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Raider Battalion provides OPFOR for 116th Cavalry mobilization

Nov 3, 2010

By Capt. Kurt Van Slooten

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. -- As the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team prepares for deployment in support of Operation New Dawn, Task Force - Opposing Force sets the stage for realistic training to ensure the deploying unit is prepared to successfully execute its combat tasks.

TF OPFOR is comprised of Soldiers from 1-347th Combat Support/Combat Service Support "Raider" Battalion, supported by 3-349th Logistics Support Battalion, whose purpose is to simulate Iraqi Security Force, or insurgent forces depending on the scenario they are supporting at the time.

They play a major role in the Mission Rehearsal Exercise scenarios involving the population and infrastructure of the urban areas. The manner in which the 116th CBCT responds during the scenarios will determine the intensity of the attacks and Escalation of Force requirements. The intent is that the 116th's training objectives which include React to Sniper, React to Complex Attack, React to IED, and EOF will be achieved.

"We strive to provide all deploying units with a realistic and adaptive enemy force to train against so they can learn important lessons during training at after-action reviews instead of during missions where stakes are inevitably higher," said Lt. Col. Michael A. Plattenburg, 1-347th commander.

"The conditions have changed since the last time the 116th CBCT was overseas," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason P. Gunderman, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the orange village scenario. "Rules of engagement have changed, missions have changed. There is also a lot more collaboration between U.S and Iraqi Security Forces."

"We help to teach the current tactics, techniques and procedures learned from Soldiers who embedded with units that recently deployed to Iraq and from the Center for Army Lessons Learned," said Sgt. Darryl Logan.

"Safety remains a constant focus during the execution of every MRE," said C.M. Dyer, 1-347th operations officer. "TF OPFOR Soldiers must be certified to use weapon simulators and must wear the proper protective equipment at all times.

"Civilian Role Players are given a comprehensive safety brief upon arrival at the urban site regarding potential hazards. No risk that has not been properly mitigated is accepted during the MREs."

Safety continues to be stressed as 116th CBCT is completes the last of its post-mobilization training and validation at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center and is making preparations to deploy to Iraq in the near future.

The 188th Infantry Brigade, along with the other training support brigades in First Army Division East, provides and facilitates theater-focused training for deploying National Guard and Reserve formations and assists with redeployment and demobilizing following deployment. Based out of Fort Stewart, the 188th has been training deploying National Guard and Reserve units for Iraq deployments continuously since 2003.