The 196th RCT was organized in South Dakota on Sep 22, 1946 and commanded by Col Kenneth Scurr. Its first annual training was held at Cp Rapid, SD in 1948. In 1949 the unit went to Cp Ripley, MN for annual training. As the troops were coming home from annual training at Cp MCoy,WI in 1950, the news came of the Communist invasion of South Korea. The 196th RCT was inducted into Federal Service on September 1, 1950 and sent to Cp Carson, CO. There it was brought up to strength with over 4,795 reservists and conscripts. In July of the following year it moved to Ft Richardson, AK. The unit remained there for several years and the original NG troops were released from active duty by the time 24 months had passed from the date of induction. The 196th RCT was deactivated on Sept 14, 1956.