About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 397th Regiment (1-397), part of the 3rd Brigade, 100th Division (Training) (1-397/3:100th DIV (TNG)), has a distinguished history as a training unit within the United States Army Reserve. Originally constituted in 1921 as part of the Organized Reserves, the 397th Infantry Regiment was activated for service during World War II, where it participated in campaigns across Europe. In the postwar era, the regiment was reorganized under the 100th Division with a primary focus on training new soldiers. Today, 1-397/3:100th DIV (TNG) continues its legacy by providing advanced individual and leader training, supporting Army readiness and transformation efforts.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: The 1-397/3:100th DIV (TNG) refers to the 1st Battalion, 397th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 100th Division (Training), a U.S. Army Reserve training unit.
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World War II Service: The 397th Infantry Regiment was originally assigned to the 100th Infantry Division, which saw extensive combat in Europe during World War II, notably in France and Germany.
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"Sons of Bitche": The 100th Infantry Division earned the nickname "Sons of Bitche" after liberating the fortress town of Bitche, France, in 1945 despite fierce German resistance.
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Postwar Reorganization: After WWII, the 397th was re-designated as a training regiment within the Army Reserve, focusing on preparing new soldiers and units.
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Training Mission: As part of the 100th Division (Training), the 1-397th specializes in Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 397th Regiment's insignia features a blue shield and a gold fleur-de-lis, symbolizing its service in France during WWII.
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Reserve Component Legacy: The 100th Division has been a crucial part of the Army Reserve’s training mission since the postwar years, with the 1-397th playing an active role in developing leadership and basic skills.
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Modern Deployments: Members of the 1-397th have supported mobilization efforts for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom by training deploying units at mobilization stations.
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Community Engagement: The unit often participates in community events, such as Veterans Day ceremonies and JROTC training support in their local regions.
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Enduring Motto: The 100th Division (Training) and its subordinate units, including the 1-397th, live by the motto “Century Division,” reflecting a proud legacy of service and training excellence spanning over a century.
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