84th Training Division

• Origins in World War I: The 84th Division was first constituted in 1917 during World War I as part of the National Army, though it did not see combat in that war. • "Railsplitters" Nickname: The division’s nickname, "Railsplitters," honors Abraham Lincoln, who split rails as a young man and hailed from Illinois, one of the unit’s original states. • Distinctive Insignia: The 84th's shoulder patch features an ax splitting a rail, symbolizing Lincoln and the division’s nickname. • World War II Combat: Reactivated for World War II, the 84th Infantry Division landed in France in November 1944 and fought in several key battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. • Liberation of Concentration Camps: The division helped liberate two satellite camps of the Neuengamme concentration camp in Germany in 1945. • Postwar Reserve Role: After World War II, the 84th was reconstituted as a Reserve unit, eventually becoming the 84th Training Division. • Training Mission: The 84th Training Division is responsible for training Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers, focusing on leadership and combat skills. • Innovative Training: The division has been recognized for developing innovative training programs, particularly for new technologies and methods in Army training. • Geographic Reach: The 84th has been headquartered in various locations, including Wisconsin and Indiana, reflecting its broad regional impact in the Midwest. • Modern Structure: Today, the 84th Training Division is part of the 84th Training Command (Unit Readiness), continuing its legacy of preparing soldiers for both combat and support roles.