Just informed by HRC that I will be stationed in Ft. Irwin, CA in June to be an OC/T. Any Ags currently stationed there or recently there that can offer their opinion?

Thanks

I'm here now as a guest OC/T and on my days off I have been hanging out with a few of the Ags here. They are with 11th ACR though not OC/T s but can help you with Irwin questions. Send me a PM and I can get you their info

[This message has been edited by Jock11 (edited 1/28/2014 2:48p).]

From an NCO, I was there 2 years with the 11th ACR and I've been back a few times as a guest OC/T. It was probably my least favorite two years of my career.

Locally, Barstow is a dump and it's still 40 miles away. On post facilities are decent, housing, CYS, schools and the likes. But LA and Vegas are close enough to spend the weekend.

As an OC/T, you'll spend lots of time in the box. I love training Soldiers but there's little to no payoff with being an OC/T because you have a new unit every 3 weeks. You don't get to see the Soldiers grow or truly apply what you've taught them.

But there's good memories to be made at NTC so don't take what I've said as gold. Good luck at Irwin and watch out for the 40's, they're always watching.

That said, I've grown a good appreciation for those senior NCOs and officers who were stationed there as O/Cs...they bring a bit of perspective back to the Troops down the road.

Thanks for the thoughts. I was dissapointed with the assignment, but the silver lining is that we have family in San Diego and friends in Las Vegas, so we are determined to make the best of it.

I have heard professionally you will learn a ton while there, but it is just not the most desirable job.

Former Corps Commander, 1LT Brent Lanier '10 is currently stationed there. Message him on Facebook. My family lived at Fort Irwin for 3 years in the '90's and as a military wife for 29 years it was by far my favorite duty station. Great memories and lots of good times. Lots of field time and lots of vacation time! Traveling was awesome from there. Great place to raise a family, maybe not so great for a bachelor!

TRADOC assignments

I was permanent party there 1986-1988...was part of the Fire Support Trainers (Werewolves) in the Operations Group. Things were pretty spartan back then at NTC, but we were doing cool things.I believe we were pushing 12-14 rotations a year through NTC back then. The Army during Mr. Regan's tenure was pretty high-speed--even though it was before GPS and IBA, lol.

We were in the field constantly, and garrison BS was pretty minimal. I remember having issues with the place at the time (~5000+ guys and about 150 women, lol), but in hindsight--there was so much to learn, see and do. Some of these things can only be experienced at NTC. A full-on attack by a simulated Soviet-style Motorized Rifle Regiment running south across Siberia to the Whale Gap (at 30 MPH!) was something to behold.

Enjoy your time there! It is what you make of it.