Milford-based NH Guard unit to be deployed in Afghanistan

MILFORD (AP) — Members of the New Hampshire Army National Guard head out next week for a deployment which will include a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The 140 members of the Mountain Infantry Company are based out of Milford and are expected to arrive in Afghanistan early next year.

Maj. Greg Heilshorn tells WMUR-TV the soldiers will be patrolling side-by-side with the local military, giving them the training and the skills to eventually carry out missions on their own.

About a quarter of those headed to Afghanistan have already spent time in Iraq.

A public deployment ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Milford Middle School.

Before heading to Afghanistan, the troops will receive at least a month of additional training in Indiana.