Hartford - The Connecticut Army National Guard is deploying 700 soldiers this weekend to the Middle East in the largest single deployment of its troops since the Korean War.State officials say 1,200 local troops will be stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan following the deployment.

State officials say 1,200 local troops will be stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan following the deployment.Gov. M. Jodi Rell's office says the 102nd Infantry will help train Afghanistan's Army, police and border police forces. Its units are located in Norwalk, Manchester, New Britain, Branford and Southington.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell's office says the 102nd Infantry will help train Afghanistan's Army, police and border police forces. Its units are located in Norwalk, Manchester, New Britain, Branford and Southington.The departing troops also include members of the 250th Engineer Company of New London. Their job will be to ensure safe routes for troops on the move in Iraq.

The departing troops also include members of the 250th Engineer Company of New London. Their job will be to ensure safe routes for troops on the move in Iraq.A send-off ceremony is scheduled for today at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

A send-off ceremony is scheduled for today at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.