Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) is requesting that his National Guard training take place this year in Afghanistan, he said Monday in a statement.

“Following in the tradition of other lawmakers who have completed their military service requirements overseas, this year I have requested to conduct my annual training in Afghanistan,” he said. “Doing so will help me to better understand our ongoing mission in that country, and provide me first-hand experience for my duties on the Senate Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs committees.”

Brown is a lieutenant colonel in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He also faces re-election next year.