Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

It is no surprise to the Soldiers, family members and civilians on Fort Bliss who fully realize that this installation is one of the premier installations in the Department of Defense with a top priority to train and field professional Soldiers in support of our Nation's war on terrorism and for other missions around the world. This professionalism was readily apparent during, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as Team Bliss mobilized and deployed more than 20,000 Soldiers from the active, Guard and Reserve in support of the war on terrorism.

Currently, as a CONUS replacement center, Soldiers, contractors and civilians depart weekly to continue the massive effort to bring peace and stablility to the region. In addition, more than 3,000 Soldiers from Reserve and National Guard units are training here, preparing for deployment later this year. Another change will take place as the 35th Brigade prepares to move to South Korea later this year.

Our senior congressional, military and civilian leaders have obviously taken note, as they have included Fort Bliss in their plans to increase the number of active modular Brigade Combat Team Units from 33 to 43. The increase will take place between fiscal years 04-06, as part of the Army Campaign Plan to transform and restructure the force. Three BCTs are currently stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. In FY 05, the Army will stand up and station BCTs at Fort Polk, La., Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Fort Hood, Texas.

Fort Bliss will welcome a BCT in FY 05-06, along with Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Bragg, N.C. and Fort Riley, Kan. Bringing a combat team here will add 3,800 Soldiers to the post population which currently averages about 17,000 including those here for training. The increase in BCTs is a reflection of the fact that we are an Army at war. These new modular units will allow the Army to generate combat power, deploy more rapidly and better support operations in Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism. Placing one of these units here reinforces the important role Fort Bliss continues to play in these missions. Over the past two years Team Bliss has done as much to support these operations as any installation in the Department of Defense and this is a direct reflection of the hard work and ability of our Soldiers and civilians. It is through your expertise and dedication that we can accomplish so much and I want to thank each member of our team, including those in the El Paso community, for his or her contributions.

As we prepare to enter FY 05, there are many challenges that lay ahead. I have no doubt that with the group of professional men and women who make up Team Bliss that we will be successful. Soldiers, family members, civilians, contractors and community members, thanks for all you do, every day.

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 29, 2004

	Troop Talk It is no surprise to the Soldiers, family members and civilians on Fort Bliss who fully realize that this installation is one of the premier installations in the Department of Defense with a top priority to train and field professional Soldiers in support of our Nation's war on terrorism and for other missions around the world. This professionalism was readily apparent during, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as Team Bliss mobilized and deployed more than 20,000 Soldiers from the active, Guard and Reserve in support of the war on terrorism. Currently, as a CONUS replacement center, Soldiers, contractors and civilians depart weekly to continue the massive effort to bring peace and stablility to the region. In addition, more than 3,000 Soldiers from Reserve and National Guard units are training here, preparing for deployment later this year. Another change will take place as the 35th Brigade prepares to move to South Korea later this year. Our senior congressional, military and civilian leaders have obviously taken note, as they have included Fort Bliss in their plans to increase the number of active modular Brigade Combat Team Units from 33 to 43. The increase will take place between fiscal years 04-06, as part of the Army Campaign Plan to transform and restructure the force. Three BCTs are currently stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. In FY 05, the Army will stand up and station BCTs at Fort Polk, La., Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Fort Hood, Texas. Fort Bliss will welcome a BCT in FY 05-06, along with Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Bragg, N.C. and Fort Riley, Kan. Bringing a combat team here will add 3,800 Soldiers to the post population which currently averages about 17,000 including those here for training. The increase in BCTs is a reflection of the fact that we are an Army at war. These new modular units will allow the Army to generate combat power, deploy more rapidly and better support operations in Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism. Placing one of these units here reinforces the important role Fort Bliss continues to play in these missions. Over the past two years Team Bliss has done as much to support these operations as any installation in the Department of Defense and this is a direct reflection of the hard work and ability of our Soldiers and civilians. It is through your expertise and dedication that we can accomplish so much and I want to thank each member of our team, including those in the El Paso community, for his or her contributions. As we prepare to enter FY 05, there are many challenges that lay ahead. I have no doubt that with the group of professional men and women who make up Team Bliss that we will be successful. Soldiers, family members, civilians, contractors and community members, thanks for all you do, every day. Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane Fort Bliss Commanding General