What can I expect after PCSing to Fort Irwin?

2021-05-18T13:54:16-04:00

PCSing to Fort Irwin in 2 weeks. What should I expect?
I’ve been to NTC but I’m trying to not let that give me a bad attitude about being stationed there, as I’m sure it’ll be different. Anyone have any advice or recommendations?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2021 3:44 PM

2021-05-18T15:44:36-04:00

I was stationed there from 2014-2017. If you go to 1/11 or 2/11 ACR expect to go out on rotation every month. It can get pretty busy there. Closest town is Barstow at about 40 miles away from Irwin and there’s nothing really there. 11th ACR used to do a 3-day followed by a 4-day weekend after each rotation so when you get time off, go out and explore around. Vegas is about 2 and a half hour drive, LA is about 3 to 3 and a half hours and San Diego is roughly about a 4 hour drive. The beaches are around 4 hour drive as well. If you’re playing OPFOR just have fun with it and learn the things what not to do on future assignments. I’m not a 35F or served time in an S2 while playing OPFOR, but I can imagine you’ll be very busy. It gets pretty repetitive after about a year or so, but the schedule there is pretty set in stone so you know when training events are coming up. When I was there I low key actually liked the unit I was in and enjoyed playing OPFOR. I hated the surrounding area and that everything was a 3 hour drive to really go out and see California.

Response by CW2 Frank Trinkle made May 19 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-05-19T10:32:47-04:00

Prepare youself to feel isolated. You are almost an hour away from the nearest town, Barstow, and there isn't much there. Base activities are geared towards trying to alleviate some of that isolated feeling, but it won't completely eliminate the feeling of being "stuck". Just saying...
It is more difficult if you are single and don't have a family to go home to after work.
Keep a positive attitude, and use your time there to advance your career with online education, skills development, and similar activities that will benefit you in future assignments and promotion opportunities. It's not ALL bad...just isolated.