FORT CAMPBELL, KY. (CLARKSVILLENOW) Over 130 soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne”, with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will return from a 6-month mission supporting United States Africa Command on the Horn of Africa.
A Welcome Home Ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at Fort Campbell.
The Soldiers of Company C, “Coldsteel,” and Co. D, “Maddog” 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 of the Soldiers were stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. They also provided security forces at sites in South Sudan, a historic first for the 101st Airborne Division.
While conducting this mission, the 1-327 Inf. Regt. Soldiers also maintained a strong focus on training and readiness. They conducted maneuver and live-fire exercises, as well as maintaining proficiency on multiple weapon systems and hand-to-hand combat.
Thirteen Soldiers completed the French Desert Commando course, 10 days of combat scenarios and physical and mental endurance exercises while surviving in an inhospitable environment. Ten Soldiers earned their Expert Infantry Badge, proving their mastery of individual skills through different evaluations taking place over a five-day period. Others completed pre-Ranger training in preparation for their return to the U.S. Many Soldiers also completed professional development, promotions and reenlistments during this time.
The 1st BCT is the Regionally Aligned Force supporting U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) 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 will deploy to over 20 African countries this year to support training events, coalition exercises and other missions. These “Bastogne” Soldiers will help improve readiness, promote interoperability, build capacity and strengthen partner relationships on the continent of Africa.