The 48th will use up-armored HUMVEES in the new structure

Changes Ahead for 48th Brigade As Unit Faces Transformation

Back from its yearlong combat deployment to Iraq, the Georgia Army Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team will be facing some significant organizational changes. The changes, which have been on the horizon for the past several years, are part of an Army-wide transformation affecting a number of active and reserve component units.

The brigade will transform from a “heavy mechanized” force into a lighter, but still very lethal structure. Gone will be the mechanized vehicles like Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M-1 Abrams Tanks and Paladin Artillery pieces. The new structure will be more centered on “motorized” operations using armored Humvees, helicopters, and dismounted tactics.

The new configuration of the Brigade will be closer to the Brigade’s structure during the deployment to Iraq, said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard.

The unit’s new look will be lighter, more mobile, and modular with its mission geared more for urban warfare while retaining some of the traditional battlefield maneuvers.

“The bread and butter of the Army is going to be light” said Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, who explained that the heavier configuration was much more suited to the Cold-War era battlefield. “Today’s missions require a lighter, more versatile structure,” he said.

Here’s an overview of the changes:

- The 1st and 2nd Battalions, 121st Infantry will convert from heavy mechanized to light infantry.

- The 108th Armor Battalion will lose its M-1 Abrams tanks and restructure into a RiSTA squadron (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Targeting and Acquisition).

- The 118th Field Artillery Battalion will trade its self-propelled Paladins to 105 mm towed Howitzers.

- The 148th Support Battalion will increase in size.

- The 648th Engineer Battalion will deactivate but the brigade will add a new battalion that will combine engineering, intelligence and communications elements.

It will take several years to restructure the brigade and to complete training on the new equipment.