Articles 7.10.2005

The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on the efforts of the Army to ease the transition of the 2nd BCT as is it permanently restationed following a wartime deployment, the first time such a transition has ever occured in the U.S. military. Some quotes:
- "The first large contingents of the brigade are expected to arrive as soon as next week."
- "Most of its soldiers had spent a year in South Korea without their families when they got orders to ship to Iraq, where they spent another year... the extra time apart will make bringing families back together more difficult, requiring more care and counseling."
- "The brigade’s high casualty rate is the result of some of the toughest combat of the war. Its soldiers patrol Ramadi, one of Iraq’s most dangerous cities, and have been attacked on a daily basis, said the brigade’s commander, Col. Gary Patton."
- "About 60 [2nd BCT] families include South Korean spouses, some of whom are coming to the United States for the first time."
- "Of the 1,200 families tied to the brigade, about a quarter will wind up living on post and the rest will live off-post."
- "About a quarter of the families have arrived in Colorado. Most of the rest are expected after the brigade comes home."
- "Up to 1,000 soldiers from the brigade will leave the Army or be transferred in the coming months." [400 leaving the Army, 600 transferring]
- "The big welcoming events are scheduled for September, after the brigade’s soldiers have returned from leave. A barbecue, a week of family activities and a ceremony for the brigade are planned."
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Other articles from the region:
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Marines, Iraqi Forces Raid Insurgent Strongholds
- NY Times (reg req'd): Marines and Iraqi Troops Start Push Against Rebels