http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.as...3&nav=menu36_3

PENTAGON (AP) - A senior Pentagon official says several National Guard brigades are expected to be notified soon that they could be sent to Iraq around the first of next year.

If the assignment to Iraq is approved by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, it would be the first time full Guard combat brigades are sent back to Iraq for a second tour.

According to the official, the units would serve as replacement forces in the regular unit rotation for the war. But they would not be connected to the recent build-up for security operations in Baghdad.

Secretary Gates is expected to sign the notices alerting the Guard troops shortly.

It's not clear yet which units would be alerted.