ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – About 115 Soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard’s Alpha Battery, 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion and 147th Forward Support Company have received a mobilization order for an eight month deployment to Europe beginning in September.

The units will deploy within European Command’s area of responsibility in support of allied nation partnerships and regional security and stability goals.

The Aberdeen-based Alpha Battery is equipped with the Multiple Launch Rocket System, or MLRS, and is capable of providing artillery support to a brigade, division, corps or coalition task force. The Watertown-based Forward Support Company is a multifunctional logistics unit which provides supply and maintenance support.

Soldiers from Alpha Battery and the FSC will follow currently deployed members of Bravo Battery and the FSC that are supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe. Operation Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries using multinational training events in Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.

Soldiers from the two units will report to Fort Bliss, Texas, to complete several weeks of theater-specific training prior to deployment overseas.