FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) — Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in the coming days, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke with ABC News.
The division is based at Fort Bragg and works closely with nearby Pope Army Airfield, where aircraft would likely stage before leaving for the upcoming mission.
The source later told ABC News that “less than 1,500” troops from the 82nd Airborne are set to deploy to the Middle East.
The source told ABC News the deployment will include ground forces as well as a headquarters element. Final orders are currently being developed, and troops are expected to leave “soon” once those orders are issued.
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A brigade — about 3,000 soldiers — of the 82nd is constantly on standby as the Immediate Response Force, tasked to be able to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
The 82nd specializes in seizing contested terrain, often by parachute assault. As a light infantry division, these forces deploy without tanks or large armored vehicles, and even though they are paratroopers, they may or may not deploy by jumping from aircraft.
– ABC11’s Jamiese Price contributed.
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