Message from the Commander, 3rd BCT, 4ID

Iron Brigade families,
I want to take this time to let you know what is going on in the brigade and what to expect through the end of this year as we prepare to deploy again to Iraq in the Spring of 2010. I am sending out this message because I believe it is important to keep the families informed about what is happening and what the future holds for the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Our next mission to Iraq will be much different than previous deployments as we now have shifted our efforts to a more advisory role. Still we must train in all aspects, including combat operations.

This brigade has been in a reset period after returning from combat operations in February 2009 to reconstitute our ranks and equipment. We have fielded new equipment and have welcomed a number of new people to our team. The brigade has now transitioned to a new phase, called an Intensive Training Cycle (ITC), which is required to train our Soldiers in the skill sets required for the unit’s advisory role in Iraq.

Battalions have already started conducting company and platoon-level field training and that training will continue. The first consolidated BCT training event for this intensive training cycle will be a field training exercise (FTX) held from September 14th to the 26th here at Fort Carson called Iron Strike. This FTX will be the first training opportunity as a brigade to certify company and platoon-level units on missions that will simulate what we will do when deployed. Following Iron Strike is a rotation at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California starting at the beginning of November which will further test our ability to conduct the types of operations we will carry out in Iraq. I expect that the entire brigade will be home by Thanksgiving. Following NTC, there will be a block leave period from December 19th to January 3rd 2010. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones.

The next few months will be important for all Iron Brigade Soldiers as we focus on building a cohesive force that will accomplish all assigned missions during the deployment. We believe that keeping the families informed is equally important. As new events come to light or changes to the schedule take place, it is our goal to keep families informed in the quickest possible manner. Some of the ways we plan on getting the message out are through our Facebook page (look for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division), our blog at http://ironbct.blogspot.com, and though the vFRG website. I encourage all families to utilize these sites to not only receive information but to also provide feedback. Thank you all for your support.

Sincerely,

COL James Rainey
3BCT Commander