82nd Airborne boost security before Afghan elections

[SR-25]

By Spc. Daniel P. Kelly

September 23, 2004

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Sept. 23, 2004) -- With Afghan democratic elections scheduled for Oct. 9, military leaders have sent additional troops to boost security and stability in the country.

More than 1,000 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, began arriving in Afghanistan Sept. 22 to bolster the already 17,000-strong Coalition Force.

According to U.S. Central Command officials, the 1st Bn., 505th PIR was deployed to meet a request for increased forces capability and requirements identified by the combatant commander.

This deployment is separate from the overall Operation Enduring Freedom Force Rotation. For example, Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, are six months into their one-year force rotation, while the 82nd Airborne Division’s rotation is specifically designed to increase security for upcoming Afghan elections, and its redeployment is unspecified.

“They’re here to reinforce success,” said Maj. Joe Gleichenhaus, planner for Combined Joint Task Force 76. “Commanders continually evaluate the operational situation and will submit requests for forces to support ongoing operations here in Afghanistan.”

While CENTCOM will not discuss specific deployment dates or durations, they could say forces deployed in support of stability and security operations will remain in Afghanistan until released by the operational commander.

The additional requests for forces from the 82nd Airborne Division were reviewed at the highest level and validated to avoid any unnecessary deployment, according to officials.