Reference, Wings abd Wheels, In Detail Special No.7, NTC Fort Irwin

WINGS & WHEELS PUBLICATIONS

In Detail Special No.7, NTC Fort Irwin: The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. By Robert Burik. Soft covers, 8.75 x 9.75-inches, 104 pages. Contains 337 color photos. ISBN 978-80-86416-72-4.


Decades ago, in a move that does not have much of an historic precedent, the US armed forces began serious training to fight the next war; this was thought to be quite unusual since, typically, military organizations train to fight the last war. The National Training Center (NTC) was designed to acclimatize American troops to the notion that they would be fighting massive mechanized battles on the plains of Europe, while being quite out-numbered by the assaulting Soviets and their puppet Warsaw Pact allies. As that threat faded, the US then used the NTC to train to fight in the deserts of the Middle East. Again, in a move almost unprecedented in the history of warfare, Saadam Hussein gave the US precisely the war that they had been training for. Twice.


Indeed, it has often been said by US combat veterans that the NTC was harder to bear than actual battle.


The NTC has continued to evolve in order to meet emerging threats, specifically those encountered during on-going operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The focus of this latest photo-essay book from Wings and Wheels Publications is the preparation of US troops for deployment to the various theaters in the current war against world-wide Islamic/Fascist terrorists. So, from a certain point of view, this title is less of a photo-detail book for modelers interested in the visual aspects of their latest project, and more of a documentary look at training. However, that doesnt mean that there is very little of interest to AFV modelers; in fact, quite the opposite is true.


To begin with, the text provides a brief run-down on the purpose of the NTC and the various ways and means used to train Americas warriors. From the standpoint of the Tread-heads amongst us, the photos that follow show the very unusual visually-modified (VISMOD) vehicles that are used to mimic the various opposition AFVs that the US is liable to meet in any kind of engagement. The VISMODs are usually done on the ubiquitous HMMWV for wheeled types such as Russian BRDMs and even SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) system components, while redundant M551 Sheridan light tanks stand-in for T-72 and T-80 MBTs. The equally long-serving M113 is also used to simulate BMPs and T-80s. Light artillery pieces are also simulated, while civilian SUVs are used to depict the various so-called Technicals that have proliferated on the battlefield in recent decades. These are all depicted in a number of configurations in the excellent color images seen throughout the book.


Current US AFVs are also profiled within these covers. The photographs include nearly every currently-serving type, such as: Abrams MBTs, Bradley IFVs, M113 and HMMWV variants, Stryker ICVs, M88 TRVs, M9 ACE and various tactical trucks and trailers. Rotary-wing aircraft such as the Kiowa and Blackhawk are pictured as well. Probably the most unusual VISMOD is an M923 tactical truck that has been made-over to simulate a Buffalo MRAP (Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected) vehicle for use by US forces.


US troops, along with their individual weapons and gear are also given a great deal of coverage, particularly where their MILES combat simulation equipment is concerned. Likewise, Role Players, as well as OPFOR (Opposing Forces) troops are detailed; the various environments in which troops are expected to work in, such as villages and small towns have also been simulated. These too are covered in some detail.


In essence, this book has a great deal to offer to the careful reader. Inspiration abounds for AFV modelers who may wish to try an unusual conversion of an available kit into its VISMOD vehicle counterpart, while diorama and figure painters will also find much else of interest.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. Curly Stooge De Sisto


Wings and Wheels books are available from mail order and retail outlets. They can also be acquired direct through their web site at: www.wwpbooks.com.


Delete abwerhabwehr from email address.


Visit frankdesisto.com.