Idaho Guard preps for war zone deployment - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Idaho Guard preps for war zone deployment

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho’s top Army National Guard official says its heavy combat brigade faces a good chance of being dispatched to Afghanistan or Iraq next year.

Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, Idaho’s adjutant general, said Tuesday the 116th Heavy Combat Brigade has been given additional personnel and funding to train as if it will be deployed overseas next year.

Lt. Col. Tim Marsano says on-paper exercises and other planning is under way even though there has been no official notification of deployment.

The brigade consists of about 4,000 soldiers from 27 communities in Idaho as well as parts of Montana and Oregon. The unit uses heavy machinery, tanks and fighting vehicles, transpiration trucks and medical equipment.

In 2004, the 116th deployed approximately 4,300 soldiers to Iraq, including 2,000 from Idaho.