Schofield Barracks to get Stryker Brigade

The U.S. Army has decided to base a Stryker Brigade at Schofield Barracks on Oahu.

The decision, told Tuesday to two Hawaii senators and one congressman, came after the Army completed a review of a final environmental impact study on the Stryker basing and found that Schofield was the best place for the brigade.

The Army's record of decision will be made publicly available on Friday.

Content Continues Below

Hawaii opponents of the 2nd Stryker Combat Brigade, including environmental and Native Hawaiian cultural groups, said the Army failed to adequately consider Mainland locations for the brigade.

A lawsuit filed by the groups has prevented the Army from continuing about $700 million in construction projects on Oahu, where Schofield is located, and on the Big Island to accommodate the $1.5 billion brigade.

The Army and other supporters of a Stryker Brigade say it is essential for national security and will be economically beneficial to the state.

The Stryker is an armored combat vehicle being used in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Brigades typically have more than 300 vehicles and require more than 3,500 personnel.

It's estimated that the Hawaii brigade will bring an additional 800 soldiers and their families to be stationed at Schofield and other bases. Businesses in the town of Wahiawa, located near Schofield, have been hit hard by extended overseas deployment of troops.