Fort Bragg Brigade Prepares for Deployment to Kosovo

-Contributed by Fort Bragg Public Affairs, Ben Abel, for Defense News

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- For the first time in more than 10 years, an active Army unit will lead the Kosovo peacekeeping operations in the Multi-National Brigade East area, taking over responsibility for the region from members of the South Carolina National Guard.

Fort Bragg's 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade will deploy a portion of its force in the coming weeks for a deployment in support of the NATO mission.

After 10 years of sustained support to combat and peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe, the unit's commander is confident that the brigade's current combat proficiency will allow its members to hit the ground running in the new peacekeeping role.

"Our train-up provided us an opportunity to add to our portfolio skills, which will help not only our corps, but our Army in the future," said Col. Xavier T. Brunson, 525th BfSB commander.

The deployment of an active unit is a cost savings for the Army, officials said, as well as a much-needed reprieve from the high deployment tempo National Guard and Reserve units have experienced in the past decade, filling roles previously met by the active component.

Brunson is confident that the entirety of his command, to include the Family Readiness network, is well prepared for this deployment.

"The families of the 525th BfSB Soldiers will continue to be fully taken care of by the robust rear detachment and taking care of the Army Family is a no-fail mission," said Brunson.