WASHINGTON -- The Secretary of Defense announced today elements of the 3rd Infantry Division have been ordered to deploy to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command area of operations in support of Joint Task Force Dragon in order to assure our NATO allies and partners in the region. Approximately 3,800 Soldiers, primarily composed of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, will deploy to reassure NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO member states and train with host-nation forces. The additional forces will join elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps already deployed to the region. “Soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division regularly deploy to support combatant commands all over the world, assisting our allies and partners in a wide range of environments and missions. The Raider Brigade is trained and equipped to deter aggression and to reassure and defend our allies,” said Col. Pete Moon, the 1st ABCT commander. The 1st ABCT recently completed a regular nine month rotation of forces in support the United States’ commitment to southeast Asia partners and allies. “The Army routinely operates with our NATO allies and partners in order to maintain peace, prosperity and stability in the region. This will continue. We are trained and ready to provide support and assistance to our allies, and proud to represent the 3rd Infantry Division and XVIII Airborne Corps,” Moon said. For more information, contact the 3rd Infantry Division public affairs officer, Lt. Col. Lindsey Elder, at lindsey.m.elder.mil@army.mil or, 912-435-9869.