Over 1,700 Fort Bragg troops to head to Afghanistan this fall

The soldiers were originally supposed to depart last week but were delayed due to severe weather.

The soldiers will provide multifunctional rotary-wing aviation support throughout Afghanistan, the military said. The length of their deployment is currently unknown.

"The Pegasus Brigade is prepared to conduct aviation operations during this critical transition point in the war in Afghanistan," said Col. Mike Musiol, commander of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. "Through a robust training schedule, our aviation task forces have meticulously trained to meet the challenging environment of Afghanistan and support coalition forces on the ground."

The deployment will be the third for the Pegasus Brigade.

The division is one of three heading to Afghanistan to relieve soldiers already in the country. The other two divisions are from Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

About 15,000 soldiers make up the 82nd Airborne Division, which is based out of Fort Bragg.