FORT DRUM - The 10th Mountain Division headquarters will deploy to Iraq next spring, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

The division headquarters just returned in February from a yearlong tour in Afghanistan so it will not deploy at least until after February 2008, said Fort Drum spokesman Ben Abel.

The headquarters consists of approximately 1,000 personnel and will provide command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in support of security operations in Iraq.

“The 10th Mountain Division has supported the country's fight against terrorism since 2001 and we are proud and ready to redeploy in support of this fight again,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, 10th Mountain Division commander.

The division also deployed to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004.

About 3,500 troops from the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in August. It is the brigade's second deployment in Iraq.

Presently, the northern New York Army post is absorbing the return of 3,500 2nd Brigade Combat Team troops who are just finishing a 15-month tour in Iraq. The last of those troops are expected back at Fort Drum by Nov. 12.