Tag Archives: Armor

Posted on

NTC Update (MAR 20)

Armor and Infantry in the Defense Against a Near-Peer Threat

by

The main reason we conduct a defense is to set the conditions to transition to the offense. At the company level and below we must recognize the significance of properly preparing for defensive operations.  Units planning against a near peer threat at the National Training Center (NTC) will focus on preparing for an attack or conducting the seven steps of EADEV in preparation for a defense, but rarely do units prepare simultaneously for both.  Commanders must think through transitioning into defensive operations prior executing offensive operations.

Soldiers position vehicles to simulate taking over an enemy town during an exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 7, 2019. (US Army Photo by Sgt. Mason Cutrer).
Posted on

NTC Update (NOV 19)

Armor Company/Team Observations & Best Practices

by

The Armor Company/Team constitutes one of the most powerful direct fire capabilities any Brigade in the world can commit to seize an enemy position thru overwhelming firepower, speed, and shock effect. In a decisive action environment, the ability of these formations to react quickly and decisively hinges on their intricate understanding of unit SOPS, a consistent understanding of their position relative to enemy forces, and the flawless execution of Company and below battle drills. Armor, like other units, achieve this standard by repeatedly ensuring they master truly essential tasks such as the ability to conduct tactical movement, actions on contact, attack by/support by fire, and defense of a position. They must exercise tactical patience by taking the time to clear restricted terrain, but, once committed, ruthlessly attack. 

Soldiers from the 116th Cavalry Regiment conduct tank crew gunnery, Nov. 11, 2019, at the Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mason Cutrer)
Posted on

Clearing Al-Baqqah (ABCT Urban Attack)

The Company Leader TDG 19-09

by

“We really need to develop a better urban training facility,” you thought as you reviewed the imagery of the city. These weren’t connexes back on Fort Benning. Your armored company team has been in Erbyk, a NATO allied partner nation that was invaded by hostile Sermania, for the past three-months. And while you’ve been clearing small urban villages, you are now on the outskirts of Al-Baqqah, a dense urban environment in the heart of Erbyk. The OSRVT feed continues to provide real-time activity in Al-Baqqah as your company headquarters observes patterns of life. ”Chaos 6, this is Cottonbaler 6–change of mission to follow, prepare to copy.”

Posted on

Tanks in the Hedgerows (ABCT Co Attack)

The Company Leader TDG 18-10

by

You are the company commander of B Co, 2-7 IN. You have been operating in the Sherka Province of Urzustan, a military state under dictator rule with ties to other terrorist and near-peer adversaries of the United States. Over the past 24 hours, your BN TAA has been receiving indirect fire from the north. Your sister FA BN and BN FiST determined the point of origin (POO) to be a hill approximately 1000 meters outside of the town of Jurju. Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicate that mortar teams use that hill and quickly displace to Jurju where a local militia tied to the current regime gives them safe haven. You report to the Battalion Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at 2300hrs to receive a FRAGORD.

Students of ABOLC and IBOLC execute the Combined Competitive Maneuver Exercise. Photo of D Troop, 2-16 CAV, ABOLC, U.S. Army Armor School. Photo retrieved from U.S. Army Armor Officer Basic Course Facebook Page.
Posted on

The Best Job I Ever Had

#BranchSeries - Armor

by

I knew from the moment that I joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) that I wanted to branch Armor. I can vividly remember the branch counseling session with my Professor of Military Science (PMS). He counseled the assessing cadets on filling out the branch and duty station preference sheets. He asked me for my first choice and I told him Armor, without hesitation. I was competitive across the branches and my PMS encouraged me to consider all options, including Aviation. He was trying to ensure I thought through all my options, but I was undeterred. In my mind, as a young and brash 22-year-old Cadet, my mentality was set. There was no other choice but Armor Branch.