What is the 101 Airborne Division best known for: airborne or air assault?

2015-11-05T14:36:13-05:00

Given that the 101 has done both what are they best known for?

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Nov 5 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-11-05T14:37:46-05:00

Winning

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-11-05T14:45:06-05:00

I thought we were known for doing it bigger and better than any other division? you sent one Aircraft? Well let me tell you we Sent in an Aviation Brigade. You sent your 2LT on a snack run? Well the the Rakkasans invaded the commissary during a case lot sale.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Nov 5 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-11-05T14:45:09-05:00

I like that 'generational' response. Nothin' finer than wearing ol' Abe on my shoulder tho. Must admit that. To all my 101st brothers/sisters...thanks for meeting that Rendezvous with Destiny!!!! Blessings to all!

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made Nov 5 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-11-05T14:46:55-05:00

I would have to say the glory days were their airborne days. It's hard to top jumping on D-Day or jumping as part of Market Garden. I do think that the Desert Storm air assault was pretty impressive, but I no other major 101st air assaults come to mind. On my first tour with the 101st we jokingly called ourselves the "truck assault" division because we could rarely convince a pilot to give us a ride; and I was in a Cav Troop with our own organic lift assets.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 5 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-11-05T14:56:17-05:00

Given that they have done both and are still doing the dope on a rope routine it really depends on who you ask.
Having been trained to do both, I preferred the dope on a rope as more fun. Nothing like getting your line tangled midway down because of the wind shift.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 5 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-11-05T14:57:20-05:00

I am saying it depends on when and who you ask. The history of the 101st is amazing and I'm honored to be part of that history. Nothing makes me prouder than to say I was assigned to the 101st Airborne. The history of all the paratroopers of WWII to the modern day warfighter is one that each member of the 101st, past or present carries with them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-11-05T15:16:23-05:00

Best known for the Battle of Bastogne, I always thought.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-11-05T15:19:11-05:00

Being Badass! Oh, and winning!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-11-05T15:38:07-05:00

Two assignments with 101st Airborne (Air Assault) 1991-1996 and OIF 2003-2004. They have a rich past of being tough and resourceful. Airborne in WW II is how they started, but Air Assault or Air Mobile is how they have continued to make a name for themselves. They are feared by the enemy on all fronts. I am proud display the Screaming Eagle patch on my right sleeve!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 5 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-11-05T18:47:37-05:00

I'm really surprised no die hard "All Americans" haven't "jumped" all over this. Never was assigned to organic 101st but was OPCONED to them in the Stan. Good group of Soldiers honestly.

Response by SPC Robby Robinson made Nov 6 at 2015 6:33 AM

2015-11-06T06:33:23-05:00

Hands down without ANY doubt, the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne are best "known" for their heroic actions in both Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden during World War 2. Of course whilst still holding the moniker of Airborne, they are now Air Assault and without a single doubt, the most elite division within the conventional Warfighter forces

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-11-06T14:59:20-05:00

Strike!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 6 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-11-06T15:17:52-05:00

I think they are just known for kicking some righteous butt. I went to school and heard about them in Bastogne. My daughter heard of them in Vietnam. It's generational, but kicking tail is a universal theme.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Nov 6 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-11-06T15:50:21-05:00

My regiment the 26th INF joined them this year.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 7 at 2015 1:04 AM

2015-11-07T01:04:49-05:00

One look at the tab over the patch makes it obvious -- when did you ever hear someone refer to the "101st Air Assault"?

Sure, professional military folks know that the Screaming Eagles haven't been on jump status since the 1970s, but try explaining to a civilian that the 101st Airborne Division isn't really airborne. (It gets even better if you also try to explain that the division with AA on their patch isn't Air Assault.)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 9:14 AM

2015-11-07T09:14:28-05:00

You say "Screaming Eagle" and I think "Air Assault."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-11-07T10:07:56-05:00

Greatly depends on generation of the person asked.

Younger Vets - Air Assault. Older Vets - Airborne. I've had the conversation explaining it to older vets a few times.

Response by SGT Michael Bond made Nov 7 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-11-07T15:30:00-05:00

My experience working with or near the Screaming Eagles was in Vietnam. Their mission was air assult as well as the Herd (173rd). Jumping was suicide in Vietnam and the air assult was very effective.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 11 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-11-11T20:50:19-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Why confuse us w/ choices? The 101st is renown is for it's
'Screaming Eagle' shoulder patch! That patch is just as recogizeable as a USMC decal!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-10-08T13:36:46-04:00

Airborne.