1ABCT Soldiers heading back to Europe

Photo By Staff Sgt. Syreetta Watts | First Armored Brigade Combat Team soldiers place assault packs in a specially made wooden box to ensure they meet plane requirements Sept. 11, 2015, at Jordan Gym on Fort Stewart Ga.  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

09.11.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Syreetta Watts 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Approximately 3,500 soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division will deploy for a three-month rotation to Europe this September for their second rotation as U.S. Army, Europe’s Regionally Aligned Force.

The brigade will be operating throughout nine countries in Europe, conducting multinational training exercises focused on improving interoperability with our NATO allies.

“We are excited to build off the brigade’s last rotation and continue to train with our multinational allies and partners,” said Col. Phil Brooks, the commander for 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “These exercises not only improve our interoperability, but they also reassure our allies of the United States’ continued commitment to our collective defense in light of increased tensions in Eastern Europe.”

Unlike past deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan, Soldiers are eligible for just a few pay entitlements, depending on their location.

Married soldiers will receive family separation pay, which is effective on the 31st day of separation from their permanent duty station at a rate of $250 a month. Families are encouraged to plan accordingly, however, as family separation pay will not be distributed until after the Soldier has returned to the U.S. and has closed their travel voucher.

Soldiers deployed for more than 30 days duration in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia will also be entitled to Hardship Duty Pay-Location at a rate of $50 a month.

The Fort Stewart Army Community Service is available to provide support and informational services for families during this deployment. Military One Source also offers a variety of support and informational services via Web and toll free telephone service 24 hours a day.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2015
• Date Posted: 09.16.2015 16:34
• Story ID: 176256
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US