Focused on Army readiness as its No. 1 priority, the 101st Airborne Division started 2018 with a multi-echelon, live and virtual training event, Warfighter Exercise 18-3, Feb. 5-14, followed by preparations for its next rendezvous with destiny.

While the 101st Abn. Div. Headquarters, Division Artillery, Combat Aviation and Sustainment brigades were the primary training units for the exercise, the division’s remaining brigades also took part. The Screaming Eagles also were augmented with additional intelligence, logistical and operational assets from the Louisville-based Main Command Post-Operational Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard, many of whom would remain integrated within Division Headquarters for the remainder of the year.

The exercise showcased all of these units’ collective ability to conduct unified land operations. It also allowed the division to highlight its core competency, air assault.

“Our success on the battlefield validated our methodology,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Abn. Div. and Fort Campbell. “The Screaming Eagles’ unique ability to conduct brigade-level air assault after brigade-level air assault presented the enemy with multiple dilemmas and overwhelmed his tactical capability and decision-making capacity, ultimately leading to his demise.”

The division’s successful Warfighter Exercise also won the praises of several distinguished visitors, including Gen. Robert B. Abrams, U.S. Forces Korea commander and former U.S. Army Forces Command commander.

“The Screaming Eagles are proving that, despite multiple dilemmas and a complex, challenging enemy, they are the lethal and agile warriors we need,” Abrams said. “Throughout the exercise, they demonstrated initiative, innovation, and incredible warfighting competence.”

This warfighting aptitude that showcased the division’s air assault prowess, precision fire and sustainment excellence, and the ability to synchronize detailed, complex, combined arms activity on a three-dimensional battlefield, set the conditions for the 101st Abn. Div. Headquarters who would soon envelop Afghanistan on its fourth deployment.

Joined by elements of the 101st DIVARTY and approximately 40 members of the Kentucky MCP-OD, the 101st Abn. Div. served at the fore of the conditions-based U.S. South Asia strategy and the NATO-led, 41-nation Resolute Support Mission. Unlike the division’s past three deployments that were focused in the eastern region, the Screaming Eagles were charged with overseeing NATO’s train, advise and assist mission and U.S. counterterrorism operations.

In a ceremony that signified the official start of the deployment, Poppas and Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, 101st Abn. Div. senior enlisted leader, unfurled the division colors, April 15, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

“Since the day I took command, our future was written,” Poppas said after the Screaming Eagles assumed operations from the Fort Stewart, Georgia-based, 3rd Infantry Division. “We knew we were returning to Afghanistan and have trained specifically for this mission.”

The division was responsible for synchronizing operations across all echelons throughout Afghanistan, a first for the unit who during its past three deployments was responsible solely for operations in the east of the country.

“Soldiers of this division are as bright and innovative as they are lethal,” Poppas said as he assumed his role as the Resolute Support deputy chief of staff for operations and the U.S. Forces-Afghanistan deputy commanding general of operations. “They have built the 75-year legacy of heroism we enjoy today. We are honored to apply it once again, in our new role to train, advise and assist our Afghan partners. Our team will continue to seize the initiative and drive our common enemies to reconciliation or capitulation.”

While the predominance of the Division Headquarters oversaw operations from Bagram, members of the staff served throughout the country in key roles, including at the four-star headquarters in Kabul.

The Screaming Eagles supported the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, who assumed full responsibility for the nation’s security in 2015, and reinforced to the Taliban that the only path to peace and political legitimacy is through a negotiated settlement.

“We have seen progress in that regard,” Poppas said. “In fact, we were witness to a historic three-day cease-fire that saw a distinctive cessation of violence, which provided a chance for everyone – the Afghan government, the Afghan people, the Taliban, the region and the entire international community – to imagine peace. While the cease-fire ended and offensive operations resumed, I can tell you that desire for peace is still very much alive, manifested, for example, by the support from the Islamic world and a spontaneous, grassroots fervor within Afghanistan and the region.”

Progress continued throughout the summer months in Afghanistan as Afghan-led operations thwarted insurgency in the east and southeastern regions.

“Afghan forces continue to demonstrate they are lethal and capable of defending Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. John Brennan, 101st Abn. Div. deputy commanding general for operations and Train, Advise and Assist Command-East commander, after witnessing the ANDSF rid Kunar Province of ISIS-K’s threat in July. “We will continue to support our partners to maintain military pressure on the enemies of Afghanistan to ensure GIRoA [Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] and the political process is protected.”

In August, the division advised and supported the Afghan forces in their defeat against a Taliban offensive in Ghazni Province.

“Our Afghan partners asked for support, and after confirming the report with ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance], we were able to help defend our Afghan partners and save lives with a number of kinetic strikes against the enemies of Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Johnson, 101st Abn. Div. deputy commanding general and Task Force Southeast commander.

While the forward deployed Soldiers supported successful Afghan-led operations throughout the spring and summer months, at Fort Campbell, Brig. Gen. K. Todd Royar and Command Sgt. Maj. James Manning, who assumed responsibility as the installation’s acting senior command team, continued to support worldwide partnerships and community connections, and ensured the Screaming Eagles maintained their focus on readiness.

The division’s rear-detachment hosted this year’s Day of the Eagles, May 24, which included a 4-mile division run, Best Air Assault competition, tour of The Sabalauski Air Assault School with rappel demonstrations and an Honor Eagle memorial ceremony.

“You may ask yourself why we are applauding or celebrating Soldiers, on a day like today, on this solemn occasion of remembering those of the past,” Royar said during the Honor Eagle ceremony at McAuliffe Hall just before Memorial Day. “It’s a fair question and one that should rightly be answered. It’s not just to memorialize those who have gone before us, but it is also to honor them. What better way to honor them than to make sure we have upheld the standards that they have so rightfully given us.”

Upholding traditions and in honor of all who have worn the Old Abe patch on their shoulder, Royar and Manning joined the oldest and youngest Screaming Eagles – Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Cannell, 101st Abn. Div. Sust. Bde. and Pvt. Noah Coggeshall, 101st DIVARTY – to cut a cake Aug. 16 in celebration of the division’s 76th anniversary.

These many years of service to the nation however did not come without a cost. More than 7,000 boots lined the Division Headquarters’ lawn during Military Survivor Appreciation Week in September. The annual Boots on Ground display pays tribute to the service members who have died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, and honors the sacrifices made by their Families.

“The past 17 years of conflict have not been easy, and they certainly come at a high price for individuals, Families, and our nation,” Royar said during the National Day of Remembrance wreath-laying ceremony. “Every one of them has a story. Every Soldier, or first responder, they had a Family. They had dreams, hopes and desires, many of which will never be fully realized, but it is to them that we are grateful.”

As the division paid its respects and reflected on the day that brought about the war on terror, 101st Abn. Div. Soldiers serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and the Resolute Support Mission remained focused on denying terrorists safe haven in Afghanistan and keeping America safe. Earlier the same month, the Screaming Eagles bade farewell to the longest-serving U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson, and welcomed Gen. Austin “Scott” Miller as the new U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and Resolute Support commander.

Miller spoke about the sacrifices of the NATO allies and Afghan partners as he assumed command, applauding them for their dedication and efforts toward a safe and secure nation over the past 17 years.

The accomplishments of 101st Abn. Div. Soldiers also were commended by several senior Army leaders and other distinguished visitors throughout the year, to include Chief of Staff of the Army Mark A. Milley, Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville, who commanded the division 2011-2014, also lauded its Soldiers when he visited the Screaming Eagles, Oct. 26-27, in Afghanistan.

“You are part of the one percent of Americans who serve,” said McConville, who recognized Soldiers for their support of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission, “You’ve done that well, and no one can ever take that away from you. Afghanistan is a tough place to serve. It’s a tough place to fight. It’s a tough place to live. I appreciate all that you do; you’ve really made a difference. You ought to go home accomplished and proud.”

Having accomplished their Afghanistan mission, the Division Headquarters turned over its responsibilities to the Fort Carson, Colorado-based 4th Infantry Division, Dec. 15, and returned to Fort Campbell to reunite with their Families just in time for the holiday season.

Poppas and Sims uncased the division colors, Dec. 19, at McAuliffe Hall.

“These are colors that have a history of pride and warrior ethos,” said Poppas, who commended his staff’s commitment during their nine-month deployment. “It’s the tenacity and perseverance that is imbued within this formation that always ensures success.”

During the uncasing ceremony, Poppas also took the time to thank the Families, friends and community leaders for their continued support, adding that regardless of what the future holds for the Screaming Eagles, two constants remain.

“The first is the community,” Poppas said. “I know that no matter where we go their embrace will be consistent and constant, and it’s never wavering. And that is a strength that allows us to go forward to fight the fights that we have.

“The other constant is our Legacy of Heroism,” Poppas continued. “We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and have proven this reputation in combat, having never faltered. And for that, nor shall we.”