Georgia Troops To Deploy Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

FORT STEWART, GA — Several thousand Georgia troops are headed to Europe to support NATO allies and partners as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates, senior defense officials have announced.

Approximately 3,800 soldiers, primarily composed of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart will deploy to Europe in support of Joint Task Force Dragon in the coming days to support NATO allies, Fort Stewart officials said.

"Godspeed. Please keep them in your prayers," Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted.

The announcement comes after President Joe Biden directed that 7,000 U.S. service members — more than half from Ft. Stewart — be deployed to Germany to enhance deterrence of Russian aggression. 

“Soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division regularly deploy to support combatant commands all over the world, assisting our allies and partners in a wide range of environments and missions. The Raider Brigade is trained and equipped to deter aggression and to reassure and defend our allies,” said Col. Pete Moon, the 1st ABCT commander.

The troops could be repositioned to other NATO countries as needed, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

The latest deployment for the 1st ABCT comes after recently completing a regular nine-month rotation of forces in support of the United States’ commitment to southeast Asia partners and allies.

“The Army routinely operates with our NATO allies and partners in order to maintain peace, prosperity and stability in the region. This will continue. We are trained and ready to provide support and assistance to our allies, and proud to represent the 3rd Infantry Division and XVIII Airborne Corps,” Moon said.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, some 12,000 U.S. troops total have deployed or been ordered to deploy to Europe from the United States and another 2,000 troops in Europe who have moved closer to NATO's eastern flank. They join 80,000 U.S. service members based in Europe.

The movement of soldiers comes after Ukraine suffered an unprovoked attack by Russian military forces Wednesday.

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable," Biden said in a statement.

Before the invasion, the West had rejected Russia’s demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO. Putin used the refusal to justify the invasion, claiming that the West left him no other choice, the Associated Press reported.