FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – The Department of the Army announced today the stationing of 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB) at Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas; the 4th SFAB at Fort Carson, Colorado and 5th SFAB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. SFABs are specialized units whose core mission is to conduct advise-and-assist operations with allied and partner nations.
“Security Force Assistance Brigades are a critical addition to our Army, and they will be increasingly called upon to deploy throughout the world to serve as combat advisers in support of theater security objectives,” III Corps and Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II said of the announcement today. “Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) is excited for the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade to be stationed at the Great Place, and we look forward to welcoming the Soldiers and their Families to our community.”
“There will always be a need to help build allied or partnered forces, and the SFABs will take on this critical mission and allow brigade combat teams (BCT) to concentrate on preparing for potential full-spectrum combat operations against a near-peer adversary” said Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper.
The decision to station the SFABs at these three posts was based on strategic considerations including projected time to activate and train an SFAB, presence of senior grade personnel to man the unit, and required facility costs. Their work will strengthen our allies and partners while supporting this nation’s security objectives and the combatant commanders’ warfighting needs.
“I think we’ll see a much better adviser capability built out of these brigades,” said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley. “Meanwhile, we’ll recoup the readiness value of bringing the regular [combat] brigades home to train for their regularly designed missions.”
The three new SFABs are the final three active duty units joining the 1st SFAB stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the 2nd SFAB at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The National Guard is still considering locations for its SFAB.
SFAB Soldiers are screened based on qualifications and experience, and are among the most highly trained tactical leaders in the Army. The unit will receive the most advanced military equipment available. SFAB Soldiers receive special training through the Military Advisor Training Academy to include language, foreign weapons, and the Joint Fires Observer course.
Commanders and leaders in the SFAB will have previously commanded and led similar BCT units at the same echelon. Enlisted advisors will hold the rank of sergeant and above. The Army currently has incentives to include promotion and special pay to join the SFAB.
The Army is also establishing a command element within U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the intent to conduct training and readiness oversight of the SFABs.
