La. Guard’s Tiger Brigade marks 20 years since historic Iraq deployment

This November, the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Tiger Brigade, will commemorate 20 years since returning from its historic combat deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III (2004–2005).

The deployment marked the first time since World War II that Louisiana’s National Guard infantry units were sent to war overseas. During World War II, Louisiana Guardsmen fought in Europe and contributed to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. For decades following the war, U.S. military strategy limited combat deployments for reserve component forces. That changed after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, ushering in a new era where the National Guard evolved from a strategic reserve into an operational force.

While Louisiana Guard units be