95th TRAINING DIVISION (IET) From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

The 95th Training Division has a great history and lineage. First constituted for World War I, the Division did not deploy and see combat until World War II, when it participated in campaigns throughout France and Germany. The Division was inactivated in October 1945 and reactivated in May 1947 as a reserve Infantry unit. It was again inactivated in January 1955 and then predesignated as the

95th Division (Training) in April 1958. The Division has undergone many changes and reorganizations during the intervening years, but we continue our mission to prepare our Nation’s finest for war.

The 95th’s official nickname is the “Victory Division.” This is symbolized and alluded to by the “V” on our shoulder sleeve insignia and our distinctive unit insignia.

We are also known as the “Iron Men of Metz,” a nickname given to the Division for its defense of the French town of Metz. It was there where they captured forts surrounding the town, repulsed enemy attempts to cross the Moselle River, and eventually captured the city in November 1944.

Over the past year, the CG and I noticed the Division did not have a motto, something we say in formation, meetings, etc. There may have been one before our time, we’re not sure. If there was, it seems to have been lost with turnover and reorganizations. We tried out a couple of ideas, but nothing stuck. So, we set about creating a new motto. We put out a call for suggestions and had the HHC vote on the submissions. The winning motto was “Victory Then! Victory Always!”

We are delighted with this outcome. “Victory Then! Victory Always!” is a very appropriate motto for the Division. It reflects on our past and sets the standard for our future. It recognizes the great accomplishments of the fighting men in World War II who won that hard fight while reminding our

Army training on the training schedule and that we do not spend all battle assembly weekends doing administrative tasks.

However, we mostly take care of people by being there for them, knowing who they are, and ensuring that we are the leaders they need us to be. Once we ensure that we are taking care of people (in addition to the mission), we’ll have victory in the present and victory in the future that will honor those who gave us victory in the past.

Victory Then! Victory Always!

Ironman 6 current Soldiers of their obligation to do everything possible to win the future fight. It is an attitude and ethos. Suppose our Soldiers understand that honorable victory is the only thing that matters. In that case, they do everything possible to ensure our fighting men and women are prepared to fight, survive, and win. They are worthy of calling themselves Iron Men of Metz.

PS. Army won in double overtime! GO ARMY!

Ironman 7

CSM, 95th Training Division (IET)