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The Army isn't saying when or exactly where the Fort Lewis soldiers are going.

The soldiers, including some reservists, are from the 555th Engineer Group and the 62nd Medical Brigade.

The army says the deployment is a prudent step to increase military capabilities.

The force is part of a deployment of more than 37,000 soldiers from Army posts across the U. S. in what will be known as "Task Force Ironhorse," the largest so far in the buildup for a potential war against Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday that Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has ordered the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to the Persian Gulf region.

The Everett-based carrier has been in Perth, Australia, for repairs following a six-month tour in the Gulf region.

Rumsfeld also is sending the Roosevelt from the East Coast and could add one or two more to make a total of six available for a possible attack on Iraq.

The Lincoln is the first carrier equipped with the Navy's newest strike fighter, the F-18-E Super Hornet. The ship carries a Super Hornet squadron based at Lemoore Naval Air Station near Fresno, California.

The carrier also carries a squadron of radar-jamming planes based at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The USS Carl Vinson, based in Bremerton, is now on maneuvers at sea off the West Coast.

The Vinson has not been called to the Persian Gulf.

However, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is considering sending one or two additional carriers to the area, which could mean the Vinson will eventually be deployed there.