Families of soldiers from the Northern Marianas were given updates on the pending deployment of the Guam Army National Guard's 1-294th Infantry Regiment, in a briefing last night at the Saipan World Resort.
Lt. Col. Michael Tougher, battalion commander, spoke to the families about what they and their soldiers can expect in the upcoming months before the unit leaves for its mobilization training in February, at training sites in the U.S. mainland. The battalion is slated to deploy to Afghanistan early next year.
There are 18 soldiers from the CNMI who are assigned to the 1-294th Infantry Regiment, made up of both males and females. There are no females directly assigned to any positions in infantry units, but the females who are deploying with the battalion are part of F Company, a combat service support unit that was attached to the battalion.
Tougher talked to the soldiers and their families who attended the meeting about the unit's scheduled training in October, at Camp Roberts in California, and the type of mission the unit is expected to conduct during deployment. He also praised how all the soldiers from CNMI came through a recent Soldier Readiness Processing without any issues. The SRP is where each soldier goes through a review of his or her personnel records, and also undergoes a physical check-up.
“They're committed, dedicated soldiers,” Tougher told the family members. He also promised the families that the Guam National Guard leadership will make sure that the battalion soldiers get the training they need to ensure they are well prepared for the deployment.
Close to 60 soldiers and family members attended the briefing last night. (GUARNG)
Home | Weather | Advertising | Classifieds | Subscription | Contact
Us | About Us | Archives
©2006 Saipan Tribune. All Rights Reserved
