description Fort Irwin Overview
Fort Irwin is an active United States Army installation in California's Mojave Desert, northeast of Barstow. It is home to the National Training Center, where Army units conduct large-scale exercises against a dedicated opposing force in a demanding desert environment. The installation supports realistic preparation for combined-arms operations, including the coordination of infantry, armor, aviation, artillery, logistics, and command systems.
help Fort Irwin FAQ
What is the National Training Center at Fort Irwin?
The National Training Center (NTC) is the U.S. Army's premier large-scale maneuver training facility, where brigade combat teams deploy for weeks of force-on-force exercises against a permanent opposing force. The NTC was established at Fort Irwin in 1981.
How big is Fort Irwin?
The installation spans over 1,000 square miles of California's Mojave Desert, providing vast maneuver space for armored and mechanized units. Its terrain simulates arid operating environments similar to those U.S. forces have encountered in the Middle East.
What is the opposing force (OPFOR) at the National Training Center?
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment serves as the resident opposing force, or OPFOR, at the NTC. They are trained to replicate threat forces using specialized doctrine and equipment, providing a consistently challenging adversary for rotating units.
Where is Fort Irwin located?
Fort Irwin is situated in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California, approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow. The nearest major airport is in Ontario, California, about a two-hour drive away.
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