Afstan: First units of US second surge announced, mostly Marines

From DOD:

The Department of Defense today announced the deployment of approximately 16,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, the initial elements of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Obama on Nov. 30. An infantry battalion task force, with approximately 1,500 Marines, from Camp Lejeune, N.C. ["1st Battalion, 6th Marines", more here], will deploy later this month. Regimental Combat Team-2, headquartered at Camp Lejeune, N.C. [from 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division], will deploy approximately 6,200 Marines in early spring 2010. A Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) headquarters from I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif., will deploy approximately 800 Marines in spring 2010 [effectively a divisional HQ].

A Brigade Combat Team (BCT), with approximately 3,400 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. will deploy in early spring 2010 to conduct a training mission [emphasis added, more here, unofficial website here].

Secretary Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 4,100 support forces, which will deploy at various times into spring 2010.

DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as they are approved. For additional information on the Marine units, contact Marine Corps Public Affairs at 703-614-4309. For additional information on the Brigade Combat Team, contact Army Public Affairs at 703-614-2487.

Via Tony of Milnews.ca. So some Marines, to Helmand clearly, before the end of the year, earlier post here. One trusts the three Army BCTs with a combat role will be designated fairly soon, see second part of this post.

Update: More details here from Marine Corps Times.