The XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters will deploy about 450 soldiers to Kuwait and the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division will deploy about 400 soldiers to South Korea, according to recent press release.
In late summer, the XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters will replace III Corps as the headquarters of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, the global coalition to defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, according to the release.
Meanwhile, the 1-17th Cavalry, the final Kiowa Warrior Squadron remaining in the Army, will conduct a rotational deployment to provide aviation support to the U.S. mission in South Korea, the release states.
"The XVIII Airborne Corps has a long and proud history of constant readiness to answer the calls of our Nation," Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, XVIII Airborne Corps.
"Our soldiers and units are skilled, tough and stand ready around the clock to defend America. They are ready for both of these important missions to deter North Korean aggression and to degrade and ultimately defeat [ISIS] which will improve security in those regions and make the American people safer."
The 1-17th will replace elements of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Drum, New York.
"The Squadron is an exceptionally well-led and highly trained unit with very talented and adaptable troopers which represent both the last and also the very best of the U.S. Army Kiowa Warrior Squadrons," Col. Erik Gilbert, commander, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade said.
"I know they are ready for any contingency and am confident they will be a superb addition to U.S. Forces assigned to the defense of South Korea, particularly at this time of heightened tensions."
-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com
