About this Unit
The Operations Group, National Training Center (Ops Group, NTC), based at Fort Irwin, California, was established in 1981 to facilitate realistic force-on-force training for U.S. Army units. Its primary mission is to design, control, and evaluate complex training scenarios for Brigade Combat Teams and other units preparing for deployment. Ops Group personnel serve as observer-coach-trainers (OCTs), as well as providing the opposing force (OPFOR) that simulates near-peer adversaries. Over the decades, Ops Group has been instrumental in enhancing the combat readiness and adaptability of U.S. and allied forces through rigorous, scenario-based training in a challenging desert environment.
Historical Facts
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Core Mission: The Operations Group (Ops Group) at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, is responsible for designing, controlling, and evaluating large-scale, realistic combat training exercises for U.S. Army units.
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“The Coyotes”: Ops Group observer/controllers are known as "Coyotes," a nickname referencing their reputation for being cunning, resourceful, and always watching during training rotations.
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Birth of the Modern Combat Training Center: The Ops Group’s roots date to 1981, when the NTC was established as the Army’s premier force-on-force training environment, revolutionizing how the Army prepared for war.
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Opposing Force (OPFOR): Ops Group manages the renowned OPFOR, typically played by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (“Blackhorse”), who simulate a realistic enemy using Soviet-style tactics, giving U.S. units a formidable challenge.
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Instrumentation: Ops Group pioneered the use of advanced laser-based Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) gear, allowing for real-time simulation of combat effects and casualty assessments.
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After Action Reviews: The group has perfected the art of After Action Reviews (AARs), using video, GPS, and data collection to provide detailed feedback and lessons learned to training units.
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Realism and Complexity: Training scenarios are designed to replicate the full spectrum of modern conflict, including conventional battles, urban warfare, insurgency, cyber, and hybrid threats.
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Joint and Multinational Training: Ops Group regularly hosts and integrates joint (Army, Air Force, Marines) and multinational partners, making NTC one of the world’s most realistic and diverse military training environments.
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Desert Environment: The Mojave Desert terrain at NTC provides a harsh, unforgiving environment, challenging soldiers with extreme temperatures, dust, and rugged landscapes—perfect for stress-testing troops and equipment.
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Influence Worldwide: The Ops Group’s methodologies and training models have been adopted by other U.S. military services and allied nations, shaping how modern armies train for large-scale combat operations.
