ABOUT Company G Fifth Training Center, Ft. Dix, New Jersey.
- World War II Origins: Company G, Fifth Training Center at Fort Dix was activated during World War II to help train the massive influx of new soldiers needed for the war effort.
- Basic Training Hub: Fort Dix, home to Company G, became one of the most important basic training installations on the East Coast, processing over 1.3 million soldiers during WWII.
- Integration Milestone: In the late 1940s, Fort Dix units like Company G took part in the initial efforts to integrate the U.S. Army, welcoming African American soldiers into previously segregated training companies.
- Korean War Preparation: During the Korean War, Company G rapidly expanded its training operations, preparing soldiers for combat deployment to the Korean Peninsula.
- Vietnam Era Training: In the 1960s, Company G trained thousands of draftees and volunteers, many of whom went on to serve in Vietnam, making Fort Dix a central pipeline for Army personnel.
- Cold War Readiness: Throughout the Cold War, Company G participated in readiness drills and exercises, ensuring soldiers were prepared for rapid deployment in case of conflict with the Soviet Union.
- Notable Alumni: Several prominent military leaders and Medal of Honor recipients began their Army careers at Fort Dix, some starting their basic training in Company G.
- Women in Uniform: In the 1970s, Fort Dix and units like Company G began training the first classes of female soldiers as the Army moved toward gender integration.
- Community Outreach: Company G was known for its involvement in local New Jersey communities, participating in parades, disaster relief, and civic events throughout the mid-20th century.
- Modernization and Legacy: While the structure of training units has changed over time, the legacy of Company G lives on in the thousands of soldiers who passed through its ranks and carried their training forward into military service around the world.