FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Fort Carson soldiers will conduct a color casing ceremony Tuesday.

The casing of the unit colors is a military tradition, signifying the unit's readiness for deployment prior to departure.

The soldiers, who are from Fort Carson's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infrantry Division, will conduct the ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday.

The ceremony will take place at Manhart Field.

About 3,500 soldiers are expected to deploy to Afghanistan over the next several weeks in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

That deployment is expected to last about one year.