FORT RILEY, KS — The Department of the Army announced today the winter
2018-2019 rotation to Europe and Afghanistan of three 1st Infantry Division
units stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.
“After spending the last several months conducting an intensive and comprehensive training cycle that included a National Training Center rotation, the Devil Brigade is looking forward to deploying to Europe in support of the Atlantic Resolve mission,” said Col. Charles Armstrong, commander, 1st Bridge Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
The 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), will replace 4th Infantry Division CAB, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, as part of a regular rotation of forces to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st CAB, will deploy as a part of a regular rotation of forces to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
“The 1st CAB is excited to deploy to Europe to support our allies and regional partners. The CAB has been busy building readiness at Fort Riley, Kansas, and we stand ready to take on any mission that is required. We are thankful for the support of our families and know the people of the Flint Hills will be there for our loved ones until we return. Duty First! Above The First!,” said Col. Ronald C. Black, commander, 1st Infantry Division
Combat Aviation Brigade.
The 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, will replace the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a part of a regular rotation of forces to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
“The 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade is ready and trained to support Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan,” said Col. Jay McGuire, brigade commander. “The brigade dates back to World War I with support to
campaigns as early as 1917. Having also seen action in World War II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and a presence in the Department of the Army announces upcoming 1st Infantry Division units’ rotation Middle East for the last 8 years, we are ready to support our nation wherever it may need us.”
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Senator Jerry Moran confirmed they included the approximate 3,500 member 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division which will deploy to Europe, the 1st ID 1st Combat Aviation Brigade of about 2,200 soldiers will deploy to Europe and the 1st ID Sustainment Brigade will deploy to Afghanistan all as part of the winter 2018-19 rotation.
Moran stated they are significant deployments from Fort Riley. “it highlights the value of Fort Riley to the Army. It highlights the importance of the Soldiers that are there and train there to defend our country to complete missions around the globe.”
Moran noted it’s a sad time for families and their Soldiers as the deployments occur. “It means once again the Fort Riley communities will have to rally around those families while the deployments occur. It also means that people who live in our community aren’t going to be here for nine months.” The Senator said the absence of those Soldiers mean fewer people in town and it means that we’re all going to have to pull together to make sure good things continue to happen in the Fort Riley region.”
The deployments will be for a nine month period. The precise dates have not yet been released.