Attached to the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, the unit was authorized a strength of 27 officers and 500 enlisted men.

[1] In May 1942 it was moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and expanded into the 88th Glider Infantry Regiment.

Troops were trained in infantry tactics including forced night marches, although they also had mock gliders and a tower north of the fort for practice parachute drops.

[4] A Silver color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄4 inches (3.2 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, a cross pendal saltirewise Argent.

Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver tripartite scroll inscribed "RIDE THE STORM" in Blue letters.