Reinvigorated after a pause due to force health protection measures from the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Training Center conducted its first internal “Box Tour” after 18 months on Aug. 13.
The Box Tour gave Fort Irwin Spouses a first-hand experience on the challenges service members face while training to win the first fight in combat. The tour began at the iconic painted rocks with a brief history of the National Training Center, which led to a NTC mission brief.
Attendee and Fort Irwin Spouse, Heather Busch said the tour enlightened her on the challenges U.S. Army Soldiers face in the “Box”.
“I’m so grateful for the experience, I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the box tour.” Said Busch “It really opens one’s eyes to the importance of what our Soldiers are accomplishing by training the rotational units.”
After the briefings, spouses made their way to the Village of Razish where the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment hosted an urban warfare demonstration with dismounted infantry and large “Hollywood” style explosions. Following the demonstration the guests test fired assault rifles with blanks, explored U.S. Army vehicles and dined on an individual field ration, also known as the Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE).
“It is a realistic taste of the conditions our Soldiers face in combat.” Said Busch “I felt like I was in another world! It’s an opportunity I believe everyone should experience, including our children.”
Visitors can personally experience how the National Training Center and Fort Irwin trains Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) to win the first fight on a regular basis by registering for the Box Tour on the Fort Irwin website. To find out more about NTC Box Tours, visit:
https://home.army.mil/irwin/index.php/about/visitor-information/ntc-tours
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