78th Division (Training Support) Unit Rings

78th Division (Training Support) – Jersey Lightning “Audaciter”

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

On a red semi-disc 3 inches (7.62cm) in diameter, a white bolt of lightning from sinister chief to dexter base, all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) green border.

The lightning flash on the red background alludes to the combat record of the division similar to a “bolt of lightning…” and to its designation as the “Lightning Division.”

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on May 27, 1922 for the 78th Division and on 11 September 1959, it was retained for the 78th Division (Training). The insignia was reassigned for the 78th Division (Exercise) on 1 Oct 1993 and the description was revised to show metric measurements. On 17 October 1999, the insignia was redesignated for the 78th Division (Training Support).

Distinctive Insignia

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall, consisting of a white enamel aileron on a scarlet enamel disc centered upon a blue enamel equilateral triangle with notched sides, all in front of two white enamel lightning flashes in a V form contained at top and bottom by a continuous scarlet scroll inscribed below with the word “AUDACITER” in gold.” The white alerion on scarlet is from the arms of Lorraine Province in France where the organization served in three World War I campaigns. In World War II, the unit participated in the Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns indicated by the three points, in the color blue for Infantry and for the area of the Rhine River. The white flashes and the red of the scroll allude to the Division shoulder sleeve insignia.

The 78th Infantry Division of the United States Army was constituted on 5 August and activated on 23 August 1917 at Camp Dix, New Jersey. It is composed of four Infantry Regiments – the 309th, 310th, 311th and 312th and three Artillery Regiments – the 307th, 308th and 309th.

The 78th Division participated in three major operations during World War I- Meuse-Argonne, St. Mihiel and Lorraine. It was deactivated after the war in June 1919.

In World War II, the 78th Division was mobilized on 15 August 1942 at Camp Butner, North Carolina. After two years as a Training Division, the 78th embarked for the European combat after two years as a Training Division. The 78th faced battle in Belgium, France and Germany. The Division was officially deactivated in May of 1946 after six months of occupation duty.

The Division was again activated in November 1946 at Newark, New Jersey and was reorganized in May 1959 as a Training Division. In 1990 and 1991, the 78th participated in Operation Desert Storm when the Lightning’s 920th Transportation Company was sent to Southwest Asia providing fuel for the troops and machines in the campaign. In 1992, the 78th was changed into an Exercise Division under the Army’s Bold Shift initiative. Its new mission was to conduct small unit collective training (LANES) and computerized battle simulation exercises for clients in the First Army East area.

The 78th Division (Exercise) (DIVEX) at Edison, New Jersey, was tasked to conduct a pilot test using CSSTSS by the Army Reserve Command to assess its preparedness for training CSS battalion and group staffs during an exercise in 1997. The 78th was transformed as the 78th Division (Training Support) in October 1999. As directed by the First US Army, the 78th Division is a tri-component structure for training support, assistance and evaluation for designated priority Reserve and National Guard units during pre and post activation. Its mission includes training teams, mobilization and providing military support to civil authorities. Elements are headquartered in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and North Carolina.

In 2005 BRAC Recommendations, the DoD recommended to close Camp Kilmer, NJ and relocate the HQ 78th Division at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The relocation of the Headquarters of the 78th Division to Fort Dix and establishment of one of the new Army Reserve Sustainment Units of Action would establish a new capability for the Army Reserve while increasing the support capabilities of the Army Reserve to the Active Army.