Blackhorse Regiment: Meet the US Army's most feared unit

Forces News joined British troops as they were put to the test by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - the "Blackhorse Regiment" - whose job is to wreak havoc on visiting forces and help turn them into better soldiers.

The gruelling training, named Exercise Diamondback, took place at the US Army's giant National Training Center at Fort Irwin in the Mojave Desert.

Soldiers from 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, also known as the Welsh Cavalry, were pushed to their limit in a brutal game of cat and mouse by their US opponents in California's unforgiving Valley of Death.

The Blackhorse Regiment is the resident OpFor - Opposing Force - that is tasked with training units that visit the massive Fort Irwin National Training Center.

#forcesnews #usarmy #usa

[mamboman]

I was in the Black Horse regiment when it was based in Fulda, Germany back in the mid 80's.

[BigT]

One of the best training environments I've ever been in... As a young soldier I rotated through as part of a cavalry unit. Black Horse tested us hard. Fortunately we held our own. But the learning curve was pretty steep. Thank you, Black Horse, for making us better.

[J.R.x]

Proudly served at the NTC from 1993-1996. Helped transition from the 177th Support Batallion to 11TH ACR. There is no better training unit in the US Army.

Allons!!! Packhorse lead the way, whoa!!!

[brockjonson]

Went to war with 2/11 ACR. Kalsu Iraq lost my incoming and out going commander. One of many rough infantry tours in my almost 24 years in. Our fallen stand tall in the afterlife...

[drecalvin]

I was stationed at NTC apart of 2/11 ACR "Black Horse" back in 2013-2014. I loved every moment of being in "the box"

[hammerfist]

Definitely respected. Did a great job as OpFor during our Summer 2007 NTC rotation prepping 3ACR for our Mosul 2007-2009 deployment.

[FISHGEEKDAVE]

Had our asses kicked six different times out there and am a card carrying member of the Bicycle Lake Yacht Club. Its not designed for you to go out there and win anything other than some of the best training on earth against an outstanding Oppfor

[royagservicesllc]

I never went to NTC to experience this. I did get to work with Delta as a tanker. That was the most impressive experience of my life.

[markothwriter]

When I was a young officer, I was taught by older guys to fear and hate NTC. We complained and complained both times we went there.... Then, when I got out, joined the Reserves and got to go back for a whole month. And I realized that it slightly sucks, but you learn so much. It made it worth it. I would not go into NTC with a negative attitutude again. Go in leaning forward.

[r.michaeldunwiddie]

G Troop 1st Platoon from March of 66 at Ft. Meade MD. We shipped out for Vietnam in August 66 and I left Vietnam in July of 67 from Chu Lai, Vietnam. Got my CIB while a Blackhorse.

[yodawg]

My old duty station back in '97-'99 when it was tank on tank, F-Troop 2/ll ACR.They're still wearing DCU's, pretty kewl.

[johnevans]

Have a fantastic year Cav! Thanks to everyone for serving and for All of the sacrifices that you and your family have given and continue to make. We stand stronger, together. HUA

[Chosinn]

Irwin was a blast. I had so much fun being OPFOR. We definitely knew some cheeky ways to "kill" the enemy, and we were good at it! I still remember the box like the back of my hand.. From Ujen, Razish, Whales Gap, Bike Lake Pass, Siberia, Strawberry Fields, and John Wayne Pass.. Every encounter was unique and tested your skill in mounted/dismounted combat as an infantryman. Don't let the desert or lack of a cantonment area fool you, it's a great unit. As I was always told: You are in the middle of nowhere, but in the middle of everywhere. Being native to California, I had that advantage, but it is what you make of it. I moved from there to Fort Drum after 4 years and I definitely miss it. I plan on retiring there at the end of my career.

[markohh]

My dad served in the 11th ACR back in the 90s. I went to the elementary and middle school there at Irwin. My mom also worked at The Commissary on Post, as a cashier. Best childhood memories growing up there!! I remember all of us kids would walk over to the YS (Youth Services), right after school. Chill over there until our parents got off work.

[SuperGreatSphinx]

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment ("Blackhorse Regiment") is a unit of the United States Army garrisoned at the Fort Irwin National Training Center in California.

Although termed an armored cavalry regiment, it is being re-organized as a multi-component heavy brigade combat team.

The regiment has served in the Philippine–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, World War II, the Vietnam War, Gulf War and Iraq War.

The 11th ACR serves as the opposing force (OPFOR) for the Army and Marine task forces, and foreign military forces that train at Fort Irwin.

[muttley]

im a 11th cav alumni! 80s i went to graf the day i came from ft.lewis wa!! 80's "allons"!!!

[allendaoust]

Blackhorse replaced my unit in Afghanistan 2009 as our rotation was ending, they are good soldiers. I spent my share of time in the Mojave Desert as well back in 1985 after spending two months in Egypt.

[daniel.gilliss]

Went there as a participant and and as an Observer, Coach & Trainer. Every unit has to go to either NTC or JRTC prior to deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in later years of the war.
Best training and testing of your leader you will get. Seen a lot get relieved there simply because that time there show their true colors.

[adgdfw]

The way he was smiling about chemical gas being used 😂😂 savage 😂😂😂

[_Dk]

Was at NTC in 82, when close to nothing existed in that AO with the 7th ID. Was with Blackhorse along the Fulda Gap in the mid 80s. Scouts Out ! 🇺🇸