The 3rd Infantry Division’s Chief of Staff-rear Col. Scott Jackson told Hinesville Rotary Club members Tuesday that the Marne Division’s 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team is the last of the 12 brigade combat teams scheduled to be deactivated by 2017.
Jackson emphasized, however, that the timeline for the Spartan Brigade’s deactivation could be moved forward significantly if sequestration continues after Sept. 30. During the Rotary Club’s weekly business luncheon, he said he will take command of the Spartan Brigade on Friday, July 26 and lead it through its deactivation.
He explained that the current force reduction is the result of the Budget Control Act of 2011. To meet new budget requirements, he said the Army plans to reduce current active-duty soldiers from 570,000 to 490,000. That reduction includes the deactivation of the 12 BCTs, he said.
He re-emphasized that if sequestration continues, the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve might have to cut its overall numbers by another 100,000 soldiers.

Read full story in July 20 issue of Bryan County News.