Army announces Iraq deployment for 1,700 soldiers

About 1,700 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division will deploy this winter to Iraq, the Army announced Thursday.

The soldiers from the division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They will replace soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in training, advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces.

Solders from the 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Division, of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, have been in Iraq since the spring.

“The 2nd Brigade Combat Team is highly trained, disciplined and fit,” said Col. James “Pat” Work, commander of 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, in a statement. “Readiness is our top priority. Our paratroopers are prepared for this deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Our team looks forward to this important mission and our opportunity to assist our Iraqi partners.”