The mission capability of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) is about to become a bit more robust.

The Army recently announced the planned activation of a new battalion for the group.

The activation will bring another 430 Green Berets to Fort Lewis.  Along with the soldiers, the change also calls for the possible addition of six civilian positions, four on post and two more at the Yakima Training Center.

Implementation of this addition is expected to be completed by August 2011.

Fort Lewis is currently home to two 1st SFG battalions, 2nd and 3rd battalions, and a support battalion.

The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, another of the Army's elite combat units, is also stationed at the post.

Special Forces (SF) soldiers and Rangers are trained in many of the same skills; however, their primary missions are different.

Rangers are trained in conducting raids, reconnaissance and similar missions, while Green Berets are versed in unconventional warfare and assisting in the training the security forces of foreign countries.

The activation of the new SF 4th battalion is part of the planned overall growth of Special Forces. All five active duty Special Forces Groups have or will activate a 4th battalion.

"The purpose of adding a fourth battalion is not to do more missions with more forces, but rather it is to do the same mission with more forces," wrote Maj. Gabriel Ramirez, 1st SFG (A), in an email.

"This battalion and the additional battalions across the Special Forces Regiment will help satisfy current global demand for USSF (United States Special Forces)."

The addition of the new battalion brings a boost to the local economy in terms of construction.

Since 9/11, the Special Forces community has taken the lead in prosecuting the global war on terror.

A battalion of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) activated in 2006.

Known by the call sign "Night Stalkers," the regiment is characterized by its missions of carrying Green Berets, Ranger and other specialized units into combat areas.

"These additional battalions will allow internal strategic relief for United States Special Forces which have been continuously deployed since 9-11," wrote Ramirez.