Oregon National Guard unit holds mobilization ceremony before year-long Middle East deployment

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (KTVZ) – About 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, accompanied by many family and friends, were formally recognized during their mobilization ceremony held at Pacific University on Friday as they prepared for a year-long mobilization in the Middle East.

Prior to departing overseas, they will undergo training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to enhance their proficiencies on the equipment and systems that they will operate as the primary air defenders that American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection, the Oregon Military Department said.

After completing their training the service members will be assigned to Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, whose mission is to advise, assist and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

“The 218th Field Artillery has an exceptionally rich unit history and lineage in which you now are part of,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard during his remarks to the soldiers and family members in attendance. “You will now be task organized as Task Force Defender, for the mission to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Remember the heavy responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders.”

As part of Task Force Defender, the Oregon Citizen-Soldiers will be conducting rocket, artillery, mortar and unmanned drone defense operations in the Middle East.