The 100th Brigade Support Battalion here was repositioned to southern Afghanistan on March 28, where they will provide sustainment and distribution support to Coalition forces.
The 100th BSB, an active component unit from Fort Sill, Okla., has the distinction of being among the first Army units to deploy to Afghanistan from Iraq. The move comes as a result of the increased capabilities of Iraqi Security Forces.
According to the Army's 44th Military History Detachment, this is also the first time a logistics unit has deployed from one combat theater to another unattached to a larger combined arms formation.
Lt. Col. Brent D. Bush, battalion commander of the 100th BSB, said he is excited about his unit's move to Afghanistan and appreciates the opportunity to command it.
"Historically, this is a big deal for this organization," said Bush who also noted that its current deployment to Iraq was the first ever for the 100th BSB.
"It's a new chapter and a fast moving chapter for this battalion," Bush said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant D. Williams, the senior noncommissioned officer of the 100th BSB, said he is also excited for the move to Afghanistan.
"It's like anything - excited because we really get to work, the Soldiers really get to see what they can do," Williams said. "And ultimately it makes the tour go by faster."
Williams said the unit has kept busy by training for the new mission - training which included physical conditioning to prepare Soldiers for the environmental changes they will face in Afghanistan.
"Altitude is going to place some challenges on our Soldiers," Williams said.
Beginning in December 2008, the unit provided logistical support to Coalition forces in western and central Iraq as part of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
The unit also worked closely with Iraqi Security Forces logistical units to increase their capabilities.
According to current Department of Defense policy, the length of the 100th BSB's 12-month deployment will not be affected by move; the unit is still expected to redeploy to the U.S. as scheduled next winter.
Alex Snyder
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