CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq -- The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division assumed control of Multi-National Division - South from the 10th Mountain Division in a transfer of authority ceremony Wednesday, according to a news release from the Minnesota National Guard.
The Red Bulls now support Iraqi security forces throughout nine provinces in southern Iraq.
This is the first time since World War II the 34th Infantry Division has established its headquarters in a combat zone.
The 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery with the Minnesota National Guard is part of the Red Bulls. Some 560 troops with the 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery are currently training at Fort Hood, Texas, for deployment to Camp Virginia in north central Kuwait.
They will provide convoy service security in southern Iraq.
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The Red Bulls' objectives throughout southern Iraq include helping with economic development and governance, increasing security for the Iraqi people and assisting with the training of Iraqi security forces.
