Reactivation: Combined Training



Then came the second instructional phase, unit and combined training, covering an 11-week period from February 8 to April 24. Units quickly rounded into fighting teams. Simulated tactical conditions heightened the reality. Night movement, cover and concealment, local security, and scouting and patrolling became habitual in the snow and mud of winter and spring. Infantry companies learned to operate separately or as a part of a battalion team; artillery batteries learned to deliver accurate supporting fire. The engineers, quartermaster, ordnance, signal, and medics took their place in the Division team.

Training grew more specialized. All units received instruction in military intelligence, map reading and chemical warfare. Motor officers trained drivers in traffic control, advance reconnaissance and dispersed formation. Each regiment developed one commando-type platoon for special missions. At the same time, physical conditioning in all types of weather was accelerated. Every 89er marched 25 miles in eight hours with full field equipment, many with blistered feet. It was a severe test for those tied to supply rooms, kitchens and offices during the regular training period.

An inspection by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 24, 1943, climaxed the Division's second training period. Nearly every unit took part in the demonstrations of training for the President motorized inspection party at Carson.

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