Lifetime has ordered 18 more episodes for 2010

Lifetime's "Army Wives" will report for duty in 2010 for a fourth season.

Even before the third season has hit the airwaves in June, the network announced that it has renewed "Army Wives" for another 18 episodes that will premiere next year.

"This early pick-up –- even prior to the Season 3 premiere –- is a true testament to our commitment and support of this great show," says JoAnn Alfano, Executive Vice President, Lifetime Networks. "With Jeff Melvoin taking the reins as the Executive Producer of Season 3, we are confident that the best episodes are yet to come when the series returns this summer."

The early order was a no-brainer for Lifetime. "Army Wives" is the most successful series in the network's history and is cable's top-rated drama among 18-49. Since its 2007 premiere, the show has consistently set ratings records.

The show stars Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh, Sterling K. Brown, Wendy Davis, Drew Fuller and Brian McNamara.