colbert_fort_jackson_may_2009It's go time Nation! "The Colbert Report" has deployed to Iraq on a USO tour entitled "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" and will tape and perform shows in front of the troops. “The Colbert Report” is the first TV show in USO history to produce a week of shows in a combat zone. "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" will air on COMEDY CENTRAL Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, Colbert will post updates from base on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stephenathome.

“The USO counts this as military service, right? I might want to run for office some day,” Colbert said.

"Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" is taking place at an undisclosed military base in conjunction with the USO, with all shows taped in front of an audience of troops. The week will feature many segments including Colbert putting together USO care packages for the troops and "shout outs" from notable figures in society.

Guests who will appear on the show include: Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Barham Saleh; Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general, Multi National Force- Iraq; Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., commanding general, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, command sergeant major, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Sgt. Robin Balcom, squad leader, 463rd Military Police Company; and Spc. Tareq Salha, Arabic linguist, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade (attached to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment).

Proceeds from sales of "The Colbert Report" on iTunes during the week of June 8 will benefit the USO.

After the jump, you can see a special web-exclusive video of Stephen making the announcement. And you can watch a collection of Colbert Report clips from the lead-up to his Persian Gulf adventure right here.

The Colbert Report airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30pm / 10:30c.

[Photo by Mike Glasch, Fort Jackson Leader (S.C.)]