The early months of the battalion's existence were spent in training and support missions which served to weld the 20th Transportation Battalion into a cohesive and efficient organization. The battalion continued its fine safety record when from February 10 through 20, 1958 it participated in the gigantic FTX Sabre Hawk without a single military vehicle accident.

Spring of 1958 brought with it a vigorous renewal of river crossing training and other field training exercises. Soon the battalion's personnel carriers were operating proficiently on land and water. During the closing months of 1958, ATT's, IG and CMI inspections and qualification firing of TOE weapons evidenced the proficiency attained during the year.

River crossing training for 1958 was climaxed by the 20th Transportation Battalion becoming the first such organization to cross the Rhine River. This training took place September 8 through 10. The crossing was historically significant in that it was this very same ages old military barrier which allied commanders feared might impede the advance into Germany during World War II. The 20th Transportation Battalion eliminated any grounds for similar apprehension when its C Company crossed elements of the 18th, 504th and 505th Infantries on different dales during river crossing training in the summer of 1959.

On October 2, 1958, Brigadier General Frederick D. Atkinson, USAREUR Transportation Officer, said he was "most impressed" after observing personnel carriers of C Company in a demonstration of their role of transporting infantry troops. The USAREUR Transportation Chief was accompanied by Colonel Robert B. Neely, Seventh Army Transportation Officer, Colonel Harvey J. Yost, V Corps Transportation Officer, and Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Robbins, Plans Branch Chief, USAREUR Transportation Division.

On December 20, 1958, the 151st Transportation Company rotated to the United States and the 544th Transportation Company arrived in Germany (Webmaster Note: a Gyroscope movement). The 544th took its place in the battalion and immediately began carrying its load without causing any lapse in the battalion's operations.

When the 8th Infantry Division became the only airborne-infantry composite division in the United States Army, the increased transportation requirements were met by the reorganization of the 544th and the 16th Transportation Companies into four-platoon companies. The 23d Transportation Company moved from Baumholder to Wiesbaden on January 8, 1959, as part of the plan for supporting the airborne battle groups in the Mainz-Wiesbaden area.

Once again in 1959 the units went through annual ATT's and fired their TOE weapons, testifying to the skill and state of combat readiness in the battalion. Units organized smallbore rifle teams and competed in firing matches. Intramural sports took on new emphasis with all personnel taking part in a program to make them proficient in at least one sport during their overseas tour.

In addition to the Rhine River crossings participated in by C Company, there was river crossing training on the Mosel River. There, B Company crossed elements of the 16th and 26th Infantries during July 1959.

From the period August 1, 1957, to the present, the 20th Transportation Battalion has driven more than 3,000,000 miles or 120 times around the world, in all kinds of weather and over all kinds of terrain with a minimum of mishaps. This outstanding record is permanent proof of the skill and proficiency of the men of the 20th Transportation Battalion. It is also evidence of the battalion's preparedness to help keep the 8th Infantry Division battle-ready at all times