FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The sun was shining at Fort Bragg on the first day of the new year, but there was still a hint of sadness in the air.

• Between 650 to 700 paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg have been ordered to deploy
• Deployment is in response to the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq

That's because 650 to 700 paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division were being ordered to deploy to the Middle East as part of a response to Tuesday's attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

Soldiers of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment were loading up on planes to begin that deployment on Wednesday. They are part of the First Brigade Combat Team.

At all times, one brigade of the Division is on call to respond to any crisis in the world. As part of their mission, the 82nd is prepared to deploy within 18 hours of receiving orders to head out.

And though this is the kind of mission these soldiers train for every day, people in the community felt sadness that the deployment took place on a holiday when soldiers had to leave their families behind.

Spectrum News has been told that the Headquarters Command of the 82nd is also preparing to deploy soon.