DoD: 82nd CAB heading to Afghanistan

[unhappycamper]

The deployment of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Bragg, N.C., signals the start of a buildup of combat forces in Afghanistan where a greater number of support enablers, such as aviation assets, will be needed.


DoD: 82nd CAB heading to Afghanistan
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 22, 2008 21:48:16 EST

The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade has received orders to deploy to Afghanistan in the spring, just slightly more than 12 months after its 2,800 soldiers redeployed from their last rotation in Afghanistan.

The decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates was made on the recommendation of ground commanders, according to a Pentagon news release and was announced Monday.

The deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division unit based at Fort Bragg, N.C., signals the start of a buildup of combat forces in Afghanistan where a greater number of support enablers, such as aviation assets, will be needed.

Gates has said he will make up to three more brigade combat teams available.

Gen. David McKiernan, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces, has asked for 20,000 more troops to combat the escalating violence in eastern and southern Afghanistan and comments over the weekend by Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff indicate that an even higher number could be sent by summer.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_combataviation_122208w/%2e