The I Corps, 3rd and 5th Stryker Brigades will deploy to Iraq in 2009, said the Fort Lewis Public Affairs Office.

I Corps will deploy in the spring, in its first combat deployment in more than half a century.

"I Corps will be in charge of the ground fight in Iraq," said Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., commanding general, I Corps.

Fort Lewis’ 3rd and 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, along with several other brigade combat teams and a division headquarters will begin deployment in the winter and continue in the summer of 2009.

I Corps will replace XVIII Airborne Corps and assume duties as the Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

"The mission for Multi-National Corps - Iraq right now is to create an environment of sustainable security," Jacoby said.

This will be the third tour for the 3rd Stryker Brigade and the first deployment for the 5th Stryker Brigade.

Since its formation in 1918, I Corps has participated in more campaigns than any other corps in the U.S. Army’s history and is the only corps ever to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Preparation for deployment is already underway for 1st Corps support staff.

Even though they are not front line soldiers they must be ready for the dangerous world of Iraq.

"I came in the Army late in life, I'm 33, and it's always something I wanted to do. So I'm kinda looking forward to it," said Spc. Marscha Boydston.

“The soldiers and staff of this unit are well prepared to face this challenging mission in Iraq and begin a new chapter in our Corps’ history," Jacoby said.

Many soldiers will be leaving families behind for 12 long months.

"My family of course will be a little nervous, but I'm fine with it," said Pfc. Javieliza Hammer

Hammer has a 20-month-old son named Matthew. Hammer’s husband, who is also a soldier, has just returned from a deployment of his own and can take care of their son.

General Jacoby said with so many Fort Lewis soldiers heading to Iraq, we could see an increase in causalities, but his soldiers said they will be ready.

"It's hard, but it's what we want to do. It's what we love to do," Boydston said.

The Fort Lewis troops are part of 26,000 the Pentagon is deploying to maintain 14 combat brigades in Iraq.