Where it Started

The 23d has long been associated with the 2d Infantry Division, and began its long history with that Division. My first assignment after Basic Training in 1960 was with Echo Company, 2d Battle Group, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division at Sand Hill, Fort Benning Geprgia. The Pentomic organization was the thing at the time. The Battle Group had 5 Rifle Companies, 1 tank company from the 40th Armor (equipped with M41 Walker Buldog Light Tanks) and 1 Artillery Battalion from the 37th Field equipped with some raggedy-ass 105MM Howitzers. We were stil armed with the M-1 Rifle, BAR, and browning M1919 A4 and A6 Machineguns. The AN/PRC 6s and 10s were the communications standard.

The 2d of the 23d at that time was a cadre only unit, supposed to conduct Advanced Individual Training. All it's equipment was in weapons & Equipment pools. All it's NCOs were Platoon Sergeants, or Instructors in committees. The Company Commanders were 2LT's right out of the commissioning process. The whole place was laid-back, with no sense of urgency anywhere. If it got done, fine, if it didn't get done, that was fine too. The units' filling up to TOE and subsequent assignment to the 11th Air Assault (Provisional) was just a gleam in the Army Chief of Staff's eye.

Peacetime armies are hell!