A view of the historic development of the 256th Mechanized Infantry Brigade (Separate), is an objective study of the development of the ground combat forces of the Louisiana National Guard. The Louisiana National Guard has grown from a mere 2,000, prior to WWII, to over 10,000 at the beginning of the 21st century.

Retired Brig. General Curney J. Dronet has started with the genesis of the 256th Infantry Brigade in 1967, however, later discovering it's origins as early as 1770.