Local soldiers prepared for Iraq mission
<p>Idaho National Guard soldiers train for their upcoming mission to Iraq.</p>
POST FALLS - Local Idaho National Guard soldiers are preparing for a different Iraq and mission than they did in 2005.
About 170 soldiers attached to the Post Falls armory will be among 2,700 soldiers from Idaho, Montana and Oregon comprising the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team that will deploy Sept. 21.
"We'll go to a self-sufficient Iraq, transporting equipment and people from one place to another," Lt. Col. Darren Blagburn told the Post Falls City Council. "Our responsibility is to ensure there's food, fuel, water and ammunition to fight the war."
In addition to convoy support, the unit will provide security for special visitors and forward operating bases.
In 2005, the mission was security during the development of infrastructure "as well as kicking in doors and getting bad guys," Blagburn said. "The mission is definitely different than last time."
Soldiers will depart Idaho from three locations in September to Camp Shelby, Miss., for about two months of mission-specific training.
In mid-November, soldiers will be transported to Kuwait, where they will prepare to enter Iraq later that month. They are expected to be in Iraq more than nine months.
"This (mobilization) wasn't a surprise," Blagburn said. "We've been training for this since the day we got back the last time."
Soldiers at the Post Falls armory used to be trained as an engineer battalion, but reorganized in 2006 to more of a transportation focus.
Blagburn said his brigade finished in the top five of 38 in the nation in training exercises.
"I can't say how proud I am of my soldiers," he said.
The Department of Defense in April announced that the 116th would be mobilized and be a part of about 50,000 troops in Iraq performing Operation New Dawn that starts Sept. 1. On that date, all combat-related missions now performed by coalition forces in Iraq will be undertaken by the Iraqi military.
Of the 116th's 2,700 soldiers, about 1,500 are from Idaho.
A family picnic sendoff for the local soldiers will be held on Sept. 18 at the Post Falls American Legion, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. To volunteer, call 773-9054.