First Quarter 2015THE BLACKHORSE

The Long WalkTroopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment pay homage to Veterans by walking from Fort Irwin to the

Barstow Veterans Home.

Spouses’ Spur RideSpouses from Fort Irwin and the

Marine Corps Logistics Base-Barstow prove they have what it takes to earn

their Spurs.

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The BlackhorseCol. Kevin L. Jacobi

Commander of 11th ACR

CSM Carl A. AshmeadCommand Sergeant Major

of 11th ACR

Capt. Christinea WagnerPublic Affairs Officer

Publication StaffSgt. Erik A. Thurman

Writer

Sgt. David N. BeckstromWriter

Spc. Denitra T. HalfordGraphic Artist

2nd Lt. Robert T. MacDonaldUPAR

Capt. Jessica EdmondsUPAR

1st Lt. Evan M. FitzGeraldUPAR

The Blackhorse newsletter is an authorized publication for

members of the Department of Defense.Editorial content is the

responsibility of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

Public Affairs Office.Contents of the publication are

not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.

Government, or the Department of the Army.

Are You a Photographer or Writer?

The Blackhorse is looking for photos and stories on 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Anyone can submit a story or photo to 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

Public Affairs Office at (christinea.m.wagner.mil@mail.mil/(760)380-8358)

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COMMAND TEAM GREETINGS

Col. Kevin L. JacobiCommanderof 11th ACR

CSM Carl A. AshmeadCommand Sergeant Major

of 11th ACR

Command Sgt. Major Ashmead and I would like to wish all the Troopers, past and present, Blackhorse family members, the entire Fort Irwin community and all our readers, a happy New Year.

In the last quarter alone, Blackhorse Troopers and our National Training Center partners challenged 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division to get the most out of their training here during rotation 15-02. Spouses across the installation got to share in the training experience as well during the Regimental Spouses Spur Ride. Resiliency week gave Soldiers and family members the opportunity to refocus on their mental, behavioral, physical and emotional agility, which are all needed to help us bounce back from setbacks. Before heading into holiday leave, over 500 Troopers showed their appreciation for our local veterans and their dedication to the Regiment by making the 38-mile trek from Fort Irwin to the Veterans Home of California in Barstow.

The accomplishment of these events and various other training activities is all due to the dedication of the Regiment, our families and the Fort Irwin team. Thank you all for your continued support. As we look toward the New Year, I challenge us all to emulate and embody the three ideas in the Blackhorse Vision, the organizational vision we created together in the 1st Quarter. The vision is simply who and what we strive to be as an organization. Achieving this vision as a team, means we as individuals embrace it and let it guide our actions. I encourage you to direct your discipline initiative toward helping the Regiment achieve our vision. The vision challenges us to be a formidable, professional, team of teams. It is my intent that the Blackhorse vision serves as our guiding light as we move into the future.

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

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Fort Irwin Takes 4th in the 30th Army Ten-Miler

Sgt. Erik A. Thurman 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs

Fort Irwin, Calif. -- A team of eight Soldiers placed fourth in their

division while representing Fort Irwin during the 30th Anniversary of the Army Ten-Miler, held in the Washington D.C. area, October 11th, 2014. The Army Ten-Miler is the world’s third largest ten-mile road race that begins and ends at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. The event attracts military and civilian running teams throughout the world to promote ‘es spirit de corps’, fitness and competition. All proceeds for the event go to the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, which support events, entertainment and activities aimed at improving the lifestyle of Army Families at military installations across the globe. But for many runners, competitiveness is the main driving factor. “I am very competitive by nature,” said Staff Sgt. Darryl Jewell, a master gunner assigned to Operations, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment -- and coach for Fort Irwin’s Ten-Miler team. “I focus on my competition and study-up on how fast they are running. Then I evaluate myself and try to push myself to their level. Then once I get to their level I want to push beyond that.” As coach, Jewell prepared the team with a 12-week training plan. Initially, he was unsure of how far he could push the team, he said. “After the first month, they were really progressing in the program and I started to realize that we really had a shot,” said Jewell. He said that in the beginning, many of

the runners were struggling for a seven-minute-mile. “We would go for a six-mile recovery run, nice and easy. As they progressed, they were just talking amongst each other, laughing, joking and relaxing into the run. They had no clue what pace they were running and here I was looking at my watch, reflecting that during the trials they were struggling for a seven-minute-mile pace, and now they were on a relaxed six-mile run averaging a six-and-a-half minute-mile pace,” he said. Jewell explained that once the other runners saw their level of improvement, it gave them the confidence to excel. “They started believing that they actually could run that fast and that’s the biggest thing. You have to believe you can

do it. Once you’ve got the belief than all you have to do is apply yourself,” Jewell said. “We all improved our times, the whole team,” said Cpt. Yesenia Byrne, team runner and Chief of the Managed care Division, Weed Army Community Hospital, U.S. Army Medical Department (MEDDAC). Byrne said that though running is an individual sport at its core, the pressure of being part of a team pushes an individual that much further. Fort Irwin is a unique installation. It is home to the National Training Center, which prepares the Nation’s military for operations overseas. The 11th ACR has the responsibility of being the yard stick by which the rest of the Army gauges itself by serving as an enemy force during training.

Fort Irwin Soldiers compete in the 30th Army Ten-Miler road-race near Washington DC, October 11, 2014, taking fourth overall in their division.

(Photo courtesy of Lelan Daines)

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The demands on the 11th ACR and other supporting units are high, yet Soldiers are not only meeting their obligations but, continue to thrive and take on more challenges. “We were at kind of a disadvantage,” said Cpt. Eric Oliva, a team member who serves as the Regimental Assistant Engineer, 11th ACR. He said that most teams are able to train 12-months out of the year. Not only does the 11th ACR have to remain a readily-deployable force, they must also meet the needs of units across the Army coming to NTC to train. Oliva said the Fort Irwin team excelled and placed fourth in their division out of fifty-two other active duty teams comprised of both males and females and were among the top twenty-five out of a total of 633 teams. “The camaraderie on the team was great. We started to really gel as a team toward the end,” said Maj. Racquel Junio, a team member who serves a Chief of Human Resources at the Weed Army Community Hospital, Fort Irwin MEDDAC. Junio explained that with the difficult schedules

of each team member, the entire team was not always able to train with one another. “The pride that we get is pride in ourselves as a team,” said Jewell. “Once everything is put into perspective than there is a new-found sense of camaraderie. When that bond grows you start pushing each other and holding each other accountable when it comes to training,” said Jewell. “I am much more motivated to be around people when we are a team,” said 1st. Lt. Jacob Enke, team member with the fastest run time of the team, co-team captain with Jewell and a Scout Platoon Leader for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR. “Working long hours here, it is sometimes hard to get out the door and train, what I found with this team was that not only did I care about them as a team from a training aspect but I also made seven new friends as well,” said Enke. For Jewell, running competitively as an individual or part of a team is about more than simple competitiveness for a

Soldier. “I feel that it gives you a certain degree of mental toughness,” Jewell said. “It is a great exercise to focus the mind. Running is a mind game. And it plays with your head because the body is going to set the limit. It is going to tell you that you are hurting. It is going to start playing tricks on you. It is up to you to actually keep the focus on what you are doing. As an athlete and as a Soldier, the best thing you can do is - keep your head clear,” said Jewell. “But I am proud to say that we met the expectations and we went out there to deliver,” Junio said. Stats: 1st Lt. Jacob Enke: 54:24 min; Staff Sgt Darryl Jewelll: 55:14 min; Cpt. Eric Oliva: 58:13 min; Cpt. Dominic Senteno: 59:13 min; Cpt. Clyde Daines: 59:48 min; 1st Lt. Brent Lanier: 1:06:48 min; Maj. Racquel Junio: 1:09:13 min; Cpt. Yesenia Byrne: 1:10:43 min. Fort Irwin Army Ten-Miler Team: 4th place, mixed division (male-female). 24th place, overall.

More than 35,000 participants from all over the world ran the 30th Army Ten-Miler course that took them through the National Capital Region, which started and ended at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 12, 2014.

(U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Mikki L. Sprenkle/Released)

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Congratulations to 11th Armored Cavalry Regiments newest Ranger graduates 1st Lt. Victor

Guevara, 1st Lt. Daniel Baughman and 1st Lt. Douglas Richardson.

ALLONS!

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Troopers of B. Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted a night time squad live-fire, Oct. 23, at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. (U.S. Photo by

Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

Troopers of I. Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted a December Stinger Missile Live-Fire qualification at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

(U.S. Photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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Honoring our Veterans Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade

The mounted Color Guard for the Palm Springs’ Veterans Day Parade was from the Horse Detachment, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Nov. 11. They led the event, which honored the veterans of the U.S. Military from all eras of service. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs/

Released)

Members of the Patriot Guard rode in the Palm Springs’ Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11 to show their support for the men and women who have served in the military. The event was held at a regional site

chosen by the Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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Story and photos by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Members of the community, here, showed their support for

U.S. veterans by holding its 18th annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. The City of Palm Springs was selected as a regional site for Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sites are chosen based on the history of events, planned activities and ceremonies. Michele Cirone-Collier, Veterans Day Parade Coordinator for the City of Palm Springs, explains that particular events and affiliations qualified them for regional representation, “We have several organizations which support our veterans out here today and a post parade concert by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California followed by a fireworks display immediately following our parade.” The community has a long history of working with the military and its veterans. Active-duty service members have lived in the area because of the near-by bases, thus there is strong participation for events like these. “There were a lot of people who showed up

and a huge outpouring of support,” said Sgt. 1st Class Roman Hacker, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Horse Detachment, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. “We led the entire parade with the U.S. flag as the Color Guard.” Hacker says the procession of the parade even demonstrated service members’ transition from active duty

service members to veterans with the passage of time. Attendees ranged from World War II to the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Although there were somber moments, Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the military, its veterans and their proud heritage. “Veterans Day is a memorial to all the men and women, not just myself, that I served with in Vietnam; both living and those who never came back,” said John Pereira, a Vietnam veteran. “I live for them now and I represent them here so that no one ever forgets what we did for this country.” Having a chance to celebrate the past can have a lasting

impression on the next generation. Showing support for the veterans of the U.S. caused Cameron Steide, a Boy Scout who participated in the parade, to join the Army. “I am joining the Army as an infantryman because I want to make scarifies of myself just like the people we are honoring today. Coming out here and being with the veterans and understanding what they did for this country is very humbling.”

A banner honoring the veterans of the Army hangs from a light pole in downtown Palm Springs, California Nov. 11. The banner is part of the

Veterans Day celebration. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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The Long Walk:38 Miles from

Fort Irwin to The Veterans Home of California - Barstow

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Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment arrive at the Veterans Home of California, Barstow during the 18th Annual Long Walk, December 16, 2014.

(Photo by Sgt. Erik Thurman, 11th ACR, Public Affairs.)

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Story by Sgt. Erik A. ThurmanPhotos by 11th Armored CavalryRegiment

FORT IRWN, Calif.- The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment carried-out the 18th annual Long

Walk, December 15 – 16, by walking the 38 mile stretch of highway that connects Fort Irwin, California to the Veterans Home of California, Barstow. The annual event is held as a tribute to residents of the Barstow Veterans Home and it gives Troopers a chance to thank the Veterans, in-person, for their service to the Nation. “We do it to honor those that came before us,” said Col. Kevin L. Jacobi, Commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. “There are 166 Veterans in this home that have served in every service and have fought in every war since WWII; in every corner of the globe. We are 38 miles away from them. It’s the least that we can do, to just pause and come thank them,” Jacobi said. This year, Troopers of the Regiment were joined by members of the Fort Irwin Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) and for the second time; members of the San Bernardino County Fire Department. “I was fortunate enough to do the walk in 2000 or 2001 as a Soldier with Blackhorse,” said James Salazar, a former Trooper with the 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR. Salazar is now a firefighter and paramedic with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. He said that he felt compelled to participate in the Long Walk again, this time with his fellow firefighters. “It’s great for the younger generation of firefighters to experience this generation (military veterans),” Salazar said. He feels that the common denominator between veterans, service members and first responders, is the culture of looking out for the person to your left and to your

right. Fort Irwin is home to the National Training Center and includes some of the harshest terrain and driest climates in the US, which is ideal for intense military training. The highway connecting the installation to the city of Barstow includes much of the same and passes over several mountain ranges at steep grades. Luckily, the Long Walk began with unseasonably high and cool humidity. The event was broken up into two days. The first day, Troopers walked approximately 29 miles to a cantonment area where they stayed the night; some in military-style tents and some in civilian camping tents. The following morning, the unit rallied together on the edge of Barstow and continued marching in formation toward the Veterans Home. Barstow citizens cheered and showed their support from the roadside. The Barstow Fire Department showed their support by saluting the formation along with their comrades from the San Bernardino County Fire Department as they passed the fire station. Finally, the 11th ACR arrived at the home to a warm welcome. Many of the veterans and staff awaited their arrival with flags and cameras in hand. Troopers then spent the afternoon talking with the veterans and enjoying a hot meal together. “It’s a good camaraderie,” said Jim ‘Catchup’ Wilson, a Vietnam-era veteran and resident of the home. “I noticed most (Troopers) had a very firm handshake, which is a little different than it is on the outside. I miss the banter,” he said. “They are really inspiring individuals,” said 2nd Lt. Julia Kate Martin, a Trooper assigned to the Support and Transportation Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th ACR. “One of the most humbling experiences I had was when they thanked me for my service. I have been in the Army less than a year and they gave their best years, decades of their lives to our country.”

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Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment walk a 38-mile stretch of highway connecting Fort Irwin, California to the Veterans Home of California, Barstow during the 18th Annual Long Walk,

December 16, 2014. (Photo by Spc. Denitra Halford, 11th ACR, Public Affairs.)

Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment spend the afternoon sharing stories, a meal and camaraderie during the 18th Annual Long Walk, December 16, 2014. (Photo by Sgt. Erik Thurman,

11th ACR, Public Affairs.

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Story by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom

Photos by 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – The

11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment and National Training

Center partners conducted semi-

annual resiliency training and

commander’s cup challenge, here,

during the week of Dec.8.

The training is part of the

Army’s continuing effort to ensure

Soldiers are fully trained and ready

to cope with life’s challenges.

and how to stop catastrophic

thinking. Each of these classes

focused on how to prevent, report

and recover from these issues.

“Each person comes from a

different background and has a

different way of thinking,” said

1st Lt. Abraham J. Johnson, a

platoon leader with H Company,

2/11 ACR. “These classes gave

each Soldier and leader a baseline

knowledge and understanding of

the topics to enable them to have

a shared starting point in dealing

with difficult issues. Having this

“The training we received this

week gave tools for both Soldiers

and leaders to help each other

understand how to bounce back

from adversity,” said Spc. Jonathan

R. Owens, training room clerk for

Headquarters and Headquarters

Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR.

“It showed us how we can use our

past experiences to deal with any

future problems.”

The training included classes

on Sexual Harassment/Assault

Response and Prevention, Equal

Opportunity, Bystander Intervention

Tools for Resiliency

Lt. Col. Shane D. Celeen, commander of the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, addresses his Soldiers after being awarded the Commander’s Cup Award for the hard work and dedication his Squadron put forth during the sports

portion of resiliency week on Fort Irwin, California Dec. 8-12. The competition was part of the commander’s cup challenge and resiliency week which focused on helping Soldiers to recover from difficult situations in their lives. (U.S. Army photo

by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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baseline allows people to start

looking at the world in a more

positive manner which will help

people overcome those issues.”

Being able to bounce back like

a tennis ball rather than crack like

an egg is what the Army wants its

Soldiers to do, according to the

training from this week.

“Resiliency is all about

consistency,” said Command Sgt.

Maj. James T. Gandy, Command

Sgt. Maj. for 2/11 ACR. “The ability

to win, not just once, but being

able to consistently overcome

adversity is the main issue.”

The week’s activities also

included the 2nd iteration of the

The events held

over this week provided

the Soldiers time to

think about how their

commander’s cup which included

events such as basketball, flag

football, an obstacle course and

chili cook-off. Each unit from Fort

Irwin, California had teams in these

events to build camaraderie and

esprit de corps.

“The sport events allowed

friendly competition for the

Soldiers,” said Sgt. Maj. Anthony

Wilson, a volunteer referee and

the National Training Center’s G-1

Sgt. Maj. “The Commander’s Cup

ties into the training by showing

that the Soldier’s command teams

actually care about how they are

doing by showing their support and

motivation.”

lives are progressing and a break

from the operational stresses that

can be experienced here.

“The overall winners of the

Commander’s Cup are 2/11

ACR, but the real winners of this

week are each Soldier,” said Spc.

Leonard B. Cole, a communications

representative with F troop, 2/11

ACR. “The skills we acquired this

week can have a lasting impact on

each of our lives by helping us to be

the resilient person that we need to

be.”

Soldiers of Fort Irwin, California participated in a Flag Football

competition on Dec. 9. The competition was part of the

commander’s cup challenge and resiliency week which focused on helping Soldiers to recover from difficult situations in their lives.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

Elizabeth Sinclair (Right), the National Training Center Army Substance Abuse Program Coordinator, and Sgt. William

Nichols (Left), Orderly Room Non-commissioned officer with the Military

Intelligence Company, Regimental Sustainment Squadron, 11th Armored

Cavalry Regiment, show Soldiers how to use moderation in life on Fort Irwin, California

Dec. 11. This training was part of the resiliency week which focused on how to

rebound from difficult times. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th Armored

Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Robert T. MacDonald

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Maj. Gen. Theodore

Martin, commanding general, here, awarded

Havoc Company and Gunslinger Troop, 2nd

Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment with

the flu streamer for having all soldiers vaccinated

for the flu Oct. 24.

Havoc and Gunslinger are the first companies

to have all their soldiers vaccinated for the flu.

This award is Havoc’s first milestone in tackling

Martin’s medical readiness challenge head-on.

After awarding the streamers, Martin

addressed 2/11 ACR with his goal to increase

medical readiness of every company. Martin

stressed preventative health as a means to

ensure every soldier is fit to fight.

2/11 ACR has a dual mission of deploying

and fighting our nation’s wars and conducting

rotational support for units training here; a

mission that requires soldiers to be healthy and

Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Travers, Post Command Sgt. Maj., here, attaches the 100% Flu Shot Streamer to the guidon of Havoc Company, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s Oct. 24. This streamer is shows the dedication that Havoc Company has to keeping its soldiers healthy. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt.

Robert T. MacDonald, H Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment)

Healthy Soldiers are Mission-Ready Soldiers

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ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

Flu vaccinations are just one part of this

challenge. Havoc Company continued towards

their goal this past week by completing Periodic

Health Assessments. Working with the company’s

medics and the troop medical clinic, Havoc

brought its PHA status from partial to complete

for each soldier.

“Havoc Company’s next goal is to bring every

soldier up to category one on their dental status

before December block leave,” states 1st Sgt.

Jorge Lopez, Havoc Companies 1st Sgt. Soldier’s

meet the requirement for dental category one by

completing annual dental exams if there are no

dental problems.

At the end of the day, Capt. R. David Pierce,

Havoc Company commander states that whether

it’s PHA’s, dental exams or any other medical

standard he wants his soldiers to be healthy and

ready for whatever mission they receive.

Commanding General of the National Training Center Maj. Gen. Theodor Martin speaks to 2nd Squadron, 11 Armored Cavalry Regiment on the importance of preventative health and his challenge for each company

to increase the overall medical readiness of their soldiers Oct. 24. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Robert T. MacDonald, H Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment)

Bringing Cavalry Tradition and Teamwork to the Family

The spouses of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and Fort Irwin gather for a group photo at the end of the Annual Spouses’ Spur Ride of Fort Irwin, California Nov. 26. The event is to show the spouses what their service members do on a daily basis. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public

Affairs / Released)

Bringing Cavalry Tradition and Teamwork to the Family

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Story by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom

Photos by 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – The 11th Armored

Cavalry Regiment conducted its Annual

Spouses’ Spur Ride, here, Nov. 26 to share the

traditions of the cavalry with family members and

National Training Center partners.

“This event was a great opportunity to show

the spouses of the Regiment a little of what their

Soldiers do each day and to share the history

and traditions which we have,” said Maj. Colin E.

Vance, the event coordinator.

Each of the events were planned around

activities that service members do on a regular

basis. From dealing with track vehicles to firing

weapons and physical training, the event had a

broad spectrum of tasks for each of the spouses.

“I was originally thinking that it was just going

to be looking at a bunch of tanks and listening

to people talk about their weapons,” said Sarah

D. Koeppe, a spouse with the Marine Corps

Logistics Base - Barstow. “When my group

arrived and saw all of the different events that

the Regiment had setup for us, we were rather

pleasantly surprised. For that I want to thank

them dearly.”

“My favorite part of the events was the

weapons familiarization training,” said Jene E.

Goodman, a spouse from E Troop, 2/11 ACR.

“Not only was I able to learn about the weapon,

I was given the chance to load the ammunition

and fire three different weapon systems. I now

understand some of what my husband does

during the rotations here.”

Learning to work as a team is well integrated

with military training. Each of these tasks showed

the spouses what their Soldiers can complete by

cooperating as a group.

“We learned about teamwork and how we

could use it to accomplish each task,” said

Leslie A. Warner, a spouse from F Troop, 2nd

Squadron, 11th ACR. “It showed us how our

husbands work as a team to get the jobs done

while they train the rest of the Army.”

In the past this event has been reserved

mainly for spouses of cavalry troopers, this time

the event was open to all of the military spouses

in the area.

“This event allowed us to see how each of

the units here correlate, so it gave me a better

appreciation of what the military can do,” said

Melissa L. Rayca, a spouse from Dragon Team,

Operations Group.

The 11th ACR’s vision is that they are a

formidable, professional, team of teams. This

means that they are experts in their profession,

they live the Army Values and treat their partners

with respect.

“The Regiment talks about how it is a team

of teams,” said Cindy A. Ruedi, a spouse of the

916th Support Brigade. “Our spouses are part of

the NTC team as are the spouses of the MCLB.

If we all work together to accomplish the mission

it will allow us to participate in the spur ride and

can build NTC into an even better team because

we, the spouses, understand what each unit goes

through.”

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Sarah D. Koeppe, a spouse from Marine Corps Logistics Base – Barstow, fires an M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun during the annual Spouses’ Spur Ride on Fort Irwin, California Nov. 26. The event is to show the spouses what their service members do on a daily basis. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

Spouses from H Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored

Cavalry Regiment, run through smoke carrying a simulated casualty during the Annual Spouses’ Spur Ride on Fort

Irwin, California Nov. 26. The event is to show the spouses what their service members do on a daily basis. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David

N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public

Affairs / Released)

The spurs of the Spouses’ Spur Ride are on display during the event to help

motivate the participants. The event is to show the

spouses what their service members do on a daily basis. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman,

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs /

Released)

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A soldier with Regimental

Sustainment Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment hands out candy to the Trunk-

or-Treat goers on Fort Irwin, California Oct. 27. The event was a safe place for kids to go trick-or-treating.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (Left) shakes Col. Kevin Jacobi’s (Right) hand during a visit to Fort Irwin, California Nov. 16. The visit showed how the National Training Center

and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is

training the Rotational Training Units. (U.S. Army photo by Gustavo Bahena, National Training Center, Public Affairs / Released)

Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment participated in the annual Mardi

Gras parade in Barstow, California Oct. 25. This event builds relations

between the Regiment and the local population.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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Staff Sgt. Smith thanks a veteran during a

Veterans Day event held in Hesperia, California

Nov. 11. This event honored the men and women whom have

previously served in the military. (U.S. Photo by Sgt. Erik A. Thurman, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

Spouses of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment exit a tank during the Spouses’ Spur Ride on Fort Irwin, California Nov. 26. “This event was a great opportunity to show the spouses of the Regiment a little of what their Soldiers do each day and to share the history and traditions which we have,” said Maj. Colin E. Vance, the event coordinator. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

The command teams of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment served a special

meal for Thanksgiving on Fort Irwin, California Nov. 25. The meal was

in thanks to the men and women who have

sacrificed of themselves for the freedoms of others. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.

David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

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Story and photos by Spc. Denitra T. Halford

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – 2nd Squadron, 11th

Armored Cavalry Regiment along with Fort

Irwin celebrated the National American Indian

Heritage Month at the Sandy Basin Community

Center, here on Dec. 3, 2014.

The Long Wolf Cheyenne Dancers performed

traditional dances in Native American regalia,

or traditional clothing. The family of seven from

Newberry Springs, California also spoke on the

importance of family values and traditions that

are passed down from generation to generation.

This event highlights Native American and

Native Alaskan culture, traditions, diversity,

and contributions to our country. The National

American Indian Heritage Month observance

brings awareness to the past and present

struggles of Native Americans.

“The Army is full of people from different

cultures, races, creeds and gender,” said

Staff Sgt. Joshua White of 2/11 ACR who also

coordinated the event. It is important that we take

the time out to observe each of these individually

and collectively, White added.

“I enjoyed the dancers and what they stand for

as a traditional Native American family,” said Sgt.

Ja-Nal Pease, whom is of Crow Heritage from

Montana, with Headquarters and Headquarters

Troop, Regimental Sustainment Squadron, 11th

ACR.

“Todays observance shed a little light into the

military community about the Native American

culture and the ties we have specifically with the

Army,” said Pease.

The National American Indian Heritage

observance showcased several different artifacts

such as arrowheads, spears, and stone tools.

Soldiers, family members, and other guests

were invited to try native foods at the end of the

observance. Samplings of rabbit stew, tilapia,

potato melody, corn bread and other treats filled

the room with a warm aroma.

“I learned so much about the Native American

culture and how much pride and tradition they

have passed on from generations before our

time,” said Pfc. Amanda Rivera HHT 2/11.

Every year the 11th ACR and Fort Irwin

celebrate Native American Indian Heritage

Month. Fort Irwin has many archaeological and

historic sites, which confirm Native American

people lived, hunted, gathered plants for food and

worked stone into tools here.

Celebrating National American Indian Heritage

Month

25

Samuel Martinez, a Cheyenne Dancer, performs at the National American Indian Heritage Month observance on Fort Irwin, California, Dec. 3. The event is to celebrate the history and culture of the American Indians. (U.S. photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford,

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

A Soldier from Fort Irwin, California examines artifacts from Fort Irwin Cultural Resources during the National American Indian Heritage Month observance at Fort

Irwin Dec. 3. The event is to celebrate the history and culture of the American Indians. (U.S. photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment,

Public Affairs / Released)

The Cheyenne Dancers invite attendees to form a circle, hold hands and dance at the end of the

National American Indian Heritage Month observance at Fort Irwin, California, Dec. 3. The event is to

celebrate the history and culture of the American Indians. (U.S. photo by Spc. Denitra T. Halford, 11th

Armored Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

26

Military Intelligence Troopers Prepare Soldiers for

Asymmetrical WarfareStory by Capt. Jessica Edmonds

and 1st Lt. Evan M. FitzGerald

FORT IRWIN, Calif. – At the

National Training Center,

asymmetric training often takes

center stage. The NTC is focused

on simulating battles between

maneuver elements composed of

tanks and other fighting vehicles;

however, it is the utilization of

irregular and guerilla tactics that

allow the 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment to double down on their

training capabilities.

Throughout Operation

Iraqi Freedom and Operation

Enduring Freedom, the prevalence

of roadside bombs on the

battlefield proved to be a difficult

challenge to surmount for a

conventionally-based Army. These

unconventional tactics brought

about the development of Counter

Insurgency Operations and units

such as the 11th ACR’s Terrorist

Explosive Network. The TEN is

able to build simulated roadside

bombs which are used by the

11th ACR’s Opposing Force to

using a combination of guerilla

attacks, simulated roadside bombs

and psychological warfare. The

OPFOR replicates tactics currently

used by terrorist organizations

by applying lessons learned from

deployed U.S. forces.

Several teams on Fort Irwin

collaborate to create this hybrid

environment. These teams include

the Joint Improvised Explosive

Device Defeat Organization,

the TEN, Operations Group and

emplacement teams throughout

the 11th ACR. Information on how

to employ the training roadside

bombs is gathered from JIEDDO

and several databases with

information on the most current

IED technology, techniques and

procedures. Soldiers from the 11th

ACR’s MICO replicate roadside

bombs by using four of the five

main components of an IED: the

switch or trigger, initiator, power

source, and container. Due to

replication safety precautions, the

fifth component of the IED, the

main charge, is replaced with a

light linked to a noise amplification

prepare rotational training units for

deployment. The TEN combines

the most up-to-date information

with lessons learned from more

than 10 years of continual conflict.

These simulated roadside bombs

enhance the training environment

and exposes training units to the

most accurate and potentially

deadly situations they are likely to

encounter.

“The TEN-shop fabricates

[Improvised Explosive Devices]

to provide the realistic replication

for the 11th ACR every rotation,”

said Staff Sgt. Joseph Ingalls,

the Platoon Sergeant of Military

Intelligence Company’s TEN. “We

work to enable the rotational units

to meet their training objectives

by making them counter the IED

threat on the battlefield.”

At the NTC, the

unconventional is one that occurs

at the same time as the force-

on-force battles. The 11th ACR

uses pre-existing infrastructure, to

include towns, roads, checkpoints,

hostile paramilitary and partisan

forces to harass training units

27

device which signals a successful

detonation.

“We teach rotational

training units how to react to

an IED in a safe and controlled

environment,” said 2nd Lt. Derek

McCarty, the Platoon Leader for

MICO’s TEN. “We have a close

working relationship with JIEDDO

that helps us to determine what

sort of IED threats the training unit

may experience down range.”

Utilizing the same sort of

off-the-shelf materials as insurgent

groups, the TEN quickly produces

a variety of simulated roadside

bombs. TEN Soldiers tailor these

training aids to the NTC operating

environment to ensure Rotational

Training Unit Soldiers are aware

of the effects. Simulated roadside

bombs are emplaced around the

training area and often destroy

“soft” targets, such as logistical

convoys on main supply routes.

It is the job of trained OPFOR

Soldiers to strategically emplace

these training aids; it then

becomes the job of Ops Group to

serve as adjudicators, determining

what damage a detonation causes.

The Soldiers from the TEN

not only build roadside bombs for

the NTC training environment, but

they also teach the Blackhorse

Insurgent Academy. A five-day

course taught by MICO Soldiers

provides Blackhorse Soldiers with

pyrotechnic safety information

and emplacement techniques.

The focus on proper employment

techniques enhances OPFOR’s

complex attack capabilities during

the wide area security fight, which

requires the training units to put

themselves at additional risk in

protecting populations, forces and

infrastructure.

The U.S. military continues

to gather information and adapt

training to match the evolving

design and use of roadside bombs.

With this knowledge, the TEN

replicates and uses tactics similar

to what today’s enemy has to

offer. It is imperative that the 11th

ACR and other NTC organizations

present training units with the most

realistic combat scenarios possible.

Replicating the most accurate

unconventional warfare threats

prepares Soldiers for the current

combat environment.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Ingalls, the platoon Sgt. for the Terrorist Explosive Network shop on Fort Irwin,

California, is preparing to create a simulated

roadside bomb on Jan. 13. The TEN-shop creates simulated roadside bombs to

facilitate the realistic training for Rotational Training Units. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.

David N. Beckstrom, 11th Armored Cavalry

Regiment, Public Affairs / Released)

My name is: U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Hoppe

I am (job title): An 11B Squad Leader, assigned to K. Troop 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

Describe your job in a sentence: My job is to [train] leaders and Soldiers in anti-tank employment, small squad and team tactics, everything from shooting a rifle to shooting a TOW missile system

As an NCO, how do you help develop the Blackhorse Troopers? Mentorship is important… by showing them what right looks like, they can carry that on not only in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment but into their next unit to say, this is the right thing and I learned this at the Blackhorse… I believe a good active leader gives purpose, direction.

What advice would you give to Soldiers preparing to come to NTC? You can always drive on a little further always give a little more and that definitely comes into play out here in the box. There’s times when it comes to be over 115 degrees… so you have to always dig a little deeper, push a little harder out here at NTC.

Portrait of a Cavalry Man

Sgt.

Ad

am

Ho

pp

e

Watch Sgt. Adam Hoppe’s Portrait of a Cavalryman video on the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwgm-aEJ63Y&feature=youtu.be