S.C. Guard troops returning today

The first members of the main body of the S.C. National Guard's 218th Brigade Combat Team are expected to return today to the United States.

The first group of about 160 soldiers is expected to arrive at 8:30 p.m. today at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

The group includes citizen-soldiers from West Columbia, Orangeburg, Darlington, Fountain Inn and Walterboro.

More than 1,800 S.C. National Guard soldiers have been in Afghanistan for a year, helping train the Afghan military and police. About 200 security troops returned in January, leaving behind the brigade's main body.

The rest of the 218th's soldiers are expected to return to South Carolina between now and mid-May.

- From staff reports