About this Unit
The 98th Division (Training), headquartered in Rochester, NY 14609, was originally activated in 1918 as part of the National Army during World War I but was quickly demobilized following the Armistice. Reactivated for World War II, the division was responsible for training soldiers and later deployed to the Pacific Theater, preparing for the invasion of Japan before the war ended. Post-war, the 98th Division transformed into a training unit within the Army Reserve, focusing on basic and advanced individual training for new recruits. Throughout its history, the division has played a crucial role in preparing soldiers for service, maintaining a strong presence in the Rochester area.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early Years: The 98th Division was constituted in the National Army in 1918 during World War I, but it was demobilized shortly after the war ended without seeing combat.
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Reactivation for World War II: The division was reactivated in 1942 at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, and trained as an infantry division. It was uniquely assigned the mission of defending the Hawaiian Islands from potential Japanese invasion.
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“Iroquois” Division: The 98th Division’s nickname is the “Iroquois Division,” referencing the Iroquois Confederacy of upstate New York, which connects to its regional roots.
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Japanese Occupation Duty: After World War II ended, the division was sent to Japan as part of the occupation forces, helping maintain order and beginning the process of postwar rebuilding.
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Transformation to a Training Division: In 1959, the 98th was reorganized as a training division, adopting the designation “98th Division (Training),” and its headquarters was set in Rochester, NY, with the ZIP code 14609.
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Army Reserve Legacy: The division has been a key part of the U.S. Army Reserve, providing basic and advanced individual training to thousands of soldiers over decades.
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Global War on Terror: In 2004, the 98th Division was mobilized and deployed to Iraq, where its soldiers were tasked with training the new Iraqi Army, a vital mission in U.S. efforts to stabilize the country.
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Distinctive Shoulder Patch: The division’s shoulder insignia features a red shield with a white Iroquois head, symbolizing the division's heritage and its ties to New York State.
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Community Engagement: The 98th Division has a long tradition of community involvement in the Rochester area, including participating in parades, veteran events, and local charitable activities.
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Continuing Mission: Today, the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) continues its mission as part of the 108th Training Command, training new recruits at various locations across the country.