About this Unit
The 81st Readiness Division (formerly 81st Regional Support Command, or 81st RSC) traces its origins to the 81st Infantry Division, famously known as the "Wildcat Division," which was formed during World War I in 1917. The division saw combat in both World War I and World War II, earning distinction in the Pacific Theater, particularly during the liberation of the Palau Islands. After the wars, the unit transitioned to a support role within the U.S. Army Reserve, eventually becoming the 81st RSC. Today, the 81st Readiness Division provides base operations, logistical support, and training readiness for Army Reserve units across the southeastern United States.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 81st Regional Support Command (RSC) traces its lineage to the 81st Division, originally organized at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, in August 1917 during World War I.
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Wildcat Division Nickname: The unit adopted the "Wildcat" as its symbol and nickname, inspired by the wildcats native to Camp Jackson, making the wildcat patch one of the first shoulder sleeve insignia officially approved by the U.S. Army.
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First Patch in Combat: Soldiers of the 81st Division were among the first U.S. troops in history authorized to wear a shoulder sleeve insignia in battle, setting a tradition for U.S. Army units.
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World War I Service: The 81st Division fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest American operations of World War I, and suffered heavy casualties.
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World War II Re-activation: The division was reactivated for World War II and served in the Pacific Theater, participating in the campaigns for Angaur and Leyte, among others.
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Postwar Reorganization: After World War II, the 81st Division was inactivated, but its heritage continued, eventually being redesignated as the 81st Regional Support Command in the U.S. Army Reserve.
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Support Role: The 81st RSC is responsible for providing base operations and support to Army Reserve units across the southeastern United States, including facility management, logistics, and personnel services.
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Large Area of Responsibility: The command covers a vast region, supporting Army Reserve Soldiers and facilities in nine southeastern states plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Disaster Relief and Community Support: The 81st RSC has played vital roles in disaster relief operations, such as supporting recovery efforts after hurricanes and other natural disasters in its area of responsibility.
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Legacy of the Wildcat: The wildcat insignia remains a powerful symbol of the command’s history, linking today’s 81st RSC to the proud combat legacy of the original 81st Division and its fighting spirit.
