FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) More than 100 Soldiers assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) along with elements from the brigade’s 326th Brigade Engineer Battalion will return from a 6-month mission supporting United States Africa Command on the Horn of Africa.
The Soldiers made up elements of the East African Response Force, a rapid-response and security force for U.S. locations and interests within the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa area of operations. The majority were stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
While conducting this mission, the “Bushmaster” Soldiers maintained a strong focus on training and readiness. They conducted day and night maneuver and live-fire exercises, as well as maintaining proficiency on multiple weapon systems and hand-to-hand combat. They also conducted Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises to ensure they were ready to deploy at moment’s notice to sites across the African continent.
This homecoming concludes 1st BCT’s mission as the Regionally Aligned Force supporting U.S. Army Africa events and exercises across the African continent this year. USARAF brings the Army team to assist our partners in building ready forces and operating as part of a multi-national coalition. 1st BCT Soldiers deployed to over 20 African countries to support training programs, international exercises and other missions. These Soldiers helped improve readiness, promote interoperability, build capacity and strengthen partner relationships on the continent of Africa.
The welcome home ceremony is scheduled for Monday. A reminder that Welcome Home Ceremonies are subject to change on short notice.