Superior Training Requires a “Bad Guy”

Photo By David Overson | Slovenian soldiers prepare to participate in an opposing force exercise at the Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Germany, for Combined Resolve VII, Sep. 5, 2016. Combined Resolve VII is a 7th Army Training Command, U.S. Army Europe-directed exercise taking place at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, Aug. 8 to Sept. 15, 2016. The exercise is designed to train the Army’s regionally allocated forces to the U.S. European Command. Combined Resolve VII includes more than 3,500 participants from 16 NATO and European partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David J. Overson, 301st Public Affairs Detachment)  

GERMANY

09.05.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. David Overson 

301st Public Affairs Detachment

HOHENFELS, Germany -- In today’s Army anticipating your enemy’s next move is crucial for proper preparation. To accomplish this, a notional opposing force is required. This is the mission of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 7th Army Training Command, who takes pride in challenging the U.S. and multinational forces who rotate through the Joint Multinational Readiness Center at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, for Combined Resolve VII.

Combined Resolve VII is a 7th Army Training Command, U.S. Army Europe-directed exercise taking place at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, Aug. 8 to Sept. 15, 2016. The exercise is designed to train the Army’s regionally allocated forces to the U.S. European Command. Combined Resolve VII includes more than 3,500 participants from 16 NATO and European partner nations.

An OPFOR will comprise all the components of a full combat brigade to include ground forces, heavy artillery and air support. Their main objective is to hit a full, opposing brigade with all they have as if they were indeed a real enemy. This provides the unit rotating through JMRC with realistic training that cannot be achieved any other way.

Working alongside the U.S. OPFOR are the nations of Serbia, Montenegro and Slovenia, who take pride in the ability to provide a competitive opposing force which allows NATO members and partners to work together more effectively.

Prior to an attack of a main force, the OPFOR will conduct a combined arms rehearsal, which walks key leaders through each stage of the pending attack to ensure it is performed with precision and flows as the commander intends it to.

The Battalion’s commander, LT. Col. Mathew Archambault, likes what he sees at the CAR. It allows all parties, to include other nations, to work with one another. It also helps to bridge the communication gap prior to their assault.

“One of the largest challenges I face as the OPFOR battalion commander is conveying the message to the other nations that it’s OK to make a mistake,” said Archambault. “When they come here it’s a training exercise, and I want them to take risks and try new things. I want them to maximize their training experience; it helps them learn and grow.”

One of the NATO partner countries participating in this exercise is Serbia, and one of their key leaders is 2nd Lt. Senka Gromovic, who is on her 2nd rotation at JMRC.

“One of the largest challenges I have faced here is learning to work with our partner nations,” said Gromovic. “However, through repetition and a lot of patience it makes sense now. I feel confident in our ability to fight beside our allies.”

• Date Taken: 09.05.2016
• Date Posted: 09.08.2016 08:55
• Story ID: 209025
• Location: DE