Fort Irwin, Calif -- March 2014 - The 3rd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is projected to be the last unit that will go through an Afghanistan preparation rotation at The National Training Center (NTC).
Col John L. Ward, Commander of 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment explains, "As we continue to draw down our forces in Afghanistan, the NTC is changing its focus. We must look toward our next perceived threat which will encompass a combination of combined arms maneuver and wide area security. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment will take pride in portraying this threat and preparing the military for world wide deployment."
Oct. 3 2009, eight Soldiers were killed in action and 23 Soldiers wounded at Combat Outpost Kaeting and Observation Post Fritsch in Afghanistan. They were attacked by an estimated 350 Taliban fighters. In the wake of this battle, The NTC was given the new mission to provide units the challenge and experience of having their Combat Outpost overrun by insurgent forces to prevent similar losses.
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), nicknamed Blackhorse, is the unit that replicates the enemy at NTC, and almost every month for the last four years up to 150 Soldiers would climb the mountains of the Mojave Desert at Fort Irwin, Calif. to conduct light Infantry tactics and attack a combat outpost.
"Casualties sustained here reduce the casualties in combat through lessons learned," said Capt Frank Kirbyson, Commander of A Troop 1st Squadron 11th ACR.
Kirbyson also reveals that, we receive more training from these missions than anyone else. We have the challenge of attacking a fortified position, which often has greater numbers and better technology.
The Combat Outpost attacks are the most spectacular of all the opposing force missions during Afghan preparation rotations. Soldiers patrol as much as four miles of mountainous desert; they have to divert aviation scouts, unmanned aircraft, indirect fire, etc. The total movement would often cover 2000 feet in elevation. The Blackhorse Soldiers would create the most chaotic and destructive environment that an Army unit could face. The intent is to simulate the worst day here at NTC, so they can learn from their actions and perform to their fullest potential if facing a similar situation in combat, said Major Kevin Black, the 11th ACR Deputy Commander.
Taylor Tahbo, 1st Sgt. of A Troop, 1/11 ACR said, "It is a mind duel between both Company Commanders and their subordinate leadership. The thoughts and levels of experience in developing and executing plans are only evident in the end result."
As Americans in Afghanistan begin their withdrawal, the mission at Fort Irwin changes and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment gets back in their tanks and Infantry Fighting Vehicles to train the force on a decisive action platform.
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