About this Unit
The 83rd Army Reserve Command (83rd ARCOM) was established in 1968 as part of the United States Army Reserve's restructuring to improve command and control. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the 83rd ARCOM oversaw Army Reserve units across several Midwestern states, providing administrative support, training oversight, and mobilization readiness. Throughout its existence, the command played a vital role in preparing Reserve units for potential deployment during the Cold War and beyond. The 83rd ARCOM was inactivated in the 1990s as part of a broader reorganization of the Army Reserve structure.
Historical Facts
•
Origins: The 83rd Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) traces its lineage to the 83rd Infantry Division, which served with distinction during World War II in the European Theater.
•
Activation: The 83rd ARCOM was officially activated in 1967 as part of a reorganization of the U.S. Army Reserve to better support national defense needs during the Cold War.
•
Headquarters: Its headquarters was located in Columbus, Ohio, aligning with the historical recruitment area of the original 83rd Infantry Division.
•
Nickname: The 83rd Division was known as the “Thunderbolt Division,” a nickname sometimes informally carried by the ARCOM.
•
Mission: The 83rd ARCOM’s primary role was to provide command and control for Army Reserve units in Ohio, and at various times, surrounding states, making it a key element in reserve mobilization plans.
•
Operational Control: The ARCOM exercised administrative and operational control over dozens of subordinate units, including transportation, engineering, and medical battalions.
•
Support in Conflicts: Although not deployed as a whole, many of its subordinate units and personnel were mobilized for stateside and overseas support during operations such as Desert Storm and other contingency missions.
•
Community Engagement: The 83rd ARCOM was known for its outreach, frequently participating in local parades, veteran events, and disaster relief efforts in the Midwest.
•
Deactivation and Transformation: In 1995, as part of post-Cold War restructuring, the 83rd ARCOM was deactivated and its units were reassigned under the 88th Regional Support Command.
•
Legacy: The legacy of the 83rd ARCOM endures through the continued service of its former subordinate units and the proud veterans who served under its banner.
