FORT RILEY, Kan. – More than 3,700 Soldiers from the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are preparing for their upcoming deployment to Iraq.

A deployment ceremony to bid the Soldiers farewell is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 30 on Cavalry Parade Field. The ceremony is open to the public.

The 'Dagger’ Brigade’s mission will be to assist Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi populace with the establishment of a secure and stable environment in the Baghdad area.

The Soldiers recently completed a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., in preparation for this deployment.