U.S. Army

The 8th Armored Division, nicknamed the "Thundering Herd," was activated on April 1, 1942, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during World War II. After extensive training, the division deployed to Europe, landing in France in January 1945. The 8th Armored played a key role in the Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ruhr campaigns, notably liberating concentration camps and engaging in heavy combat against German forces. Following the war’s end, the division served occupation duties in Germany before being inactivated in November 1945.

The 8th Medical Ambulance Company was constituted in the U.S. Army during World War II to provide essential medical evacuation and support services. Activated in 1942, the company was assigned to various theaters, including the European Theater of Operations, where it played a critical role in transporting wounded soldiers from front-line positions to field hospitals. The unit’s personnel operated under hazardous conditions, often coming under fire while executing their missions. After the war, the 8th Medical Ambulance Company continued to serve in subsequent conflicts, adapting to advances in battlefield medicine and transport technology.

The 900th Maintenance Company is a U.S. Army Reserve unit specializing in field maintenance and support operations. Established in the mid-20th century, the unit has provided essential repair and recovery services for vehicles and equipment during both peacetime and combat deployments. The company has supported major operations, including missions in Southwest Asia, where it ensured operational readiness for frontline units. Renowned for its technical expertise and adaptability, the 900th Maintenance Company continues to play a vital role in sustaining Army logistics and mission effectiveness.

The 90th Regional Readiness Command (RRC) traces its lineage to the 90th Infantry Division, established in 1917 and distinguished in both World Wars, notably during the Normandy landings and the liberation of France in World War II. Reactivated in various forms throughout the twentieth century, the unit transitioned to the 90th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) in 1967, providing command and control for reserve units in several states. In 1996, it was redesignated as the 90th Regional Support Command and later as the 90th Regional Readiness Command, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 90th RRC was responsible for the readiness, mobilization, and support of Army Reserve units across the south-central United States until its inactivation in 2008 as part of Army Reserve transformation efforts.

The 91st Maintenance Company is a support unit within the United States Army, specializing in maintenance and repair of military vehicles and equipment. Originally activated during World War II, the company has provided critical logistical and technical support in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its history, the 91st Maintenance Company has been recognized for its ability to rapidly deploy and sustain frontline forces by ensuring operational readiness of essential assets. The unit continues to uphold its legacy of excellence by training soldiers in advanced maintenance techniques and adapting to emerging technological challenges.

The 949th Maintenance Company is a unit within the United States Army Reserve, specializing in providing maintenance support for military vehicles and equipment. Activated in the mid-20th century, the 949th has supported both stateside operations and overseas deployments, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan where they ensured the operational readiness of critical assets. Over the years, the unit has played a vital role in sustaining combat and logistical operations by repairing and servicing a wide array of military hardware. The 949th Maintenance Company continues its legacy of excellence by training regularly and maintaining a high level of technical proficiency to support Army missions worldwide.

The 972nd Engineering Battalion is a combat engineering unit with a distinguished history of service within the United States Army. Originally constituted during World War II, the battalion provided critical engineering support, including construction, demolition, and fortification tasks, often under hazardous conditions. Throughout its service, the 972nd has participated in major conflicts, including the Korean War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, contributing to both combat operations and humanitarian missions. Known for its adaptability and technical expertise, the battalion continues to play a vital role in supporting military operations at home and abroad.

The 99th Army Reserve Command (99th ARCOM) was established in 1967 as part of the United States Army Reserve reorganization, with its headquarters located at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Its primary mission was to provide command and control, administration, and logistical support to Reserve units in the Mid-Atlantic region, covering states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of New York. Throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s, the 99th ARCOM played a critical role in training, mobilization, and deployment of Army Reserve forces, supporting both domestic operations and overseas contingencies. In 1995, as part of a broader Army Reserve restructuring, the 99th ARCOM was inactivated and its responsibilities were absorbed by the 99th Regional Support Command.

The 9th Ordnance Company, often referred to as "9th Ord," is a U.S. Army unit with a distinguished record in ordnance support and logistics. Activated during World War II, the unit provided vital ammunition supply and explosive ordnance disposal services in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Over the decades, the 9th Ord has supported operations in Korea, Vietnam, and various Middle Eastern deployments, adapting to evolving military technologies and operational demands. Today, the unit continues its mission of ensuring the safe storage, maintenance, and distribution of munitions, playing a crucial role in sustaining Army readiness worldwide.

The Arlington Virginia ASA (Army Security Agency) was a significant U.S. Army signals intelligence unit stationed in Arlington, Virginia, during the Cold War era. Tasked with intercepting and analyzing foreign communications, the unit played a vital role in gathering intelligence for national defense. Its personnel specialized in cryptology, electronic surveillance, and linguistics, supporting broader NSA and Department of Defense missions. The Arlington Virginia ASA contributed substantially to intelligence efforts until the Army Security Agency was integrated into the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) in 1977, marking the end of its independent operations.

The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, was established in 1955, becoming the primary training center for U.S. Army aviation personnel. Originally located at Camp Rucker during World War II, the school moved to its permanent home at Fort Rucker (later renamed Fort Novosel in 2023) to better support the growing needs of Army aviation. Over the decades, it has trained thousands of helicopter pilots and aviation support personnel, playing a pivotal role in developing Army rotary-wing tactics and doctrine. The school remains the cornerstone of Army aviation training, supporting both domestic and international military aviators.

The Army Reserve unit specializing in the 76J Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), known as Quartermaster Supply Specialist, has played a vital role in U.S. military logistics since its establishment. Originally classified under a different code, the 76J MOS was responsible for managing and distributing supplies, equipment, and materials essential for mission success. Throughout military operations from the Cold War through the early 21st century, Army Reserve 76Js ensured frontline units received timely support, contributing to overall operational readiness. In 1999, the 76J MOS was merged into the 92Y Unit Supply Specialist designation, reflecting the Army’s evolving logistics structure but preserving the legacy of exceptional supply management.

B Battery, Air Defense, is a key unit specializing in the protection of critical assets from aerial threats. Historically, it has been equipped with advanced missile and radar systems, such as the Patriot or Avenger, to detect and neutralize enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. The unit has participated in numerous joint exercises and real-world operations, providing air defense coverage for both forward-deployed and homeland missions. Its highly trained soldiers play a vital role in ensuring air superiority and safeguarding troops and infrastructure in dynamic operational environments.

Bravo Company, 47th Forward Support Battalion (B Co. 47th FSB) was stationed in Baumholder, Germany as part of the 1st Armored Division’s support structure during the late Cold War and into the post-Cold War era. The company provided essential logistical and maintenance support to maneuver units, ensuring combat readiness through supply, transportation, and field maintenance operations. B Co. 47th FSB played a critical role during numerous training exercises and deployments, including support to peacekeeping operations in the Balkans in the 1990s. The unit’s dedication to mission success and logistical excellence contributed significantly to the overall effectiveness of the 1st Armored Division while forward-deployed in Europe.

**C Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment (C 1-2 IN)** boasts a distinguished history within the U.S. Army. Originally constituted in 1812, the 2nd Infantry Regiment has participated in every major American conflict from the War of 1812 through the Global War on Terrorism. C Company, as part of the battalion, earned recognition for its valor during World War II, particularly in campaigns across North Africa and Europe, and later served with distinction in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Today, C 1-2 IN continues its legacy of service, upholding the regiment's traditions of excellence, courage, and dedication.

The Communications Electronics Installation (CEI) Battalion, stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, traces its origins to the Cold War era, when rapid advancements in communications technology necessitated specialized military units. Established to provide expert installation, maintenance, and support for critical communications and electronic systems, the CEI Battalion played a vital role in ensuring secure and reliable information flow for Army operations worldwide. Over the decades, the battalion has supported numerous missions, from tactical deployments to large-scale infrastructure upgrades, adapting to evolving technologies such as satellite systems and cyber defense. Today, the CEI Battalion remains at the forefront of Army communications, upholding its legacy of technical excellence and operational readiness.

Charlie Company, First Combat, is a storied military unit with a distinguished history of service. Activated during World War II, the company quickly earned a reputation for tenacity in the European Theater, participating in several critical offensives. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Charlie Company First Combat continued its tradition of excellence, often serving on the front lines and earning multiple unit commendations. In recent decades, the unit has deployed to various conflict zones, adapting to modern warfare and maintaining its legacy as a reliable and effective combat force.

The Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe (CINCUSAREUR), headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, was the principal commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Established after World War II, the headquarters in Heidelberg became the nerve center for directing American ground operations and coordinating NATO defense strategies in Europe. Throughout the Cold War, CINCUSAREUR played a pivotal role in deterring Soviet aggression and maintaining stability on the continent. After German reunification and the end of the Cold War, the unit continued to oversee U.S. Army activities in Europe until the headquarters relocated to Wiesbaden in 2013, marking the end of an era in Heidelberg.

Combat Logistics Regiment 27 (CLR-27), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is a key logistics unit within the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 2006, CLR-27 is part of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group and provides comprehensive combat logistics support to II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) units. The regiment has deployed elements in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, delivering supply, maintenance, transportation, and health services in austere environments. Over the years, CLR-27 has played a critical role in expeditionary operations, humanitarian missions, and training exercises, ensuring sustained combat readiness for Marine forces.

Combat Support Coordination Team 3 (CSCT3) was a specialized U.S. military unit established during the Vietnam War to enhance coordination between American and South Vietnamese forces. Activated in 1967, CSCT3 operated under the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), focusing on synchronizing combat support assets such as artillery, airstrikes, and logistics for the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). The team played a crucial role in improving battlefield effectiveness by facilitating real-time communication and operational planning. CSCT3’s efforts contributed to greater interoperability among allied forces until its deactivation following the drawdown of U.S. operations in Vietnam in the early 1970s.

D Battery, 4th Battalion (HERC), 44th Artillery was a U.S. Army air defense unit activated during the Cold War. Equipped with the MIM-14 Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile system, the battery was tasked with the defense of key strategic locations against potential Soviet bomber attacks. As part of the 44th Artillery Regiment, D Battery operated at various Nike missile sites, providing a critical component of continental air defense. The unit remained active until advances in missile technology and changing strategic needs led to the deactivation of many Nike Hercules units in the 1970s.

The Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) community is a specialized group within the United States Navy, officially established in 1940, though its origins trace back to the Navy’s earliest need for officers skilled in ship design, construction, and maintenance. EDOs have played critical roles in major conflicts, including World War II, where they oversaw the rapid expansion and repair of the fleet, ensuring operational readiness. Over the decades, their responsibilities have expanded to encompass cutting-edge technologies, nuclear propulsion, and complex systems integration for both surface ships and submarines. Today, Engineering Duty Officers continue to be essential, providing technical expertise and leadership in shipyards, acquisition programs, and engineering projects worldwide.

FOX Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (commonly known as Fox 2/3), is a distinguished infantry unit within the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1942 during World War II, the battalion fought valiantly in pivotal Pacific campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. In later decades, Fox 2/3 participated in major conflicts including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. Renowned for its combat effectiveness and esprit de corps, FOX Company continues to play a vital role in Marine Corps operations worldwide.

**Ft Jackson Basic & Advanced Individual Training Units: A-2-1 & A-12-3** Fort Jackson, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the U.S. Army’s largest Basic Combat Training (BCT) installation. Units such as Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade (A-2-1), and Alpha Company, 12th Battalion, 3rd Brigade (A-12-3), have a long tradition of transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers during Basic and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). These companies have trained thousands of recruits, instilling Army values and preparing soldiers for a variety of military occupational specialties. Over the years, both A-2-1 and A-12-3 have adapted to modern training methods, contributing significantly to the Army’s readiness and professionalism.