WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Pentagon announced Friday the next major U.S. units deploying to Iraq, totaling 57,000 soldiers.
The troops are meant to replace units deployed to Iraq rather than to add to their numbers. However, if the Pentagon decides to increase the U.S. troops presence, the units can have their deployments accelerated, and units in Iraq can have their redeployments delayed. The units will begin deploying in early 2007, according to the Pentagon.
Gen. John Abizaid, the commander of U.S. Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee this week he is considering all possibilities for U.S. troop levels, including adding troops and withdrawing them completely. He said, however, he believes the current troop level of about 135,000 is about right for now.
The 3rd Infantry Division headquarters element will deploy out of Fort Stewart, Ga., according to the Defense Department. Five brigade combat teams will also deploy, including the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division out Fort Riley, Kan., the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.
Another 27,000 active duty and 10,000 reserve component troops in combat support and combat service support units smaller than brigade size will also be deployed beginning in 2007.
