Battle Preparations in the Mojave Desert: Centaur Squadron Equips Army Units for Victory in Tomorrow's Initial Combat

In the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Centaur Squadron is making strides in preparing units for the challenges of modern warfare. The squadron, a key component of the National Training Center (NTC), is designed to give units their toughest day in the desert, featuring a combination of legacy manned and new unmanned platforms.

The squadron maintains contact with the rotational brigade through two contact zones: a manned contact zone and an unmanned contact zone. The manned contact zone, occupied by the majority of Centaur's traditional ground combat power, is an area about three to five kilometers deep. Beyond this, the unmanned contact zone extends out another five to ten kilometers towards the rotational brigade. This multi-layered approach punishes an attacking brigade's approach that masses its combat power, as Centaur's ability to maintain contact out to approximately fifteen kilometers of depth can disrupt enemy plans.

The squadron uses a three-phase model to execute its fight during rotations. The first phase is deployment, which begins with rollout from the Fort Irwin cantonment area and ends once the squadron has fully occupied its security zone in front of the brigade. Ground combat elements are pulled into cleared battle positions after mounted observation posts are established.

The second phase is observation. Mounted observation posts are established by competitively infiltrating to observe templated named areas of interest. This phase is crucial for the squadron as it aims to win both the reconnaissance and counterreconnaissance fight, a key strategy to avoid losses prior to main body contact.

The final slice of the squadron, its UAS and electronic warfare attack/surveillance teams, move into sector once ground combat elements have occupied their battle positions. This phase is where the squadron's ability to maintain multiple forms of contact with the brigade truly shines, as it provides real-time intelligence and support to the ground forces.

The DTG (Designated Targeting Group) possesses a litany of strike assets, but their employment must be precise and produce measurable effects for the DTG and subordinate BTGs. The DTG works closely with Centaur to ensure that their assets are used effectively and that the strikes have the desired impact on the enemy.

The NTC's opposition force (OPFOR) presents rotational training units with realistic military problems. The OPFOR is required to adapt to changes in technology and tactics, techniques, and procedures due to the perpetually changing nature of warfare. This adaptability ensures that units training at the NTC are prepared for the unpredictable nature of modern warfare.

The creation of the NTC in 1981 by the Army was with a task to prepare units to "win the first fight." This mission remains relevant today, as the squadron continues to push the boundaries of training, adapting by enhancing realistic and challenging training environments. Major Zackery Spear and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Culler have called for the US Army to adopt reconnaissance-strike battle as a tactical construct, a philosophy that Centaur Squadron embodies in its operations at the NTC.

Achieving transparency on the battlefield is challenging due to the need for proper synchronization and allocation of sensors, and the impact of adversary deception operations and the need for large amounts of human and machine analytical power to decipher information. However, the battlefield is becoming increasingly transparent due to the combined array and availability of sensors, particularly in open spaces like the Mojave Desert. This transparency is essential for units to make informed decisions and to adapt to the ever-changing nature of warfare.

Scout platoon BRDM armored scout vehicles lead Centaur into its area of operations during deployment. The squadron's ability to maintain multiple forms of contact with the brigade, its adaptability, and its focus on reconnaissance-strike battle make it a formidable force in the desert. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, Centaur Squadron will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of training and prepare units for the challenges of the future.

Battle Preparations in the Mojave Desert: Centaur Squadron Equips Army Units for Victory in Tomorrow's Initial Combat