The 86th IBCT utilizes the Army Mountain Warfare School, co-located at Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, to train in individual military mountaineering skills so the entire brigade can be skilled in such warfare.

[6] From 1921 until the start of World War II the 86th Brigade continued as a subordinate command of the 43rd Division.

[8] The 43rd Division continued in service after World War II, organized mainly in Connecticut, until being deactivated in 1967.

During this time, many Vermont tank crews competed in gunnery exercises held in West Germany and consistently brought back awards.

As an armor unit the 86th Brigade excelled at gunnery, becoming the only National Guard armor unit to consistently accomplish Tank Table XII, which requires a platoon of four tanks to advance and fire simultaneously on a live fire range.

The 86th IBCT welcomed the addition of the 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment from the Massachusetts Army National Guard on 14 September 2008.

[16] The 86th IBCT mobilized in December 2009 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and completed a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk prior to deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After receiving numerous replacements and volunteer Soldiers, the Brigade was sent back to JRTC for one more rotation before they left the country.

The Brigade was released from Federal service and returned to the Northeast to continue their respective State missions.

A large amount of the Brigade was awarded the Valorous Unit Commendation for their service from 8 March 2010 – 4 December 2010 for their exceptional performance while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) (VT NG) Associated unit: 124th Regiment (Regional Training Institute)