FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- "I came up here to kind of get my own sense of how the brigade was preparing for the mission change," said Gen. George Casey Jr., Chief of Staff of the Army.

In a few months, soldiers in the 3rd Brigade will head overseas. Throughout the year, they reset the team and trained for a mission in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Recently, they learned they will deploy to Afghanistan.

"The Spartans remain trained, ready and equipped to redeploy to the theater and again establish contact with the enemy and assist the Afghan security force to establish security and stability for the Afghan people," said Col. David Haight, 3rd BCT Commander.

General George Casey Jr. made a special visit to Fort Drum to speak to the soldiers and their family members about the upcoming deployment.

"I couldn't be more prouder of what I'm seeing and what I'm seeing is the competence and the seasoning of this Army," said Casey.

Casey said the soldiers seem confident and ready for their mission.

"Oh yeah and that's why we are so confident in that we have that experience, that Afghan experience, 16 months last time and nothing is better than experience and we're going to tap into that and just continue the mission," said 2LT Frederick Waage, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

"It's really nice to see that someone of a high statue like that will come and talk to lieutenants and NCOs. It makes us feel that he's confident in us to come and talk to us to ask questions to see, you know, what we think, we need in order to do our best in Afghanistan," said 2LT Elizabeth Hacker, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

General Casey says the only thing the troops asked for is support forces and equipment.

While talking to reporters, General Casey said he believes troops will be needed in Afghanistan much longer than Iraq.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan for 12 months in January. This will be the 3rd Brigade Combat Team's second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.