The Army has extended the 82nd Airborne Division’s Middle East deployment to a full year, keeping roughly 2,000 paratroopers, air defense crews, and combat aviators in the region.
The Original Deployment
The Defense Department mobilized the division’s quick-reaction brigade to US Central Command in March amid a surge of forces into the region, in what was initially expected to be a shorter rotation.
How Families Were Told
Division commander Maj. Gen. Brandon R. Tegtmeier announced the extension in a letter to families, citing “operational requirements” and thanking families for their “quiet strength” during a deployment that has “presented many unknowns.”
Who’s Affected
The division’s headquarters, artillery units, sustainment brigade, and air defense troops will remain in the region for a full year, while paratroopers and the division’s combat aviation brigade have had their tours extended for up to a year as well.
