Bragg troops anticipate humanitarian Ebola effort

The troops are from a variety of units, including the 50th Signal Battalion, and will take part in Operation United Assistance.

Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bill McDowell said, in a way, the mission is easier than many that his men are asked to tackle.

"We are going to fight a war," he said. "There's not a man who we are trying to fight. We are not fighting anything. We are helping and assisting humanitarian efforts, so if I look at it that way, it's a lot easier."

The Fort Bragg troops will join others from Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Eustis, Va.; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

The soldiers are not expected to come in direct contact with those infected with Ebola. Instead, they will provide support for the international medical teams that are treating patients.

The Department of Defense has begun medical testing at two new labs in Liberia and service members are starting construction on two treatment centers there.