Colonel Bill Burleson, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, visited the morning show to talk about the squad's assignment to Afghanistan.

Some of the soldiers are already in the region, leaving January 9, with the rest of the deployment estimated to happen between March and April.

Originally called to Iraq, the 1st was reassigned to Afghanistan by President Barack Obama, something that did not completely surprise Col. Burleson.

"The 10th Mountain Division has a long history of contributions in Afghanistan, so really, beginning in mid October....we began preparing for what we thought would be deployment to Afghanistan."

Differences in preperation and tactics for the 1st BCT include increasing their knowledge of the different cultures, languages and people of the regions they will be in.

"The entire brigade will have three distinct locations.  Triple Deuce, the battalion that just left, 60 percent of them are in the Kabul area.  The remaining are in small, regional training centers throughout the entire country...Our cavalry squad will be located in Kandahar, operating with regional command south and then the remainder of the bridgade will be in the northern part, working in regional command north."

With being spread so far apart, Col. Burleson says that the leaders of the brigade are prepared to operate in such a fashion.

"There are great leaders in all our units...they've all been able to do some reconnaissance, visits over there....now it's just a question of final preparations before we go."

The mission for the 1st BCT is similar to the 3rd's mission while stationed in Afghanistan, but Col. Burleson says that the main focus is partnering and conducting operations with Afghan police forces.

When asked about how ready the Afghan Army is to step into the lead role position, the colonel said that all signs are pointing towards that possibility.

"The army is there to protect the nation's borders...when you look at those who secure villages, rural areas and cities, it's the police.  If we increase the capacity and the compentency of the police, you'll see greater gains in security."

Recognizing the losses that can come with the dangers of serving in Afghanistan (the 3rd BCT lost 30 soldiers), Colonel Burleson says that the basics of training and knowledge of cultures can make a difference every day in a soldier being able to take care of himself.