Bend, Ore. – Bend’s National Guard unit is getting a few upgrades. In addition to adding new troop positions, the unit’s Humvees will also be replaced will all-terrain combat vehicles and ambulances.
The changes are part of the 1-82 Cavalry Squadron being converted from an armor brigade to a Stryker brigade unit. The switch is due to a restructuring of the Army National Guard.
The 1-82 Cavalry Squadron will remain focused on reconnaissance missions. As a Stryker unit, the local squadron will use eight-wheel drive armored vehicles made for off-road and navigating in urban area. Stryker vehicles are new to Oregon and will be able to help in search and rescue, especially in the event of a Cascadia earthquake event.
The traditional Humvees are not as versatile as the Stryker vehicles which are more versatile and come in different models including mobile command vehicles and ambulances.
The local squadrons with units from Bend, Redmond, Lebanon, and The Dalles made the Stryker transition last weekend with a ceremony in Bend.
