FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) — The Army will convert one of its major Colorado units from infantry to Stryker vehicles.
Fort Carson officials said Thursday the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade will switch to the eight-wheel, multi-mission Stryker vehicles in 2020, after its soldiers return from deployments in Afghanistan and Kosovo.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reports the conversion will add about 200 soldiers to the brigade, for a total of about 4,400.
The 4th Infantry has three other brigades at Fort Carson, outside Colorado Springs. They are an existing Stryker brigade, a tank brigade and a helicopter brigade.
The Army says the conversion is to improve overall readiness. Officials also say Fort Carson already has Stryker facilities.
Strykers can be configured for transporting soldiers, carrying anti-tank missiles and other weapons, evacuating wounded soldiers, conducting reconnaissance and other roles.