By Keith Eldridge / KOMO news

Thousands of soldiers are are getting ready to head overseas as a part of the Army base’s largest deployment since the Korean War.

The 5th Stryker brigade will head to Afghanistan as part of President Barack Obama’s troop surge, and additional troops will deploy to Iraq.

By fall,18,000 troops are already in Iraq or Afghanistan or preparing to head there.

The 5th Stryker brigade is part of the President’s shift of military operations to Afghanistan. The 4,000 soldiers got word 120 days ago that their destination had changed from Iraq to Afghanistan.

“I think they are well-prepared mentally and emotionally for Afghanistan,” said Col. Harry Tunnell, IV, the brigade’s commander.

Strykers have been training with high-altitude helicopters in preparation for the conditions of Afghanistan.

In preparation for the possibility of going to the high altitudes in Afghanistan…. the 5th Stryker Brigade trained with the high altitude helicopters.

“The entire battalion is ready to adapt to it,” said Spec. Robert McNicholl. “They’ve been practicing for Afghanistan, so we’re good to go.”

Scottish-born soldier McNicholl came to the U.S. in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, wanting to join the fight against terrorist.

“Glad to be part of something that’s putting a stop to those kind of actions,” he said.

Even his wife understands the value of McNicholl’s work.

“I’m not looking forward to it (his deployment), but when it’s over it’ll be a great reunion. He’ll be doing great things over there helping people,” said Erin McNicholl.

Soon the 5th Stryker brigade will ship out for a year-long deployment, and they’ll be followed by the 3rd and 4th Stryker brigades as they head into Iraq.

The large deployment is likely to have an impact on surrounding communities that depend on the soldiers’ business.

Puyallup city council member Kathy Turner says the soldiers’ absence will have another effect as well.

“I think it’s a reminder to my citizens, my constituents, my friends and neighbors that we’re still at war,” she said.

Original story is here