Families of National Guard members with the 155th in Iraq have been notified the soldiers will begin to rotate back into the United States soon.

Maj. Christian Patterson, director of public affairs with the National Guard in Jackson, confirmed troops are beginning to rotate back in increments.

Some 3,000 troops were deployed from the 155th brigade with about 117 in the Pontotoc unit.

“The hope is to have all the brigade back in Camp Shelby by mid-March,” Patterson said.

“But that can change according to when flights are scheduled out and other things.”

Patterson said he anticipates the soldiers being able to finish their duties at Camp Shelby “by the end of March.”

The troops will be at Camp Shelby for a debriefing and to get them settled back into civilian life.

More than 100-soldiers strong, the 155th was deployed to war-torn Iraq last year on a mission of protection as a light tactical team.

This was the second time the 155th has been deployed to aid the people of Iraq in establishing their own peace and tranquility.

Usually a peace-keeping force at home, the Guard in recent years has been used to help keep peace abroad because the armed forces are stretched thin in other fighting zones.

The fact that thus far the unit hasn’t lost any lives after two missions is amazing, considering the dangers the men are in every day, Patterson said.

“We are proud of the brigade and their accomplishments throughout their theater campaign,” Patterson said. “We look forward to welcoming them home.”