Over 350 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers to deploy to the Middle East this summer

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MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) — More than 350 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers will deploy to the Middle East this summer.

The Milwaukee-based 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, which consists of Battery A in Sussex, Battery B in Plymouth, the 108th Forward Support Company in Sussex, and its Milwaukee headquarters battery will deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

The high-mobility artillery rocket system – or HIMARS – unit provides devastating, precision rocket and missile fires onto enemy positions, targets of significance and opportunity in support of coalition forces operating in the region.

The 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery has deployed numerous times since September 11 including in 2006 and 2009. The battalion deployed to Iraq in 2006-07 on a convoy escort mission, and elements of the battalion deployed again to Iraq in 2009-10. Battery B deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 where it made history as the first National Guard HIMARS unit to conduct a combat fire support mission in Afghanistan. Battery A became just the third National Guard HIMARS unit to do the same when it deployed to Afghanistan in 2014.

The Wisconsin National Guard is planning a sendoff ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery with details to be released soon.

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