81st Regional Readiness Command
81st Regional Support Command

The 81st Regional Readiness Command exercises command and control of assigned units in preparation for successful mission performance and mobilization. It provides support to USARC Direct Reporting Commands in the region to allow them to concentrate on assigned missions. In 2005, it was, however, recommended for disestablishment in the Dept. of Defense's BRAC Recommendations.

Located in Birmingham, AL, the 81st RRC is the headquarters for the Army's reserve forces located in eight Southeastern states. The only exceptions are Army Special Operations units, and eight Direct Reporting Commands that report to the United States Army Reserve Command in Atlanta. In total, the 81st RRC provides command and control for more than 30,000 soldiers and direct support services and products to over 42,000 soldiers. More than 270 Troop Program Units are assigned to the 81st RSC across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The U.S. Army Reserve provides essential combat support and combat service support capabilities to America's Army. Examples of this support include personnel administration, transportation, logistics, medical, engineering, military police, and public affairs

The 81st Infantry Division landed in Hawaii, 11 June-8 July 1944. The Division minus RCT 323 invaded Angaur Island in the Palau group, 17 September, and pushed through to the western shore in a quick movement, cutting the island in half. The enemy was driven into isolated pockets and mopping-up operations began on the 20th.

RCT 321, attached to the 1st Marine Division, went into action on Peleliu Island in the Palaus and assisted in splitting defense forces and isolating them in mountainous areas in the central part of the island. The team aided in mopping up Ngesebus Island and capturing Kongauru and Garakayo Islands. RCT 323 under naval task force command occupied Ulithi Island, 21-23 September 1944. Elements of the team landed on Ngulu Atoll and destroyed enemy personnel and installations, 16 October, completing the outflanking of the enemy base at Yap.

On the 18th RCT 323 left to rejoin the 81st on Peleliu, which assumed command of all troops on that island and Angaur, 20 October 1944. Resistance was ended on Peleliu, 27 November. Between 4 November 1944 and 1 January 1945, the Division seized Pulo Anna Island, Kyangel Atoll, and Pais Island. The 81st left in increments from 1 January to 8 February for New Caledonia for rehabilitation and training. The Division arrived in Leyte on 17 May 1945, and after a period of training participated in mopping-up operations in the northwest part of the island, 21 July 1945 to 12 August 1945. After rest and training, the 81st moved to Japan, 18 September, and performed occupational duties in Aomori Prefecture until inactivation.

In late 2003 all Regional Support Commands were re-designated to Regional Readiness Commands.

* The existence of this unit was reported by a site reader. However, multiple attempts to verify this information proved unsuccessful.

In its 2005 BRAC Recommendations, DoD recommended to disestablish the 81st Regional Readiness Command and establish the Army Reserve Southeast Regional Readiness Command in a new Armed Forces Reserve Center on Fort Jackson. This recommendation would support the Army Reserve's Command and Control restructuring initiative to reduce Regional Readiness Commands from ten to four. DoD claimed that this recommendation would transform Army Reserve command and control by relocating one major headquarters from inadequate facilities in Birmingham, Alabama to Fort Jackson.