Fort Sill sends Patriot battalions to Middle East for military protection

FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Patriot battalions, including some from Fort Sill, are being sent to the Middle East in an effort to help protect U.S. forces due to growing tensions in the region.

During a press conference, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder stated the Pentagon is sending forces from military installations, including Fort Sill, to the Middle East. This is to assist in the protection of forces from the U.S. that are currently within the Middle East, according to Ryder.

Ryder also stated that no more information could be shared at this time and said these battalions were headed to an undisclosed location within the Middle East.

The move comes during growing tensions amidst the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III released a statement on Oct. 21 detailing a plan to strengthen the Department of Defense’s posture in the region in response to escalations from Iran.

In the statement, Secretary Austin commented the following:

You can read the rest of the press release here.

Fort Sill is one of two bases sending Patriot battalions with Fort Liberty in North Carolina also contributing.

For those wondering what the Patriot is, it acts as an air defense system against missiles. Earlier in 2023, Ukrainian soldiers trained on the system at Fort Sill to help in the conflict against Russia.

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