Replies

“””You can’t stand to be wrong, so you change the definition of “airborne” to mean *only* paratroopers (when in modern use it includes both air assault and paratroopers).
Maybe you should call up the good general and tell him he needs to change the name of 101st Airborne to 101st Non-Paratroopers to suit your definition.”””

The 101st were paratroopers at one time and earned such a reputation as such they have been allowed to continue with the old Division name.

“”Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t immediately recognize the iconic 101st patch — the Screaming Eagle. And when civilians see that patch, they immediately think of elite paratroopers. Here’s the thing: we technically haven’t been an airborne unit since 1968, but you’ll still find the words “AIRBORNE” above Old Abe — here’s why.””

“”The division designated itself as an airmobile division in mid-1968 and became the Air Assault division it is today in 1974.””

“”The reason “airborne” is still in the name (and on a tab above Old Abe) is because it’s difficult as hell to change a division’s name while it’s still active. Go ahead and ask the 1st Cavalry Division about the last time they rode horses into combat or the 10th Mountain Division about when they last fought on an arctic mountaintop.””