The Iowa National Guard announced that several hundred Iowa soldiers began arriving back in the United States this weekend as part of a phased return from their deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. According to military officials, the returning soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, and have spent the past nine months working alongside coalition and regional partners to reduce the Islamic State’s capabilities and improve security and stability in the region. Progress toward U.S. Central Command objectives has allowed some units to complete their missions and begin redeploying home under higher headquarters guidance. Not all soldiers will return at the same time. Some are coming back early because their specific mission requirements have ended, while others will remain deployed to continue critical duties, including partner support and base security. The phased return is based on mission needs, personnel requirements, and transportation availability. Details on welcome-home ceremonies are being finalized and will be announced within the next two weeks. Around 2,000 Iowa National Guard Troops began their 12-month deployment last May.
