Photo By David Overson | Lithuanian Army Lt. Col. Viktoras Bagdonas, chief of staff for the Lithuanian Army...... read more read more
HOHENFELS, Germany -- Fast-paced, intense training, unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating schedules -- all in an unforgiving environment. Just another day for the 1st Battalion of the 4th Infantry Regiment.
With more than 400 Soldiers spread across four companies, the battalion embraces their specialized mission of playing oppositional forces, or OPFOR, challenging rotations of U.S. Soldiers and Allies from around the world.
EVOLVING WITH THE FORCE
It all began in November 1990, when the unit came to Hohenfels, Germany, to take on the unique combination of roles that include both Soldier and enemy.
To support the U.S. Army-Europe commander's training strategy, the OPFOR portrays an insurgency force that challenges units, training through force-on-force scenarios. The training has evolved with the base since then, transforming from the Combat Maneuver Training Center to, in 2005, the Joint Multinational Readiness Center as it's known today.
The OPFOR battalion tailors its approach for each unit that comes through the training area, whether it's the multinational forces here now for Saber Junction 15 or service members preparing to serve in Kosovo.
The training capabilities of the OPFOR are very diverse and range anywhere from conducting riots to anti-tank missions to insurgency attacks.
"We get to do a lot of stuff that you wouldn't normally have a chance to accomplish. Every day is something different," said Pfc. Neco Long, mortar platoon, Company C.
The OPFOR battalion has made an impact on a larger scale by working closely with the Lithuanian forces, which have since been able to stand up their own OPFOR Company. Lithuania has been successful in absorbing and executing the techniques taught during multinational training.
"We have been very fortunate to be able to train with U.S. Soldiers. They are very knowledgeable and have taught us effective tactics to use on the battlefield," said 1st Lt. Andrius Dzemikas, Lithuanian OPFOR.
The training has proven beneficial for both militaries as they are able to exchange knowledge, brainstorm ideas and execute new avenues of approach.
"Our goal is to create cohesiveness with our allies. These rotations allow for a smoother transition for when we pull it all together on the battlefield," said 1st Lt. Tom Boggiano, mortar platoon leader for Company C, 1-4 Infantry Regiment.
TRAINING FOR MULTIPLE MISSIONS
The OPFOR battalion stays busy with around 10 multinational rotations each year. Saber Junction 15, for example, involves 17 different nations and spans April 1-30. In addition, Lt. Col. Barry Carlson, battalion commander, places a high emphasis on conventional Army training. This would include basic Soldier skills such as entering and clearing a room, displacing obstacles, weapons training and live fire ranges.
"I'm very proud of my Soldiers and the resiliency that they display. We conduct a multitude of training events at a very fast pace for long durations at a time," said 1st Lt. Clinton Harvin, 3rd platoon leader, Company A.
The training is equally beneficial for both the OPFOR and the rotational training units coming to JMRC. It provides insight as to how the enemy may think or operate in a real world environment, and as Boggiano explains, "it enhances the overall Soldier."
EXECUTING THE MISSION
After discussing the battle plan, Boggiano instructs his troops to load up and get ready for departure. The team's mission for the day is to act as insurgents against the training unit.
"We really become a 'jack of all trades' in this role," he said. "We are given the chance to see the ins and outs of enemy operations. You see both aspects being a non-conventional force and you are given the chance to understand the importance of basics such as communication and operational security."
Prior to force-on-force exercise days, the OPFOR holds a combined arms rehearsal, or CAR, which involves a step-by-step process of how each OPFOR entity will execute their combined objective.
The OPFOR assesses the capabilities and threats that the rotational training units pose and figure out how to beat that threat. By doing so, they learn how to be better fighters, as do the units training with them.
They also use the CAR to identify any vulnerabilities that they may have and ways in which they can be avoided or strengthened. In doing this, they become a lethal force.
Col. Thomas Mackey, JMRC Command Operations Group commander, provides words of encouragement to the OPFOR, saying, "Put your combat power at mass so you can fight with a closed fist."
The OPFOR takes their role very seriously and utilizes every asset that they have available, to include the 40,000 acre simulated battlefield known as "The Box." They have earned a reputation of being very successful in their efforts.
In order to simulate real-world casualties, multiple integrated laser engagement systems, or MILES gear, is worn on Soldiers and attached to vehicles. Weapons are synced with this equipment and an alarm will sound when a target has been accurately engaged.
INTEROPERABILITY WITH ALLIES
Multinational soldier interaction presents learning opportunities for all involved by providing an understanding of how other militaries operate and what they can provide.
The camaraderie within the OPFOR is evident. The Soldiers demonstrate respect and understanding toward one another when on missions as well as friendly banter when in an informal environment. One of the purposes of multinational training exercises is to carry this mentality forward and create these same types of interactions with allied forces.
"Multinational exercises provide a great opportunity to rehearse building partnerships and relationships, to understand various countries' capabilities and capacity as well as the cultural aspects of working with multinational partners," Carlson said.
It's evident how fostering relationships among small teams can grow to benefit the global environment.
"These multinational exercises have a huge impact on the world stage," Carlson said. "We are building the future, one rotation at a time."
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2015 06:42 |
| Story ID: | 161250 |
| Location: | HOHENFELS, DE |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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