In February 1974, Major General Sidney B. Berry, Commanding General, signed Division General Order 179, authorizing wear of the Airmobile Badge. (Later re-designated the Air Assault Badge and approved for Army-wide wear in January 1978.) Finally, on 4 October 1974, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) became the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

In March 1982, elements of the 101st began a six month peace keeping tour of duty in the Sinai as part of the Multinational Force and Observers. Tragedy struck in December 1985, when 248 Screaming Eagles died in a plane crash returning from the Middle East.

In August 1990, the 101st departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in operations "Desert Shield" and "Desert Storm". The division fired the first shots of "Desert Storm" by taking out Iraqi radar sites on 17 January 1991. During the ground war phase of "Desert Storm," the 101st made the longest and largest Air Assault in history. More than 2,000 men, 50 transport vehicles, artillery, and tons of fuel and ammunition were airlifted 50 miles into Iraq. Land vehicles took another 2,000 troops into Iraqi territory west of Kuwait to allow U.S. Armored Forces unrestricted access to Iraq. With the cease fire established on 27 February 1991, the division began preparations for redeployment. By 1 May 1991, the Screaming Eagles were home.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) remains ever vigilant, highly trained, and ready to respond to their next "Rendezvous with Destiny."