Nearly 20 Soldiers mobilize Sept. 10 as part of an embedded training team
BLOOMINGTON, IL (09/03/2013)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A12 will be Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Bloomington Armory, 1616 S. Main St. in Bloomington, Ill..
The BEST Soldiers will spend approximately two months training at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. and in Poland before deploying with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.
"Our 20-year partnership with Poland is the strongest National Guard State Partnership in the nation," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Illinois Soldiers and Airmen are instrumental in developing secure international relationships, while broadening their own experiences and developing their own military skills."
