Nearly 600 Bliss soldiers deploying to Middle East

Nearly 600 soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss will deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan over the next few months.

The Army is deploying the 1st Armored Division’s Sustainment Brigade, stationed at Fort Bliss, to Afghanistan this spring. Officials said the “Muleskinner” Brigade will deploy 200 soldiers as part of a “regular rotation of forces to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan.”

The primary mission will be to provide sustainment and logistical support to other units in the region.

“Our Soldiers are well-trained and ready to conduct sustainment operations in support of this important mission,” said Col. Michael Lalor, commander, 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade, in a news release.

“We’ve built professional and resilient soldiers through a rigorous training schedule and resilient families within the Muleskinner brigade,” Col. Lalor added, “We are ready to answer the nation’s call in Afghanistan or wherever else we are needed around the world.”

The Army also announced approximately 400 soldiers from the 1st Armored Division Headquarters, also stationed in Fort Bliss, will be deployed to Iraq in the Summer. The soldiers will be responsible for the training of coalition troops. It will also be advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces, officials said.

“America’s Tank Division is highly trained and ready for this important mission,” said Maj. Gen. Pat White, commanding general of 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. “We are proud to work alongside our Iraqi allies and coalition partners to continue the fight against ISIS. I’m also extremely impressed by the commitment and sacrifice of our military families. It is their stalwart support and resilience that gives us the strength to serve.”