America’s war fighters have been defending our freedoms in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade. Did you know that Afghanistan or Iraq is just a short 20 minute drive from Fort Irwin? Fort Irwin, located 37 miles northwest of Barstow, CA, is home to the National Training Center (NTC). The NTC is renowned by Soldiers Sailors, Airmen and Marines worldwide for its tough, realistic training, unforgiving terrain, and uncluttered space to hone their warrior skills.
Monthly, visitors can experience firsthand how America’s warriors prepare for deployment. Iraqi or Afghan villages, culture, the austere environment, terrorists, insurgents, local populace, tribal/government officials, and the most technologically advanced and elaborate training facilities in the world.
The National Training Center’s mission is to provide tough, realistic joint and combined arms training for units prior to their deployment overseas. Every month an Army unit, along with support from the Marines, Air Force, and the Navy, come together at the NTC and conducts their final preparation exercise prior to deployment. During their two week intensive training at Fort Irwin, units prepare for their “worst day ever” in combat. Our focus is for units to prepare here to save lives while deployed. During their training at the NTC, units must interact with Afghan or Iraqi speaking role players, terrorist cells, insurgents, civilian authorities and military forces.
The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. at Painted Rocks and includes an installation tour, a short film, lunch in one of our Dining Facilities, and a trip to the training area, better known as the “Box.” While in the Box, visitors witness an intense terrorist attack in a village while U.S. Army Soldiers try to defend civilians, root out terrorists, and evacuate the wounded. At the completion of the exercise, visitors have a chance to talk with Fort Irwin Soldiers before heading home at approximately 4:00 p.m.
If you’re interested in experiencing how America’s war fighters train before they deploy, book a tour today!
2012 Box Tour Schedule
Tours are conducted twice monthly from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. These dates are tentative and could change based on our rotational training calendar.
May: 11, (May 12, 2012 Cancelled)
June 8, 9
Aug: 3, 4
Aug 31, Sep 1
Sept: 28, 29
Requirements/Recommendations:
- No children under the age of 12.
- The tour is free of charge excluding cost of lunch. Lunch is at our dining facility and accepts cash only.
- All participants must have a valid government ID, or Driver License.
- Closed toe shoes and eye protection. Sunscreen and hats are recommended. Also, participants must be able to walk short distances and stand for approximately one hour.
Reservations:
-To sign up for the tour email your name, date of tour and Driver License/ID number.
E-mail (This will open your default E-mail program)
renita.wickes@us.army.mil (copy and paste this into your favorite E-mail program)
Phone Number (760) 380-3078 or 4511