By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Troop plans were a subject during the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council Breakfast Thursday in Junction City.
Col. Patrick Kaine, 1st Inf. Div. Artillery Commander, said that next week they will receive an MP company and in October an engineer battalion. A bridging company will also eventually be added meaning about 1,000 soldiers will be added to the installation numbers by October of 2026.
The 1st Brigade Combat team of approximately 4,200 soldiers is currently deployed to eastern Europe for nine months. After they come home, next summer, Division Headquarters including DIVARTY, the Combat Aviation Brigade and Sustainment Brigade will deploy to Europe. Approximately two months later the Second Brigade Combat Team will also deploy.
Kaine noted that the Army is moving in the future toward division deployments and not brigades as is currently the case. The transition is expected to take years. Concern was expressed from the audience on the economic impact that entire division deployments could have on communities.
There will be loud training noise on Post in September with Division Artillery and other units including tanks participating.
MAC News Notes:
The MAC audience received a report on the Oktoberfest planned in downtown Junction City October 3 and 4. There will be beer, brats, music and an expanded kids zone. Volunteers are still needed to help.
There is an effort to try to replace lights at the Vietnam Memorial in Junction City.