Final answer:
Soldiers could be assigned to a unit without formal technical training in the early to mid-20th century. Practices changed post-World War II as the military emphasized specialized training, especially with the creation of specialized Ranger Companies during the Korean War era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical context of the question relates to military policy and training practices, which has evolved over time. Specific historical references to the U.S. Army's training protocols and racial segregation are relevant here, indicating that the question would best be answered with insights from military history. In the early and mid-20th century, soldiers could be assigned to a unit without formal technical training after basic training as the primary focus was increasing troop numbers quickly. During World War II, certain African American units, such as the 761st, experienced an extended training period compared to their white counterparts. Post-World War II, the military began transitioning to smaller, more specialized forces. The U.S. Army looked to revive the concept of Ranger Companies to create more capable forces around the time of the Korean War. This shift towards specialized training indicates that the practice of assigning troops without technical training likely changed after World War II, particularly as the military increasingly valued specialized skills and training for its smaller, more diverse set of combat roles.