Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Stewart, Georgia, will deploy to Afghanistan in November for a one-year tour, officials announced Tuesday, Oct. 28. The purpose of their deployment is to take on their role as U.S. Forces Afghanistan National Security Element.
Although NATO's International Security Assistance Force Mission will end on Dec. 31, 10,000 U.S. troops – including this new deployment – will stay in Afghanistan to implement the Resolute Support mission, reported Military Times. As Afghani authorities increase their capabilities over the next year, U.S. forces will transition power to them and reduce their presence in the country significantly.
"The Resolute Support mission will focus on training, advising and assisting at higher echelons. We look forward to joining the team in Afghanistan and doing our part to ensure the [Afghan National Security Forces] are left a more capable force, and to solidify the incredible gains of those who have served and sacrificed before us," Maj. Gen. Mike Murray, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said in a statement.
Military Times noted that this mission will also have a liaison in Kuwait and a supportive element in Qatar.