[2][3] Its two Infantry brigades, the 31st and 32nd, were commanded by Peter Weimer Davison and Walter Cowen Short.

During October and November, the strength was slightly above 12,000, the majority of drafted men being supplied by the western states.

Systematic training began in September, with the 216th Engineers joining the division at Camp Kearny in October.

The Armistice occurred before the 16th Division departed for France; under the command of Guy Carleton, it was briefly considered for inclusion in American Expeditionary Force Siberia, but that conflict also ended before the division could embark.

[8] However, some members of the organization devised a felt shoulder patch that featured the Liberty Bell, one with the number "16" superimposed on it; neither insignia was ever officially adopted.