U.S. Army 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions - What’s the Difference?

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The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions are some of the most recognizable U.S. Army units. While they may share similar names, do you know the difference between the 82nd and 101st Army Airborne Divisions?

The 82nd and 101st both have extensive histories behind them, and have been involved in several major U.S. conflicts. These divisions are both airborne infantry divisions, but they do have some differences between them.

If you want to know more about the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, their similarities, differences, missions, training, and much more, watch this video!

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[GeneralDischarge]

Who here served in the 82nd or 101st Airborne Divisions?

[robertvoorhees]

Served in both 101st and 82d, both are great divisions and would encourage any young soldier to be all you can be. Airborne all the way

[ccramit]

101st infantry here. Like 3 days into landing at KAF, I ran into an 82nd guy on his way home. To say he looked defeated was an understatement. He told me a bit about his deployment and about some friends he lost. I just felt sorry for the fella. I wish I would have gotten his full name. He really seemed like he needed someone to talk to. Hope he is well, where ever he is today.

[theczar]

I served in both units. I was Airborne and Air Assault qualified. Started at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg. Then, six years later, I was at Fort Campbell. I was tasked with supporting The Sabaloski Air Assault School and Pathfinder School for both Airborne and Air Assault operations.

Airborne All The Way

[MrCrazylegs]

I spent six years in the 82nd airborne infantry. Best job i ever had. 2003-2009. during that time the war was definitely on. God bless the paratroopers that didn't come home.

[michaelsnyder]

The 101st hasn't been jump-qualified since 1975. When the 1st Cav Div came back from Vietnam, it took over the assets of the 4th Armored Division which was deactivated (for a time in the late 1970s, it was classified as "Tri-capable", having an armored, a mechanized and an air assault brigade. The experiment was ended in the early 1980s and the 1st Cav Div became a heavy armored division under Division 86 and Army of Excellence). The assets of the former 1st Cav Div were re-flagged as the 101st Abn Div (Air Asslt). The 101st Abn Div assets when they came back from Vietnam were re-distributed across the Army as it "right sized" under the All Volunteer Force (AVF). 1-17 CAV (Air) (Abn) 1983-84.

[williamfoote]

3rd BCT (Rakkasan), 101st ABN (Air Assault). Best damn unit I was a part of. Was also the most deployed unit in the United States Army as they regularly were deployed every other year. From what I have seen, the 101st is the most adaptable. Not only do we learn sling load operations but also learn how to conduct LCLA drops to ensure material gets to the units to conduct operations.

Sure, the 82nd can put 18, 000 or more troops anywhere in the world in 18 hours. Which is awesome. The 101st though can and has routinely been able to deploy and sustain itself for long durations without any other portion of the big army logistics. We essentially learned to rely on ourselves to ensure continuous operations 24/7/365. We also have learned to do more with less.

Personally, both fit a niche. The 82nd can quickly obtain ground and aggressively engage the enemy. The ground obtained by the 82nd can then be used by the 101st Airborne to augment the 82nd, provide air support, and continue logistical operations in combination with the 82nd. Both used in conjunction can royally screw up an enemy.

[ezyrider]

I served with the 82nd Airborne from 99-02. Sadly my unit is no longer in the unit but is still with the 18th Airborne Corp. There isn’t a day I don’t think about putting on that parachute and jumping.

[larrywelchko]

I searved from 1983 to 1986 in the 82nd. I absolutely loved it. And back then it was 18 hours deployment to anywhere in the world knees in the breeze not 36. Also we did quite a bit of air mobiles and huge amounts of urban warfare training. And replelling.

[paulwoodward]

101st at Ft. Campbell during the height of the Cold War. Air Assault School was completed upon arrival right out of Basic and AIT. The Screaming Eagle is still my favorite patch, and the 101st was a source of many great memories for me!

[johncook]

being in both Divisions as a grunt.. 82d is more agressive and bold, 101st is more lai back, conservative in fighting and Deliberate in operations.. both very good units, what makes them great on battlefield is the desired effect and temperment for the Commander to use against th enemy. 🤓👨‍✈️

[alexmetz]

I served in the 101st 2/502nd 11B. My brother was 82nd. Nothing but respect for the 82nd 🫡

[bronxbomber]

Served with the 101st Sustainment Brigade in one of their tenant units. My time at Fort Campbell was one of the best assignments I’ve had in the military. I loved Air Assault school and being able to jump out of helicopters, those were always great.

[rokkitserjun]

Served with the 101st and was deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was actually in one of the few jump units still at Ft Campbell with the 53rd QM Det (Airborne Riggers). Regretfully my deployment to the Gulf got me a case of Gulf War Syndrome that I still deal with to this day. While I loved the 101st and Ft Campbell my experience in dealing with the VA after my exposure has soured me to recommending military service to others.

[devonrobinson]

Love this video unit/division comparison. I’d like to see more like this between other army and marine divisions. Missions, training, selection and such. Most conventional units don’t as much love as they should.

[ericthiel]

Was at 82nd and 101st, airborne and air assault qualified. Out of my 20 years in the army, the absolute best time I ever had was at Fort Campbell KY. There was just something unique about the way that division was. No matter what unit you were in, MOS you had or duty position, we were all part of the division on one team, at least it felt that way. Was in 3/502 2nd Brigade ( reflagged to 1-75 CAV in 05) from the end of 03 till 09 and it really was my best years in! 82nd was squared away, but just didnt compare in esprit de corp.

[bubbajoe]

Lets not forget the glider battalions which were also airborne

[michaelbenoit]

B 3/187 inf (rakkasans) , 1st platoon, 3rd squad leader...very BRAVE MEN..proud to have the 101st AIRBORNE patch on my RIGHT shoulder... Michael, out.

[patrickmagee]

My old man was in both in Vietnam 67-68. My son is a Vet of the 101st. Proud of these men.

[ddraig]

You yanks have some of the most amazing looking courses and training available, would love to come over and do some of that Training then bring it back to the Australian army, sadly opportunities like that dont come up very often