The Most Famous U.S. Army Divisions of All Time

Since the inception of America in 1776, the United States Army has fought in all of the country's conflicts. As part of this fighting, some of the Army’s divisions have grown in visibility more than others. For example, the 101st Airborne is famously part of the Band of Brothers that took part in World War II and was popularized by the HBO miniseries. Of course, it’s not just the 101st Airborne worth highlighting, so let’s look at the US Army’s famous divisions.

• Active: May 1917 - Present
• Garrison: Fort Riley, Kansas
• Nickname: The Big Red One 

One of the oldest continuously serving divisions in the United States Army is the 1st Infantry Division. “The Big Red One,” as it’s commonly referred to, first took part in World War I. At the time, oversight of the division fell to George S. Patton, who later became one of the nation’s most famous generals in World War II. 

• Active: May 1921 - Present
• Garrison: Fort Liberty, North Carolina
• Nickname: All American

The 82nd Airborne is a famous Army division best known for specializing in parachute operations into hostile territory. First seen in battle in World War I, the 82nd was reorganized in 1921 and has been active in every major US conflict.

• Active: 1918 - Present (includes various organizations) 
• Garrison: Fort Campbell, Kentucky
• Nickname: The Screaming Eagles

Known as the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st Airborne Division is an air assault infantry division of the US Army. Popularized for its role on D-Day in the TV show Band of Brothers, the 101st has often been referred to as the “tip of the spear” for its role in combat operations. 

• Active: 1985 - Present
• Garrison: Fort Drum, New York
• Nickname: The Tenth Legion, The Mountaineers

While the 10th Mountain Division dates back to World War II, it’s best known for its current status from 1985 to the present. Considered an elite light infantry division, members of the 10th Mountain receive specialized training for fighting in mountainous conditions. Because of its specialized training, the 10th Mountain Division has been deployed more than any other Army unit since 2002 as part of the War on Terror. 

• Active: May 1917 - Present
• Garrison: Fort Stewart, Georgia
• Nickname: “Rock of the Marne” 

With a distinguished service history, the 3rd Infantry Division of the Army has seen its share of combat operations. First formed in 1917, the 3rd Infantry took part in many conflicts, including protecting NATO’s alliance with West Germany during the Cold War. Among its most famous members, Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in World War II, served as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division. 

• Active: May 1917 - Present
• Garrison: Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, D.C. 
• Nickname: Indianhead

Since the 1960s, the 2nd Infantry Division has had its primary mission as defending the South Korean homeland against any attack from North Korea. Out of the 17,000 active service members of the 2nd Infantry, more than 10,000 are stationed in South Korea at any given time. As part of its primary mission, more than 1,100 South Korean soldiers serve alongside active service members of the US Army as part of the 2nd Infantry Division.

• Active: May 1947- Present
• Garrison: Fort Carson, Colorado
• Nickname: “Ivy Division” 

The 4th Infantry Division is one of the famous US Army divisions. It comprises various brigade combat teams, a combat aviation brigade, and many others. Originally formed in World War I, the current 4th Infantry was established in 1947 and has played a role in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.