The Army will convert the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team to an Armor Brigade Combat Team, it was announced Wednesday in multiple press releases.

The conversion is set to begin in the summer of 2017. Officials say converting the 4,200-soldier Infantry Brigade Combat Team to the Armor Brigade Combat Team with tanks and armored fighting vehicles will better enable the Army to meet threats in Europe and elsewhere.

It is unclear whether the conversion will lead to more troops being stationed at Fort Stewart, but armored brigade combat teams generally consist of between 4,500 and 4,700 soldiers, according to internet websites. 

Politicians, including U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., and U.S. Rep. Buddy. Carter (R-Ga.) “applauded the decision” by the Army.

Here’s what the three congressmen said in the press release:

“The addition of another Armor Brigade Combat Team to Fort Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division continues to highlight Georgia’s role in our nation’s ability to project power and provide security assurance to our allies,” said Isakson. “This decision by the U.S. Army underscores our ability to host critical strategic assets capable of deterrence around the world.”

“The Army’s announcement is great news and exhibits a continued commitment to our nation’s defense capabilities in Georgia,” said Perdue. “The additional armored brigade at Fort Stewart provides us with a more lethal army, increasing our ability to counter the rise of Russian aggression against our European allies as well as other threats around the globe. This is a testament to the proficiency and growing capability of all the dedicated military and civilian personnel at Fort Stewart.”

“This announcement is great news for our community as well as our national security as it strengthens the capabilities of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart,” said Carter. "As the threats we face around the world continue to increase and evolve, the additional Armored Brigade Combat team will be critical in addressing them. Without question, this decision is a direct reflection of the great work of the fine men and women on post. Fort Stewart remains one of the premier Army installations in the nation, and I will continue to work to ensure Fort Stewart keeps growing.”