A stryking endeavor: preparation for third Stryker Brigade under way in Alaska.

In spring of 2005, the United States Army's third Stryker Brigade is expected to become operational in Alaska. By August of 2005, it is expected that this brigade, numbering roughly 3,500 people, will be deployed to fulfill the Army's mission wherever the situation warrants.

"We can't say where they'll be deployed now, because we don't know," explained Lt. Col. Ben Danner, spokesman for U.S. Army Alaska. "It all depends on the world situation. But we do have every expectation that in late summer or tall of 2005, they will be deployed somewhere."

MEN OF WAR

Right now, the 172nd Infantry Brigade, headquartered at Fort Wainwright, is in the process of transforming itself into the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Known as the Snow Hawk Brigade, they are currently undergoing reorganization, training and fielding exercises designed to help them make the transition from a light infantry brigade into one of the Army's most effective fighting forces. Once the transition is complete, the brigade will be able to rapidly deploy to anywhere in the world, conducting operations as either a separate brigade combat team, or under the control of a contingency force headquarters.

Alaska's Stryker Brigade will be made up of three infantry battalions; one calvary squadron for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition; one field artillery battalion; one brigade support battalion; one military intelligence company; one engineer company; one signal company; and one anti-tank company. Unlike traditional infantry units, which combine these units only for large training exercises or during war, Stryker Brigade units train together year-round.

The brigade also will be provided with new armored vehicles, or Strykers, which are capable of rapid movement anywhere on the globe in a combat-ready configuration. Named in honor of two Medal of Honor recipients, Pfc. Smart S. Stryker who served in World War II and Spc. Robert F. Stryker who served in Vietnam, the 19-ton, eight wheeled vehicles are specially designed to provide real-time information to the troops inside. "Electronic maps inside the vehicle show the troop's position, as well as the enemy's position and friendly units' locations," said Danner. "With this intelligence, we'll have much greater situational awareness before we ever exit the vehicle. Never before have soldiers had this kind of intelligence in the history of warfare.

"It's important to note that the Stryker Brigade is not just about...