The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of 3rd Infantry Division cased its brigade colors during a ceremony Friday in preparation for a nine-month deployment to Eastern Europe.

This pivotal event emphasized the brigade’s commitment to supporting NATO allies and maintaining regional stability as part of a regular rotational force. Col. James Armstrong III, commander of 1ABCT, addressed the formation and attendees, emphasizing the moment's significance.

“Casing our colors is a profound reminder of our unity and purpose as Raiders,” he said. “We honor those who have served before us and stand ready to defend freedom alongside our NATO partners in Eastern Europe.”

Approximately 3,500 soldiers from the Raider Brigade will deploy throughout January 2025 to various locations across Europe to support NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO member states and train with host-nation forces. The Raider Brigade will replace similar elements of the 1st Cavalry Division in Poland as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners in Europe.

"Raider is ready and willing to take on this vital mission,” Armstrong said. “We have trained hard, and we have no doubt in our ability to answer the nation’s call.”

To prepare for this deployment, the brigade conducted multiple complex field training exercises, modernization, and a culminating training event at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. earlier this summer. Units have validated their training readiness to support the upcoming rotation.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, praised the soldiers for their dedication and preparation.

“The 1st Brigade embodies the spirit of the Dogface Soldier,” said Norrie. “Your mission is critical to ensuring peace and security in Europe, and you carry the unwavering support of your division, your families, and your nation.”

The brigade will fall under the command and control of the 1st Cavalry Division for this mission and will focus on support of multi-national exercises and enduring support to U.S. allies and partners in the European theater.

This deployment will be the second rotation to Europe that Raider Brigade has undertaken since 2022 and will last approximately nine months.

“We are incredibly proud of the work Raider Brigade has done in preparing for this deployment,” Norrie said. “They are an outstanding team, and I am fully confident they will accomplish their mission with distinction.”