Army announces summer troop moves to Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan
A U.S. Army paratrooper from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, bounds to an alternate fighting position during an exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria in June 2019. Soldiers of the 2nd BCT will be heading to Iraq this summer as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the campaign against ISIS.
ANTHONY JOHNSON/U.S. ARMY
By JOHN VANDIVER | STARS AND STRIPES Published: April 24, 2020
STUTTGART, Germany — The Army is moving forward with plans for summer troop rotations to Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan even as the military grapples with the disruptive effects of the global coronavirus pandemic, the service announced Thursday.
The announcement came days after the Pentagon issued the latest version of a sweeping stop-movement order, aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus among troops. The latest order, which is scheduled to last through June 30, allows senior service officials to grant exemptions for service members whose new assignments are deemed essential to the Defense Department’s overall mission.
Headed to Iraq are the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the ongoing campaign against the Islamic State group.
“Our paratroopers are honored to answer our nation’s call to deploy and work alongside the international coalition in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Col. Jason Curl, commander of the 2nd BCT, in a statement.
The 4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade out of Fort Carson in Colorado will head to Afghanistan to replace the 3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade.
