Drum troops spearhead new Afghanistan strategy

You’ll be hearing a lot about the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division these days. Many of the 4-5,000 troops headed to Afghanistan from Fort Drum starting in January will be charged with protecting the southern entrance to the capital, Kabul. More units will follow. NPR reported on the brigade last night, the NYT last week. The 3rd BCT’s public affairs team says it’s swamped with requests for coverage. This same brigade spent a year in Afghanistan in 2006-07.

Today’s the 3rd BCT’s deployment ceremony at Fort Drum. They roll up and stow the brigade flag (“furl” it?) in preparation to unfurl it next month in Afghanistan. It’s a busy time right now around post, as thousands of families get everything in order for a year-long separation.