About this Unit
Fort Irwin, located in the Mojave Desert of California, has served as a vital military installation since its initial establishment during World War II. Originally opened in 1940 as the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range, it was later renamed in honor of Major General George LeRoy Irwin. During the Cold War, Fort Irwin was used as a training area for armored and infantry units. Since 1981, it has been home to the National Training Center (NTC), where U.S. Army units undergo realistic, large-scale combat training to prepare for deployment in diverse operational environments.
Historical Facts
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Desert Beginnings: Fort Irwin was originally established as the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range in 1940, chosen for its vast, remote desert terrain ideal for military training.
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Namesake: The fort is named after Captain George LeRoy Irwin, an artillery officer killed in France during World War I.
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National Training Center (NTC): In 1981, Fort Irwin became home to the National Training Center, the U.S. Army’s premier training facility for large-scale, realistic force-on-force combat exercises.
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Mock Cities: The NTC features elaborate mock towns and villages, complete with role-players and pyrotechnics, to simulate urban warfare and train soldiers for real-world scenarios.
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Cold War Testing: During the Cold War, Fort Irwin was used to test top-secret weapons systems and tactics, including air defense missiles and armored vehicles.
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Space Shuttle Emergency Landing Site: The Fort Irwin airfield was designated an alternate landing site for the Space Shuttle program due to its long runways and remote location.
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Environmental Stewardship: Fort Irwin is home to several endangered species, including the desert tortoise, and has implemented extensive conservation programs to protect native wildlife.
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Ghost Town Nearby: The historic ghost town of Calico is located near Fort Irwin, offering soldiers and families a glimpse into California's mining past.
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Realistic Opposing Forces (OPFOR): The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment serves as the "enemy" during training exercises, using Soviet and other foreign tactics and vehicles to challenge U.S. units.
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Hollywood Connections: Fort Irwin has been used as a filming location for various movies and TV shows, thanks to its unique desert landscape and military infrastructure.
