Washington, D.C. - Alaska Congressman Don Young today praised the Army’s decision to designate one of its new Interim Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) to Forts Richardson and Wainwright in Alaska. The new combat teams are part of the Army’s continuing transformation into a force better equipped to meet the demands of the new century. In a letter to Congressman Young and Senators Murkowski and Stevens, the Army informed the delegation that the 172nd Infantry Brigade in Alaska would be transformed to IBCT units. The change could bring about an additional 200 soldiers and families to Alaska. In addition, the Army plans to invest more than two hundred million dollars in infrastructure to help provide Alaska with the necessary resources. "This is great news for Alaska. The IBCT decision means Alaska will be home to the Army's premier deployable combat units. Very frankly, I'm extremely pleased that the Army is making this investment in transforming the forces in Alaska and nationwide. "This decision means Alaska forces will be deployable to fight decisively, responsively and provide a deterrent which does not currently exist. Alaska will be the home to this critical link between our current forces and the force of the future. This announcement highlights the investments we have made in people, infrastructure and the quality of our forces in Alaska," said Rep. Young. The Army began its transformation process in October 1999 with the designation of two initial Brigade Combat Teams at Fort Lewis, Washington. Combat units at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and within the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, have also been designated as locations for the Army’s new Interim Brigade Combat Teams.
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