1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry
The 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry mobilizes on M-Day, moves to Fort Irwin NLT M+6 and assumes an Opposing Force (OPFOR) mission portraying a "Krasnovian" trained Regimental Battalion (31 tank standard) of the People¹s Parumphistani Army in order to provide a proficient, doctrinally correct opposing force to train visiting U.S. Army (BLUFOR) units. Known as the 60th Guards independent tank battalion (60th GITB). The Nevada Army National Guard has 49 of its 60 tanks stationed at Fort Irwin to fight alongside the OPFOR, manned with National Guard troops.
The Nevada Army National Guard armor-cavalry force has a long and distinguished history. Since the early days of the Nevada Territory, mounted citizen-soldiers have responded to the call of duty. In 1863, the 1st Battalion, Nevada Volunteers Cavalry was formed and mustered into the service of the United States to man the posts deserted due to the Civil War. After statehood in 1864, Nevada Cavalry units were actively engaged in the Indian Wars throughout the West. During the Spanish-American War, Nevada National Guardsmen formed two troops of volunteer cavalry and saw action against the Spanish Army in the Philippine Islands. The 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry is currently Nevada's only combat arms unit. The squadron was originally organized as the 121st Coast Artillery Battalion.
It was ordered into federal service for World War II. The squadron was absorbed into the Regular Army and some of its components saw action in the Pacific, participating in the Ryukyus Campaign. After World War II, the squadron served as Anti-Aircraft Artillery. In the early 1970's, the unit was designated as the 3rd Squadron, 116th Cavalry regiment. In 1975, the unit became the 3rd Squadron, 163rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1980, the unit was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 221st Armor.
In 1995, the battalion was officially aligned as a round-out to the renowned 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1997, the National Guard Bureau redesignated the unit as the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry. This new designation reflects the Cavalry mission and heritage of the unit. The squadron has been recognized as a premier unit throughout its history. Squadron awards include the prestigious Goodrich Riding Trophy, the Governor's Outstanding Unit Award, "Top Gunnery Battalion" of the 40th Infantry Division (Mechanized), National Guard Bureau Superior unit award, and the Eisenhower trophy. It is the only National Guard squadron to be certified as Opposing Forces (OPFOR) for the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California.
Most recently, the Squadron became the first unit to fight alongside the storied 11th ACR in an active duty NTC rotation. The 1/221 Calvary earned the coveted "Hamby First Class" award for its victories in the January 1998 NTC rotation 98-04. With the successful completion of NTC rotation 98-10 in August 1998, the Squadron is the first National Guard unit to fight in two active duty NTC rotations in one year. The Squadron is comprised of soldiers from throughout the great state of Nevada. The Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Troop B, Troop C, and Troop D are located in Las Vegas. Troop A is located in Yerington and Detachment 1, HHT (Scouts & Mortars) is located in Fallon. While the mounts are now M1A1 Abrams tanks, and sabers are only used at ceremonies, the dedication and devotion of Nevada's armor-cavalry soldiers remains "Never Broken."
The 1-221 Cavalry mobilizes on M-Day, moves to Fort Irwin M+6 and assumes an opposing force mission portraying a KRASNOVIAN tank Battalion (31 tank standard), Known as the 60th Guards Independant Tank Battalion, in order to provide a proficient, doctrinally correct OPFOR to train BLUEFOR units; while sustaining the force both in the field and at home.
The 60th Guards Independent Tank battalion (60th GITB) is a capabilities based Opposing Force (OPFOR) that provides a challenging, uncooperative sparring partner representative of actual threats. It is based upon Field Manual (FM) 100-60, Armor- and Mechanized- Based Opposing Force Organization Guide, dated 16 July 1997. The 60th GTB represents one of the infinite number of potential orders of battle described in the preface of FM 100-60.
The 60th Guards ITB is the State's contribution to the Krasnovian defense pact. The State was a client of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) for many years. The State has also been active in securing American technologies, to include limited tank production, since the break-up of the FSU. The 60th Guards ITB is equipped with modernized systems to match the best systems deployed by our neighbors. The State has chosen quality over quantity, and developed a small, professional army. The 60th Guards ITB approaches the level termed complex, adaptive forces. It is equipped with a T-80K variant that utilizes M1A1 technologies. This tank is known as a Krasnovian Varient Tank (KVT). I also has BRDM and BMP mounted reconnaissance forces, and a 2S12 mortar variant utilizing a M113A3 chassis. For the most part, the tactics are based upon Krasnovian experience; but, some techniques were adapted from the 60th Guards ITB's main arms provider- the American Army. (In fact, the majority of Officers and NCOs have attended American army tank and tactics schools.) The 60th Guards ITB is capable of adapting to dynamic situations and seizing opportunities on the battlefield. However, the force is exceedingly expensive to equip, train, and maintain; thus, at times, straining State/Krasnovian political relations.
The 60th Guards ITB organization is based upon the Tank Battalion, TBR (SEP), 31 Tank Standard model as described on page 3-38 of FM 100-60. Again, it is equipped with KVT's BRDMs and BMPs.. Due in part to operational necessities, political maneuvering, and the backing of an anonymous State-sponsored organization (reputed to be heavily involved in gambling and other vices); the 60th Guards ITB is heavily reinforced. The 60th Guards ITB has an overstrength Recon Platoon (basically twice the authorization of page 3-30, FM 100-60), a mechanized mortar battery (page 3-9, FM 100-60), and a reinforced Supply and Service Platoon (page 3-39, FM 100-60).The 60th Guards ITB earned their "Guards" designation for their glorious victories against their imperialistic foes at Gowen field, Idaho, in June of 1997.
The 60th Guards ITB fought in the two great patriotic wars known as NTC rotation 98-04 in January 1998 and NTC rotation 98-10 in August 1998. The unit earned the covoted "Hamby First Class Award" for their actions. They are increasing their OPTEMPO, and conducting cross-border maneuvers. Krasnovian army commanders, ambassadors, and political officers have been sighted at numerous State functions. The 60th GTB is known to be subordinate to the 60th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, and they fight as a part of the 125th Guards Tank Regiment.
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