According to the Washington Post on October 23, 2003 the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division is beginning to consolidate his forces in Northern Iraq and shift them south while handing over additional security duties to Iraqi security forces. The report indicates that there are some 11,000 border guards, police officers and civil defense troops under the command of the 101st ABN.
  • A deployed soldier with the 234th Signal Battalion has brought it to our attention that his unit has been deployed to Southwest Asia since June 2003. The unit has been operating in Iraq under the 22nd Signal Brigade since July 2003 and is located near Balad. Roughly 600 soldiers fromt the unit are deployed.
  • According to a report from US Army Europe, two companies of the 565th Engineer Battalion recently returned to Germany following an eight-month deployment to Iraq.
  • The Army reported that the equipment for the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division began to be loaded on to USNS Shugart and USNS Sisler at Tacoma, Washington. It is believed that troops from the brigade will begin departing for Iraq sometime in early November.
  • The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Battalion, a National Guard unit from Indiana returned to the United States on October 6-8, 2003.
  • A deployed soldier has corrected us on our listing for the 17th Field Artillery Brigade. According to this individual, the 5-3rd Field Artillery is based at Al Taji and the 1-12th Field Artillery, the 3-18th Field Artillery, and the 6-27th Field Artillery are based at LSA Anaconda.

Navy

  • Navy Newsstand reported on October 20, 2003 that Helicopter Combat Support Special Sq 5 has been deployed to Southwest Asia since March 2003. The squadron is attached to SOCCENT and has roughly 75 sailors deployed.
  • The USS Enterprise and its Strike Group transited the Red Sea on or about October 14, 2003 according to the US Navy's "Status of the Navy". The Enterprise Strike Group is comprised of CG 58 Philippine Sea, CG-64 Gettysburg, D-13 Sarandi (Argentina) and AOE 4 Detroit. Carrier Air Wing 1 is also deployed with the Enterprise.
  • One might also notice that we have ceased to list the available Sealift and prepositioning vessels normally stationed in the region as these vessels have been notoriously difficult to track.

Marine Corps

  • Yet more Marines have been identified by the Corps as having just returned to the United States, including 3rd Radio Battalion. Around 20 Marines from the unit returned to Hawaii on or about October 6, 2003 according to Marine Corps News on October 13, 2003. This is an extremely frustrating development as the Marine Corps has not been particularly forthcoming about its troop deployment in Iraq, and I MEF was supposed to have been out of Iraq completely several weeks ago. Furthermore, a Navy Newsstand article dated October 9, 2003 indicates that there is some engineer element of I MEF still operating in Iraq assisting with mass grave excavation.

Air Force

  • Colin Robinson, from the Center for Defense Information, has kindly pointed out a USA Today story on October 22, 2003 that indicates that the US has begin to withdraw forces from Al Jaber due to reduced operational requirements. The article indicates that all of the aircraft have departed the facility for parts unknown. Mr. Robinson has also pointed out that recent Air Force Print News stories have placed the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Tallil. This is a confusing development as the 407th AEG has been previously identified through AFPN as being at Tallil. A brief search indicates that news stories referring to the 407th stopped appearing sometime in the late August to September timeframe, implying that forces from Al Jaber began the transition around that time and that the 407th AEG was either folded into the 332nd AEW or the unit was disbanded.
  • The 167th Airlift Wing was identified as operating at al Udeid under the 379th AEW according to an Air Force photo release on October 17, 2003.
  • An Air Force photo released on October 14, 2003 indicates that the 101st Rescue Squadron is currently operating from Baghdad International Airport. It is not clear if this means that the 304th Rescue Squadron has returned to the United States.

Coalition

  • The Turkish government is considering the deployment of a significant number of troops into Iraq to assist with peacekeeping efforts, though it is not clear exactly how many or which units would be deployed.

14 October 2003

Army

  • The 368th Engineer Battalion is operating in Kuwait according to the Dallas Morning News on October 6, 2003. It is not clear when this unit originally deployed.
  • Companies B and C, 1-105th Infantry Regiment have been activated for duty in Iraq, according to the New York Daily News on September 30, 2003. The Times Union also reports that the 2-105th Infantry had been called up as well, but efforts to identify this unit proved unsuccessful (the 27 BDE doesn't even have such a unit assigned to it). Indications are that these elements are going to be supporting the 30th Infantry Brigade, and that the entire 27th Infantry Brigade will not be deployed.
  • The Fayetteville Observer has identified the location the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. The bulk of the brigade is at Forward Operating Base St. Mere near Fallujah, though the 3-505 PIR is in Mahmudiyah.
  • Late on September 26, 2003 the Department of Defense issued a deployment alert to the 81st Armor Brigade.
  • DoD Officials indicated on September 24, 2003 that the United States might have to deploy an additional 10,000 National Guardmen (and women) or reservists to compensate for the lack of third multinational division that planners hoped would deploy to Iraq to replace the 101st Airborne Division. There are currently 50,000 reservists in Southwest Asia, according to the LA Times on September 25.
  • It is now thought that the remainder of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division have completely deployed to Iraq.
  • The 1st Battalion, 150th Armor Regiment has been added to the 30th Infantry Brigade and will deploy with the brigade to Iraq.
  • Elements of the 220th Military Police Brigade have been operating in Iraq for some time. Soldiers from the unit have recently been killed or injured. It is not clear exactly which units are there or attached to the Brigade, though one company has been positively identified and two battalions normally assigned to the Brigade are also thought to be in Iraq, though this has not been confirmed.
  • A DoD photo release posted on the Defend America site indicates that elements of the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion are in Iraq. Previous information did place the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade in Iraq, though it was not clear what elements of the brigade were in the region.
  • The 178th Engineer Battalion is currently operating in Iraq according to The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) on September 23, 2003. The unit has been in Iraq since around April.
  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on Sept 11 that the 11th Aviation Regiment, or Task Force 11th Aviation, is not anticipating a return to Germany until February 2005. This could be a typo, but if not, could indicate that elements of V Corps will be in the region for some time.
  • The 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion is currently operating in Iraq under the Iraq Survey Group. The unit was deployed to Kuwait in April where it was initially assigned to the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade and was later transferred to the 75th Exploitation Task Force, according to the Salt Lake Tribune on September 8, 2003.
  • The 30th Military History Detachment is also in Iraq operating under the Iraq Survey Group, according to the Honolulu Advertiser on August 4, 2003.
  • 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment returned to the United States in July 2003 according to the Teleagraph Herald on July 5, 2003.
  • The 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment returned to the US in June 2003 according to the Associated Press on June 5, 2003.
  • Various reports of training accidents in Georgia and of training in other areas leaves one to believe that the entire 75th Ranger Regiment is back in the United States.
  • 132 soldiers from the 416th Engineer Command returned to the United States in July according to the Chicago Tribune on July 11, 2003. The unit deployed to Kuwait in December 2003 and was charged with building pre-war facilities to house incoming soldiers.
  • The 502nd Personal Service Battalion is operating in Iraq under the 43rd Area Support Group. A soldier from the unit was killed on August 25, 2003 in a traffic accident.
  • 180 soldiers from the 133rd Military Police Company are currently in Iraq, and have been there for some time according to an August 31, 2003 The State story.
  • The Des Moines Register indicates on July 5, 2003 that elements of the 101st Chemical Company have returned to the United States.
  • The 37th Engineer Battalion has been attached to the 101st Airborne Division according to an August 19, 2003 Leaf-Chronicle story.
  • 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery is no longer in the Middle East according to a June 27, 2003 report in the El Paso Times. The story indicates that a change of command ceremony took place at Fort Bliss.
  • Despite the recent announcement that many Guard and Reserve soldiers are facing extensions in deployments, the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry has been informed that it will return to the United States sometime before November 25, 2003, according the Associated Press on September 11, 2003.
  • The 201st Military Intelligence Battalion is no longer in Iraq according to the Augusta Chronicle on August 10. The unit was at Fort Gordon receiving awards for their service during OIF.
  • The 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment has reportedly been put on alert and is preparing to deploy within 60 days according to the Associated Press on Sept 10, 2003.
  • 150 soldiers from the 1775th Military Police Company are operating in Iraq according to the Associated Press on September 10, 2003.
  • The 109th Medical Battalion is operating in Iraq according to the Associated Press on Sept 10, 2003.
  • 160 soldiers from the 147th Command Aviation Battalion are returning to the United States on September 10, 2003 according to the Associated Press on September 9, 2003.

Navy

  • The Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group arrived in the 5th Fleet AOR on or about September 25, 2003. They arrived in the Gulf of Oman on October 3, 2003.
  • Colin Robinson (from the Center for Defense Information) attention to detail has identified that Task Force 55 is the name of the Maritime Interdiction efforts for Iraq. The unit is under the tactical control of Mine Countermeasures Division 31.
  • The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has departed the Persian Gulf region and is currently in the Indian Ocean steaming East to replace the Carl Vinson who is currently on its war home. This leaves the CENTCOM AOR without an aircraft carrier presence until at least early October when the USS Enterprise could arrive in the region (provided that it does not go elsewhere).

Marine Corps

  • Yet more Marines have been identified as having just returned from Iraq, including elements of Company B, 4th LAR, which returned to the United States on September 24, 2003 according to the Associated Press.
  • A Marine Corps News story from September 24, 2003 indicates that there is only one battalion remaining in Iraq, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and it is preparing to return to the United States by September 29, 2003. It is now believed that there is only a small element of MARFORCENT remaining in Iraq.
  • 8th Communications Battalion returned to the US in June according to the South Bend Tribune on June 15, 2003. As did the 2nd Reconaissance Battalion. As did the 7th Engineer Support BN. As did the 6th Communications Battalion. As has most of the 1st Radio BN. 3rd BN, 4th Marines returned in June.
  • The San Diego Union Tribune reports that the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment returned to the United States on or about September 6, 2003.
  • A Marine Corps News story indicates that the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (who was believed to have left the region some time ago) and the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion departed Iraq for Kuwait on or about September 10 in preparation for a return to the United States.

Air Force

  • Portions of Prince Sultan Airbase have been handed over to the Saudi government and the 263rd Air Expeditionary Wing was inactivated on August 26, 2003. The last airmen present at the location will leave in early September.
  • Aircraft have been sent to Incirlik according to an Air Force release on August 19, 2003. The AFPN story indicates that 4 KC-135R's from the 121st Air Refueling Wing were dispatched to the area to support operations in Iraq. This dramatic increase in operations at Incirlik, which sent back a number of its aircraft following the beginning of the war.

Coast Guard

  • Port Security Unit 313 returned to the United States on August 27, 2003 according to the Seattle Times on August 28, 2003.

Coalition

  • The Korea Times reported on October 3, 2003 that the United States government had requested that the ROK Army send a unit of roughly division strength to Iraq to replace the 101st Airborne Division. Such a decision could only be approved by the South Korean legislature.
  • The Washington Times reports on September 30 that South Korea has roughly 700 engineers and medics in Iraq and that 400 personnel fro Thailand have been dispatched to Karbala.
  • The New York Times reported on September 25 that roughly 180 soldiers from Mongolia had arrived in Iraq to provide support to peacekeeping operations.
  • USA Today reported on September 25 that Turkey has offered to deploy nearly 10,000 soldiers to Iraq by the end of the year if a UN Peacekeeping Force is authorized.
  • Moldova announced at the beginning of September that it would send 42 (instead of 50) soldiers to Iraq.
  • The British Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon announced on September 8, 2003 that the British Army is deploying some 1,200 additional soldiers. Two battalions, the rest of the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry (a company from the unit is currently in Iraq) and the 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets. The Associated Press reports on September 10, 2003 that elements of the battalions will begin departing on September 11, 2003.
  • Colin Robinson from the Center for Defense Information has been kind enough to point out that British ships RFA Brambleleaf and RFA Diligence are currently supporting coalition naval activities. Mr. Robinson also identified the Dutch unit in Iraq as 1st Battalion Royal Netherlands Marine Corps which is comprised of the 11, 12, and 13th companies.
  • Reports from the United Kingdom indicate that UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has ordered a review of current British force strength in Iraq and is considering a request for additional soldiers to be sent.

11 September 2003

CENTCOM

  • USA Today reported on September 11, 2003 that a spokesman for CENTCOM stated that there were only 116,000 troops in Iraq, a significant reduction over last weeks total of 130,000 and last months 148,000. It is not clear who made up this reduction, as the bulk of the 3rd Infantry Division had been out of the area for some time though it may be possible that Marines comprise the bulk of the number.

Army

  • The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported on Sept 11 that the 11th Aviation Regiment, or Task Force 11th Aviation, is not anticipating a return to Germany until February 2005. This could be a typo, but if not, could indicate that elements of V Corps will be in the region for some time.
  • The 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion is currently operating in Iraq under the Iraq Survey Group. The unit was deployed to Kuwait in April where it was initially assigned to the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade and was later transferred to the 75th Exploitation Task Force, according to the Salt Lake Tribune on September 8, 2003.
  • The 30th Military History Detachment is also in Iraq operating under the Iraq Survey Group, according to the Honolulu Advertiser on August 4, 2003.
  • 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment returned to the United States in July 2003 according to the Teleagraph Herald on July 5, 2003.
  • The 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment returned to the US in June 2003 according to the Associated Press on June 5, 2003.
  • Various reports of training accidents in Georgia and of training in other areas leaves one to believe that the entire 75th Ranger Regiment is back in the United States.
  • 132 soldiers from the 416th Engineer Command returned to the United States in July according to the Chicago Tribune on July 11, 2003. The unit deployed to Kuwait in December 2003 and was charged with building pre-war facilities to house incoming soldiers.
  • The 502nd Personal Service Battalion is operating in Iraq under the 43rd Area Support Group. A soldier from the unit was killed on August 25, 2003 in a traffic accident.
  • 180 soldiers from the 133rd Military Police Company are currently in Iraq, and have been there for some time according to an August 31, 2003 The State story.
  • The Des Moines Register indicates on July 5, 2003 that elements of the 101st Chemical Company have returned to the United States.
  • The 37th Engineer Battalion has been attached to the 101st Airborne Division according to an August 19, 2003 Leaf-Chronicle story.
  • 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery is no longer in the Middle East according to a June 27, 2003 report in the El Paso Times. The story indicates that a change of command ceremony took place at Fort Bliss.
  • Despite the recent announcement that many Guard and Reserve soldiers are facing extensions in deployments, the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry has been informed that it will return to the United States sometime before November 25, 2003, according the Associated Press on September 11, 2003.
  • The 201st Military Intelligence Battalion is no longer in Iraq according to the Augusta Chronicle on August 10. The unit was at Fort Gordon receiving awards for their service during OIF.
  • The 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment has reportedly been put on alert and is preparing to deploy within 60 days according to the Associated Press on Sept 10, 2003.
  • 150 soldiers from the 1775th Military Police Company are operating in Iraq according to the Associated Press on September 10, 2003.
  • The 109th Medical Battalion is operating in Iraq according to the Associated Press on Sept 10, 2003.
  • 160 soldiers from the 147th Command Aviation Battalion are returning to the United States on September 10, 2003 according to the Associated Press on September 9, 2003.
  • 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division departed North Carolina on September 3, according to the Fayetteville Observer. The troops included soldiers from the DISCOM, the Aviation Brigade, and the 504th and 505th Parachute Infantry Regiments. Specifically, soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry are known to have deployed.
  • Two companies from the 1st Cavalry Division will begin to deploy to CENTCOM AOR on September 4, 2003, according to a release from III Corps. The units are a company from 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry and a company from the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion. According to III Corps this deployment of soldiers is not the lead element for the deployment of the 1st Cavalry Division as announced by DoD in July.
  • The 250th Military Intelligence Brigade is operating in Iraq. A soldier from the unit was killed by a roadside bomb attack on a military convoy in Baghdad on August 28, 2003.
  • The Wichita Eagle reports on August 29, 2003 that the first significant elements from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division will being to depart Fort Riley within two weeks.
  • The Associated Press reported on August 28, 2003 that the 367th Maintenance Company is heading to Fort Lewis to provide support to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. The unit has not been told if it is headed to Iraq, but seeing as how the 3rd Brigade is and the unit is providing support to the brigade, then its likely that they will be heading to Iraq. The unit departs for Fort Lewis on September 5 and will consist of 180 soldiers.
  • Savannah Morning News reported on August 23, 2003 that there are only about 1,500 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division currently deployed, a decline of almost 2,200 since August 18, 2003. The article goes on to state that the Commanding General of the division has also returned and that additional troops will be returning to the US in the days ahead. Unfortunately, the 3rd Infantry's website stopped disclosing troop returns on or about August 18, 2003.
  • The San Antonio Express-News reports on August 22, 2003 that III Corps may soon be tasked to take over for V Corps as the head of CJTF-7. According to officials quoted in the article III Corps has not received a deployment order. V Corps has been in the region for nearly a year now and was not initially slotted for rotation. The article does not indicate when the rotation would occur. Such a move may pose problems for other contingencies as III Corps is the primary Corps to plan and fight a war on the Korean Peninsula. For a more detailed discussion of that issue see GlobalSecurity.org's deployment page for forces in the US Forces Korea area.

Navy

  • The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has departed the Persian Gulf region and is currently in the Indian Ocean steaming East to replace the Carl Vinson who is currently on its war home. This leaves the CENTCOM AOR without an aircraft carrier presence until at least early October when the USS Enterprise could arrive in the region (provided that it does not go elsewhere).
  • Harbor Defense Command Unit (HDCU) 114 from Los Angeles, Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit (MIUWU) 106 based in San Diego, and Inshore Boat Unit (IBU) 15 from Corpus Christi, Texas, will all return home in early September according to a Navy release.
  • The US Navy has apparently assigned a codename for their operations in support of Task Force 150. Sea Cutlass, involves FGS Brandenburg and medical support ship FGS Frankfurt Am Main (A 1412), the Spanish frigate SPS Santa Maria (F 81), Italian frigate ITS Grecale (F 571), French destroyer FS Dupleix (D 641), French frigate FS Nivose (F 732), U.S. Navy cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), and USNS Concord (T-AFS 5), employed as an afloat forward staging base. Complementing these ships were U.S. Navy SEALs and reconnaissance aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand.
  • Reports coming from various news sources on August 29, 2003 indicate that the USS Nimitz will soon be departing the Persian Gulf region and will head to the Sea of Japan to replace the USS Carl Vinson who is heading home. It is not clear when the Nimitz will depart the 5th Fleet AOR.
  • According to a Navy Newsstand article the USS Memphis is operating in the 5th Fleet AOR, and recently made a port call to Bahrain.

Marine Corps

  • 8th Communications Battalion returned to the US in June according to the South Bend Tribune on June 15, 2003. As did the 2nd Reconaissance Battalion. As did the 7th Engineer Support BN. As did the 6th Communications Battalion. As has most of the 1st Radio BN. 3rd BN, 4th Marines returned in June.
  • The San Diego Union Tribune reports that the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment returned to the United States on or about September 6, 2003.
  • A Marine Corps News story indicates that the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (who was believed to have left the region some time ago) and the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion departed Iraq for Kuwait on or about September 10 in preparation for a return to the United States.
  • According to a reader the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment is departing Kuwait heading back to Camp Pendleton.
  • Marines handed over control of portions of their AOR to the Multinational Division today. However, Marines stationed in Najaf have had their deployment extended until around September 21, 2003 when they will hand over control to the Polish.
  • News reports on September 1 and September 2, 2003 indicate that the remaining Marines in Iraq, including the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines may continue to stay in Iraq for an undisclosed period of time as the security situation in Najaf has deteriorated significantly.
  • A small number of Marines from the 4th Marine Air Wing returned to the United States on August 27, 2003. The unit consisted of roughly 20 military police. They deployed in February 2003. It is not clear if there were more Marines from 4th MAW deployed.
  • The North County Times reported on August 27, 2003 that the rest of the I MEF Marines still in Southwest Asia should return to the United States beginning in two weeks. The article went on to state that the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Force Service Support Group, Marine Aircraft Group 39 are still in Iraq and that roughly 7,000 other Marines are still in the country. The article indicated that there are in total 14,000 Marines still in Iraq (which is somewhat more than everyone has thought previously, or had been released by the military).
  • 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines began departing Iraq for Kuwait on or about August 26, 2003 after the Marines had transferred security responsibilities for Karbala to the Bulgarian military.
  • Marines located in Karbala will begin departing Iraq on August 26, 2003.

Air Force

  • Portions of Prince Sultan Airbase have been handed over to the Saudi government and the 263rd Air Expeditionary Wing was inactivated on August 26, 2003. The last airmen present at the location will leave in early September.
  • Aircraft have been sent to Incirlik according to an Air Force release on August 19, 2003. The AFPN story indicates that 4 KC-135R's from the 121st Air Refueling Wing were dispatched to the area to support operations in Iraq. This dramatic increase in operations at Incirlik, which sent back a number of its aircraft following the beginning of the war.

Coast Guard

  • Port Security Unit 313 returned to the United States on August 27, 2003 according to the Seattle Times on August 28, 2003.

Coalition

  • The British Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon announced on September 8, 2003 that the British Army is deploying some 1,200 additional soldiers. Two battalions, the rest of the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry (a company from the unit is currently in Iraq) and the 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets. The Associated Press reports on September 10, 2003 that elements of the battalions will begin departing on September 11, 2003.
  • Colin Robinson from the Center for Defense Information has been kind enough to point out that British ships RFA Brambleleaf and RFA Diligence are currently supporting coalition naval activities. Mr. Robinson also identified the Dutch unit in Iraq as 1st Battalion Royal Netherlands Marine Corps which is comprised of the 11, 12, and 13th companies.
  • Reports from the United Kingdom indicate that UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has ordered a review of current British force strength in Iraq and is considering a request for additional soldiers to be sent.
  • BBC reported on September 4, 2003 that the Romanian mechanized battalion is in fact the 811th Infantry Battalion.
  • The US Navy has apparently assigned a codename for their operations in support of Task Force 150. Sea Cutlass, involves FGS Brandenburg and medical support ship FGS Frankfurt Am Main (A 1412), the Spanish frigate SPS Santa Maria (F 81), Italian frigate ITS Grecale (F 571), French destroyer FS Dupleix (D 641), French frigate FS Nivose (F 732), U.S. Navy cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), and USNS Concord (T-AFS 5), employed as an afloat forward staging base. Complementing these ships were U.S. Navy SEALs and reconnaissance aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand.
  • The Bulgarian Battalion that took control of security in Karbala numbers some 470 soldiers according to the Associated Press on August 29, 2003.
  • Colin Robinson, from the Center for Defense Information, has kindly pointed out that the coalition naval listing has been horribly out of date for some time and has been nice enough to help me with the updates. Task Force 150 has changed dramatically, as has the naval contributions by the British and others. Many thanks to Colin.

25 August 2003

CENTCOM

  • The 455th Chemical Brigade has been identified as the lead military unit taking part in the Iraq Survey Group. The unit is replacing the 75th Exploitation Task Force, and is believed to have multiple unidentified units conducting searches for WMD.

Army

  • Savannah Morning News reported on August 23, 2003 that there are only about 1,500 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division currently deployed, a decline of almost 2,200 since August 18, 2003. The article goes on to state that the Commanding General of the division has also returned and that additional troops will be returning to the US in the days ahead. Unfortunately, the 3rd Infantry's website stopped disclosing troop returns on or about August 18, 2003.
  • The San Antonio Express-News reports on August 22, 2003 that III Corps may soon be tasked to take over for V Corps as the head of CJTF-7. According to officials quoted in the article III Corps has not received a deployment order. V Corps has been in the region for nearly a year now and was not initially slotted for rotation. The article does not indicate when the rotation would occur. Such a move may pose problems for other contingencies as III Corps is the primary Corps to plan and fight a war on the Korean Peninsula. For a more detailed discussion of that issue see GlobalSecurity.org's deployment page for forces in the US Forces Korea area.
  • The 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment is in Baghdad, according to the Contra Costa Times on August 21, 2003.
  • The Asssociated Press is reporting on August 23, 2003 that the 890th Engineer Battalion is in Iraq and as of August 20, has some 512 soldiers on active duty. This is a National Guard battalion.
  • 500 soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment have reportedly received orders to deploy to Iraq according to the Associated Press on August 20, 2003.
  • The 320th Military Police Battalion is currently operating in Iraq according to an Associated Press story on August 22. 2003. It is not clear where the soldiers are operating though they were near Umm Qasr in May 2003. 4 soldiers from the unit are facing charges of allegedly abusing Iraqi prisoners.
  • A III Corps press release indicates that the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division will begin deploying in January 2004 and will be followed by the rest of the division over an unspecified period of time. This press release also indicated that the 39th Infantry Brigade would also be deploying with the unit, though it did incorrectly state that the Brigade had a mechanized battalion, the 39th is a light infantry brigade.
  • 275 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division are returning to the United States on August 14, 2003 according to a press release issued by Fort Stewart. The units include the headquarters company for the 3rd ID, the HHC for the 2-7th Infantry, the 123rd Signal Battalion, soldiers from the 3-7th Infantry, the 703rd Main Support Battalion, and the HHC for the 1st Brigade. The release indicates that roughly 16,720 soldiers from the division have returned home with roughly 3,940 soldiers still in Southwest Asia. (These figures do not include the 275 on their way back)
  • The 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion is currently operating in Iraq, according to the Associated Press on August 14, 2003. Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr., a soldier with the unit, died in his sleep on August 12.
  • 300 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment are operating in Djibouti in support of CJTF-HOA.
  • The Public Affairs Officer for the 10th Mountain Division indicates that roughly 1,000 soldiers from the division are still in Iraq and that the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment (Task Force 1-32) is preparing to deploy to the region shortly.
  • The 354th Civil Affairs Brigade has been operating in Iraq for some time, and has not been included in previous editions due to an oversight. The unit appears to be operating in Baghdad.
  • The 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment returned to the United States in July 2003 according to the Associated Press on August 6, 2003.
  • The Associated Press reports on August 12, 2003 that the remaining elements of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team returned to Fort Stewart on August 11.
  • The 65th Engineer Battalion is not operating in Iraq contrary to information attached to a US Army photograph of soldiers operating in support of OIF. According to members of the unit who were kind enough to correct the mistake, the unit is not currently deployed.
  • Fort Riley announced on August 7, 2003 that roughly 3,000 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division would deploy to Iraq, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, sometime in late August. The units tapped to deploy include the 1-16th Infantry, the 1-34th Armor, 1-5th Field Artillery, 1st Engineer Battalion, 101st Forward Support Battalion, Battery C 4-3rd Air Defense Artillery, Troop D 4th Cavalry, 331st Signal Company, 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, 1st Maintenance Company, 568th Engineer Company, and Company D 15th Personnel Services Battalion.

Navy

  • 212 Seabees from Naval Mobile Contruction Battalion 133 return from Iraq on August 14, 2003 according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. 297 additional sailors from the unit will return on August 16.
  • The USS Providence and the USS Augusta returned to New London in early August 2003.

Marine Corps

  • Marines located in Karbala will begin departing Iraq on August 26, 2003.
  • The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion returned to the United States in June 2003, according to the Associated Press on August 21, 2003.
  • The 1st Force Reconnaissance Company is currently operating in Iraq according to a Marine Corps News story on August 1, 2003.
  • An unknown number of Marines from the 4th Civil Affairs Group is operating in Iraq.

Air Force

  • Aircraft have been sent to Incirlik according to an Air Force release on August 19, 2003. The AFPN story indicates that 4 KC-135R's from the 121st Air Refueling Wing were dispatched to the area to support operations in Iraq. This dramatic increase in operations at Incirlik, which sent back a number of its aircraft following the beginning of the war.
  • Roughly 100 airmen from the 137th Airlift Wing returned to Oklahoma on August 09, 2003 according to the Associated Press on August 10.
  • According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on August 5, 2003 roughly 75 airmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing deployed to Qatar on August 4 and will join the units 4 C-130s and 40 other airmen for 4 months.

Coalition

  • Colin Robinson, from the Center for Defense Information, has kindly pointed out that the coalition naval listing has been horribly out of date for some time and has been nice enough to help me with the updates. Task Force 150 has changed dramatically, as has the naval contributions by the British and others. Many thanks to Colin.
  • CENTCOM head General Abizaid indicated that the Polish framework division will be operating on or around 03 Septmber.
  • 360 soldiers from El Savador departed for Iraq on August 12, 2003 according to the Associated Press. 370 soldiers from Honduras departed on August 10, and 115 troops from Nicaragua departed on August 12.
  • Elements of New Zealands 2 Engineer Regiment are preparing to deploy to Iraq to support with reconstruction activities, according to the Evening Standard on 13 August 2003. Roughly 61 soldiers will deploy and the unit will supplement a British engineer regiment that is already there.
  • The Czech battalion that is to deploy to Iraq and replace the 7th Field Hospital has been identified as the Chrudim Battalion, according to the Czech News Agency on August 12, 2003.
  • 150 soldiers from the Dominican Republic departed for Iraq on August 11 according to the Associated Press on the same day.

13 August 2003

Recent Developments

Army

  • 300 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment are operating in Djibouti in support of CJTF-HOA.
  • The Public Affairs Officer for the 10th Mountain Division indicates that roughly 1,000 soldiers from the division are still in Iraq and that the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment (Task Force 1-32) is preparing to deploy to the region shortly.
  • The 354th Civil Affairs Brigade has been operating in Iraq for some time, and has not been included in previous editions due to an oversight. The unit appears to be operating in Baghdad.
  • The 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment returned to the United States in July 2003 according to the Associated Press on August 6, 2003.
  • The Associated Press reports on August 12, 2003 that the remaining elements of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team returned to Fort Stewart on August 11.
  • The 65th Engineer Battalion is not operating in Iraq contrary to information attached to a US Army photograph of soldiers operating in support of OIF. According to members of the unit who were kind enough to correct the mistake, the unit is not currently deployed.
  • Fort Riley announced on August 7, 2003 that roughly 3,000 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division would deploy to Iraq, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, sometime in late August. The units tapped to deploy include the 1-16th Infantry, the 1-34th Armor, 1-5th Field Artillery, 1st Engineer Battalion, 101st Forward Support Battalion, Battery C 4-3rd Air Defense Artillery, Troop D 4th Cavalry, 331st Signal Company, 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, 1st Maintenance Company, 568th Engineer Company, and Company D 15th Personnel Services Battalion.
  • On August 8, 2003 elements of the 123rd Signal Battalion and the final elements of the 92nd Engineer Battalion are to return to Fort Stewart.
  • 300 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment returned to Fort Stewart on August 7, 2003.
  • According to a CENTCOM news story dated August 2003, 170 soldiers from the 514th Maintenance Company is deployed to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. The unit is part of the 548th Corps Support Battalion, an element of the 10th Mountain Division.
  • The 703rd Main Support Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division returned to the United States on August 5, 2003 according to a Hinnesville Courier on August 6, 2003.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on August 3 that elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps Support Group has begun to return to the US as well as unidentified elements of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
  • The Associated Press reports on July 30, 2003 that roughly 460 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment returned to Fort Stewart on July 30 and July 31. The report also indicated that nearly half of the 3rd ID is already home.
  • According to an Army News Service story on July 28, 2003 the 30th Infantry Brigade and the 39th Infantry Brigade have both been alerted for a potential deployment to Iraq.
  • 600 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment will be sent to Iraq in February 2004 according to the Associated Press on July 28, 2003.
  • 50 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Company C, will be deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan by August 1, 2003, according to the Miami Herald on July 29, 2003.
  • Two companies of the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment returned to the United States on July 28, 2003 according to the Associated Press.
  • Elements of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division crossed into Kuwait on July 28, 2003.
  • 325 soldiers from the 24th Transportation Battalion returned from Southwest Asia on July 25, 2003 according to the Newport News Daily Press on the same day. Soldiers from the 11th Transportation Battalion are also returning.
  • Roughly 210 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery returned to Fort Bragg on July 25, 2003 according to the Fayetteville Observer on July 26.

Marine Corps

    The 1st Force Reconnaissance Company is currently operating in Iraq according to a Marine Corps News story on August 1, 2003.
  • An unknown number of Marines from the 4th Civil Affairs Group is operating in Iraq.
  • The Associated Press on July 31, 2003 reported that the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment began returning to the US on July 29. Some 900 Marines have either already returned or are in the process of returning to the US. Roughly 100 Marines remain in Kuwait packing up equipment to be returned to the US. They will remain in the region for a "couple of weeks". The unit is being removed form the list.
  • Marines from the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion are in Iraq. Lance Cpl. Gregory MacDonald was killed on June 25, 2003.
  • The USS Iwo Jima and its Amphibious Ready Group have been ordered to depart the CENTCOM AOR and head for a position off Liberia in support of potential peacekeeping operations in that country.

Air Force

  • According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on August 5, 2003 roughly 75 airmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing deployed to Qatar on August 4 and will join the units 4 C-130s and 40 other airmen for 4 months.
  • 100 airmen from the 167th Airlift Wing returned to the US on August 1, 2003 according to the Associated Press on the same day.
  • The 940th Air Refueling Wing returned to the US on August 1, 2003 according to the Sacramento Bee on August 2.
  • The 16th Airlift Squadron is conducting operations in support of OIF from Rhein-Main Air Base under the 362nd Air Expeditionary Group according to the State (Columbia S.C.) on August 3, 2003.
  • Elements of the 307th RED HORSE are back in the United States after having been deployed to Kuwait and Iraq, according to the San Antonio Express-News on July 29, 2003.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 29, 2003 that nearly 275 airmen, and 4 C-130s from the 934th Airlift Wing have begun deploying to the Middle East in support of Enduring Freedom. It is not clear where the unit will be located.
  • Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing are operating at Qatar, likely at Al Udeid. Nearly 200 airmen from the unit were to return to the US on August 4, 2003 but recent orders will have the 110 airmen remain in the country indefinitely according to the Associated Press on July 29, 2003.
  • 50 airmen from the 114th Civil Engineering Squadron are returning to the US on or about August 3, 2003 according to the Associated ress on July 31, 2003.
  • Six C-130s from Pope Air Force Base deployed to Southwest Asia, accoriding to an Air Mobility Command photo release. It is not clear where they went, or from squadron they were from.
  • A CENTCOM photo identifies a C-130 from the 166th Airlift Wing as being deployed in the SWA region.

Coast Guard

  • Port Security Unit 309 is currently deployed and operating at Shuaiba Port, Kuwait.
  • Port Security Unit 311 returned to the US in June 2003.

Coalition

  • Elements of New Zealands 2 Engineer Regiment are preparing to deploy to Iraq to support with reconstruction activities, according to the Evening Standard on 13 August 2003. Roughly 61 soldiers will deploy and the unit will supplement a British engineer regiment that is already there.
  • The Polish 12th Mechanized Brigade is going to Iraq, not the 10th according to the Warsaw Voice on June 1, 2003. According to the BBC on July 17, 2003 an element of the 25th Airborne Cavalry Brigade is also deploying.
  • Roughly 1,600 soldiers from the Ukraine 5th Mechanized Division are to deploy to Iraq on August 7 according to the Associated Press on July 31, 2003.
  • Ukraine's 19th Army Battalion is to redeploy from Kuwait to Iraq. The unit has 448 men.

28 July 2003

CENTCOM

  • Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management stood down in May 2003 according to an ARCENT story in July 2003.

Army

  • The Fayetteville Observer is reporting that the 82nd Airborne Division is on a deployment notification, which includes the division headquarters, and the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division which will deploy with two battalions from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as well as the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in addition to other elements.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on July 25, 2003 that the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division should return to the US during th first week of August. The unit is heading for Kuwait and is expected to begin departing Kuwait on August 2.
  • The Department of Defense released their plan for the rotation of troops in Iraq and in other locations. The briefing, complete with graphics can be found here.
  • The two remaining brigades of the 3rd Infantry Division will be rotated out by the end of August 2003 and will be replaced by the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division that will arrive by Septemer and by the 2nd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division which is already in Iraq and will return to the United States in January.
  • The 4th Infantry Division is to be replaced by elements of the 1st Infantry Division and by a National Guard brigade in March/April 2004.
  • The 1st Armored Division will be replaced in February and April by elements (one brigade) of the 1st Cavalry Division and a National Guard brigade.
  • 2nd ACR will be replaced by a brigade from 1st Cavalry Division sometime in March/April 2004.
  • 3rd ACR will initially be reinforced by 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (SBCT) in October 2003 and will rotate out of Iraq in March/April 2004.
  • The 101st Airborne Division will depart the region in February/March 2004 and will be replaced by a multinational division.
  • The 173rd Airborne Brigade will not be replaced and will redeploy in April 2004.
  • There are currently 2,400 US Army Special Operations Forces in Iraq, according to an Army graphic.
  • There are 34,000 soldiers in Kuwait in addition to the 133,300 in Iraq.
  • The 122nd Engineer Battalion is operating with and believed to be operating under the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Thanks to Colin Robinson.

Marine Corps

  • The USS Iwo Jima and its Amphibious Ready Group have been ordered to depart the CENTCOM AOR and head for a position off Liberia in support of potential peacekeeping operations in that country.

Air Force

  • A CENTCOM photo identifies a C-130 from the 166th Airlift Wing as being deployed in the SWA region.

Coalition

  • A report from the BBC on July 22, 2003 indicates that the 5th Mechanized Brigade from the Ukraine departed Turkey on July 22 and will arrive in Kuwait on 08 August. The story also included the numbers of equipment that were also deployed.
  • The German daily, Die Welt, revealed that the German soldiers providing NBC protection in Kuwait have been removed from the location and returned to Germany. The story also goes on to indicate that a German detachment in Djibouti that was participating in Operation Enduring Freedom is to be withdrawn.
  • The El Savadoran contingent of soldiers will deploy to Kuwait beginning during the week of July 21, 2003 and will include some 360 soldiers. The unit, as yet unidentified, will patrol Najaf.

23 July 2003

CENTCOM

  • Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management stood down in May 2003 according to an ARCENT story in July 2003.

Army

  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting on July 23 that soldiers of the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division have been told that they will begin departing Fallujah and heading for Kuwait by the end of the week. The unit has not been ordered back to the US, but is instead being held as a strategic reserve while replacements are being deployed.
  • The 122nd Engineer Battalion is operating with and believed to be operating under the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Thanks to Colin Robinson.
  • Reports on July 23, 2003 indicate that a Brigade from the 1st Armored Division would be sent to Iraq as part of the rotation, though this seems unlikely, as virtually the entire division is already in Iraq though elements of the brigade from Fort Riley have begun returning to the US. It is still more likely that the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division would be sent instead. This unit has not not deployed in support of OEF or OIF, though it did have an extended stay in South Korea for RSOI/FE.
  • CNN reported on July 22, 2003 that the Department of Defense had finalized plans for a troop rotation in Iraq. Details of the plan are to be officially released on July 23 though initial information indicates that the 1st and 2nd Brigades of the 3rd Infantry Division are to be replaced by unspecified Reserve units, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, the US Army's only Stryker Brigade will be dispatched to the region sometime in the Fall. Furthermore, the 101st Airborne Division is to be rotated out of Iraq and replaced by elements of the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley and Germany as well as some elements of the 1st Cavalry Division. It is not clear what the timeframe for the rotation is.
  • The 555th Engineer Group is currently in Iraq. This unit was alerted in January 2003 though it was not clear if the unit was to be deployed.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 22, 2003 that 232 soldiers from the 92nd Engineer Battalion returned to Fort Stewart yesterday after having been deployed to the Middle East since March.
  • The 233rd Heavy Equipment Transportation Company has reportedly returned to the United States according to the Associated Press on July 18, 2003. Some 137 soldiers had deployed to Kuwait. The unit accumulated some 20,000 miles while conducting operations in the Persian Gulf region.
  • The controversy regarding deployments continues to mount as rumors of individual rotations arise in multiple sources. This policy, often considered to be one of the worst initiatives during the Vietnam Conflict allows individual soldiers to be rotated in and out of a region and integrated into units. This can often have a negative effect on morale and on unit cohesion. This may also mean that large brigade or division rotations may not be in the offing.
  • In addition to rumors that the 1st Cavalry Division is to deploy to replace the 3rd Infantry Division their are some indications that the 25th Infantry Division might also be ordered to Iraq to replace the 101st Airborne Division.
  • The 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion is currently in Iraq. Cpt. Paul J. Cassidy was recently killed in Iraq, he was assigned to that unit.
  • The 310th Military Police Battalion is currently in Iraq. Sgt. Jaror C. Puello-Coronado from the unit was killed on July 13 during a traffic accident. The unit is thought to have some 130 soldiers deployed.
  • Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery have returned to the United States.
  • Army, Defense, and CENTCOM officials all issued statements this week arguing that the remaining elements of the 3rd Infantry Division could still be home before the end of September. While this is certainly possible, such a rotation appears to be unlikely as insufficient forces exist in the country to stabilize the situation. Unless tensions were to cool unexpectantly, additional forces would have to be allocated. The lack of any movement from Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division would appear to indicate that any rotation will not take place in the very near future.
  • On July 17, 2003, a story in the Wall Street Journal reports that the DoD plans to call-up some 10,000 National Guard soldiers from two Brigades. Assuming that those units receive notification and go on active duy by the middle of August (National Guard soldiers are permitted one month to put their affairs in order) those units may not arrive in Iraq until March or April 2004 as units will need to be trained.
  • Bloomberg.com reported on July 16, 2003 that the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division may be deployed to Iraq as a demonstration of the Army's Stryker. Bloomberg indicates that the Department of Defense appears to be leaning in that direction, though it is not clear when an announcement may occur. This would also be somewhat unusual as the Army has only one certified Stryker Brigade, which was to be rotated out to South Korea in an effort to bolster forces there.
  • According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on July 15, 2003 the 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division have had their deployments extended indefinitely, despite having received news within the last two weeks that they might begin heading back to Georgia by mid-July. Also according to the ACJ, the deployments have been extended as long as 60 to 120 days. Seeing as how these and other units have had their returns postponed countless times, it is no longer possible to predict with any accuracy how long soldiers from these units might remain in the region nor if current Army predictions are credible.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates on July 15, 2003 that some 3,700 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division have already returned to the United states and that these units have not been effected by the extensions of the other brigades. The Fort Stewart website indicates that HHC of the Brigade, the 1-15th Infantry, 1-30th Infantry, 2-69th Armor, the DIVARTY headquarters, 1-10th Field Artillery, 1-41st Field Artillery, headquarters elements of the Aviation Brigade, 1-3rd Aviation Regiment, 1-3 Air Defense Artillery, 11th Engineer, 317th Engineer, 203rd Support Battalions and the 92nd Chemical Company have either returned or are returning between July 11 and 18.
  • Elements of the 2nd Brigade, specifically the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, are operating in or near Fallujah.
  • The Associated Press reported on July 14, 2003 that elements of the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment would return to Fallujah by August 2003. 1,100 soldiers are in the unit.
  • Elements of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division have begun to depart Iraq and return to the United States. According to the Associated Press on July 14 soldiers from the 1-41st Infantry and 2-70th Armor returned to Fort Riley on July 13.
  • Elements of the 130th Engineer Brigade have been identified as being in Iraq according to an Associated Press article July 14, 2003 that states that a member of the 54th Engineer Battalion was wounded in action. It is not clear when the unit arrived.
  • The 877th Engineer Battalion has been identified as being in Iraq according to the Associated Press on July 13, 2003. The unit arrived in the region some 6 weeks ago, is located near Mosul, and has some 600 soldiers assigned to it.
  • The 652nd Engineer Company was identified by the Wisconsin State Journal on July 12, 2003 as being located in Iraq. It is not clear if the unit is there as part of the 397th Engineer Battalion or another unit.
  • The Wisconson State Journal also indicated that the 1-147th Aviation Battalion was in Kuwait and had conducted operations during the war.
  • The 478th Civil Affairs Battalion is currently operating in the Horn of Africa region supporting operations in Ethiopia according to Africa News on July 11, 2003.
  • 300 soldiers from the 11th Transportation Battalion returned to Fort Story by July 13, 2003, according to the Daily Press on July 11, 2003. Nearly 250 soldiers are still deployed. According to the story three other battalions from the 7th Transportation Group were also deployed.
  • 100 soldiers from the 144th Transportation Battalion returned to the US on July 12, 2003 according to the Miami Herald on July 11, 2003.
  • The Miami Herald also indicated that elements of the 124th Infantry Regiment were beginning to return to the United States.
  • The 346th Psychological Operations Battalion is currently operating in Tikrit according to DoD photo's.
  • 321st Pyschological Operations Company is currently operating in Fallujah, Iraq according to DoD photo's.
  • 351st Pyschological Operations Company is currently operating in Fallujah, Iraq according to DoD photo's.
  • The 115th Military Police Company is currently operating in Iraq with the 3rd ID. The unit is currently at Falluja, according to DoD photo's.
  • The 759th Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is currently in Iraq supporting the 3rd ID, according to recent DoD photo's.
  • Soldiers from the 422nd Civil Affairs BN are currently operating in Baghdad according to imagery from July 1, 2003.
  • Soldiers from the 431st Civil Affairs BN are currently operating in Baghdad according to imagery. The unit is in Mosul supporting the 101st Airborne Division.
  • A Stars and Stripes story on July 15, 2003 indicates that the 10th Mountain Division has some 1,200 soldiers in Northern Iraq and there are some 300 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry in Djibouti.

Marine Corps

  • The USS Iwo Jima and its Amphibious Ready Group have been ordered to depart the CENTCOM AOR and head for a position off Liberia in support of potential peacekeeping operations in that country.
  • The Associated Press reports on July 19, 2003 that some 900 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment are still in Iraq, operating in the south in Dhi Qar. The unit was recently relieved by an Italian Brigade which may let those Marines begin transiting back to the US.
  • The 6th Motor Transport Battalion, part of the 4th FSSG returned to the United States.
  • The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion was deployed to Southwest Asia for the war and has since returned to the United States. As more details become available their unt page will reflect the information.

Air Force

  • A CENTCOM photo identifies a C-130 from the 166th Airlift Wing as being deployed in the SWA region.
  • Airmen from the 75th Fighter Squadron returned to Pope Air Force Base on July 21, 2003 according to a North Caroline TV station.
  • 14 airmen from the 433rd Airlift Wing returned to San Antonio on July 20, 2003 according to the Associated Press on July 21, 2003. These were the last of 180 members of the unit to return following support of various operations including OIF.
  • The 157th Fighter Squadron is no longer in the Southwest Asia region, the unit returned in May, according to the Sun News (South Carolina) on July 4, 2003.
  • The 190th Fighter Squadron has returned from Kuwait according to the Associated Press on May 24, 2003.
  • Elements of the 192nd Fighter Wing are to deploy to the Persian Gulf region sometime in September 2003 according to the Associated Press on June 12, 2003.
  • The 38th Rescue Squadron has been identified as operating in or around Afghanistan, they have been removed from the list.
  • The 66th and 58th Fighter Squadrons from Nellis Air Force Base have returned to the United States accoriding to the Associated Press on May 8, 2003.
  • The 133rd Airlift Wing has also returned to the US according to an Associated Press on July 10, 2003. The unit had been deployed to an air base in Kuwait.
  • The 139th Airlift Wing [180 AS] is to return to the United States by July 31, 2003 according to the St. Joseph News-Press on July 11. The unit was deployed to Qatar among other locations.
  • Based on news reporting and other indicators it is now believed that elements of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing that have been deployed are operating from Al Udeid. The squadron associated with the unit is the 350th Air Refueling Squadron.
  • The 193rd Special Operations Squadron returned to the United States sometime ago according to the Lancaster New Era on April 28, 2003.
  • Pilots from the 58th Fighter Squadron [33rd FW] returned to the United States in April according to the Pensacola News Journal on April 25, 2003. The unit had deployed some 12 aircraft and were deployed for some 46 days.
  • The 52nd Fighter Wing is believed to have returned to its main operating location.
  • Elements of the 23rd Fighter Group are also thought to have returned to the United States.
  • The 103rd Fighter Wing completed its redeployment by June 27, 2003 according to reports from the Associated Press on June 27, 2003.
  • Airmen from the 111th Fighter Wing returned to the United States back in May 2003, according to the Associated Press on May 11. The unit had been operating from Kuwait.
  • The unidentified unit from the 319th Air Refueling Wing is believed to have returned to the United States.
  • Elements of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing that were deployed returned to the US back in May according to the Associated Press on May 10, 2003.
  • The 172nd Fighter Squadron returned to the United States in May according to the Chicago Daily Herald on May 23, 2003.
  • The 166th Airlift Wing has returned to the United States acording to the Portsmouth Herald on July 13, 2003.

Coalition

  • A report from the BBC on July 22, 2003 indicates that the 5th Mechanized Brigade from the Ukraine departed Turkey on July 22 and will arrive in Kuwait on 08 August. The story also included the numbers of equipment that were also deployed.
  • The German daily, Die Welt, revealed that the German soldiers providing NBC protection in Kuwait have been removed from the location and returned to Germany. The story also goes on to indicate that a German detachment in Djibouti that was participating in Operation Enduring Freedom is to be withdrawn.
  • The El Savadoran contingent of soldiers will deploy to Kuwait beginning during the week of July 21, 2003 and will include some 360 soldiers. The unit, as yet unidentified, will patrol Najaf.

25 June 2003

CENTCOM

  • Task Force 20 has been identified by the news media as a unit involved in a raid on a convoy believed to be transporting senior Iraqi leaders. According to reports TF 20 is comprised of mostly army special forces units and has thus been inserted under SOCENT.
  • Significant elements of CENTCOM's command staff have returned to the United States. It is unclear whether there will be a rotation of new soldiers back out to the CENTCOM AOR as senior leadership positions are preparing to change hands.

Army

  • According to the Associated Press on June 23, 2003 the 118th Military Police Battalion is deployed in Southwest Asia as is the 281st Combat Communications Group. The
  • Elements of the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion are in Iraq according to a Washington Post article on June 20, 2003 that interviewed one of its soldiers.
  • The 804th Medical Brigade is in Iraq according to the Washington Post on June 20. It is not clear when the unit arrived or how many soldiers are in country.
  • The 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion returned to the United States on June 14, 2003. The unit had been deployed since October.
  • The 297th Military Intelligence Battalion also returned on June 14.
  • The 66th Military Intelligence Group is currently operating in Iraq. It is not clear how long the unit has been in country or when they arrived in the region.
  • The 142nd Engineer Battalion was sent to Iraq in late April with some 630 soldiers.
  • Roughly 200 soldiers from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and 5-52nd ADA Battalion returned to Fort Bliss on June 9 according to the Associated Press on June 9.

Navy

  • The Navy confirmed on June 6 that elements of ATF-W was heading home to the United States. It is thought that the USS Bonhomme Richard is carrying 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, and elements of VMFA 211 and 311. The BR is to return to San Diego by late July.
  • ATF-E is heading back to the US and is due to return to Norfolk on June 25 & 26, according to a Navy release on June 6, 2003. A Marine Corps release indicates that the Kearsarge was delayed in the Red Sea due to President Bush's trip to the Middle East.

Marine Corps

  • There is still some confusion surrounding the table of organization for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, centered around whether it was Task Force Tarawa or simply an element of that unit. Various releases refer to 2nd MEB as both TF Tarawa and as the 2nd Regimental Combat Team.
  • Additional information concerning units attached to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. According to a Marine Corps News article on June 24, 2003 reporting on Operation Shining Express elements of 2nd Radio Battalion, 2nd Intelligence Battalion, 8th Communications Battalion, and 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense were deployed with the MEB and are all currently on their way back to the US.
  • Marines from the 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion returned on June 8. The unit deployed to the Middle East on February 1.
  • Marines from the 8th Tank Battalion returned to the US on May 30. It is thought that only an element of the unit deployed and that they were attached to the 2nd Tank Battalion.

Coast Guard

  • The USCGC Dallas, Pea Island, Knight Island, Banbridge Island, and Grand Isle are to arrive in Norfolk on June 11 and have been released from supporting OIF.

United Kingdom

  • Two of the minehuners that had deployed to the Persian Gulf region returned to Portsmouth on June 20, 2003.

09 June 2003

Army

  • Elements of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division may begin moving back towards Kuwait to clean and repair prepositioned equipment sometime within the next week according to a Columbus Ledger-Enquirer story on June 5, 2003. There also appears to be some movement to bring the 1st Brigade back sooner than expected as well.
  • Nearly all of the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion returned to Fort Hood on June 3 according to the Killeen Daily Herald. The deployment of the 15th began on April 22, 2002 when six RC-12s were deployed to Jordan supporting Enduring Freedom. There aircraft were joined by 3 more in January. The Battalion was then moved to Kuwait.
  • Elements of the 3rd Infantry Division are scheduled to return on June 3. The 1st Battalion, 39th Field Artillery Regiment, including some 400 soldiers are the only unit of the 3rd ID to return. Indications still point for an August return for the rest of the division.
  • The 1st Armored Division in now considered to be fully in the Persian Gulf region.

Navy

  • ATF-W is currently in the Indian Ocean and appears to be heading East for San Diego.
  • The Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group is in the Indian Ocean and is heading west.
  • ATF-E is currently in the Mediterranean and steaming for home. The USS Kearsarge was still listed as being in the Suez Canal on June 2. It is still not clear if the ATF is carrying all of the MEB or not.
  • The remainder of NMCB 74 returned on May 30 according to the Biloxi Sun Herald on May 31.

Marine Corps

  • Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 returned from Iraq on June 4 according to the New Bern Sun Journal on June 5. 128 Marines returned.
  • Provided that the the two Amphibious Task Forces departed with their Marines and are returning with the same general number that they originally departed with then it can be estimated that some 13,000 to 15,000 Marines have departed on those ships.
  • The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit appears to have departed the Persian Gulf region and is currently in the the Indian Ocean. It is being removed from the list.
  • The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is being removed from the listing as there is enough evidence to indicate that the entire unit is no longer operating in Iraq or even in the CENTCOM region and that any remaining presence is residual.
  • 100 Marines from the 6th Engineer Support Battalion returned to the United States on June 2 according to the Associated Press. Bulk Fuel Company A deployed in February.

Coast Guard

  • The USCGC Dallas, Pea Island, Knight Island, Banbridge Island, and Grand Isle are to arrive in Norfolk on June 11 and have been released from supporting OIF.

02 June 2003

Army

  • More bad news for the 3rd Infantry Division. According to numerous sources, Lt. Gen. David Mckiernan has stated that the 3rd ID will have to remain in Iraq until the security situation improves. A statement heard on NPR on May 29 by a spouse of a 3rd ID soldier indicates that the unit could remain deployed for an additional 6 to 8 weeks. This is a troublesome development as reports in the Associated Press on May 29 indicate that the division is sufferring from a lack of replacement parts and that the unit is not ready for combat. Most of the divisions equipment is in need of repair and parts have yet to be delivered.
  • The 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division is now fully in Baghdad according to the Stars and Stripes on May 29, 2003.
  • An element of 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group is to returned to the US on May 26 according to the Seattle Times on May 25. The Times reports that some 85 soldiers deployed to the Persian Gulf back in September 2002.
  • The Fayetteville Observer reported on May 24 that 88 "A-Teams" were operating in Iraq during the war and that one of those units was the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. The unit is now back in the US.

Navy

  • ATF-E is currently in the Red Sea though it is unclear whether this is in preparation of a transit of the Suez Canal.
  • Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 is apparently operating in Iraq according to a Navy press release on May 30.
  • 120 Seabeas from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 returned on May 20, this was in addition to the 200 that returned on May 19 according to the Biloxi Sun Herald on May 21. The rest of the unit is expected to return by the end of May.

Marine Corps

  • The San Diego Union Tribune reported on May 28 that the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion returned to Camp Pendleton. The unit had been deployed since January 17.
  • 300 Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment returned to the United States according to the Associated Press on May 29. 900 Marines were deployed.
  • It is not exactly clear where the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is. There are numerous reports of it and its Amphibious Ready Group operating in the Adriatic Sea and of elements of the MEU being in Georgia.
  • The Associated Press is reporting on May 28, 2003 that roughly 100 Marines from the 8th Tank Battalion "set sail on their monthlong voyage" back to the US. The "Status of the Navy" page indicates that Amphibious Task Force - East is in the Red Sea and Preparing to transit the Suez Canal. It is not clear if this means that the entire 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade is embarked and on the way home.
  • Elements of the 1st Marine Division are moving back to Kuwait and eventually back to the US. News releases from the Marine Corps depict heavy equipment being transported back to Kuwait from Iraq, though it is unclear just which units are moving.
  • 270 Marines from the 3rd Marine Air Wing returned to Miramar on or about May 24 according to the Associated Press on May 27, 2003.
  • 180 Marines from Bravo Co, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines returned to Camp Pendleton on or about May 24 according to United Press International on May 25, 2003.

Air Force

  • According to an Air Combat Command release roughly 280 airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing returned to the United States on May 21. This unit had been operating from Thumrait and other locations.
  • The 203rd RED HORSE is in the process of deploying to the Persian Gulf region according to the Associated Press on May 25. An element of the 192nd Fighter Wing is deploying with the unit, most likely a security or civil engineering detachment.

Bulgaria

  • Bulgaria has pledged some 500 soldiers to support peacekeeping operations in Iraq, according to the Associated Press on May 26.

Poland

  • Poland has promised to send between 1,500 and 2,200 soldiers to Iraq to support peacekeeping efforts, according to the Associated Press on May 26.

Ukraine

  • Ukraine has announced that it will send up to 1,700 troops to Iraq to join the US-led stabilization force, according to the Associated Press on May 26. The approval of parliament is still required.

26 May 2003

Army

  • The deployment of the 1st Armored Division is still the subject of some confusion as it is not clear just how much of the division is fully operational or even in country. It is certainly clear that the Brigade from Fort Riley is in Iraq, as it has been operating with the 3rd Infantry Division for most of the war. The Associated Press reported on May 22 that the division had arrived in Iraq, though it is not clear if they mean the whole division.
  • 18th Military Police Brigade is also operating under the designation "Task Force Vigilant Justice" according to Stars and Stripes on May 22, 2003.
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on May 23 that the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment has begun to return to the United States. The return on May 22 included some thirteen members and one aircraft. Roughly 100 soldiers remain in Iraq and will be returning in the coming weeks. While the 160th SOAR had been listed on our order of battle for sometime, specifics concerning the 3rd BN were unavailable. The unit deployed in January.
  • The 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment has returned to Fort Hood according to a release from the 1st Cavalry Division on May 19. The return took place on May 21 and included 300 soldiers.
  • The 17th Field Artillery Brigade has apparently been in Iraq for some time. A report from the Daily Oklahoman on April 14 indicates that the Birgade departed on or about April 12.

Navy

  • 120 Seabeas from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 returned on May 20, this was in addition to the 200 that returned on May 19 according to the Biloxi Sun Herald on May 21. The rest of the unit is expected to return by the end of May.

Marine Corps

  • 180 Marines from Marine Air Group 29 returned on May 19. This is believed to be the precursor to the return of the rest of the 2,500 Marines that deployed with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, according to the Jacksonville Daily News on May 20.
  • 140 members of Marine Air Support Squadron 1 also returned on May 19.
  • Roughly 200-300 Marines from 2nd Force Service Support Group returned to Camp Lejeune within the last week or so. The confusion about the number is due to Marines from other units also returning. It is believed that elements of the 8th Communications BN, 2nd Reconnaissance BN, 2nd Combat Engineer BN, and the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
  • 200 members of the 1st Force Service Support Group returned to California on May 19 according to the North County Times on May 20.
  • The North County Times also reported on May 20 that 292 Marines from the Marine Air Control Group 39 returned on May 20. The total Marines returning with MAG 39 is 300.
  • Marines from the 1st Radio Battalion returned to Hawai'i on May 18 according to the Honolulu Advertiser on May 20. Roughly 40 Marines returned on that day following 10 who had returned earlier in the month. Nearly 250 Marines from the 1st Radio BN initially deployed on February 9.

Air Force

  • The 2nd Airlift Squadron returned on May 15, 2003 according to an Air Force release.
  • Airmen from the 524th Fighter Squadron returned to Cannon Air Force Base on May 12.

United Kingdom

  • Agence France Presse is reporting on May 22 that the 16 Air Assault Brigade is to be shifted towards Baghdad to relieve US units that are slated to return to the United States, or are experiencing difficulties in returning order to the city. The deployment is said to include the entire unit, some 5,500 soldiers.

19 May 2003

Army

  • 3rd Infantry Division's deployment appears to have been extended, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on May 16. Reports are a little unclear as to what is going on though there are indications that the disarray of the reconstruction process is hampering efforts to bring the soldiers back to the United States. Redeployment windows have been constantly changed and rescheduled.
  • Elements of the 3rd Special Forces Group returned to the US on May 11 according to the Fayetteville Observer on May 12, 2003. At least 40 soldiers were involved.
  • The 318th Chemical Company returned to the US on May 13 according to the Columbis Ledger-Enquirer on May 15.
  • The 62nd Medical Brigade is in Kuwait. It is being supported by the 520th Area Support Medical Company and the 54th Air Ambulance Company.
  • The 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment has been identified as operating in Northern Iraq according to a V-Corps release.
  • The 724th Engineer Battalion is deploying to Qatar and is expected to have all of its 500 soldiers there by May 13 according to the Duluth News-Tribune on May 13, 2003.
  • The 82nd Airborne has begun to return to North Carolina. On May 7, 500 soldiers returned to the US, according to the Associated Press on May 8.
  • Elements of the 1-7th Air Defense Artillery have begun to return to Fort Bliss on May 6. Roughly 130 soldiers have returned though 600 had initially deployed. There had not been any indication that the unit had deployed prior to this story from El Paso Times on May 7.

Navy

  • The USS Louisville returned to Pearl Harbor on May 13 after having been deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. There had not been any previous indication that this submarine had been supporting the war on Iraq.
  • The Associated Press reports on May 15 that the USS Bonhomme Richard will be making port somewhere in the United States in the "very near future." This report does not appear to be based on fact as the Navy contends that LHD-6 is still in the Persian Gulf.
  • The USS Mount Whitney has received orders to return to the United States on June 13 according to a Navy release.
  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been ordered to return to the US and is expected to arrive at Norfolk on May 29 according to a Navy press release on May 9. According to the Navy, some elements of the CVSG will remain deployed but will return in July. The TR is currently in the Med.
  • The USNS Comfort has also been ordered to return to Baltimore. It is not clear when she will depart the North Arabian Sea or when she will make port.
  • The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group is expected to return from the Persian Gulf on May 29. The Nassau is currently in the Med.
  • The Navy confirmed on May 9 that Amphibious Task Force - East would be returning to the United States by the end June, which is consistent with information previously gathered.

Marine Corps

  • Marines from Marine Air Group 11 and VMFA 121 returned to the US on May 13. These units had not been previously listed on the order of battle, despite them having left on January 30.
  • Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade have begun to stream into Kuwait preparing to return to the United States. Task Force Tarawa reportedly returned to Kuwait on May 10 according to the Virginian-Pilot on May 12.
  • VMFA 251 returned to South Carolina on May 12, 2003 according to The State on May 13.
  • The 24th Marine Expedtionary Unit has departed the AOR.
  • CJTF-HOA has begun to transfer to Djibouti. The 400 Marines that are on the USS Mount Whitney have begun to transit to Camp Lemonier.
  • HMLA 267 has returned to the United States on April 7.
  • VMFA 533 returned to South Carolina on May 8.
  • VMFA 225 returned to Miramar on May 5.

Air Force

  • 6 B-1Bs from the 34th Bomb Squadron returned to Ellsworth Air Force Base on May 13. This unit had been deployed to Thumrait.
  • Numerous reports identify the 64th Air Expditionary Wing as being located in Southwest Asia. It is not clear where this unit is or how long it has existed. Photo's identify the 463rd Airlift Group as operating under the 64th AEW.
  • The 384th Air Refueling Squadron returned from Southwest Asia on or about May 5.
  • The 22nd Medical Group returned to the US on May 5.
  • The 9th Air Refueling Squadron returned to the US on or about May 12.
  • Elements of the 130th Airlift Wing have also returned to the US.

Coast Guard

  • USCGC Walnut is preparing to depart the region according to a Coast Guard release on May 7.
  • Port Security Unit 305 returned to Fort Eustis on May 6.

05 May 2003

Army

  • The brigade of the 82nd Airborne currently in Iraq has begun making its way towards Kuwait in preperation for a mid-May return to the US according to the Associated Press on April 30.
  • According to the Christian Science Monitor on April 30 the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade is located in Iraq (at Baghdad International). It is not clear just how much of the unit is in the region.
  • Elements of the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment are in Turkey. According to a USAFE news story the unit is preparing to depart Incirlik.
  • Significant elements of the 1st Armored Division began deploying on or about April 25 for Iraq. The 1st AD's deployment is to last for one year.
  • Sources indicated that the majority of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment is in Southwest Asia, with elements of the Regiment operating in Iraq.
  • According to the Associated Press on April 28, 250 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 75th Rangers returned to the United States early on April 28. The whole battalion, 600 soldiers, initially deployed to Southwest Asia sometime in March. It is not clear how many Rangers remain in Iraq.
  • The 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion is currently operating in Kuwait, according to the Associated Press on April 27. It is not clear when the unit arrived in the region.
  • More than 2,000 soldiers are currently deployed from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade which has been assigned to the 75th Exploitation Task Force. While only a small element of the 75th has actually deployed, the command element of the brigade heads up the unit and various Field Artillery units not normally attached to the 75th have been put under its control.
  • 2,000 soldiers from the 7th Transportation Group are currently deployed according to the Associated Press.
  • The 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment was deployed to Kuwait on April 13 according to the Associated Press. 100 soldiers were sent.
  • The Defense Department confirmed on April 16 that the whole 4th Infantry Division is on the ground in Kuwait and the transit to the area has been completed.

Navy

  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt and elements of its Carrier Strike Group have apparently been ordered home and should return to Norfolk by early June.
  • The USS Cheyenne returned to Pearl Harbor on April 24. This submarine was part of the Lincoln CVSG.
  • Speculation as to when the Amphibious Task Forces will be heading home continues. There has been very little in the way of indications that these forces and their Marine elements that are ashore are making ready to redeploy. However, information does point to a June or July return for ATF-E from Norfolk.
  • The USS Toledo returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in mid-April 2003.
  • The USS Pittsburgh returned to New London on April 27 according to the Associated Press on April 28. The submarine fired cruise missiles into Iraq during Iraqi Freedom.
  • The Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group has apparently been released from duties to CENTCOM and will begin to make its way back to the United States. The CVSG is expected to return by the end of May. It will take roughly 14 days for the HST to return to the US provided that their are no additional ports of call or weather delays.
  • The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group has apparently received orders to begin preparing for the return of the 24th MEU and to return to the US. It is unclear when the Nassau ARG will depart the region.
  • The USS San Juan will return to New London on April 23.
  • Both the Kitty Hawk and Constellation Carrier Strike Groups have departed the Persian Gulf and are currently in the Indian Ocean.
  • The USS Newport News will return to Norfolk on April 23.

Marine Corps

  • Marine Air Group 11 returned to San Diego on April 25. This unit was operating with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. [This unit has not previously been identified as being in SWA and has since been added to the listings for March 19 and April 6]
  • The 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is operating with Task Force Tarawa in Iraq according to a new release issued by CENTCOM.
  • The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has apparently received orders to pack up their gear and head back to the United States according to the Associated Press on April 23. A Marine Corps news story on April 28 reports that the 24th MEU is currently in Kuwait conducting wash down on its equipment. It is not clear when the 24th MEU and the Nassau ARG will return to the US, though it is possible that it would be by the end of May.
  • On April 21 DOD officials stated that the 26th MEU was in Iraq and had been involved in a firefight with Iraqi militants. It is not clear when the unit arrived in Iraq or where its ARG is.

Air Force

  • Airmen from the 120th Fighter Squadron returned to the United States on April 30. There had been no previous indication that this unit had deployed nor is it clear just when the unit departed for the Middle East.
  • Airmen from the 55th Wing returned to Offutt Air Force Base on April 18 and 22 according to an Air Combat Command news story. The units believed to have taken part in the deployment include the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, and the 38th and 343rd Reconnaissance Squadrons. [The deployment of these aircraft had not been previously identified, with the exception of the 38th RS, though it is probable that they were assigned to composite units and PSAB or Al Dhafra.]
  • Two JSTARS and 40 airmen from the 116th Air Control Wing returned to Robins Air Forcse Base on April 27.
  • Air operations will shift from Prince Sultan Air Base to al Udeid sometime this week. On April 29, DOD officials announced that US operations at PSAB would cease by the end of the Summer.
  • Elements of the 86th Airlift Wing returned to Ramstein on April 27. This unit was involved in the insertion of troops into Northern Iraq.
  • 400 airmen from the 1st FIghter Wing returned to the US on April 26, according to the Associated Press on April 27. It is not clear how much of the unit remains in the Middle East.
  • All of the B-52s that were deployed to RAF Fairford departed that location on April 24 and were headed back to their home airfields.
  • The 8th Fighter Squadron was the F-117 unit that had been deployed to Qatar for the war (and that has since returned). Previous listings of the Order of Battle have been edited to reflect this.
  • Elements of the 4th Fighter Wing have begun to return to the United States according to the Associated Press on April 23. Roughly 100 airmen have returned since April 18 and 10 F-15E Strike Eagles are to return on April 23.
  • The Associated Press reported on April 8 that the 94th Fighter Squadron had returned from Incirlik. 125 airmen were involved as were 6 F-15Cs.
  • The 67th Fighter Squadron has returned to Okinawa according to Stars and Stripes on April 21, 2003.
  • The 909th Air Refueling Squadron returned from OIF according to Stars and Stripes on April 21.
  • The 70th Air Refueling Squadron is currently in Saudi Arabia according to the Daily Republic on April 21.

United Kingdom

  • In a statement issued on April 30, Geoff Hoon released that the Ark Royal and her task group had departed the Persian Gulf and was due to arrive in the UK in mid-May. Mr Hoon also announced that HMS Ocean would also be withdrawing from the area.
  • Also in April 30 statement, Mr. Hoon announced that 3,500 soldiers are to return to the UK. These soldiers would be from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment and 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, with elements of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, 38 Engineer Regiment and 1st Battalion The Light Infantry.
  • Hoon stated on April 30 that 19 Mechanized Brigade would deploy to the Middle East to relieve forces in the region. This would take place in July.
  • According to an April 11 statement from Geoff Hoon, HMS Marlborough, HMS Liverpool with RFA Grey Rover are departing the Persian Gulf area and are headed towards the Far East. HMS Ark Royal has been ordered to return to the United Kingdom, as will RFA Argus. 101 Logistics Brigade will replace 102 Logistics Brigade sometime in early May.
  • HMS Blyth has begun to make its way back to the United Kingdom according to the Evening Chronicle on April 30. It transited the Suez Canal recently.

28 April 2003

Army

  • More than 2,000 soldiers are currently deployed from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade which has been assigned to the 75th Exploitation Task Force.
  • 2,000 soldiers from the 7th Transportation Group are currently deployed according to the Associated Press.
  • The 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment was deployed to Kuwait on April 13 according to the Associated Press. 100 soldiers were sent.
  • The Defense Department confirmed on April 16 that the whole 4th Infantry Division is on the ground in Kuwait and the transit to the area has been completed.

Navy

  • The Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group has apparently been released from duties to CENTCOM and will begin to make its way back to the United States. The CVSG is expected to return by the end of May. It will take roughly 14 days for the HST to return to the US provided that their are no additional ports of call or weather delays.
  • The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group has apparently received orders to begin preparing for the return of the 24th MEU and to return to the US. It is unclear when the Nassau ARG will depart the region.
  • The USS San Juan will return to New London on April 23.
  • Both the Kitty Hawk and Constellation Carrier Strike Groups have departed the Persian Gulf and are currently in the Indian Ocean.
  • The USS Newport News will return to Norfolk on April 23.

Marine Corps

  • The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has apparently received orders to pack up their gear and head back to the United States according to the Associated Press on April 23. It is unclear when the unit will return.
  • On April 21 DOD officials stated that the 26th MEU was in Iraq and had been involved in a firefight with Iraqi militants. It is not clear when the unit arrived in Iraq or where its ARG is.

Air Force

  • All of the B-52s that were deployed to RAF Fairford departed that location on April 24 and were headed back to their home airfields.
  • The 8th Fighter Squadron was the F-117 unit that had been deployed to Qatar for the war (and that has since returned). Previous listings of the Order of Battle have been edited to reflect this.
  • Elements of the 4th Fighter Wing have begun to return to the United States according to the Associated Press on April 23. Roughly 100 airmen have returned since April 18 and 10 F-15E Strike Eagles are to return on April 23.
  • The Associated Press reported on April 8 that the 94th Fighter Squadron had returned from Incirlik. 125 airmen were involved as were 6 F-15Cs.
  • The 67th Fighter Squadron has returned to Okinawa according to Stars and Stripes on April 21, 2003.
  • The 909th Air Refueling Squadron returned from OIF according to Stars and Stripes on April 21.
  • The 70th Air Refueling Squadron is currently in Saudi Arabia according to the Daily Republic on April 21.

United Kingdom

  • 3 Commando will have begun to prepare to return to the United Kingdom, according to Agence France Presse on April 21. The AFP story indicates that the Royal Marines were in Kuwait on April 21 packing gear and heading back out to Royal Navy ships. The brigade is expected to return by mid-May.
  • HMS Turbulent returned to Plymouth on April 16 according to the Guardian on April 17. The submarine launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Iraq.

21 April 2003

Army

  • The Defense Department confirmed on April 16 that the whole 4th Infantry Division is on the ground in Kuwait and the transit to the area has been completed.
  • Multiple sources confirm that the 1st Cavalry Division's orders to deploy to Southwest Asia have been cancelled.
  • The 1st Armored Division is on the move, headed for the Persian Gulf region to provide a stabilization force in Iraq. Reports indicate that the whole division, minus its Artillery, have begun surging towards the region according to the Washington Post.
  • Two battalions from the 75th Ranger Regiment have been confirmed as operating in Iraq. While it is known that the 1st and 3rd Battalions are in the region, it is believed that the rest of the Regiment are in country as well.
  • The northern front is being reinforces by over 300 soldiers and an unknown number of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. A Task Force centerred around the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment (an element of the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade) is being airlifted to the region and consists of some 300 soldiers. An element of the 10th Mountain Division, a field artillery battery has also been sent to the area. Both the Task Force and the 10th MTN unit will operate under the command of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
  • The Associated Press confirmed on April 8 that the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment is currently in Kuwait awaiting additional soldiers and equipment to arrive. A report in the Denver Post on the same day indicates that nearly 1,300 soldiers from the unit and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division had departed on or about April 5 and that an additional 1,800 soldiers were to depart on April 7 and April 8.
  • Contrary to a report in the Orlando Sentinel on April 6, only 500 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment are in Kuwait, or Iraq.

Navy

  • The USS Boise (SSN 764) has departed the area and will be returning to Hampton Roads on April 15.
  • As Operation Iraqi Freedom winds down carrier assets will be withdrawn from the area. While the Nimitz CVSG will remain in the area for another 4 months or so it is not clear which of the two carriers in the Med will be ordered back to Norfolk. The USS Harry S Truman has been deployed since early December and a scheduled MED deployment and is due to return to Norfolk in early June. The Theodore Roosevelt, though departing significantly ahead of schedule, is believed to be the carrier that would replace the Truman, though it is possible that the deployment cycle has been altered, and the next carrier in the cycle, the Enterprise, may be deployed in May as the Roosevelt would need an extended period for repairs. Provided that the Navy intends to keep more than one carrier deployed.
  • On April 14 the Associated Press reported that the Constellation Carrier Strike Group had been ordered to return to San Diego. The ship is nearing the end of its 6-month WESTPAC. It will take 30 days for the CVSG to return to San Diego. It is not clear when the ship will depart the Persian Gulf.
  • On April 14, European Stars and Stripes reported that the USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Strike Group, the Cowpens and John S. McCain received orders on April 13 to return to Yokosuka. This report also confirmed that three vessels previously thought to be part of the Strike Group, the Chancellorsville, O'Brien, and Cushing did not in fact deploy with the CVSG.
  • The USS Portland returned to Norfolk on April 11 following nearly 3 month long deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of Amphibious Task Force - East. The Portland returned to undergo so much needed repairs.
  • On April 9 the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has departed the Persian Gulf and is headed home to Everett, WA. Depending on the number of port calls (and provided that her orders do not change) she should make port in roughly 30 days.
  • On April 7 it was announced that the USS Nimitz and her Battle Group had enterred the 5th Fleet AOR and were conducting operations in support of Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Corps

  • On April 21 DOD officials stated that the 26th MEU was in Iraq and had been involved in a firefight with Iraqi militants. It is not clear when the unit arrived in Iraq or where its ARG is.

Air Force

  • THe Associated Press reported on April 8 that the 94th Fighter Squadron had returned from Incirlik. 125 airmen were involved as were 6 F-15Cs.
  • The 67th Fighter Squadron has returned to Okinawa according to Stars and Stripes on April 21, 2003.
  • The 909th Air Refueling Squadron returned from OIF according to Stars and Stripes on April 21.
  • The 70th Air Refueling Squadron is currently in Saudi Arabia according to the Daily Republic on April 21.
  • The New York Times reports on April 15 that 6 F-117s, that were staging from Qatar, returned to the United States recently.
  • The 112th Fighter Squadron, part of the 180th Fighter Wing, returned from Turkey on April 14, according to the Indianapolis Star. Other elements of the unit returned late last month.
  • The 113th Fighter Squadron, of the 181st Fighter Wing, began returning recently according to WTHITV.com.
  • 4 B-2s from the 509th Bomb Wing that had been deployed to Diego Garcia in support of Iraqi Freedom have returned to Missouri, according to the Associated Press on April 13. Despite that source reporting that the aircraft also operated from Fairford, there has been no confirmation that that is actually true.
  • The 24th Special Tactics Squadron is currently operating in Iraq. This was discovered when the Air Force released that Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, an Air Force combat controller, was killed in action.
  • 8 F-16s from the 55th Fighter Squadron departed Incirlik on April 7, 2003 according to the Air Force.
  • Additional B-52s began to arrive at RAF Fairford on or about April 3. Roughly 3 additional aircraft are the airfield, though it is not clear if these aircraft are replacing other bombers that have been relocated.

Coast Guard

  • The Coast Guard Cutter Walnut (WLB 205) a 225' Buoy Tender has been identified as operating in the Persian Gulf according to the Baltimore Sun on April 5, 2003. The unit was apparently ordered to the region in January and departed on January 18 arriving in the Persian Gulf in early March.

07 April 2003

Sealift

  • The Cape Island, Cape Isabel and Cape Knox transited through the Suez Canal on March 26. These ships are carrying equipment for the 4th Infantry Division.
  • The MV Cape Ducato, MV Cape Washington, MV Cape Douglas, MV Cape Orlando, MV Cape Henry and MV Cape Edmont transited the Suez Canal on March 25.
  • The equipment of the 4th Infantry Division began transiting the Suez Canal on March 23. Some twelve ships, including the MV Cape Race, MV Cape Vincent, MV Cape Texas, MV Cape Diamond, MV Cape Rise, MV Cape Taylor, MV Cape Decision, USNS Mendonca and the USNS Cornhusker transited the canal headed towards the Persian Gulf, according to Defense Department sources. It is possible however that those ships might head for ports in western Saudi Arabia.
  • The USNS Pililaau transited the Suez Canal on March 12, 2003 according to the Agence France Presse on the same day.

Army

  • The New York Times reported on March 31 that elements of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment have begun to depart for Kuwait. The initial deployment consisted mostly of support and command units, though it is believed that the rest of the unit will begin to depart soon. The 2 ACRs equipment is being airlifted to the region and includes HMMWVs and OH-58Ds. An unknown number of soldiers will provide convoy support. 500 soldiers in all are to initially deploy.
  • Reports from MSNBC.com indicate that elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade have been inserted into northern Iraq. Reports surfaced on March 26 that elements of the 173rd had parachuted into Northern Iraq into Kurdish controlled territory.
  • Reports on March 27 indicate that elements of the 1st Infantry Division are being airlifted into Bashur/Herrir.
  • The 4th Infantry Division begins to be deployed to the Persian Gulf region on March 27.
  • An unknown number of personnel are being staged from Jordan and are conducting operations in Iraq according to various news reports from Fox, ABC, etc. Numbers at the moment are extremely vague though it is possible that the 173rd Airborne Brigade could be in Jordan.
  • The 15th Military Intelligence Battalion was mistakenly identified as being located in Kuwait. It has been removed from the list.
  • Stars & Stripes reported on March 14 that the deployment of the 1st Armored Division has been postponed indefinitely. Stars & Stripes indicated that the reasons for the delay were due to lack of transportation.
  • Indications from photo's taken in the Kuwait indicate that elements of the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment are currently in Kuwait operating with the 3rd Infantry Division. The 2-70th is an element of 1st Armored Division's 3rd Brigade which has been ordered to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR.

Navy

  • On April 7 it was announced that the USS Nimitz and her Battle Group had enterred the 5th Fleet AOR and were conducting operations in support of Iraqi Freedom.
  • On April 5 it was announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln and its Battle Group had been ordered to depart the Persian Gulf and return to the United States. It is not clear when the Lincoln will depart the 5th Fleet AOR.
  • On March 15 eight more ships transited the Suez Canal headed for the Red Sea. The ships included the USS San Jacinto, Donald Cook, Grapple, Bolster, and USNS Kanawa. The attack submarines USS Providence, Newport News and Augusta also transited.
  • On March 14, 2003 two destroyers and three submarines transited the Suez Canal on March 14 according to Agence France Presse. The USS Arleigh Burke, Deyo, Boise, Toledo, and San Juan all transited the Suez.
  • The USS Firebolt and the rest of the patrol boats that deployed to the Persian Gulf are currently in Kuwait.

Marine Corps

  • The II Marine Expeditionary Force is now believed to be located in Jordan. This analysis is based on news reports coming out of North Carolina indicating that some 11,000 Marines in addition to the 2nd MEB have departed Camp Lejeune. Props to Craig Crofoot for calling this some weeks ago.
  • The 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment has been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia according to the New York Daily News on March 13.

Air Force

  • 8 F-16s from the 55th Fighter Squadron departed Incirlik on April 7, 2003 according to the Air Force.
  • Additional B-52s began to arrive at RAF Fairford on or about April 3. Roughly 3 additional aircraft are the airfield, though it is not clear if these aircraft are replacing other bombers that have been relocated.
  • The 8th Fighter Squadron is located at al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Two of its aircraft took part in the first mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • According to an Air Force Print News story on March 14, the population at Incirlick Air Base has has increased by roughly 70% in recent months bringing the total to well over 7,000 people.
  • Support personnel from the 509th Bomb Wing have begun to depart Whiteman Air Force Base according tot he Kansas City Star on March 11 and Fox News on March 12. The KC Star indicates that some 200 airmen have departed for "parts unknown."

Coast Guard

  • The Coast Guard Cutter Walnut (WLB 205) a 225' Buoy Tender has been identified as operating in the Persian Gulf according to the Baltimore Sun on April 5, 2003. The unit was apparently ordered to the region in January and departed on January 18 arriving in the Persian Gulf in early March.
  • The USCGC Dallas is believed to be operating in the Mediterranean providing force protection and Maritime Interception.
  • All of the 110' Island Class patrol boats are believed to be in the Persian Gulf according to Coast Guard photographs.

17 March 2003

Sealift

  • The USNS Tililaau transited the Suez Canal on March 12, 2003 according to the Agence France Presse on the same day. It is unclear what kind of military equipment is onboard the ship. It is thought however that this ship is really the USNS Pililaau (T-AKR 304) as there is no other ship that fits that description.
  • Two cargo vessels, the Therberland and the Rosa Dhelmas loaded equipment belonging to the 173rd Airborne Brigade at Livorno, Italy on March 11. The equipment loaded consisted of HMMWVs and othe rlight equipment.
  • According to the Associated Press on March 11 the number of ships carrying the 101st Airborne Division's equipment is eight rather than the six previously reported. It is not clear if this report is accurate.
  • USNS Yano transited through the Suez on March 9 headed towards the Persian Gulf, according to Agence France Presse on March 9. AFP also claimed that two civilian ships chartered by the US Navy to carry military equipment also transited the Suez.
  • Despite reports from Debka.com claiming that armor and other equipment from the 4th Infantry Division has begun to be offloaded in Turkey and loaded on railcars and transported to the east, there is no evidence to support such a claim and are considered to be without foundation. Rather, subsequent intelligence from both US and Turkish media indicate that the elements being offloaded consist of logistics equipment that came from Germany rather than the United States (Belgian-flagged ships). While it is possible that this equipment belongs to the 1st Infantry Division or even the 1st Armored Division, none of the articles found indicate anything other than units who are making preperations for Task Force Ironhorse to arrive.

Army

  • Stars & Stripes reported on March 14 that the deployment of the 1st Armored Division has been postponed indefinitely. Stars & Stripes indicated that the reasons for the delay were due to lack of transportation.
  • The 51st Maintenance Battalion is currently in Turkey making preperations for the arrival of the 1st and 4th Infantry Divisions according to Stars & Stripes.
  • The 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment is currently in Turkey according to Stars & Stripes on March 14. Also in Turkey is an element of the 701st Main Support Battalion and the 121st Signal Battalion. All of these units are part of the 1st Infantry Division.
  • The 2-43rd Air Defense Artillery is in Kuwait according to the Associated Press on March 14.
  • A V Corps press release indicates that elements of the 440th Signal Battalion are present in Kuwait. The unit in question is the 578th Signal Company. It is not clear if other elements of the 440th are in the region.
  • Additional evidence that US soldiers are present in Mardin, Turkey was described by the Baltimore Sun on March 13. The article indicates that hundreds of trucks loaded with equipment are at a factory warehouse. There is still no evidence of any tanks or other combat vehicles are present.
  • The 68th Corps Support Battalion is present in Kuwait according to Knight Ridder on March 13, 2003.
  • The 32nd Signal Battalion is currently in Kuwait according to Knight Ridder on March 13, 2003.
  • Roughly 500 soldiers have departed from Fort Drum for Kuwait in recent weeks according to USA Today on March 13, 2003. These soldiers are believed to be in addition to the 4-31st Regiment which is still in the process of deploying.
  • According to the Associated Press on March 7, roughly 300 hundred soldiers from the 1-179th Infantry Regiment are currently in Kuwait. (One arrives at the number of three hundred based on the number of boxes of cookies sent to the region. It is possible that the number is smaller, say by half). An alert visitor of the site has brought to our attention that the 1-179th Infantry is not listed on the DoD release that details which National Guard and Reserve units that are on active duty, but that rather the 1-180th Infantry is on the list and is currently serving in the Sinai. While it is true that the 1-179th is not on the list various articles do indicate that it specifically is in Kuwait. Further research is being conducted. It should be kept in mind however that is not unlikely that there are more units activated then what are listed on the DoDs document.
  • The 28th Combat Support Hospital departed North Carolina for Southwest Asia on March 11.
  • The 181st Transportation Battalion recently departed Germany for Kuwait.
  • The Wall Street Journal reported on March 11 that Army soldiers have been identified as setting up logistics bases in eastern Turkey. Mardin was specifically cited as a key location.
  • The Miami Herald reported on March 11 that hundreds of soldiers from the Florida National Guard are currently in Jordan providing force protection for Patriot batteries. While it is not clear which unit is located in Jordan, three infantry battalions from Florida have been activated and deployed.
  • Elements of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment began leaving for Kuwait on March 9 according to the Independent.
  • The 30th Enhance Separate Brigade has been put on alert for a possible deployment according to a local Raleigh, NC news story.

Navy

  • On March 15 eight more ships transited the Suez Canal headed for the Red Sea. The ships included the USS San Jacinto, Donald Cook, Grapple, Bolster, and USNS Kanawa. The attack submarines USS Providence, Newport News and Augusta also transited.
  • On March 14, 2003 two destroyers and three submarines transited the Suez Canal on March 14 according to Agence France Presse. The USS Arleigh Burke, Deyo, Boise, Toledo, and San Juan all transited the Suez.
  • The USS Firebolt and the rest of the patrol boats that deployed to the Persian Gulf are currently in Kuwait.
  • The USS Nimitz and her Battle Group arrived at Pearl Harbor on March 11 and is due to remain in port until March 14 or 15. This would significantly delay the date for which she would arrive in the Persian Gulf region.
  • Nearly 300 more sailors will be departing Portsmouth for the Persian Gulf, according to the Virginian-Pilot on March 12. The bulk of the sailors are medical personnel from Portsmouth Naval Medical Center though 25 are Seabees from Construction Battalion Units 414 and 415 (which are not NMCBs as the Pilot article implies)
  • Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 departed for the Middle East on March 8 according to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on March 9. 200 total sailors deployed on March 8 with an additional 200 to deploy at a later date.
  • Stars & Stripes reports on March 5 that six attack submarines are present in the NAVEUR operating area.

Marine Corps

  • The 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment has been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia according to the New York Daily News on March 13.
  • According to the Dallas Morning News the 2nd Tank Battalion is in Kuwait at Camp Grizzly.
  • Additional elements of the 4th Force Service Support Group are in Kuwait according to the Allentown Morning Call on March 10, 2003.
  • Marines from the 1st Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment have been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia according to the Associated Press on March 11, 2003.
  • According to the San Francisco Chronicle on March 8 the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines are currently in Kuwait.
  • According to Newsday on March 7 the 6th Communications Battalion is also present with I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Air Force

  • According to an Air Force Print News story on March 14, the population at Incirlick Air Base has has increased by roughly 70% in recent months bringing the total to well over 7,000 people.
  • Support personnel from the 509th Bomb Wing have begun to depart Whiteman Air Force Base according tot he Kansas City Star on March 11 and Fox News on March 12. The KC Star indicates that some 200 airmen have departed for "parts unknown."
  • The 336th Fighter Squadron has been confirmed to have deployed according to Knight Ridder on March 12. While the article did not disclose its location, there is a strong probability that the unit is at Al Udeid as there has been prior evidence that aircraft from the 4th Operations Group were located at that facility.
  • There are 200 airmen from the 103rd Fighter Wing currently deployed according to the Associated Press on March 12.
  • The 401st Air Expeditionary Wing is believed to be operating from Souda Bay, Crete.
  • The 409th Air Expeditionary Group is operating in Bourgas Bulgaria at a location named Sarafovo.
  • An unidentified unit, likely the 410th AEW is operating from Constanta, Romania.
  • The 457th Air Expeditionary Group is the US command element at RAF Fairford. 400 additional airmen have been deployed to the air base.
  • The Myrtle Beach Sun-News reported on March 11 that the element of the 169th Fighter Wing which is currently deployed (the 157th Fighter Squadron) has 15 F-16s deployed.
  • 10 F-15s from the 33rd Fighter Wing arrived in the region on or about the 8th of March.
  • Roughly 100 airmen from the 103rd Fighter Wing are currently deployed to Southwest Asia according to the Associated Press on March 10.
  • The 139th Airlift Wing deployed for Southwest Asia on March 9.
  • An unknown number of aircraft and pilots from the 127th Wing returned to the United States in late January according to the Times Herald on February 26.
  • Roughly 500 airmen from the 58th Fighter Squadron are currently in Southwest Asia. They departed in late February according to the Associated Press on February 27.
  • 300 airmen from the 23rd Fighter Group departed on March 4 according to Fayetteville Observer on March 5, 2003. The 75th Fighter Squadron is thought to have been deployed.
  • The 401st Air Expeditionary Wing is located at a base in the Mediterranean region, most likely in Romania or Bulgaria. Elements of the 319th Air Refueling Wing are operating at the location.
  • According to an Air Force photo caption, aircraft from the 113th Fighter Squadron are currently based in Incirlik, Turkey.
  • 50 airmen on two aircraft departed for Southwest Asia on March 5 according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on March 6, 2003. The airmen belong to the 314th Airlift Wing.

Coast Guard

  • All of the 110' Island Class patrol boats are believed to be in the Persian Gulf according to Coast Guard photographs.

10 March 2003

Sealift

  • The Agence France Presse reported on March 5 that the USNS Bob Hope had transited the Suez Canal headed for Kuwait. The Bob Hope is carrying equipment belonging to the 101st Airborne Division.
  • Stars & Stripes reported on March 5 that there were 26 cargo vessels in the NAVEUR operating area. This is the most specific number regarding the amount of sealift awaiting approval to make port in Turkey.

Airlift

  • There were eight civilian aircraft at Fort Campbell on February 28 with additional aircraft en route. According to The Courier-Journal on February 28, nearly 5,000 soldiers from the 101st had been deployed during the week. The article also reported that roughly eight to twelve flights a day have departed Fort Campbell.
  • As of 8 AM (eastern) on February 27, 2003 there were roughly 10 civilian aircraft at Fort Campbell preparing to transport the first elements of the 101st Airborne Division from the United States to Kuwait.

Army

  • According to the Austin American Statesman on March 4, 2003 roughly 450 soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division are currently in the Persian Gulf as an advance team. The soldiers are from a chemical company and an attack helicopter squadron.
  • Also according to the Austin American Statesman, roughly 3,000 soldiers from the 13th Corps Support Command are already in the region.
  • A press release from V Corps identifies these additional units as being located or having received orders to the EUCOM AOR: 1-4th Cavalry and 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation.
  • 500 soldiers from the 122nd Engineer Battalion departed South Carolina on March 3, they joined 80 soldiers already in the Persian Gulf area.
  • 400 soldiers from the 151st Signal Battalion will depart on March 6, 2003 for the Persian Gulf.
  • Elements of the 5th Special Forces Group are currently in Iraq according to the March 10 edition of Time Magazine. The article goes on to write that the unit has been operating in Iraq for roughly a month.
  • The 782nd Main Support Battalion has been identified as being with the brigade of the 82nd Airborne in Kuwait.
  • Officials at Fort Hood released on March 3 that the entire 1st Cavalry Division had received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region. The force, numbering some 17,000 soldiers.
  • MSNBC.com is also reporting on March 3 that the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the entire 1st Armored Division have received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region.
  • Early in the week of February 24 roughly 450 soldiers from the 489th Engineer Battalion headed to Fort Hood prior to a possible deployment to the Persian Gulf. The 489th is associated with III Corps engineer brigade.
  • The 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment has been identified as having deployed, according to the Associated Press on March 2.
  • Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division have begun to deploy to the Persian Gulf region. the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment departed on February 25 according to the Fort Riley website. An Associated Press story on March 1 indicates that at least 250 soldiers were involved in the initial deployment of the 1-41st Infantry.
  • If reports concerning the number of aircraft at Fort Campbell are correct, by February 28, 2003 roughly 12,000 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division have deployed to the Persian Gulf region.

Navy

  • Stars & Stripes reports on March 5 that six attack submarines are present in the NAVEUR operating area.
  • A report from a the San Diego Union Tribune indicates that the USS Nimitz and its Battle Group will be deploying on Monday, March 3, possibly to the Persian Gulf. However other sources and methods indicate that the actual departure date would be March 1.
  • On February 28, 2003 the Navy announced that the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group along with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit would deploy on March 4. It would take the Iwo Jima roughly 3 weeks to arrive in the Persian Gulf.

Marine Corps

  • 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines has been identified as being in Kuwait according to US News & World Report in their March 10 edition.
  • Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch on February 15. It is not clear exactly where the forces are being based from.
  • Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) are to be placed under the command of Brigadier Jim Dutton, the commander of Britain's 3 Commando Brigade, according to the Financial Times on March 4, 2003.
  • Nearly 200 aircraft of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing are in or around Kuwait according to the Philadelphia Inquirer on March 3, 2003.
  • Additional elements of the 2nd FSSG continue to be identified as being located in Kuwait. According to the Jacksonville Daily News on March 3 the Transportation Services Battalion of the 2nd FSSG has identified.
  • The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit has received orders to deploy and will depart on or about March 4. It will be on board the Iwo Jima ARG and will take roughly three weeks to arrive in the Persian Gulf.
  • Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines are currently in Kuwait.

Air Force

  • Aircraft from the 23rd Fighter Group based at Pope Air Force Base departed for Southwest Asia on March 4.
  • According to the Battle Creek Enquirer roughly 100 members of the 110th Fighter Wing departed on March 6 for Southwest Asia. A-10s from the unit departed last week.
  • 300 airmen from the 728th Air Control Squadron departed Eglin Air Force Base for Southwest Asia on March 5.
  • 110 members of the 819th and 219th Red Horse Squadron returned from the Persian Gulf region on March 5.
  • Two Joint STARS and 50 airmen from the 116th Air Control Wing departed Robins Air Force Base on March 5 headed for the CENTCOM AOR. These airmen joined some 350 people who deployed in January.
  • The 111th Fighter Wing has received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf regin. Roughly 140 airmen will be sent directly to Southwest Asia. They departed on March 4.
  • Ten KC-135s from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing departed for the Middle East on March 5 according to the Associated Press. The deployment brings the total number of airmen from the unit that are in Southwest Asia to 800.
  • 80 Members of the 66th Rescue Squadron, 57th Rescue Squadron and the 757th Maintenance Squadron deployed for the Middle East on March 5.
  • Six additional B-52s from the 23rd Bomb Squadron have been spotted at RAF Fairford according to USAF Aviation on March 4. This brings the total up to 14 B-52Hs.
  • 300 members of the 133rd Airlift Wing departed on March 4 for the Gulf region, according to the Associated Press on March 4. The 133rd flies C-130s.
  • Nearly 350 airmen from the 182nd Airlift Wing are either currently deployed or have received orders to deploy in support of an upcoming war with Iraq according to the Associated Press on March 3.
  • Roughly 500 airmen from the 167th Airlift Wing have been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia. When the unit will depart is not clear.
  • Four U-2Ss from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing arrived at RAF Fairford on March 2 according to USAF Aviation.
  • Eight B-52s arrived at RAF Fairford on March 3. UK Defence Minister Geoff Hoon confirmed on March 4 that the government had given permission for up to fourteen B-52s to be stationed at Fairford. According to USAF Aviation the eight aircraft were from the 23rd Bomb Squadron based at Minot Air Force Base.
  • Two B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing departed Barksdale Air Force Base on February 27 headed for parts unknown. Sources indicate that the bulk of the rest of the Wing should depart the United States in the days ahead.
  • According to Stars & Stripes on March 1 several aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing and 200 airmen have deployed to a base in the Mediterranean operated by the 401st Air Expeditionary Wing.
  • Seven KC-135s and roughly 100 airmen from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base on February 27.
  • According to the Associated Press on March 2, several hundred airmen from the 914th Airlift Wing will begin to deploy to the Persian Gulf region within the coming days. The 914th flies C-130s.
  • Elements of the 509th Bomb Wing have received orders to deploy to a forward location in preperation for a war against Iraq, according to Reuters on February 27. It is not clear when the deployment will take place or how many aircraft will be involved but previous reports indicate that roughly 12-16 aircraft are to be made available and that multiple aircraft could be located at Diego Garcia, more than the two shelters that are available.

Coast Guard

  • The USCGC Dallas has apparently received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region according to the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier on February 27, 2003. The Dallas will join the USCGC Boutwell that has been in the Gulf for some weeks. The Dallas received her orders on February 8 and began to head for the regin. She apparently made a port visit in Bermuda on February 19.

Australia

  • According to the Australian on March 5, 2003 the Australian military has roughly 2,000 personnel in the Gulf region now including 150 SAS troops.

Canada

  • HMCS Fredericton will deploy from Halifax on March 5 for the Persian Gulf region. HMCS Fredericton is replacing the damaged HMCS Iroquois which was to deploy to the region.

Gulf Cooperation Council

  • According the Philadelphia Inquirer on March 5 the Saudi Army has deployed several thousand soldiers into Kuwait to defend the state during an upcoming war with Iraq. While a unit identification was not made the vehicles were marked "Jidda".

Slovakia

  • A chemical warfare company from Slovakia departed on March 2 for Kuwait. 69 soldiers were involved.

United Kingdom

  • According to the Associated Press on March 1 roughly 18,000 to 20,000 British soldiers are in Kuwait and that an additional 6,000 soldiers will arrive in the coming days. This will be virtually all of the British Army deployment.
  • 6th Supply Regiment is in Kuwait at Camp Kuwait, according to the Chicago Tribune on March 2.

03 March 2003

Sealift

  • The USNS Dahl is to transit through the Suez Canal on February 28. The Dahl is carrying equipment belonging to the 101st Airborne Division. She departed Jacksonville on February 14.
  • The USNS Shughart transited through the Suez Canal on February 26 according to the Agence France Presse. The ship departed North Carolina on or about February 5.
  • The USNS Sirius and the Altair transited the Suez Canal on February 25 according to the Associated Press on the same day. The AP claims that the ships were carrying Army weaponry including tanks. However, to date there has not been any indication that these ships have such equipment on board, nor is there any information as to where they may have loaded the equipment.
  • The USNS Capella enterred the port of Iskenderun on February 25. It is believed that the ship is loaded with trucks, communications equipment and supplies from Europe, possibly belonging to the 1st Infantry Division. This is the third cargo vessel to make port in Turkey.

Airlift

  • There were eight civilian aircraft at Fort Campbell on February 28 with additional aircraft en route. According to The Courier-Journal on February 28, nearly 5,000 soldiers from the 101st had been deployed during the week. The article also reported that roughly eight to twelve flights a day have departed Fort Campbell.
  • As of 8 AM (eastern) on February 27, 2003 there were roughly 10 civilian aircraft at Fort Campbell preparing to transport the first elements of the 101st Airborne Division from the United States to Kuwait.

Army

  • Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division have begun to deploy to the Persian Gulf region. the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment departed on February 25 according to the Fort Riley website.
  • If reports concerning the number of aircraft at Fort Campbell are correct, by February 28, 2003 roughly 12,000 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division have deployed to the Persian Gulf region.
  • Sources indicate that 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division, has received orders to deploy to the Southwest Asia AOR in support of a forthcoming war on Iraq.
  • Roughly 2,000 US soldiers are currently located in Jordan manning Patriot missile batteries and providing logistical and rescue support. It is not clear which units are in the country.
  • On February 27, 2003 the Wichita Eagle reported that 900 additional soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division had received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region as well as 500 soldiers from the 937th Engineer Group.
  • On February 20, 2003 MSNBC.com reported that elements of the Southern European Task Force had received orders to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR. Various other news stories the Associated Press indicate that equipment has begun to depart the SETAF's base at Caserma Ederle by rail. While one can easily assume that the unit being deployed is the 173rd Airborne Brigade the deployment could not include the whole brigade as part of it is currently in Kosovo. Stars & Stripes confirmed on February 25 that the 173rd Airborne Brigade had received an order to deploy though it is unclear where it is headed.
  • The 1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment has been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Fayetteville Observer on February 24.
  • A Patriot unit, the 2nd Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery has received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia. Roughly 12 soldiers are involved, it is unclear when they will leave the United States but the Albuquerque Journal reported that the entire unit would eventually be deployed.
  • A UH-60 from the 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment crashed in Kuwait on February 25, 2003. Four soldiers were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.
  • 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment recently arrived at Camp Udairi, Kuwait according to the Stars & Stripes on February 24, 2003. The 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation is also in Kuwait. Both units are believed to be part of Task Force 11th Aviation.
  • 300 soldiers from Fort Bliss departed on or about February 22 according to the Associated Press on February 24.
  • Soldiers from the 68th Engineer Company received deployment orders on February 23 according to the AP on February 24.
  • The 36th Medical Evacuation Battalion also received orders to deploy.
  • A report in the Associated Press on February 25 indicates that the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment may not be fully deployed until late March.
  • 50 additional soldiers from the 541st Maintenance Battalion, and the 937th Engineer Group recieved orders to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR on February 20.
  • The 307th Engineer Battalion was identified as being in Kuwait with the rest of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division according to the Raleigh News and Observer on February 23.
  • The 407th Forward Support Battalion has been identified as having deployed with the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne. The unit is currently in Kuwait, according to the Associated Press on February 20, 2003.

Navy

  • A report from a the San Diego Union Tribune indicates that the USS Nimitz and its Battle Group will be deploying on Monday, March 3, possibly to the Persian Gulf. However other sources and methods indicate that the actual departure date would be March 1.
  • Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 is currently in the CENTCOM AOR.
  • The USS George Washington enterred the Yard on February 25, 2003 essentially removing any chance that she could be involved in an upcoming war with Iraq. She has been removed from the alert listing.
  • Inshore Boat Unit 14 is currently operating in the CENTCOM AOR and is part of Naval Coastal Warfare Task Group 1.
  • Amphibious Task Force - West is in the Persian Gulf. It began offloading Marines off the coast of Kuwait on February 24.
  • Two ships transited the Suez Canal on February 23 according to the Agence France Presse on Feb 23. They were the USS Carr, part of the Roosevelt CVBG, and the USS Oscar Austin which is part of the Truman CVBG. It is thought that these vessels will take part in Maritime Interdiction Operations in the Persian Gulf and the North Arabian Sea.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group transited the Strait of Malacca on or about February 16. She arrived in the Gulf of Oman on February 24 and is expected to transit the Straits of Hormuz by February 28. A Stars and Stripes story on February 21 indicates that the Vincennes is not present with the Kitty Hawk but that rather the Cowpens is with the Battle Group and that the Curtis Wilbur is still in Japan.
  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt and her Battle Group was in the Mediterranean Sea on or about February 12, 2003.

Marine Corps

  • Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines are currently in Kuwait.
  • The 1st Marine Regiment began to arrive in Kuwait on February 24.
  • 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment has been identified at Camp Coyote, Kuwait according to the North County Times on February 23, 2003.
  • 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Force Services Support Group is currently at Camp Coyote, Kuwait according to a photo release from the United States Navy.
  • The 8th Engineer Support Battalion is in Kuwait according to a report in the San Diego Union Tribune on February 22.
  • A story in the Chicago Tribune on February 23 indicates that the "5th Regimental Combat Team" is comprised of roughly 6,000 Marines.
  • Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade are apparently being called "Task Force Tarawa" according to the Associated Press in the Charlotte Observer on February 21.
  • The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment is currently in Kuwait at Tactical Area Coyote according to the San Francisco Chronicle on February 23, 2003.
  • Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment have received orders to deploy according to the San Diego Union Tribune on February 21, 2003.

Air Force

  • Elements of the 509th Bomb Wing have received orders to deploy to a forward location in preperation for a war against Iraq, according to Reuters on February 27. It is not clear when the deployment will take place or how many aircraft will be involved but previous reports indicate that roughly 12-16 aircraft are to be made available and that multiple aircraft could be located at Diego Garcia, more than the two shelters that are available.
  • Two B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing departed Barksdale Air Force Base on February 27 headed for parts unknown. Sources indicate that the bulk of the rest of the Wing should depart the United States in the days ahead.
  • A story in The State on February 27 indicates that some 400 airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing will be departing South Carolina on February 28 headed for the Persian Gulf reigon.
  • The 129th Rescue Squadron is currently located at Incirlik Air Base according to the San Jose Mercury News on February 24.
  • According to the Fayetteville Observer on February 26, the 23rd Fighter Group has been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia. The call-up effects both squadrons.
  • Elements of the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron are believed to be located at Ali Al Salem Air Base with the 320th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron/Forward according to an Air Force news story.
  • Additional aircraft and airmen from the 20th Fighter Wing have been ordered to the CENTCOM area.

Coast Guard

  • The USCGC Dallas has apparently received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf region according to the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier on February 27, 2003. The Dallas will join the USCGC Boutwell that has been in the Gulf for some weeks. The Dallas received her orders on February 8 and began to head for the regin. She apparently made a port visit in Bermuda on February 19.

Canada

  • HMCS Winnipeg's deployment has been extended by 2 months according to the Ottawa Citizen on February 23.
  • HMCS Iroquois departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on Monday February 24. She is headed for the Persian Gulf. However, following a helicopter accident she returned to Halifax and indications are that her deployment has pushed back, if not cancelled.

Gulf States

  • 500 soldiers from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Kuwait on February 23 according to Agence France Presse on February 23.

Russia

  • The Russian government has cancelled the naval deployment to the Indian Ocean according to the BBC on February 27.

United Kingdom

  • HMS Richmond is to transit the Suez Canal on February 28, 2003.
  • The Press Association reported on February 13 that the United Kingdom now has roughly 42,000 military servicemen and women deployed in the Middle East. It is not clear if all of these units are in the region or if this is the number that will be present in the coming weeks.
  • 1,000 members of the 16 Air Assault Brigade are believed to be located in Kuwait at this time according to the Agence France Presse on February 19, 2003.
  • 100 soldiers from 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps were scheduled to depart

24 February 2003

Sealift

  • The USNS Brittin transited through the Suez Canal on February 14, 2003 according to the Agence France Press on Feb 14. Just what the Brittin, an LMSR, was carrying is not known as there has been no previous indication that the ship was being used to transit material.
  • MV Tellus made port in Iskenderun, Turkey on February 19 and began to offload more than 500 military vehicles thought to be associated with V Corps engineer units. The equipment is said to be part of a port expansion and upgrade needed to make the port ready for significant amounts of equipment from the 4th Infantry Division.
  • The USNS Dahl departed Jacksonville on February 14 and the USNS Bob Hope departed on February 15 according to the Stars & Stripes. According to the Christian Science Monitor it will take roughly 6 LMSRs to transport the entire 101st Airborne. The ships are headed for the Persian Gulf.

Army

  • The 407th Forward Support Battalion has been identified as having deployed with the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne. The unit is currently in Kuwait, according to the Associated Press on February 20, 2003.
  • The 63rd Signal Battalion deployed for the CENTCOM AOR on February 16 according to the Army News Service.
  • Where the 4th Infantry Division will stage from continues to be the biggest question mark concerning deployments. The Financial Times is reporting on February 19 that the 4th is headed to Kuwait though the Washington Post reports that some four sealift carrying 4th Infantry equipment is currently off the Turkish coat waiting for approval to make port and download their equipment. The Post indicates that an agreement has to be reached by February 21 or the ships and the division will be diverted to an alternate location.
  • 3rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division should be fully deployed by the end of February according to the Rocky Mountain News on February 15, 2003. The Denver Post reported on February 20 that elements of 3rd Brigade began departing this week and that the deployment will continue through the end of February.
  • On February 15 news reports indicate that the Department of Defense has ordered the entire 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment to deploy to the Middle East. 4,700 soldiers are involved in the deployment.
  • According to the Stars & Stripes on February 18, V Corps has reorganized its aviation units in Kuwait so that they are under Task Force 11th Aviation.
  • Roughly 700 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division have received orders to deploy in support of the War on Terrorism.
  • According to Scripps Howard News Service, by February 18 4,000-plus soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division had arrived in Kuwait.
  • The 325th Military Intelligence Battalion is set to deploy to the Persian Gulf region according to the Hartford Courant on Feb 17. The deployment will involve roughly 100 soldiers.
  • The 358th Civil Affairs Brigade departed Philadelphia on Feb 18. At least 150 soldiers are deploying.
  • The 221st Military Intelligence Battalion departed on Feb 13 for Fort Stewart for an eventual deployment to the Persian Gulf. 340 soldiers are involved in the deployment.
  • 250 soldiers from Fort Bliss departed on February 15 and another 250-300 soldiers from Fort Bliss departed on Feb 17. The soldiers are a part of the 11th and 35th Air Defense Artillery according to the El Paso Times on February 17.

Navy

  • Command elements of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment have been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Associated Press on February 14, 2003.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group transited the Strait of Malacca on or about February 16. She should arrive in the Persian Gulf area on or about 23 February. A Stars and Stripes story on February 21 indicates that the Vincennes is not present with the Kitty Hawk but that rather the Cowpens is with the Battle Group and that the Curtis Wilbur is still in Japan.
  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt and her Battle Group were in the Mediterranean Sea on or about February 12, 2003.
  • The Nimitz Battle Group may not be deploying for 3 to 6 weeks according to the Fresno Bee on February 17, 2003.

Marine Corps

Air Force

  • 400 airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing were ordered to deploy to the Persian Gulf region on February 18, 2003. It is unclear when the deployment will take place.
  • Elements of the 445th Airlift Wing have been ordered to begin flying soldiers from the United States to the Persian Gulf. It is not clear just how many aircraft are involved though 300 airmen are involved. The 445th currently has 9 of the wings 18 C-141s deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  • 250 airmen from the 77th Fighter Squadron began to deploy on February 11 this deployment will involve 15 of the squadrons F-16 CDs.

Australia

  • According to The Advertiser on February 22, 2003 nearly all of the 2,000 Australian soldiers, airmen and sailors are currently in place Kuwait.
  • Australia's 5th Aviation Regiment will deploy to the Persian Gulf prior to February 17 according to Townsville Bulletin on February 11, 2003. The unit flies CH-47s and H-60s. 85 soldiers are involved in the initial deployment.

Gulf States

  • A number of Gulf States have indicated that they will deploy forces to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as part of "Peninsula Shield". The total number of forces are expected to be roughly a brigades strength, or 3,000 soldiers.
  • Naval forces from the United Arab Emirates are scheduled to arrive on scene on or about Feb 21.
  • Bahrain will also deploy naval assets to the area.
  • Apache helicopters from the UAE are expected to deploy to Kuwait or the Persian Gulf.
  • Oman has deployed a battalion to Kuwait to assist in the defense of the Gulf state.

Ukraine

  • According to the BBC a chemical defense battalion, consisting of 100 troops, is reportedly preparing for a possible deployment to the Middle East in anticipation of a UN Security Council Resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

United Kingdom

  • The Press Association reported on February 13 that the United Kingdom now has roughly 42,000 military servicemen and women deployed in the Middle East. It is not clear if all of these units are in the region or if this is the number that will be present in the coming weeks.
  • 1,000 members of the 16 Air Assault Brigade are believed to be located in Kuwait at this time according to the Agence France Presse on February 19, 2003.
  • 100 soldiers from 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps were scheduled to depart

17 February 2003

Sealift

  • The Military Sealift Command reported on February 11 that the USNS Dahl and the USNS Bob Hope are loading military cargo, in Jacksonville, Fla, for the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., as part of the repositioning of U.S. forces in support of the president's global war on terrorism. Cargo includes Army Blackhawk, Apache, Kiowa and Chinnook helicopters and a variety of wheeled vehicles. Together, the two have a capacity of more than 600,000 square feet of military cargo. It is thought that the ships will depart by February 15 and that it will take roughly 21 days to arrive in the CENTCOM AOR.
  • The unidentified Gordon / Bob Hope class LMSR previously located in San Diego departed on or about February 4, 2003. If it is headed to the Persian Gulf it will take it roughly 30 days to arrive in the region.
  • A roll-on/roll-off car transporter named Tellus is due to arrive in Antwerp shortly. She will load additional helicopters belonging to V Corps and tanks and other equipment possibly belonging to the 1st Armored Division.

Airlift

  • Additional information concerning total CRAFT flights indicates that the military is in a position to transport roughly 18,000 - 20,000 soldiers a week.
  • The Civil Reserve Air Fleet was activated recently according to a release from the Department of Defense on February 8. The release states that it is Stage I Activation and involves 22 U.S. airline companies and their 78 commercial aircraft -- 47 passenger aircraft and 31 wide-body cargo aircraft. While this authority is for all 78 commercial aircraft in the CRAF Stage I program, the USTRANSCOM commander, Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, is only activating 47 passenger aircraft. If each of the 47 aircraft were to make one trip the maximum number of troops that could be brought into the region would be 16,280, assuming that all 26 747-400s and 21 of the 757s (single class configuration) were activated.
  • There has been a lot of activity at Rhein-Main Air Base. It appears that a significant surge of equipment and cargo has been lifted out of Frankfurt on C-17s headed to an unknown destination. The increase in activity has been substantial, having begun in mid-January. This is possibly related to V Corps deployment, more specifically, 1st Infantry Division.
  • The air activity at Rhein-Main has begun to include United Air Lines 747s that are transporting soldiers to unknown locations. At least 4 were identified on February 5.

Army

  • Roughly 700 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division have received orders to deploy in support of the War on Terrorism.
  • According to the Associated Press on February 14, 500 soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division began to leave North Carolina via Pope Air Force Base on February 13. The article went on to state that the bulk of the division will continue to deploy throughout the coming days.
  • Fort Riley issued a press release on February 12 that 1,300 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division had received orders to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR. The deployment will involve the 1-41st Infantry Regiment, the 2-70th Armor Regiment, the 70th Engineer Battalion, the 24th Transportation Company, 266th Transportation, and the 300th Military Police Company. A number of reserve units are also involved.
  • The 122nd Engineer Battalion received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia, roughly 500 soldiers are involved in the deployment, accoring to The State on February 12..
  • 400 soldiers from the 151st Signal Battalion have been ordered to deploy to the Persian Gulf, accoring to The State on February 12..
  • A news release from USAREUR depicting soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment securing equipment on a rail car, may indicate that the 2nd Brigade is the unit to deploy to Turkey.
  • The 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment along with the 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment deployed for Kuwait on or about February 10 according Stars and Stripes.
  • V Corps released additional information regarding deployments to the CENTCOM and EUCOM areas of responsibility. To CENTCOM: 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery, 3-158th Aviation, elements of 3-58th Aviation, CO B 5-158th Aviation, 32nd Signal Battalion, 440th Signial Battalion, Headquarters company of the 18th Military Police Brigade, 793rd Military Police Battalion, elements of the V Corps Artillery, 1-27th Field Artillery, headquarters elements of the 130th Engineer Brigade, 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 165th Military Intelligence Battalion, and V Corps Special Troops Battalion. To EUCOM: elements of the 30th Medical Brigade including the 421st Medical Battalion.
  • According to the Arizona Republic on February 11 roughly 1,300 soldiers from the 11th Signals Brigade have been identified as being located in Kuwait. While it was known that the 54th Signal Battalion was in Southwest Asia it was not previously known that many other soldiers were present as well.
  • The debate concerning exactly how much equipment is in Kuwait continues. Drew Brown from Knight Ridder reports on February 11 that much of 3rd Infantry Division's equipment is being drawn from prepo and that very little has been shipped from the United States. Furthermore, Brown confirms that initially only enough equipment for 2 Divisions had been located in Southwest Asia and Diego Garcia. This is an important question as it could determine how many Armored units will be sent to the region or be expected to be operational by late February.
  • Elements from the 21st Theater Support Command, the 37th Transportation Command, the 1st Transportation Movement Control Agency, 200th Material Management Command, and elements of the 29th Support Group have been ordered to deploy to Turkey in preperation for a larger deployment of ground troops to follow.
  • Elements of the 800th Military Police Brigade have been identified as being located at Camp Arifjan.
  • The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment has been identified as being located in Kuwait. Specialist Briand Michael Clemens, 19, of Kokomo, Indiana died on February 6 when the HMMWV he was in rolled near Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
  • The 6th Transportation Battalion has been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Associated Press on February 10.
  • The 671st Engineer Company has been identified as having deployed to the Persian Gulf in January. The 671st is a bridging unit that uses the ribbon bridge.
  • A press release issued on February 6, 2003 by the 101st Airborne Division stated that elements of the entire Division have been ordered to deploy in support of the war on terrorism. The 101st Corps Support Group and the 86th Combat Support Hospital are also involved in the deployment.
  • Reports from the Leaf Chronicle and the Washington Post on February 6 indicate that the 101st Aviation Brigade has begun moving equipment from Fort Campbell to an undisclosed location. The movement is being described by the Army as a Sea Deployment Readiness Exercise, but this claim is being viewed with skepticism. Roughly 40 helicopters are involved in the movement.
  • 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment a unit associated with III Corps 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade has been activated. Roughly 300 soldiers are involved in the activation, it is not clear if the unit will be deployed to the Persian Gulf though it is not known what role the unit will play in Homeland Defense.

Navy

  • Command elements of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment have been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Associated Press on February 14, 2003.
  • VAQ 142 has been identified as being located at Prince Sultan Air Base.
  • According to the Bradenton Herald the Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group transited the Strait of Hormuz on February 10. She made the transit from San Diego in 35 days.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group are still at sea. It is believed that she is off the Korean Peninsula. On Feb 7 numerous reports from the Washington Post and Reuters indicated that she had received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf.
  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt and her Battle Group have completed their Composite Training Unit Exercise and have begun to deploy to the Mediterranean. The TR completed its COMPTUEX on February 4 and departed Puerto Rico, it should take roughly 2-3 weeks for the TR to be in position to conduct operations against Iraq.
  • As of February 5 the Nimitz Battle Group was still in port at San Diego. Her entire Carrier Air Wing was still present on her flight deck which is not standard procedure following JTFEX. Indications from a variety of sources point to a departure on or about February 5. On February 5, the 3rd Fleet issued a release stating that the USS Nimitz would depart San Diego on Feb 6 to return on Feb 7. This would seem to indicate that the Air Wing will return to Lemoore and that the Nimitz is not deploying to the Persian Gulf at this time.
  • Amphibious Task Force East has arrived in the CENTCOM AOR. The ships transited the Suez Canal on February 4 and are headed to the Persian Gulf.
  • The Carl Vinson Battle Group has been ordered to deploy to WESTPAC to deter North Korea.

Marine Corps

  • Elements of the 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion have begun to deploy to the Persian Gulf region.
  • Roughly 6 F/A-18s and 100 Marines from VMFA 533 departed on February 10 for the Persian Gulf, accoring to The State on February 12.
  • Elements of VMFA 251 are to depart late in the week, accoring to The State on February 12..
  • A detachment from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 has been identified as operating out of Bahrain. 69 Marines are currently deployed with Detachment A.
  • According to the Bradenton Herald the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group transited the Strait of Hormuz on February 10. She made the transit from San Diego in 35 days.
  • The 1st Combat Engineer Battalion has been identified as being located in Kuwait.
  • The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (aboard the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group) has had its deployment extended indefinitely. Parts of MEU and ARG recently made a port of call in Bahrain. It is believed that some elements of the 24th MEU are operating in Kuwait and Djibouti.
  • According to the Biloxi Sun Herald on February 10, elements of the 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion are due to depart from Camp Pendleton sometime during the week before Feb 17. It is not clear how many troops are involved though the A Company is mentioned specifically.
  • It is believed that the bulk of the 7th Marine Regiment is currently in Kuwait.
  • A Marine Corps Reserve bridging unit has been identified as having been deployed to the Persian Gulf in January 2003. The unit is an element of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion.
  • 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment has been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Washington Post on February 4, 2003.

Air Force

  • 250 airmen from the 77th Fighter Squadron began to deploy on February 11 this deployment will involve 15 of the squadrons F-16 CDs.
  • 100 airmen from the 23rd Fighter Squadron departed Spangdhlem AFB on February 13 headed for an unknown location according to the Associated Press on February 13. The AP also reported that the 52nd Fighter Wing currently has 800 deployed to the Persian Gulf Region.
  • Information also indicates that the 81st Fighter Squadron has also begun to deploy to the Persian Gulf.
  • 600 airmen from the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing are departing for the Persian Gulf during the week prior to February 17. The 94th Fighter Squadron is already located in Turkey and the 21st Fighter Squadron is not expected to deploy.
  • Members of the 403rd Wing have received orders to deploy according to the Associated Press on February 10. It is not clear just how many are deploying or where they are headed.
  • RQ-1 Predators from the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron began deploying between February 3 and February 9. It is not clear where the aircraft were headed.
  • The 116th Air Control Wing has received orders to deploy. The winf is comprised of both Guard and active duty, Air Force and Army. It is not clear when the unit will depart.
  • According to Fox News on February 8 F-117s began to arrive at al Udeid Air Base on Feb 6. The specific number was not disclosed.

Australia

  • Australia's 5th Aviation Regiment will deploy to the Persian Gulf prior to February 17 according to Townsville Bulletin on February 11, 2003. The unit flies CH-47s and H-60s. 85 soldiers are involved in the initial deployment.

United Kingdom

  • The Press Association reported on February 13 that the United Kingdom now has roughly 42,000 military servicemen and women deployed in the Middle East. It is not clear if all of these units are in the region or if this is the number that will be present in the coming weeks.
  • The Scotsman reported on February 13 that two squadrons of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment have begun active operations in Iraq. The total number of soldiers involved is believed to be 100 men.
  • 1,200 Royal Marines began to arrive in Kuwait on February 9 according to the Daily Mail on Feb 10. The units are from 42 Commando and 3 Commando.
  • 1 (UK) Armoured Division has begun to load its equipment in Germany according to the Press Association on February 10. It is not clear just how long it will take to ship the equipment from Emden, Germany to the Persian Gulf.

10 February 2003

Sealift

  • The unidentified Gordon / Bob Hope class LMSR previously located in San Diego departed on or about February 4, 2003. If it is headed to the Persian Gulf it will take it roughly 30 days to arrive in the region.
  • A roll-on/roll-off car transporter named Tellus is due to arrive in Antwerp shortly. She will load additional helicopters belonging to V Corps and tanks and other equipment possibly belonging to the 1st Armored Division.
  • The USNS Fisher began to upload equipment at Beaumont, Texas on Jan 30 according to the Beaumont Enterprise on Feb 1, 2003.
  • MV Cape Vincent departed Beaumont on Jan 31 headed towards the Persian Gulf.
  • The USNS Gordon was in Charleston loading military vehicles and containers. It is not clear when the unit will depart.
  • According to the Wilmington Star, the USNS Watson will pull into Wilmington, North Carolina to load additional equipment.

Airlift

  • There has been a lot of activity at Rhein-Main Air Base. It appears that a significant surge of equipment and cargo has been lifted out of Frankfurt on C-17s headed to an unknown destination. The increase in activity has been substantial, having begun in mid-January. This is possibly related to V Corps deployment, more specifically, 1st Infantry Division.
  • The air activity at Rhein-Main has begun to include United Air Lines 747s that are transporting soldiers to unknown locations. At least 4 were identified on February 5.

Army

  • The 671st Engineer Company has been identified as having deployed to the Persian Gulf in January. The 671st is a bridging unit that uses the ribbon bridge.
  • A press release issued on February 6, 2003 by the 101st Airborne Division stated that elements of the entire Division have been ordered to deploy in support of the war on terrorism. The 101st Corps Support Group and the 86th Combat Support Hospital are also involved in the deployment.
  • Reports from the Leaf Chronicle and the Washington Post on February 6 indicate that the 101st Avaition Brigade has begun moving equipment from Fort Campbell to an undisclosed location. The movement is being described by the Army as a Sea Deployment Readiness Exercise, but this claim is being viewed with skepticism. Roughly 40 helicopters are involved in the movement.
  • 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment a unit associated with III Corps 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade has been activated. Roughly 300 soldiers are involved in the activation, it is not clear if the unit will be deployed to the Persian Gulf though it is not known what role the unit will play in Homeland Defense.
  • The Agence France Presse reported on February 2 that the brigade from the 82nd Airborne was to begin deploying on Feb 1. A story from the Fayetteville Observer reported that equipment left Fort Bragg on Feb 1 headed for an unidentified port (most likely Wilmington) to be shipped to the Persian Gulf.
  • Agence France Presse also indicated that the 3rd Infantry Division has had enough equipment for 2 Brigades and the Aviation Brigade have shipped to the Middle East via sealift. It is not clear if that equipment is currently in the region or if it is en route.
  • The 205th Area Support Medical Battalion has been identified as being located in Qatar. Sgt. Michael C. Barry, a member of the unit which is a Missouri National Guard element, was killed in a car accident in Qatar as he and three other soldiers were traveling from Doha to Camp As Sayliyah.
  • Elements of the 13th Corps Support Command have received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf. A 50 person surgical team departed Fort Hood on or about February 1, 2003.
  • Additional elements of the 377th Theater Support Command deployed in late January to the Middle East. Roughly 120 soldiers are involved in the deployment.
  • According to Stars & Stripes on January 29, 2003, 1,800 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division have been ordered to deploy to Turkey in support of an invasion of Iraq. Elements of the 1st Infantry include the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the Division, the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion, the 121st Signal Battalion, the 701st Main Support Battalion and the 601st Aviation Support Battalion.
  • Sources indicate that additional elements of the 1st Infantry Division are preparing to deploy including the Engineer Brigade's headquarters company, the HHC of the 82nd Engineer Battalion and the 12th Chemical Company.

Navy

  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group are still at sea. It is believed that she is off the Korean Peninsula. On Feb 7 numerous reports from the Washington Post and Reuters indicated that she had received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf.
  • The USS Theodore Roosevelt and her Battle Group have completed their Composite Training Unit Exercise and have begun to deploy to the Mediterranean. The TR completed its COMPTUEX on February 4 and departed Puerto Rico, it should take roughly 2-3 weeks for the TR to be in position to conduct operations against Iraq.
  • As of February 5 the Nimitz Battle Group was still in port at San Diego. Her entire Carrier Air Wing was still present on her flight deck which is not standard procedure following JTFEX. Indications from a variety of sources point to a departure on or about February 5. On February 5, the 3rd Fleet issued a release stating that the USS Nimitz would depart San Diego on Feb 6 to return on Feb 7. This would seem to indicate that the Air Wing will return to Lemoore and that the Nimitz is not deploying to the Persian Gulf at this time.
  • Amphibious Task Force East has arrived in the CENTCOM AOR. The ships transited the Suez Canal on February 4 and are headed to the Persian Gulf.
  • The USS Harry S Truman and her Battle Group have been added to the list of forces currently in the Area of Operations. This change is made to reflect the announcement that Jordan has granted over-fly rights to US aircraft operating against Iraq. This coupled with similar permission from Turkey makes it more likely that the Truman will operate from the Med rather than transiting to the Red Sea or Persian Gulf.
  • On January 20 the Abraham Lincoln departed Western Australia officially ending her visit there. Media stories in Stars & Stripes and other sources continue to indicate that the Lincoln is still within the 7th Fleet AOR. However, reports from Associated Press indicate that the Lincoln arrived in the 5th Fleet AOR on or about February 1.
  • The Carl Vinson Battle Group is currently in port at Pearl Harbor. It is not clear if she will return to her homeport or if she will be redeployed to relieve the Kitty Hawk.
  • The USS Montpelier transited the Suez Canal on or about Feb 1, 2003. The Montpelier is part of the Harry S Truman Battle Group.

Marine Corps

  • It is believed that the bulk of the 7th Marine Regiment is currently in Kuwait.
  • A Marine Corps Reserve bridging unit has been identified as having been deployed to the Persian Gulf in January 2003. The unit is an element of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion.
  • 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment has been identified as being located in Kuwait according to the Washington Post on February 4, 2003.
  • Two CH-53Es from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 772, attached to the 24th MEU have been identified as operating from Camp Lemonier. It is unclear how long these aircraft have been supporting CJTF-HOA or how long the units will continue to support those operations.
  • 75 Marines from a Military Police Comany, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division will depart during the week prior to February 10 according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
  • Also according to the St. Paul Pioneer 250 members of a detachement from Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 has also be activated and ordered to deploy.
  • A story in the Washington Post dated January 28 indicates that elements of the 7th Marine Regiment are currently in Kuwait as is the 1st Tank Battalion.

Air Force

  • The 116th Air Control Wing has received orders to deploy. The winf is comprised of both Guard and active duty, Air Force and Army. It is not clear when the unit will depart.
  • The El Paso Times is reporting that F-117s will be departing Holloman Air Force Base on or about February 3, 2003. While the exact number is not known, it is thought that eventually 10-20 aircraft will be deploying. The Associated Press reported on February 4 that 5 F-117s departed on Monday evening. The El Paso Times reported on February 5 that some F-117s that had departed on Feb 3 arrived in Europe for a stopover, the exact numbers were not identified. It is however safe to assume that between 5 and 10 aircrafr from the 49th Fighter Wing are either in Southwest Asia or are en route.
  • On February 7 F-117s began to arrive at al Udeid Air Base.
  • 400 airmen from the 187th Fighter Wing were called to active duty on Feb 2. The unit flies F-16s, it is not clear if or when this unit will deploy to the Persian Gulf.
  • The Air Force has officially extended the deployment rotation for AEF 7 & 8 beyond the 90 deployment.
  • The 14th Fighter Squadron has been identified as being located at Prince Sultan Air Base.
  • 200 Indiana Air National Guard members are being sent to Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. The guardsmen are part of the 181st Fighter Wing. They will deploy on January 30.

Coalition Forces

  • HMS Ark Royal and her task group transited the Suez Canal on February 1. This includes HMS Ocean.
  • Reports from the Daily Telegraph on Feb 3, 2003 indicate that the RAF will triple its presence in the Gulf by Feb 10.
  • The Agence France Presse reported on Feb 2 that roughly 6,500 soldiers of the 1(UK) Armoured Division have received orders to deploy to the Persian Gulf.
  • 100 Royal Marines from 45 Commando will depart the UK on Feb 4. The unit will provide support for 3 Commando Brigade according to the Scottish Daily Record.
  • 8 Tornado GR4s have been identified at Ali al-Salem in Kuwait. 6 Tornado F3s are at Prince Sultan and 4 Jaguar aircraft are at Incirlik.

03 February 2003

Sealift

  • According to the Wilmington Star, the USNS Watson will pull into Wilmington, North Carolina to load additional equipment.
  • Cape Taylor departed Corpus Christi on January 28 and the Cape Texas departed on January 29.
  • Thirteen helicopters from the 82nd Medical Company Air Ambulance were loaded on to two ships at Beaumont recently.
  • The Maritime Administration announced on January 27 that it had activated 13 additional Ready Reserve Force ships on Friday January 24 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. This activation was in addition to 19 other ships that hava already been serving. These ships include the Cape Edmont, Cape Henry, Cape Horn, Cape Hudon, Cape Inscription, Cape Intrepid, Cape Isabel, Cape Island, Cape Orlando, Cape Ray, Cape Washington, Cape Wrath, and the Admiral Callaghan. Additional ships that have been activated recently, but have not been previously disclosed include the Cape Ducato, Cape Gibson, Cape John, and Cape Johnson.
  • The USNS Red Cloud arrived in Wilmington, NC on January 25. She is uploading equipment and is expected to depart Wilmington later in the week.
  • Southampton has been busy. The cargo vessels Anna Desgagnes and Germania, both having loaded equipment from the 7th Armoured Brigade and the 16th Air Assault Brigade, departed on January 23 prior to the arrival of the Astra Sea and Ulusoy 5 which were due to make port later that day. Additionally, the Dart 9 and Magdalena Green are also loading equipment.
  • The USNS Algol passed throught the Suez Canal on January 23 enroute to the Persian Gulf. According to the Agence France Presse on January 24.
  • The Military Sealift Command released on January 28 that the Cape Taylor, Cape Texas, and Cape Trinity remain in Corpus Christi uploading Army equipment.

Army

  • Additional elements of the 377th Theater Support Command deployed in late January to the Middle East. Roughly 120 soldiers are involved in the deployment.
  • According to Stars & Stripes on January 29, 2003, 1,800 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division have been ordered to deploy to Turkey in support of an invasion of Iraq. Elements of the 1st Infantry include the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the Division, the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion, the 121st Signal Battalion, the 701st Main Support Battalion and the 601st Aviation Support Battalion.
  • According to local news sources, elements of the 10th Mountain Division will begin to deploy to Southwest Asia shortly. The 59th Chemical Company, 95th Fire Fighting Detachment and the 520th Engineer Detachment, have received orders to deploy. The total number of soldiers to deploy is 100.
  • The Army's last MASH unit has been ordered to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR. The 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital should deploy by mid-February.
  • The 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, an Apache unit, was mobilized recently. They are currently at Fort Bragg completing pre-deployment training. This unit has been sent to the Gulf both during Desert Storm and in 1998.
  • 509 members of the 396th Combat Support Hospital were mobilized recently. It is unclear whether or not his unit will be sent to the Middle East but such a large call-up would seem to indicate that it will.
  • A report in the Capital Times, dated January 28 indicates that the 147th Command Aviation Battalion has been activated. Some 200 soldiers were called up from the unit. Additional units from the Wisconsin Army National Guard to be called up include the 107th Maintenance Company, the 82nd Medical Company, and the 1157th Transportation Company. Elements of the 32nd Infantry Brigade have also been called up though the unit is being tasked with homeland security duties.
  • News reports from the Associated Press on January 20, 2003 and additional stories on January 21 report that the military is creating a Task Force Ironhorse to be comprised of elements of the 4th Infantry Division [Mechanized] and units from Fort Sill, Fort Lewis, Fort Riley, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Polk, Fort Campbell, and Fort Bragg. The Task Force will number some 37,000 soldiers. Additional reports that have surfaced in the press indicate that the 4th Infantry Division will send its whole division, not just elements, and that portions of the 1st Cavalry Division have received orders to deploy as well. The 1st Cavalry Division units are as yet unknown, but an Apache squadron has been deployed as has a chemical company.
  • The 5th Engineer Battalion has been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia as a part of Task Force Ironhorse.
  • The 937th Engineer Group, the 555th Engineer Group, and the 66th Medical Brigade have also been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia as a part of Task Force Ironhorse.
  • 183 soldiers from the 1438th Engineer Company has also been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia as a part of Task Force Ironhorse, this unit is a Ribbon Bridge unit.
  • It is now thought that the bulk of the 3rd Infantry Division has arrived in Kuwait. While it is possible that some portions of the unit have yet to transit, and that some equipment still needs to be sent, an article in the Coastal Courier on January 22 indicates that the entire division would be deployed by January 24. Various other local Georgia news sources seem to confirm this. WTOC 11, states that the entire division will be in the Middle East by the end of January.

Navy

  • The Nimitz Battle Group completed its JTFEX on January 29 and was present in San Diego on January 30. It is not clear when or if she will deploy to the Middle East.
  • The USS Harry S Truman and her Battle Group have been added to the list of forces currently in the Area of Operations. This change is made to reflect the announcement that Jordan has granted over-fly rights to US aircraft operating against Iraq. This coupled with similar permission from Turkey makes it more likely that the Truman will operate from the Med rather than transiting to the Red Sea or Persian Gulf.
  • The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported on January 25 that four additional minesweepers have been sent to the Persian Gulf, under their own power. The ships were the USS Scout, USS Sentry, USS Devastator and USS Chief.
  • Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, a mine-countermeasures helicopter squadron will begin to deploy to the Middle East on or about January 27.
  • Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 and Naval Construction Force Support Unit 2, currently in Port Hueneme, Calif., along with NMCB-133, currently in Gulfport, Miss., have received orders to deploy to the Arabian Gulf area. In addition, more Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, based in San Diego, received deployment orders to augment members of their unit already in the region.
  • Elements of Amhibious Task Force - East reached the Straits of Gibraltar on or about January 28.
  • On January 27 the Navy released that Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force had arrived in Kuwait accompanied by Amhibious Group 3, Naval Beach Group 1, Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Naval Coastal Warfare Group 1 homeported in San Diego, and Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 from Little Creek, Va.
  • On January 20 the Abraham Lincoln departed Western Australia officially ending her visit there. It is believed that the ship and her Battle Group have begun to redeploy to the Persian Gulf. A spokesman with the Lincoln Battle Group confirmed this. It is thought that by January 24 that the Lincoln and her Battle Group have arrived in the CENTCOM AOR.
  • The Carl Vinson Battle Group is off the coast of Hawaii conducting training exercises. It is not exactly clear whether or not this is part of an effort to relieve the Kitty Hawk from duties in the waters off Japan or if this is just a standard training period. The Honolulu Star-Bulleting specifically states that this is an early deployment but no confirmation from the Navy has as yet been announced.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group departed Japan on January 23 after returning to Yokosuka on January 22. It is not clear where the Kitty Hawk was headed though some news reports indicated that she is remaining in the region monitoring events on the Korean Peninsula.
  • The USNS Comfort passed through the Suez Canal on January 23, 2003.

Marine Corps

  • A story in the Washington Post dated January 28 indicates that elements of the 7th Marine Regiment are currently in Kuwait as is the 1st Tank Battalion.

Air Force

  • According to the Associated Press on January 30, 2003 50 airmen from the 49th Fighter Wing departed on January 29 headed for Southwest Asia. An additionaly 250 airmen will be departing Holloman AFB by February 7. As of January 31 no F-117s have deployed to the Middle East.
  • 200 Indiana Air National Guard members are being sent to Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. The guardsmen are part of the 181st Fighter Wing. They will deploy on January 30.
  • The Air Force has announced that the elements of the 124th Wing currently deployed in Kuwait will remain in the region than returning to Idaho as scheduled. The unit, believed to be the 189th Airlift Squadron has been deployed since December and was on a 60 day rotation. It is thought that the unit is at Al Jaber, Kuwait.

Coast Guard

  • For the first time since the Vietnam War the United States Coast Guard is deploying Patrol Boats overseas in support of a possible war with Iraq. Eight "Island Class" 110' Patrol Boats are being deployed, they include the USCGC Aquidneck, Wrangell, Adak, Bainbridge Island, Baranof, Grande Isle, Knight Island, and Pea Island. These cutters will be crewed by roughly 400 guardsmen (and women). The ships will be sent via sealift. It is not clear when the deployments will begin.
  • Additionally, elements of Port Security Unit 305 and Port Security Unit 309 will be deployed to the Persian Gulf. Harbor Defence Command Unit 206 will also be deployed. This deployment will involve roughly 200 reservists.

Coalition Forces

  • HMS Ark Royal and her task group is operating off of Cyprus.
  • The HMAS Kanimbla has deployed from Australia for the Persian Gulf on January 23. The Kanimbla will deploy with a Sea King helicopter, Army landing craft, an Army air defence detachment, and a specialist explosives ordnance disposal team.
  • Australia is also deploying a Special Forces Task Group which will include a Special Air Services squadron. It is not clear when this unit will deploy.
  • On January 27 HMS Splendid and an unidentified frigate will be transiting through the Suez Canal headed for the Persian Gulf.

27 January 2003

Sealift

  • The USNS Watkins is currently present in Antwerp uploading at least 6 AH-64D Longbow's, 10 CH-47s, and 14 UH-60s. Accounts indicate that at least 30 aircraft have been loaded or are in the process of being loaded. This would appear to be part of the deployment of 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry, and either 3-158th Aviation Regiment, or 5-158th Aviation (or both). It is possible, however, that some of these aircraft are attached to Aviation Brigades of 1st Infantry or 1st Armor Divisions. (Information found on Scramble Intelligence Service)
  • On January 21 2 Fast Sealift Ships, the USNS Regulus and USNS Denebola arrived at Wilmington, North Carolina to load U.S. Marine Corps cargo. Regulus and Denebola, both noncombatant Fast Sealift Ships, are nearly 950 feet long and can each carry about 150,000 square feet of rolling stock and containerized cargo. Shipboard ramps and cranes enable military equipment to be easily driven or hoisted onto the ship's multiple decks. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that amphibious assault vehicles and armored landing vehicles were loaded on to the ships. The Denebola departed on January 24 and the Regulus departed on January 26.
  • On January 17, 9 "Cape" Roll-on/Roll-off sealift ships were activated and ordered to be operational no later than Jan 22. These ships, the Cape Race and Cape Rise located in Portsmouth, VA, the Cape Decision and Cape Diamond located in Charleston, S.C., and the Cape Taylor (which is loading in Corpus Christi), Cape Texas (also loading in Corpus Christi), Cape Trinity, Cape Victory and Cape Vincent located in Beaumont and Houston, Texas would be loaded and underway with roughly a full divisions worth of heavy equipment no later than January 28. A transit from the United States to the Persian Gulf would take roughly 18-21 days allowing them to arrive in Kuwait on or around February 18. Assuming that it would take roughly 2-4 days to unload and transport the equipment from port to the Kabals, where it would marry up with troops, the US should have nearly all of the heavy equipment in place by February 22.
  • The Cape Douglas and Cape Domingo both in Charleston, the Cape Kennedy and Cape Knox both in New Orleans have also been put on 5 Day activation.
  • Other Ready Reserve vessels have been activated, including the USNS Pollux (in San Diego), USNS Antares (departed on January 24), USNS Curtiss (was in San Diego loading Marine Corps helicopters and other equipment has already left for the Gulf), USNS Wright (from Baltimore). This information came from the Seafarers International Union.

Army

  • The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division has received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia. Reports out of Fayetteville indicate that few if any troops from the 2nd Brigade have begun to deploy. On January 23, 2003 the Fayetteville Observer reported that the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, has been ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia
  • Units from the Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserve units based in that state have been identified as being ordered to deploy to Southwest Asia. The units include 704th Chemical Company and the 142nd Engineer Battalion.
  • The 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion deployed to Southwest Asia on January 23.

Navy

  • On January 21 reports from the Associated Press indicate that the Theodore Roosevelt will be sent to the Persian Gulf. The story cites Department of Defense officials, and says that Donald Rumsfeld has approved the order. These reports were later confirmed by the Navy.
  • The USS Arther W. Radford, the USS Barry and the USS Kauffman are returning to Norfolk on January 23. These ships deployed as part of the George Washington Battle Group late last Summer roughly 1-2 months after the rest of the Battle Group departed. This is a possible indication that the USS George Washington and her Battle Group may not be redeployed to fight in the war on Iraq, as the Navy would most likely keep the vessels at sea if a redeployment was likely.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group departed Japan on January 20 for exercises off of Iwo Jima. It is not clear if she would be sent to the Persian Gulf after concluding that exercise.
  • The USS Iwo Jima is believed to have received orders to deploy earlier then her scheduled February-March timeframe. Documentation from the Navy indicates that she is currently operating off the East Coast.
  • Both the Nimitz and Carl Vinson Battle Groups are off the coast of California completing their respective JTFEX. It is thought that these vessels will be ready to deploy to the Persian Gulf by late January, though there are some rumblings in the press that the Carl Vinson will transit to Sea of Japan so that the Kitty Hawk might be sent to the Gulf.

Marine Corps

  • Photo's from the Associated Press indicate that on or about January 21 that elements of Maritime Preposition Squadron 1 arrived in Kuwait and has been offloaded. The pictures clearly illustrate that Marine Corps M1A1s which are painted green, rather than desert colors, were being offloaded. MPS 1 is usually based in the Med for contingencies in Europe, which would require the equipment to be painted green.
  • On January 17 the 1st Radio Battalion began to deploy to Southwest Asia.

Air Force

  • 300 more airmen and an as yet unknown number of aircraft from the 22nd Fighter Squadron have deployed to Saudi Arabia. It is believed that when the whole squadron deploys that roughly 15 F-16s will have been sent to Southwest Asia. The exact location of the unit is not known, though there are reports that the unit is located in Kuwait.

Coalition Forces

  • On January 20 the UK Ministry of Defence announced that 26,000 soldiers were being mobilized and would deploy to Kuwait in the coming weeks. These units included the 1 (UK) Armoured Division, the 7 Armoured Brigade, the 16 Air Assault Brigade, 102 Logistics Brigade and various engineer units.

20 January 2003

Army

  • It is believed that most if not all of 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, has arrived in Kuwait.
  • Elements of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, continue to deploy to the region though media coverage of its deployment have not been as informative as reports regarding 3rd Brigade.
  • 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, has received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia.
  • The 167th Engineer Company was activated on Jan 13, 2003. The unit is an element of the Alabama National Guard. It specializes in Assault Ribbon Bridges, which will be needed for crossing bodies of water in Iraq. The date that the unit will deploy is not clear, nor has it been released where the unit is headed to.

Navy

  • The USS Saipan, Ponce, and Gunston Hall have been issued orders to depart for North Carolina to embark elements of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. The three ship task force left Norfolk or January 10. These ships departed North Carolina on Saturday after picking up the initial elements of 2nd MEB. It will take roughly 18-21 days for these vessels to reach the Persian Gulf.
  • The USS Iwo Jima is also believed to have received orders to deploy earlier then her scheduled February-March timeframe. Documentation from the Navy indicates that she is currently operating off the East Coast.
  • Four more amphibious ships have received orders to deploy. The include the USS Batann, Kearsarge, Ashland and Portland. These ships will depart for North Carolina and pick up the remainder fo the MEB.
  • A seven ship task force centered around the USS Boxer and Bonhomme Richard have also received orders to deploy and is departing on January 17. The ships will be carrying elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force. The USS Pearl Harbor is also in the task force.
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln remains in Australia conducting exercises off her coast.

Marine Corps

  • Various reports, but from local North Carolina sources, the Marine Corps Times and the Associated Press indicate that the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade from Camp Lejeune will be deployed on or about January 12. It is not exactly clear just how exactly the MEB will depart for the Persian Gulf. Standard procedure would be for the unit to fly Kuwait and link of with its equipment, but there are a number of indicators that the MEB will depart, via ship, from Norfolk on Sunday January 12.
  • A report from the Jacksonville Daily News, dated January 09, indicates that 400 members of an offload preperation party have departed for locations in the Mediterranean to begin preparing Maritime Preposition Squadron 1 to head for the Persian Gulf so that its equipment can be downloaded.

Air Force

  • News reports indicate that B-2 bomber have already deployed to Diego Garcia and that F-117s have also deployed. While it has been confirmed that these units have received alerts and are preparing to deploy, there has not been any indication that these uits have already departed.
  • Reports indicate that elements of the 27th Fighter Wing have received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia.

Coalition Forces

  • HMS Ark Royal and her task force departed the United Kingdom on January 11.

13 January 2003

Army

  • Command elements of 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, have already begun to deploy to Kuwait. According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on January 3, 2003, an undisclosed number of the headquarters staff and other advance elements departed on or about Jan. 2. On January 7 reports in the Associated Press, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicated that roughly 4,000 soldiers, the bulk of the 3rd Brigade, should be in Kuwait by January 16 (though the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer puts the date around January 10). Units are believed to include the 1-10th Field Artillery Regiment, elements of the 203rd Forward Support Battalion, the 1-30th Infantry Regiment. A reference to this deployment has been added to the Kabals listing.
  • elements of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, have also begun to depart fo Kuwait. It is as yet still unclear as to which units have departed but references in Georgia papers and the Associated Press indicate that their deployment has begun.
  • The 5-7th Air Defense Artillery Battalion has been identified as being located in Israel for a Patriot missile exercise, according to Stars and Stripes on January 4, 2003. Reportedly, the unit is participating in Juniper Cobra; an exercise that is similar to Shining Presence. It is unclear whether or not Juniper Cobra is a replacement for Shining Presence, but for the time being, both exercises will be listed as both have been reported to take place in seperate news articles.
  • Some 300 troops from the 2-1st Air Defense Artillery and the 2-43rd ADA have reportedly received orders to deploy from Fort Bliss, according to the Agence France Presse on January 3, 2003. These units are Patriot units and would deploy as a composite unit in addition to the 3-43rd ADA.
  • The 94th Engineer Battalion (Heavy), from V Corps, has received orders to deploy to Southwest Asia. This unit is part of the initial 800 troop deployment from V Corps. According to Stars and Stripes, on January 4, 2003, roughly 400 vehicles will be loaded onto trains and be shipped out. About three-quarters of the unit will ultimately be deployed. The battalion will be joined by two teams from the 317th Maintenance Company.

Navy

  • On January 10, 2003, a report in the Associated Press confirmed that the USS Saipan (LHA 2) would deploy in support of the war against terrorism far sooner than previously scheduled. Early indications are that this ship, along with the USS Ponce, would depart on or about January 12 and would either head to North Carolina to begin taking on elements of the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade or would receive the Marines in Norfolk.
  • Elements of the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group is due to arrive in Fremantle on January 6, 2003 for a port of call and for repairs. It is not clear how long she will remain in Australia.
  • The USS Tarawa, the rest of her Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deploying on January 6, 2003. While this deployment has been previously scheduled it is believed that she will transit directly to the Persian Gulf. The USCGC Boutwell, which is transiting with the Tarawa departed on January 3 from Alameda. It will take the group roughly 30 days to arrive in the North Arabian Sea.
  • The USNS Comfort is departing Baltimore for Diego Garcia on January 6, 2003. She is departing without the bulk of her medical staff which will fly into Diego Garcia when ordered.
  • VAQ 133, previously located at Incirlik supporting Northern Watch, returned to the United States recently. VAQ 134 is VAQ 133's replacement.
  • TSV-1X Spearhead and the USS Columbia were identified as having been at Diego Garcia as recently as December 27, 2002.

Marine Corps

  • Reports from Reuters and other sources on January 3, 2003, confirmed that units from the I Marine Expeditionary Force had received orders to deploy to Kuwait and that troops and equipment would begin to move "soon". An additional story indicates that some 1,000 Marines from I MEF are currently in Kuwait.
  • Various reports, but from local North Carolina sources, the Marine Corps Times and the Associated Press indicate that the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade from Camp Lejeune will be deployed on or about January 12. It is not exactly clear just how exactly the MEB will depart for the Persian Gulf. Standard procedure would be for the unit to fly to Kuwait and link up with its equipment, but there are a number of indicators that the MEB will depart, via ship, from Norfolk on Sunday January 12.
  • A report from the Jacksonville Daily News, dated January 09, indicates that 400 members of an offload preperation party have departed for locations in the Mediterranean to begin preparing Maritime Preposition Squadron 1 to head for the Persian Gulf so that its equipment can be downloaded.

Air Force

  • On January 8, 2003, at about 4 AM local time, elements of the 28th Bomb Wing began to depart Ellsworth Air Force Base for an unspecified location. A spokesperson from the 28th Bomb Wing stated that airmen from both the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons deployed, though she was unwilling to discuss which units the individual airframes were from. The 3 bombers deployed, though reports indicate that this is simply the first wave in a massive deployment. After a background briefing held at the Pentagon on January 09, it is believed that the B-1Bs are located at Thumrait in Oman.

Coast Guard

  • The Associated Press is reporting that Port Security Unit 313 from Tacoma, WA, has been activated and will be deployed to the Middle East to provide port security.

Coalition Forces

  • The United Kingdom: On January 7, the Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon announced that in addition to calling up in unspecified number of reservists that Naval Task Group 2003 would be sent to the Persian Gulf region and would include additional ships. The Task Group would include HMS Ark Royal, HMS Ocean, HMS Liverpool, HMS Edinburgh, HMS York, the frigate Marlborough, the Royal Auxiliary vessels Argus, Fort Victoria, Fort Rosalie, and Fort Austin; the the Landing Ships Logistic Sir Galahad, Sir Tristram and Sir Percivale; a Mine Countermeasures Group initially comprising HMS Grimsby and HMS Ledbury; and a submarine as originally planned for Naval Task Group 2003. The UK plans to deploy amphibious forces in Ark Royal, Ocean and associated shipping, including Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade, 40 Commando Royal Marines and 42 Commando Royal Marines with supporting elements. Elements of the Group will depart on January 11 and will conduct training in the Mediterranean with a view to proceeding to the Gulf region if and as required.

06 January 2003

An Associated Press story dated January 1, 2003, indicates that the 1st and 3rd Brigades from the 3rd Infantry Division have been ordered to the Middle East and will begin to transit to the region in the coming days.

Command elements of 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division ,have already begun to deploy to Kuwait. According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on January 3, 2003, an undisclosed number of the headquarters staff and other advance elements departed on or about Jan. 2. A reference to this deployment has been added to the Kabals listing.

The Abraham Lincoln Battle Group as of December 30, 2002 was operating south of Australia transiting back to the United States. According to reports from the Associated Press dated January 1, 2003 the Lincoln was ordered to remain deployed rather than returning to the United States. On January 2, 2003, based on Navy documents, the Abraham Lincoln was believed to be Northwest of Australia, indicating a redeployment to the Persian Gulf. However, on January 3, 2003 a story in the West Australian indicated that the Lincoln and elements of her Battle Gorup would be returning to Fremantle for maintenance and resupply.

The USS Tarawa, the rest of her Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deploying on January 6, 2003. While this deployment has been previously scheduled, it is believed that she will transit directly to the Persian Gulf. The USCGC Boutwell, which is transiting with the Tarawa departed on January 3 from Alameda. It will take her roughly 30 days to arrive in the North Arabian Sea.

Reports from Reuters and other sources on January 3, 2003 confirmed that units from the I Marine Expeditionary Force had received orders to deploy to Kuwait and that troops and equipment would begin to move "soon".

Elements of V Corps have received orders to deploy to Kuwait. According to Stars & Stripes in a story on January 2, 2003, the 94th Engineer Battalion, the 22nd Signal Brigade, the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, and the 3rd Corps Support Command will be departing for Kuwait in the coming weeks.

Additionally, a report in the Stars and Stripes dated January 2, 2003, indicates that elements of the 1st Infantry, 1st Armored, 1st Cavalry and 101st Airborne Divisions will be gathering in Germany in mid-January under exercise Victory Scrimmage, where they will flesh out the ground strategy against Iraq.

1,000 soldiers from the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade have deployed to Israel recently. This deployment is part of Operation Shining Presence a Joint Exercise involving United States and Israeli forces. This is not, however, a routine deployment as US forces are scheduled to remain in the area following the conclusion of the exercise.

300 soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 35th ADA Brigade will depart for Southwest Asia in the coming weeks according to a story by the Associated Press on January 3, 2003. Both units are Patriot units.

600 soldiers from V Corps returned to Germany sometime before Christmas. However, a listing for V Corps will remain on the Order of Battle as 100 troops from the unit remain in Kuwait.

The 20th Special Operations Squadron has been identified as being located in Djibouti in support of operations in the Horn of Africa. A story dated December 29, 2002, from the Marine Corps News indicated that a Pavelow unit from Hurlburt Field was operating from Djibouti. The only Pavelow unit at Hurlburt is the 20th SOS.

The 118th Fighter Squadron was identified as being located at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The unit arrived in late December but it is unclear as to whether this was a scheduled deployment or if this was a last minute arrangement.

The 22nd Fighter Squadron reportedly left for Kuwait on December 30, 2002 according to a story in the Stars and Stripes dated January 3, 2003. Some 300 airmen and an undisclosed number of aircaft departed for a CENTCOM location believed to be in Kuwait, most likely to Al Jaber. It is believed that the unit replaced the 510th Fighter Squadron which had been at Al Jaber since September.

The 391st Fighter Squadron previously listed at Al Jaber has been identified as having returned to the United States in September. The units return could not be verified through news reports or through the media but was rather confirmed by a tip from an anonymous caller, an illustration of the difficulty in tracking CENTCOM units.

Additionally, VMFA 212 also located at Al Jaber is most certainly not still deployed.

D Company of the 1-159 Aviation Regiment has according to a story by the Associated Press dated January 2, 2003 reportedly been activated and alerted to deploy with 22 of its 50 members. D Company flies the OH-58D Kiowa. The unit will not be deployed as a unit but will be seeded in other units. The elements of D Company will be deployed by late January.

The 6-6th Cavalry, an Apache squadron, is reportedly no longer in Kuwait. It is unclear when the unit returned, or whether it will redeploy, but V Corps spokesmen state that it is currently in Germany.

VAQ 133, previously located at Incirlik supporting Northern Watch, returned to the United States recently.

30 December 2002

The Orlando Sentinel reported on December 21, 2002 that 50 individuals of the 143rd Transportation Command were activated and given orders to deploy to Kuwait. The 143d TRANSCOM, Army Reserve, mobilizes and deploys to establish the theater level transportation systems. It establishes aerial and sea ports of debarkation and inland motor and rail operations. 143rd TRANSCOM is the EAC Transportation operator. All rail, coastal & inland waterway systems, and highway operations will be operated by subordinate units of this Command. As the unit is WARTRACED to both Major Theater Wars its deployment is a critical prerequisite for any war with Iraq. The story goes on to indicate that the rest of the 200-plus unit will deploy as war becomes more likely.

The Harry S Truman Battle Group made a port call at Marseille, France on December 23 and is expected to remain there until shortly after Dec 25.

The Abraham Lincoln Battle Group arrived in Fremantle, Australia on December 22, 2002. She is expected to remain in Fremantle until December 26. at which point she will continue to transit back to her home port of Everett.

The Associated Press reported on December 27, 2002 that the USNS Comfort had recieved orders to depart for Diego Garcia as early as December 30, 2002. One of the obvious prerequisites for a war with Iraq has been the the need to have a hospital ship nearby to receive casualties.

The George Washington and most of her Battle Group returned to Norfolk on December 20, 2002. This marked the end of her Med Deployment, but Navy officials have made it clear that she will remain on call for a short period of time so if needed, she could redeploy back to the Persian Gulf region. Relatedly, an Associated Press story dated December 27, 2002, also indicated that the USS George Washington had been given orders to be ready to deploy within 96 hours after a certain date that has not be disclosed.

The USNS Pilalaau (TAKR 304) was loading equipment in Beaumont, Texas on 19 December 2002, probably associated with the 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). The USNS Yano (TAKR 297) was loading 3rd Infantry Division equipment on or about December 20 at Charleston, SC. The Pililaau left Beaumont, Texas, on 23 December 2002 loaded with combat support equipment, including trucks and Humvees, that filled almost 200,000 square feet of cargo space. The Yano sailed from Charleston, SC, at noon on 24 December 2002, carrying a Black Hawk helicopter and three OH-58 combat helicopters in its holds. Though the fastest route to their destinations would take the ships through the Suez Canal, the Yano and the Pililaau were under orders to take a slower route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The voyage to the Gulf region was expected to take 21 to 25 days.

The 457th Fighter Squadron was identified as being located at Prince Sultan Air Base in support of Southern Watch. It is unclear when the unit arrived in the area as it does not appear to be part of AEF 7.

23 December 2002

A report from Knight Ridder dated December 20, 2002 indicates that the USNS Pilalaau (TAKR 304) was loading equipment in Beaumont, Texas on December 19, 2002. While it is not clear what the Pililaau was carrying, Beaumont is the port of embarkation for the 1st Cavalry Division and for the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). It is unclear whether or not these units have received an alert and are preparing to deploy, as they are primarily tasked for operations in Korea, though the 1st Cavalry is part of the secondary force package for CENTCOM.

Furthermore, the same Knight Ridder story reported that the USNS Yano (TAKR 297) would be loading equipment on or about December 20 at Charleston, S.C. The report speculates that the equipment being loaded belongs to the 3rd Infantry Division.

Additionally, the Washington Post reports in a story dated December 20, 2002 that the USNS Watson (TAKR 310) and the USNS Charlton (TAKR 314) both sailed into the Persian Gulf since December 10, 2002. Both of these units are part of the afloat prepositioning squadron located at Diego Garcia.

In light of this information, the Order of Battle has been edited to reflect that elements of the 2x2 Brigade Set and the 1x1 Brigade set at Diego Garcia have been relocated to Kuwait.

This would bring the total number of brigade sets located in Southwest Asia to at least 6 possibly as much as 7 or 8 due to recent shipments from the United States. This roughly enough equipment for 2-3 Divisions.

Florida news sources began reporting on December 18, 2002 that two units of the Florida Army National Guard were alerted to prepare for a possible mobilization and deployment. The units, the 2-124 Infantry and 3-124 Infantry Regiments. These units are aligned with the 24th Infantry Division and the XVIII Airborne Corps, units that are both Force Packaged for the CENTCOM AOR. While it is unclear if these units will particate in an upcoming war with Iraq, (or even activated) it is a possibility.

An Associated Press story dated December 17, 2002 quotes troops based in Djibouti at Camp Lemonier that are from the 101st Airborne Division. That unit has been identified as the 551st Military Police Company, and element of the 716th Military Police Battalion.

The Constellation Battle Group arrived in the AOR of the 5th Fleet on December 14, 2002. She and the units attached to the battle group have been added to the listing. Navy documents dated December 18, 2002, place the Constellation as being in the Persian Gulf.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and her Battle Group have departed the Persian Gulf and are currently in the Indian Ocean transiting back to the United States. Her listing on the Order of Battle is being removed.

The USS Harry S Truman and her battle group arrived in the Mediterranean recently and is believed to be operating in the central Med.

For up-to-date information on the current carrier situation visit our Where Are the Carriers? page.

On December 15, 2002 the BBC and other media sources in the United Kingdom reported that HMS Ark Royal, a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine will be departing for the Persian Gulf after the New Year. This deployment has been previously scheduled, though the task force was headed to the Far East. It is not clear whether or not her ultimate destination has changed, but reports indicate that her schedule has been moved up so that she would be available for a potential war in Iraq.

On December 18, 2002 reports surfaced from the British press, that UK Ministry of Defence began contracting roll-on, roll-off vessels to transport armour and equipment from the Isles and locations in Germany.

HMS Argyll was replaced by HMS Cardiff for the UK Armilla Patrol on November 1, 2002. Thanks to Andre Guthardt of Germany for pointing out the correction.

16 December 2002

A significant portion of the equipment afloat at Diego Garcia appears to still be at anchor. Ikonos Browse imagery taken in early and mid-November 2002 confirm that a portion of those ships have not departed for the Persian Gulf region to offload their equipment. Contrary to a recent Reuters article citing this organization as stating that all of the preposition ships are still at Diego Garcia, our estimation is that there is a significant number of ships present, but that without complete coverage of all of the anchorages, and with reports such as the one listed below it is not accurate to say that all of the Prepo is still present.

The New York Times reported, on December 8, 2002, that one of the brigade sets at Diego Garcia has begun to be moved to Kuwait to be unloaded. According to the story, the USNS Watkins had unloaded material in Kuwait in July and that the USNS Watson was currently enroute.

According to American Spaceframe Fabricators, the contractor that designed and constructed the B-2 Shelter System, and subsequently confirmed by satellite imagery acquired by ImageSat on November 26, 2002, two shelters have been constructed at Diego Garcia but two additional structures will not be completed until June 2003. Because of this development, an element of the 509th Bomb Wing has been added to the list of units present at Diego Garcia.

On December 9, 2002, the USS George Washington and her battle group was in the Atlantic cruising for home. It is scheduled to arrive in Norfolk on December 20, 2002. This is a major development as there has been speculation for some time that the George Washington may remain in the Med for an extended period of time. Press reports in recent days seem to indicate that the George Washington will not standdown following its arrival in Norfolk, but will be available for redeployment up to two weeks.

The USS Constellation and her battle group transited the Malacca Straits on or about December 7 following a departure from Singapore. She is currently in the Indian Ocean steaming for the Persian Gulf region which she could reach by December 14, 2002.

The Kitty Hawk Battle Group returned to its port at Yokosuka on December 13, 2002. This would remove her as a potential participant in a war against Iraq for at least 3 weeks.

The USS Mount Whitney transited the Suez Canal on December 8, 2002 and should be nearing Djibouti if it has not already arrived. The USS Mount Whitney was last reported to be at the port of Said in Egypt on December 7, 2002. Since she and 2nd MARDIV are in the CENTCOM AOR they have been added to the listing.

Relatedly, the 87th Corps Support BN has been identified as being located at Djibouti, assisting in the renovation of Camp Le Monier though the unit is believed to be leaving Djibouti soon and handing over command to 2nd Marine Division.

It is believed that the 335th Fighter Squadron is no longer at Prince Sultan Air Base and that its rotation has been completed for some time. However, the 44th Fighter Squadron has been identified as being deployed to Prince Sultan. Their rotation had ended recently.

The 19th Support Center, from Wiesbaden, Germany has been identified as being located in Kuwait. An article in the Agence France Press from December 11 indicates that the unit deployed some time ago and that elements of it will be returning to Germany in mid December. The unit is believed to be supporting the two Apache Squadrons that deployed to Kuwait from Germany.

The Kitty Hawk Battle Group returned to its port at Yokosuka on December 13, 2002. This would remove her as a potential participant in a war against Iraq for at least 3 weeks.

There have been some significant changes to the listings of Air Force units deployed to CENTCOM locations, as AEF 7 took over operational duties on December 1. As force size at these individual bases do not change often it is safe to assume that the same number and types of aircraft are still located at particular locations though it is not clear what units are there. Units from AEF 8 are at Incirlik and have been added to the list.

09 December 2002

A significant portion of the equipment afloat at Diego Garcia appears to still be at anchor. Ikonos Browse imagery taken in early and mid-November 2002 confirm that a major portion of those ships have not departed for the Persian Gulf region to offload their equipment.

According to American Spaceframe Fabricators, the contractor that designed and constructed the B-2 Shelter System, two shelters have been constructed and two additional structures will not be completed until June 2003.

The 175th Fighter Squadron deployed from Sioux Falls to Incirlik on December 3, 2002. The unit is replacing the 124th Fighter Squadron which returned to the United States on December 5. The deployment is to last roughly 30 days.

The 194th Fighter Squadron deployed on December 3, 2002. It's believed to be heading for Southwest Asia though it is not clear where it will be located.

The 23rd Bomb Squadron was identified as having been at Diego Garcia since late September 2002. It is not clear whether the 40th Bomb Squadron is still located at Diego Garcia.

Relatedly, for some time now the issue of whether or not B-1Bs are currently deployed has not been answered with any real satisfaction. However, nearly all the units that were previously thought to be deployed have been confirmed to have returned to the United States some time ago. The only exception would appear to be an element of the 28th Bomb Wing, either the 34th or 37th Bomb Squadron.

The USS Harry S Truman and her battle group departed for MED Deployment 03-1 on December 5, 2002. The Truman is accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 3, CG 56 San Jacinto, DDG 57 Mitscher, DDG 75 Donald Cook, DDG 79 Oscar Austin, DD 977 Briscoe, DD 989 Deyo, FFG 53 Hawes, SSN 720 Pittsburgh, SSN 765 Montpelier, T AO 196 Kanawha and T AE 34 Mount Baker.

Desert Spring appears to be nearly complete. The 4-64 Armored Regiment arrived in Kuwait on November 27, 2002. This was the last combat element of the 2nd Brigade. The 3rd Brigade is believed to be nearly finished with their rotation home, and is thus being removed from the list.

The USS Mount Whitney and elements of 2nd Marine Division are currently in the Mediterranean and are expected to transit the Suez shortly.

Finally, the 128th Bomb Squadron which has previously been listed as being at Thumrait, Oman has been deleted from the Order of Battle listing for this week and all prior editions. The unit and its parent unit, the 116th Bomb Wing, disbanded on October 1, 2002 and were merged into the 116th Air Control Wing, an E-8C Joint Stars unit. According to the Public Affairs Office of the 116th ACW, none of the B-1B assigned to the 116th Bomb Wing took part in Enduring Freedom. The Office also indicated that 128th BS pilots had also not flown in support of OEF. To complicate the issue, the DoD continues to list the 116th Bomb Wing as being a unit that was called up in support of Enduring Freedom or Noble Eagle. This appears to be an oversight on DoD's part. Thanks to Colin Robinson at the Center for Defense Information for pointing out the mistake.

02 December 2002

Roughly 120 airmen from the 729th Air Control Squadron deployed to Southwest Asia on Monday November 25, 2002. The unit flies E-8 JSTARS and the deployment is part of a normal rotation in support of Southern Watch.Where they will be based at is not clear, though Prince Sultan Air Base is the most likely location.

The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is no longer in the region and was reported to have been off the coast of East Timor conducting humanitarian operations. The movement has taken place in the last two to three weeks.

The USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group will make a port call at Hong Kong on November 29 through December 3. A story in the Atlantic County News adds to the speculation that the Hawk may not be returning to Yokosuka following its departure from Hong Kong, but will rather transit to the Persian Gulf region.

Djibouti has been added to the list of locations related to the military build-up for Iraq. For some time now news reports have indicated that Djibouti is a location in which US forces, specifically Marines, have been training for a possible war with Iraq. Furthermore, a late-November VOA news story reported that about 450 Army troops plus 50 civilian defense workers had been operating a forward staging base for soldiers and military equipment heading to Kuwait in support of Operation "Desert Spring". This task had previously been carried out in Kuwait, but Djibouti had replaced it as the site of choice. According to that same news story, an estimated two brigades worth of equipment and troops had moved through Djibouti, with half of it reportedly going on to Kuwait and the other half back to the United States.

25 November 2002

Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force are deploying to Southwest Asia on November 21, 2002. Based at Camp Pendleton, these Marines are part of I MEF's command element and number in the hundreds. This deployment was announced on Sept 11, 2002 and is part of the Internal Look exercise that will be taking place in Southwest Asia beginning later this month or in early December.

Elements of the 3-43rd Air Defense Artillery from Fort Bliss, Texas have deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Southern Watch. Relatedly, stories in the El Paso Times on November 19 and November 20 report that there have been strong indications that a significant number of troops located there either have recieved deployment orders or have been alerted to prepare for a deployment to Southwest Asia. The El Paso Times also reports that between 75 and 100 rail cars carrying support equipment left Fort Bliss recently for an undisclosed location in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Constellation Battle Group made a port of call in Hong Kong on November 22 and will remain in port through the 27th. While ports of call are a routine feature of deployments, the decision by the Navy to allow the Connie to divert to Hong Kong rather than head directly to the Persian Gulf is another indication that the US does not anticipate that an attack on Iraq would take place prior to mid-December, the estimated time of arrival for the Constellation and her Battle Group.

Relatedly, articles from both the South China Morning Post and the Associated Press dated November 19 and November 18, 2002, respectively, report that the USS Kitty Hawk and elements of her Battle Group will make a port call at Hong Kong on November 29 through December 3. An additional story printed on November 22, in the Associated Press reports that the USS Rainier which is currently attached to the Connie Battle Group will remain in port awaiting the arrival of the Kitty Hawk and will depart with her on December 3. This is a very strong indication that the Kitty Hawk may be departing for the Persian Gulf.

If true, this would bring the total number of aircraft carriers available for a late December/early January attack on Iraq to five, provided that the George Washington does not return to Norfolk on December 20.

For up-to-date information on US Carrier Battle Groups including their known positions check GlobalSecurity's "Where are the Carriers?" page.

18 November 2002

Desert Spring is in full swing and the brigade rotation is nearly completed, according to a story dated November 15 in Savannah Now, one of Fort Stewarts local news sources. The remaining units, including an infantry battalion which is due to be replaced in the coming weeks, may stay if tensions between the US and Iraq increase.

The status of the USS Nimitz has been an issue of great confusion in recent weeks as there appears to have been little progress made in its training cycle since September. In late October, the Carl Vinson Battle Group began its COMPTUEX, significantly ahead of schedule, and before the Nimitz who was supposed to be further along than the Vinson. An article in the Daily Press on November 17, 2002 reports that the Nimitz is experiencing significant technical problems and that a deployment prior to Spring 2003 would be unlikely. The report cites delays in completion of its reactor overhaul in 2001, and various technical difficulties associated with its ICAN system. The report does however assert that if ordered to, the Nimitz could be made available for an early deployment to the Persian Gulf.

VAQ-133 has been identified as being located at Incirlik, Turkey since August in addition to VAQ-209. Both units are expected to return soon.

VMAQ-4, an EA-6B unit that was located in Saudi Arabia returned to the US on November 10, 2002. It is believed that VMAQ-1 has been deployed to Prince Sultan as part of the normal rotation of VMAQs.

Finally, the Associated Press reported on November 13, 2002, that elements of the 27th Fighter Wing from Cannon Air Force Base would be deploying to Southwest Asia shortly after Thanksgiving. The article also stated that security and civil engineers from Holloman's 49th Fighter Wing would also be deploying beginning Nov 15, 2002.

11 November 2002

On November 10, UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon comfirmed that roughly 15-20,000 troops from the 7th Armoured Brigade and elements of the 4th Armoured Brigade would begin deploying to Southwest Asia by the end of November. The units would add roughly 100 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks and 100 Warrior Troop Carriers to the growing mass of equipment either already present or in route to the area.

Relatedly, HMS Ark Royal returned to Portsmouth from a major series of successful exercises in the Mediterranean on Friday, November 1. Ark Royal will now undergo a maintenance period in Portsmouth that will allow her to deploy in early 2003. This previously scheduled deployment is due to take the Ark Royal to the Far East.

The Tern, a Norwegian flagged cargo vessel, reportedly departed Hampton Roads on November 8 headed for Southwest Asia carrying engineering equipment that will help with the offloading of additional combat equipment slated to head for the region in the near future.

USNS Bob Hope, a roll-on/roll-off sealift vessel carrying war materials to Southwest Asia transited the Suez Canal on November 6, 2002. It is believed that this vessel is carrying POL and other supply materials and is not carrying additional tanks or combat equipment. The USNS Fisher should be transiting in the next few days.

The Carl Vinson Battle Group is to begin its Composite Training Unit Exercise on November 6, 2002. This is a significant and startling development as the Vinson has to this point been behind the Nimitz as far as scheduled deployments are concerned. The pushing up of the schedule for the Vinson could be due to a variety of factors such as 3rd Fleet deciding to speed up the cycles for all carriers to make more ships available for Iraq or it could be due to problems that have developed with the Nimitz. Whatever the reasons the Carl Vinson could deploy as soon as January 2003.

The 124th Fighter Squadron has rotated into Incirlik in support of Operation Northern Watch, replacing the 125th Fighter Squadron which returned to the United States on November 3, 2002. The 124th is scheduled to return in 30 days.

The command ship, USS Mount Whitney may be departing for the region to support Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. It is believed that the 400 person command element of the 2nd Marine Division will operate on this vessel until command and control facilities are built in Djibouti. This construction is believed to take roughly 60-90 days. However, the deployment of a command ship to the CENTCOM region is significant as Naval Forces Central Command does not have its own command ship and the deployment of one would be required if a significant campaign against Iraq was anticipated. The Mount Whitney is to deploy on November 12, 2002, she should arrive in the region by the end of November.

The USS Constellation and her Battle Group deployed on Saturday, November 2, for a Western Pacific deployment. The Constellation is deploying with Carrier Air Wing 2, CG 50 Valley Forge, CG 52 Bunker Hill, DDG 69 Milius, DDG 76 Higgins, DD 965 Kinkaid, FFG 43 Thach, SSN 771 Columbia, and AOE-7 Rainer. Her time of arrival in the North Arabian Sea depends on whether or not she heads directly for the region or if she makes ports of call along the way. If she heads directly to the Persian Gulf, she should arrive around 1 December, if she makes ports of call that date would be pushed back roughly two weeks to mid-December. A fire in the Constellation's engine room on or about November 9 has been determined to not require a stop at Pearl Harbor. It is still unclear as to whether or not the Connie will make a port of call at Singapore.

UK minesweepers and an auxiliary vessel have transited the Suez on or about November 5 and are now in the region.

04 November 2002

On October 30, Colonel Doug Raaberg, the commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, a B-2 Spirit wing, announced that the wing would be forward deployed to Diego Garcia. The announcement came as the unit is conducting training exercises at Fairford in England to prepare for the B-2's first ever basing at a non-CONUS location. This announcement comes more then a month after the United States asked the United Kingdom for permission to build special shelters that would house the aircraft. Raaberg acknowledged that 5 shelters were under construction. It takes roughly 30 days to build these shelters and though the government is not discussing how the construction is progressing, if the United States recieved UK approval for the plan shortly after the request became public, on Sept 16, it is possible that one or more of the shelters has been completed and the construction of all 4 may be finished by mid-November.

Additionally, a report from CNN on October 29, later confirmed by the Department of Defense, indicates that the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, NC, has been ordered to an undisclosed facility in Djibouti. While it is unclear exactly how many Marines from 2 MARDIV will be deploying, a Marine Division is comprised of some 16,000 Marines. When the unit will deploy is also unclear.

Relatedly, General Tommy Franks, commander of the U-S military's Central Command, disclosed during a briefing on October 29, that one of the Navy's Command Ships may be headed to the region shortly to provide an afloat command-and-control capability. The Navy has declined to announce which ship may be moved to the region.

The USS Constellation and her Battle Group are scheduled to deploy on Saturday, November 2, for a Western Pacific deployment. The Constellation is deploying with Carrier Air Wing 2, CG 50 Valley Forge, CG 52 Bunker Hill, DDG 69 Milius, DDG 76 Higgins, DD 965 Kinkaid, FFG 43 Thach, SSN 771 Columbia, and AOE-7 Rainer. Her time of arrival in the North Arabian Sea depends on whether or not she heads directly for the region or if she makes ports of call along the way. If she heads directly to the Persian Gulf, she should arrive around 1 December, if she makes ports of call that date would be pushed back roughly two weeks to mid-December.

Finally, the USS Kitty Hawk and elements of its Carrier Battle Group departed Yokosuka on October 25. While the Navy has reported that the Kitty Hawk's deployment is a regularly scheduled underway period, the Navy has not been forthcoming about where the Kitty Hawk is headed or what exercises she will be taking part in. As of October 29, 2002 the Kitty Hawk was off Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean.

28 October 2002

The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group including the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit transited the Suez on or before October 28 and is currently under the operational control of CENTCOM. The units 2,200 Marines and 1,700 sailors are reported to be heading for Kuwait for exercises.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph, dated October 27, 2002, indicates that up to 20,000 troops of a British armoured division will arrive in Kuwait sometime in November. The purpose of the deployment was not disclosed though it could be part of a larger exercise that is taking place in Kuwait between the US and Kuwaiti forces.

In a story in the October 23, 2002 edition of Stars and Stripes, it was reported that the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, an element ov V Corps 1st Infantry Division, has had its previous orders to deploy to Kosovo cancelled. This deployment to Kosovo was part of a routine brigade rotation and the absence of the 1-4th Cavalry is highly unusual. While it is not clear that the unit or its M1 Abrams, M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M113s or OH-58D(I) are being tapped to go to Kuwait, the possibility should be taken into account.

A report in the The Virginian-Pilot, dated October 24, 2002, indicates that two Military Sealift Command roll-on/roll-off ships had been activated and sent to pick up POL and non-heavy equipment. The ships were activated around mid-October and if they have already retrieved their cargo and departed for Southwest Asia could arrive there by mid-November.

Relatedly, an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune (October 24, 2002) states that the Bellatrix, another Military Sealift Command vessel, is in San Diego loading trucks, construction equipment, Humvees, and bridging gear all of which are set to be sent to the Middle East shortly. This is a significant development as bridging equipment will play a vital role in an invasion of Iraq.

The 186th Fighter Squadron was identified as being the unit that flies F-16 C/D's at Prince Sultan Air Base. This unit is part of the Montana Air National Guard. It appears as if this unit has been rotating pilots in and out of Prince Sultan for some time. 80 members of the unit rotated back to the US on or around October 25 after a forty-five day deployment and some 40+ members of the unit rotated out to PSAB on around October 5. Prior editions of the Iraq Orbat have been edited to reflect this development.

The Arkansas Air National Guard's 184th Fighter Squadron deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base on October 24, 2002. 6 of the 16 F-16s assigned to the 184th's parent unit the 188th Fighter Wing are deploying with roughly 100 airmen.

VP-1, a P-3 Squadron, was identified as being located in Bahrain.

The USS Constellation and her Battle Group are scheduled to deploy on Saturday, November 2, for a Western Pacific deployment. The Constellation is deploying with Carrier Air Wing 2, CG 50 Valley Forge, CG 52 Bunker Hill, DDG 69 Milius, DDG 76 Higgins, DD 965 Kinkaid, FFG 43 Thach, SSN 771 Columbia, and AOE-7 Rainer. Her time of arrival in the North Arabian Sea depends on whether or not she heads directly for the region or if she makes ports of call along the way. If she heads directly to the Persian Gulf, she should arrive around 1 December, if she makes ports of call that date would be pushed back roughly two weeks to mid-December.

The USS Harry S Truman and its Battle Group begin its JTFEX on October 28 and is scheduled to complete the exercise on November 6. The exercise is taking place a couple of days sooner than what had been previously planned and is ending much sooner than what would otherwise be expected. This could be an indication that the Truman is deploying sooner than originally planned. The Truman Battle Group is comprised of Carrier Air Wing 3, CG 56 San Jacinto, DDG 57 Mitscher, DDG 75 Donald Cook, DDG 79 Oscar Austin, DD 977 Briscoe, DD 989 Deyo, FFG 53 Hawes, SSN 720 Pittsburg, T AO 196 Kanawha and T AE 34 Mount Baker.

Finally, the USS Kitty Hawk and elements of its Carrier Battle Group departed Yokosuka on October 25. While the Navy has reported that the Kitty Hawk's deployment is a regularly scheduled underway period, the Navy has not been forthcoming about where the Kitty Hawk is headed or what exercises she will be taking part in.

21 October 2002

A report in the October 16, 2002 European Stars & Stripes reported that elements of V Corps had already deployed to Kuwait, ahead of the command element that is not due to arrive in the region for a couple of weeks. The units deployed consist of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry (which has reportedly been in the region for some time), the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry (which arrived in Kuwait on 15 October), and Echo Company, 51st Infantry Regiment.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, dated October 19, indicates that the Headquarters elements of I MEF arrived in Kuwait on around the October 12.

This report also indicated that four Royal Navy minehunters are deploying to the Gulf to augment US assets already in the region. The UK vessels are HMS Bangor, HMS Blythe, HMS Sandown and HMS Brockleby. HMS Sir Bedivere will deploy with them as well.

The status of Desert Spring is still not entirely clear. While elements of the 3rd Brigade have been identified as being in Pakistan for "Inspired Gambit", the exact progression of the rotation has recieved little attention.

The International Institute of Strategic Studies annual Military Balance 2002-2003 released on October 17, reports that Incirlik Air Base will be closed to all civilian traffic beginning November 4.

Additionally, 7th Squadron, 6th Cavalry and the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion were identified as being located in Kuwait.

The 24th MEU and the Nassau ARG are scheduled to depart the Mediterranean for the CENTCOM AOR in late October.

Finally, a report in the Daily Telegraph, dated October 17, indicated that an advance party from 1 UK Armoured Division has been deployed to Kuwait to join the V Corps.

14 October 2002

An article in the October 12, 2002 Washington Post reported that the Pentagon had ordered the V Corps and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to deploy forward headquarters staffs to Kuwait in preperation of a military campaign against Iraq. Though the movement will consist of only a few hundred personnel it is unclear as to when the deployment is to take place or how long the transition to Southwest Asia might take. Until these details become clear neither of these units will be listed on the current Order of Battle.

Reports indicate that Desert Spring is progressing. According to a report from the Associated Press, dated October 15, 2002, indicates that 1-15th Infantry Regiment, an element of the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade, is participating in exercises in Pakistan through the beginning of November. Roughly 115 soldiers arrived in Pakistan on October 14. An article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 15 confirmed the report, and added that additional soldiers from 3rd Brigade should arrive in Pakistan in the coming days.

The Constellation Battle Group is scheduled to depart San Diego on October 17, 2002 where it will complete its final pre-deployment exercise, JTFEX, on or around Oct. 30. The Constellation will deploy for WESTPAC on Nov 2 following a very brief return to San Diego. This could put the Constellation into the CENTCOM AOR roughly a month later. For additional information regarding carrier deployments or locations visit our "Where are the Carriers?" page.

Finally, two additional Air Force units were identified as being present at Incirlik though their deployment dates were around the beginning of September 2002. These units are the 27th Fighter Squadron and the 900th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron.

07 October 2002

In early October the 167th Airlift Squadron returned to the United States. There have not been any additional developments concerning Desert Spring.

30 September 2002

On Sept 29, 2002 the 125th Fighter Squadron from Tulsa, OK deployed to Incirlik in support of Operation Northern Watch. The 125th is replacing the 112th Fighter Squadron which is expected to return to the US shortly. Additionally, a Sept 25, report in the Washington Post indicated that US fighters were operating out of Seeb International Airport, Oman. There have not been any additional developments concerning Desert Spring.

23 September 2002

The Desert Spring brigade rotation is reported to have begun. A report in the Hinnesville Coastal Courier, the local paper for Fort Stewart, dated Sept 23, 2002 indicates that around Sept 18, 2002 troops from the 2 Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division had departed for Kuwait. Furthermore, elements of the 3rd Brigade were reported to be on their way back from Kuwait, as reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution dated Sept. 24, 2002.

The George Washington Battle Group departed the CENTCOM AOR shortly after September 11, 2002 and transited the Suez for the Med. By September 23, the George Washington was operating off the coast of Morocco in the Eastern Atlantic, taking part in an exercise.



NEWSLETTER
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list



 
Page last modified: 05-07-2011 02:35:42 Zulu