Tenn.'s largest Guard unit heading back to Iraq

Associated Press - November 4, 2009 5:05 PM ET

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's largest National Guard combat unit has received orders for a return trip to Iraq.

Guard spokesman Randy Harris said Wednesday the more than 3,000 soldiers of the Knoxville-based 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment will be deploying to Iraq in February after two months' training at Camp Shelby in southern Mississippi.

The unit, which draws members from Kingsport to Henderson, will be leaving for Camp Shelby around Dec. 5.

The 278th last served in Iraq in 2004, where its duties included training Iraqi security forces and assisting with provincial elections. The unit has been on alert for a possible redeployment since last year.