Smaller than the standard 14,000-man infantry division, at about 9,000 personnel, its primary means of transport was hundreds of horses and mules controlled by several quartermaster pack companies of muleteers, and for artillery several battalions of 1,439 lb (653 kg) 75 mm pack howitzers, instead of the standard 4,980 lb (2,260 kg) M2A1 105 mm howitzer, which could be broken down into several loads and carried by mule train.

As a result of the test, it was decided that the light divisions had insufficient manpower and firepower to be effective, and the concept was abandoned.

The 71st Infantry Division departed United States on 26 January 1945, arriving at Le Havre, France, on 6 February 1945, and training at Camp Old Gold with headquarters at Limesy.

The division participated in the liberation of concentration camps including one in Austria called Gunskirchen Lager, a subcamp of Mauthausen, on 4 May.

[2] The division was assigned occupational duties until it left for home in March 1946, arriving on 10 and being inactivated on 12 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.

Gen. Robert L. Spragins (July 1943 – October 1944), Maj. Gen. Eugene M. Landrum (October–November 1944), Maj. Gen. Willard G. Wyman (November 1944-16 August 1945), Brig.