The 24th Infantry Division was inactivated on February 15, 1996, as part of a significant restructuring of the United States Army. Following its inactivation, the unit was reflagged to become the 3rd Infantry Division.
Inactivation and Transformation
The inactivation of the 24th Infantry Division was a strategic move by the U.S. Army to reduce its overall force size. This action was part of a broader plan to streamline the Army to a ten-division force, adapting to the post-Cold War global landscape. Rather than being disbanded entirely, the heritage and lineage were transferred, transforming its identity into an existing or new unit.
- Date of Inactivation: February 15, 1996
- Reason for Inactivation: Part of the U.S. Army's reduction to a ten-division force.
- Reflagged As: The 3rd Infantry Division, signifying a continuity of purpose and mission under a new designation.
This process of "reflagging" allows the Army to maintain the historical lineage of units while adapting to modern organizational structures and operational needs.
Key Details of the Transformation
| Event | Date | Context | New Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactivation | Feb 15, 1996 | Army reduction to ten-division force | N/A |
| Reflagging/Transfer | Feb 15, 1996 | Preservation of unit lineage and resources | 3rd Infantry Division |
The legacy of the 24th Infantry Division, a unit with a long and distinguished history including service in major conflicts, transitioned into the operational structure of the 3rd Infantry Division. This ensured that its storied past was acknowledged within the evolving framework of the U.S. armed forces.
For more information about the history and service of the unit, you can refer to the 24th Infantry Division (United States) Wikipedia page.
