The defense minister of Lithuania says more than 500 soldiers from Fort Hood will ship out to the country in October to help bolster NATO’s presence against Russia’s military in the Baltic region, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Raimundas Karoblis said the unit, equipped with tanks and other military vehicles, is being deployed as part of a U.S. initiative that will allow 6,000 troops to maintain 9-month rotations in Europe.
Karoblis called the deployment “good and awaited news” and the new troops “a vital factor of deterrence”.
The 1st Cavalry Division unit will replace one from the 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Kansas.
