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History of 27th Armor Div

The 27th Armor Division was a fictitious U.S. Army armored division, often referenced in military training exercises and wargames rather than actual combat history. It was never officially activated or deployed in real-world conflicts. In scenarios, the division is portrayed as a heavy armored force, typically composed of tank and mechanized infantry regiments, designed to spearhead assaults or defend critical sectors. Its notional existence serves as an opponent or ally in training environments to enhance readiness and test tactics for real Army units.

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ABOUT 27th Armor Div

  • Origins: The 27th Armored Division was a unit of the United States Army National Guard, formed in 1955 from the 27th Infantry Division following the Korean War as part of the Army’s Pentomic reorganization.
  • New York Roots: The division was headquartered in New York State, and its lineage traces back to the famed “New York Division” of World War I and II.
  • Cold War Mission: The 27th Armored Division’s primary mission was to be a rapid reaction force in the event of a Soviet attack on Western Europe during the Cold War.
  • Distinctive Patch: The unit retained the iconic “NY” monogram shoulder patch from its infantry days, making it easily recognizable.
  • Training Exercises: The division participated in numerous large-scale exercises, including Operation Pine Tree in 1957, which tested the US Army’s ability to mobilize National Guard units rapidly.
  • Integration of Modern Armor: The 27th was one of the first National Guard divisions to be equipped with the M48 Patton tank, reflecting the Army’s modernization efforts.
  • Community Impact: The division’s presence in upstate New York brought economic and social benefits to the area, with thousands of Guardsmen serving from local communities.
  • Deactivation: The 27th Armored Division was inactivated in 1968 as part of a broader restructuring of the Army National Guard, reverting to the 27th Infantry Brigade (Separate).
  • Legacy: The division’s lineage and honors continue today through the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Notable Commanders: Major General Almerin C. O’Hara, a World War II veteran, was one of the division’s first commanding generals, helping to guide its transformation into an armored force.

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