Soldiers from an Appleton-based Army National Guard unit will be heading to Afghanistan soon.

AVA- Close to 400 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers will deploy this winter to aid in a non-combat mission, the guard announced Monday. The soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, will support the NATO-led Resolute Support, a mission that aims to provide training, advice and assistance to Afghan security forces. 
No date for the deployment has been released.
Capt. Joe Trovato said the primary focus will be for the soldiers to be a security element for coalition forces including the U.S. and partnered allies in Afghanistan. 
The infantry is part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, called "Red Arrow," that has a history in the state dating back to the Civil War. 
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the division. Red Arrow played a role throughout U.S. history being active in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Berlin Crisis of 1961.
"(Red Arrow) has a unique and honorable legacy here in the state," Trovato said. 
Trovato said the division has taken on a large role in Iraq since 9/11, but this year will be the first mobilization to Afghanistan. 
"It's a significant step in the ongoing history of Red Arrow," Trovato said. "It opens a new chapter."
Soldiers from several companies in the region including Waupun, Ripon, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Marinette, Appleton and Clintonville will deploy as part of the mission. 
"This is another demonstration of Wisconsin National Guard answering the call for our federal mission," Trovato said. "Soldiers are well-trained and ready and prepared to take on this mission."
The Wisconsin National Guard is planning a send-off ceremony for the soldiers with details to come.