Idaho Army National Guard deployed to Southwest Asia
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The following is a news release from the Idaho National Guard on Tuesday.
Approximately two dozen Idaho Army National Guard soldiers deployed last week to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The soldiers, joined by a small group of Oregon Army National Guard soldiers, are primarily tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanics who volunteered to deploy for approximately one year.
“Our soldiers are trained and ready to do exactly what they’re being asked to do,” said Col. Jason Gracida, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team commander. “This deployment is an opportunity for them to put their technical expertise to work in support of our nation’s mission while building on the experience of the Idaho soldiers who have supported this mission before them.”
The soldiers will support the North Carolina Army National Guard’s 30th, while providing maintenance and sustainment support to U.S. forces operating in the region.
Operation Spartan Shield is a U.S. Central Command mission focused on strengthening regional partnerships and maintaining U.S. military readiness and presence in the Middle East.
Nearly 300 Idaho Army National Guard soldiers completed a yearlong rotation in support of the same mission in 2022, with more than 100 Idaho soldiers supporting the mission in 2021.
The soldiers join Idaho Air National Guard members currently deployed to the Middle East in support of U.S. military operations.