pending discussions to leave two heavy brigades in Europe. Operation Enduring Freedom The 172 IBCT deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2011. The brigade left behind its "heavy" vehicles, Bradley fighting vehicles and Abrams tanks, for MRAPs. Soldiers would spend some of their time during the deployment patrolling on foot, as their normal heavy-tracked vehicles are incompatible with rugged terrain of Afghanistan. . During this deployment the Brigade was responsible for Paktika province along the Pakistani border. One of the more controversial aspects of the deployment was the formation of the first US/Afghan Joint firing base with Afghan National Army Artillery firing in support of U.S. forces in the Urgun district. Following a number of budget cuts and force structure reductions, the brigade deactivated in Germany on 31 May 2013. Honors Unit decorations Campaign streamers Notes References External links 172nd Infantry.army.mil Lineage and Heraldic information at the United States Army Center of Military History 172 Military units and formations in Alaska United States military in Germany Military units and formations established in 1917 Military units and formations disestablished in 2013