Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, has been sent to the Middle East as the US government considers ground operations in Iran, according to The Intercept.
Tegtmeier, a seasoned military leader, has served in various roles, including as the Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The 82nd Airborne Division, a fast-moving military unit, has a strong track record of deploying on short notice, including recent deployments to the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe.
A large number of US military forces are being sent to the region, including thousands of Marines and at least three more ships, with reports suggesting that orders to send thousands more soldiers from the division could come within hours.
US defense officials have said that plans for ground troops are still in preparation and no final decision has been made yet, with one idea being discussed involving taking control of Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export center.
