Reflagging puts a confusing twist on deployment schedule

[unhappycamper]

Reflagging puts a confusing twist on deployment schedule
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes online edition, Tuesday, October 9, 2007

ARLINGTON, Va. — Following the latest deployment to Iraq is like playing a game of musical chairs.

The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas, is heading to Iraq next summer, according to the Defense Department.

Before they go, they will be reflagged as the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Defense officials said.

Here is where it starts getting confusing.

The existing 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division is already in Iraq, officials said.

They are returning home this winter and will be reflagged as the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division as part of the Army’s efforts to have 1st Armored Division units based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, officials said.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49389



uhc comment: I love the headline. I'd be willing to bet reflagging is intended to shave dwell time. Time will tell.

[Debau2005]

1. This is exactly why my S.O. got out

of the National Guard when his time was up. He served in Iraq with a Calvary unit, that was turned into an infantry unit when he got home. He had to change units if he wanted to stay calvary, and risk being deployed again with a new unit, and with people he did not yet know. When he could get out he did, this past August.

The Calvary unit was devastated by this change, they lost three soldiers during their deployment in Iraq, only to be torn apart once they got home.

Neither units have been deployed yet, but we knew it was just a matter of time.