May 15, 2010: With American troop levels in Iraq rapidly declining, to 50,000 by August, and lower (compared to Iraq) levels needed in Afghanistan, the army is planning on keeping no more than ten combat brigades in combat, at any given time, for the next several years. This means that units can expect to be at home for two years, before going overseas again. Reserve brigades will get up to four years between deployments. Currently, 25 of the 70 active duty and reserve combat brigades are overseas. Not all are in combat zones.

There is still the potential for a dozen or more brigades being sent to South Korea, if North Korea attacks again, or the government in North Korea collapses into chaos that South Korea might need some help with (for largely peacekeeping, not combat.)