In brisk and windy weather Tuesday, Fort Carson soldiers eased roughly 20-ton Strykers onto flat rail cars for their trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to help with illegal immigration enforcement.
The slow roll of the eight-wheeled Strykers was followed by the clanking of chains as soldiers tied down the vehicles. Other 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team equipment, including jeeps, small trucks, fuel, water and IT vehicles, waited in rows alongside the Strykers for loading.
Over two days, crews expected to load two trains with vehicles. While Strykers can travel by truck or convoy, rail is more efficient.
The brigade plans to send 105 Strykers with advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems to help border patrol agents, an Army fact sheet said. Soldiers have also been cleared to patrol on foot or in their vehicles along the border, and transport Border Patrol agents.