I was stationed there in 1982 and 83. I always thought it was funny that my unit was called the polar bears (C company 6-31 infantry). Back then my unit was still housed in the WW 2 barracks and we manned the Sheridans decked out like Russian BMPs. Nice video, thanks you for bringing back a few memories for me!!
The 6/31st is all forgotten about in "Camp/Fort Irwin" history. I was the training NCO for c/6/31 until my ets. Fort Irwin history also forgets "Operation Steel Scorpion" in 1979, which was the first test of Camp Irwin as a MILES battle ground. I was there then also with the 5th infantry in that operation. I had a nephew stationed there a few years back and he said there nothing he could see mentioned of the 6/31st ever having been there at all. I'm retired living in Thailand now. I hope you are doing the same my friend (Sgt Millican Training NCO C 6/31)
I was stationed at NTC from 1993 to 1996. First as Platoon Leader, 1st Platoon, D Co, 1-63 Armor (OPFOR) (my "T-62" tank (vismod M551) was '416' The Desert Fox), then after my branch detail ended, Signal Officer, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR. Good memories of serving on the last Army frontier post in the lower 48. Allons! Thanks for sharing.
I was stationed at "The Planet" from 84-88. We called it The Planet because it is a world of it's own. I proudly served with 1/73 and 1/63 Armor Bns on 44 rotations. It was tough duty. But we knew if the balloon ever went up, we felt confident that we would prevail.
My folks were stationed there in the 80s and I ended up working out there as well for the TASC. Met a lot of fantastic men n women, both rotational troops and OPFOR. Strange place to live I have to say. It was an odd memory chapter in my life.
Well I gave a thought, then decided to leave this brief little letter: Wham will always carry me back to Barstow, California and being Stationed at Fort Irwin's National Training Center Out In The Mojave Desert! I do not kid You, I was the 96th Person to get Assigned when they were reopening that Post and I would ride into town with this other Soldier and returning in the evening and coming from the mountains, You could see for five miles the Housing Area and The Installation it was such a straight road and the air so clear. But, this You may be able to check with anyone out there now, coming out the mountain turn as far as you could see on the road snakes were laying adsorbing the heat from the day on the Roadway! There are lots of memories from my time at The National Training Center. My baptism of fire working with Field Grade and General Officer. That's when I learned they were just like Your best buddy when You be hanging out after work but this was during work and I guess they were so sure of themselves they didn't worry about anybody bothering them. I once had the audacity to tell a Lieutenant Colonel I would not type up this Story the way he wanted me to tell it. He stopped what he was doing, looked up at me and told me, "Sergeant Means You have a thousand things to do and I have ten thousand things to do. I appreciate your helping me out but give the information back to me and I will write the story myself." I looked at him, glanced at his inbox and thought about Colonel Filbert had been nothing but good to me and definitely ran Interference for me between two other "Light Birds" who I swear I seem to taint the very air they breath! We all knew they were prejudice and the Command always made sure to call them and tell them when I had to come by and that I was doing something for the General. I looked at Colonel Filbert that day and told Him I was sorry and that I would bring the copy for Him to read when I finished the Story. He simply said "Thank You Sergeant Means" and returned to His work. That place was a trip out there but we made it. I think we were loosing a Soldier a weekend on that road between coming from those mountains and that straight-away going into the Cantonment Area. GOD BLESS, just felt like sharing a little. (I think I'll send this to the Public Affairs Office out there! Who knows, it's been 40 years but I'll bet Sergeant Means name is still haunting somebody around that area!
Thanks for sharing your story. BTW I moved from the Public Affairs Office and now run the post museum. Who was the CG while you were there? Was it Bramlett, or did you serve under BG Cole? I would love to hear what memories you have of how life was at the old NTC.
@@TrippinWithKenny @kwdrylie hey there, Brig. Gen.James T. Bramlett was the first Post Commander. My first PAO after LTC Lonnie James Jr. returned to Fort Hood (told me he would love to take me back with him because I was a very good worker and I didn't deserve to get the man they was making my boss.) was Maj. Michael William and right off jump street you could tell he hated being at Fort Irwin. My first EER from him was a real nice 73. Post CSM talked to me and told me what a "dirty son-of-bitch" I worked for and advised me not to sign the EER but wanted me to transfer to one of the OPFOR Unit and work in my first MOS as a 13E (Fire Direction Specialist). Chief-of-Staff Col. Zimmer excused his driver and the Aide-to-Camp then he began to tell me what a son-of-bitch I worked for. Col. Zimmer told me I was one of them and he had requested the General talk to Maj. William about giving me the EER. The Major had apparently given me a 63 to began but told me he was doing me a favor by raising it to 73. The Major talked to me and after all was said and done, Major Williams had something to do with the information getting out about the (forgive me, being an exjournalist) Mein Li Massacre in Vietnam. Yeah, I could tell You of a few things but the biggest they tried to sweep under the rug was they discovered 'A Wife Swapping Ring' and it was mostly between the Senior Officers. I don't mind sharing with You. Things I tell You may seem "far-fetch" but I would not kid You about the things we went through. If You've ever seen the movie "Stripes" with Bill Murray in it
@@TrippinWithKenny Hey, practically wrote a small chapter but will send in three parts because it will not allow me to send whole. If after You read, I don't mind answering questions. GOD BLESS!!!
I had escort duty with a Sound Team and they recorded a lot of sounds. Last thing and I'll let You go for now. I was a really nice Spring Morning in 1982 and I had escort duty with a Reporter from the San Bernadino Sun Newspaper when Fort Bragg had picked up the Division and flew them across Country and jumped into NTC. We were told Congress had it on good authority that You could not jump a Division in a War Time so DOD had to justify keeping a Division. Before the Jump took place we later received word that the Safety Officer on the Ground had tried to call the jump off but he was over ruled by the Safety Officer in the plane and they began to jump the Soldier and drop equipment. When I saw the first parachute do a right turn, I told the Reporter we needed to leave. He in turn told me I could leave but he wanted to stay a little longer. Soldiers began to get hit by equipment and John Whitehead (reporter name ; like I recall Judy Evans from the Desert Dispatch - Local Newspaper in Barstow) was clicking away. Then in the middle of hundreds of Chutes, there was one parachute rolled up with the Soldier and it was tumbling. I later learned it's call a "tootsie roll" but I turned and walked away to get to my jeep. I could hear a few calling my name but I would not stop. Major Williams met me at the front door of the PAO (Spc 5 Norm Bothun had been assigned by this time and when I told him what the major had given me on my EER, I saw Norm turn Red in Color. Didn't know if it was from embarrassment or anger but he grabbed his hat and I heard him when he came in the other side and apparently walked pass the Major's Secretary because I heard her call his name but I could tell from his steps he did not even hesitate. Norm was a Radical, as was all of us and I really loved Norm after what he did. My desk was right by the dividing wall in the PAO and I could hear from beginning to end when Norm walked in the Major's office and slammed the door. The discussion was extremely hot and I recall Norm telling the Major he didn't give a shit about his rank and I know the Major could've had Norm locked up because Norm went way beyond disrespect. It got quiet after awhile and I didn't hear neither of the three secretaries typewriters going. I heard doors opening and closing and I saw Norm standing outside the back doors smoking. Since I was a Sergeant E5, when I got up to go out to Norm Our Editor, the Broadcaster, and the other Journalist all followed me. I simply held out my hand and Norm looked at me.
@@bilbo2shire The rumor at Planet Irwin is the Bramlett left the post with his secretary and left Mrs. Bramlett sitting on the steps of Quarters 1. Any truth to that?
Wow, sort of got carried away and began typing and had sent a small Novel by the time I stopped. it would not allow me to send it whole so I tried to sent it in three sections. When You're done and wish to pursue anything, I'll be more than happy to assist if I can. GOD BLESS!!!
Here I am again, 22 June 2024 and I hope this catch fire! Since they wish to give credit since 1982, it would be nice if they gave a Battle Streamer to the Entire Group that opened NTC during 1979 through 31 December 1981 and assign some one in Public Affairs to write Our story and get it n a Plaque. Thanks: Former Army Sergeant E5 Means, Willie E., Photojournalist!!!
Hey, I just went back and re-read some of our earlier conversations. Glad to hear your still kickin. I've had conversations with a few Soldiers from the early days. It's been a mixed bag. Some are really bitter about their time at Planet Irwin, some remember with a bit more pride in having been the ones who created the NTC. I'm always interested in hearing the stories from the beginnings of the NTC. Let me just say that your or any of your brothers and sisters from the early days are always welcome at Fort Irwin.
I was stationed there in 1982 and 83. I always thought it was funny that my unit was called the polar bears (C company 6-31 infantry). Back then my unit was still housed in the WW 2 barracks and we manned the Sheridans decked out like Russian BMPs.
Nice video, thanks you for bringing back a few memories for me!!
I lived on base when my late father was stationed there in about 1967 before he was deployed to Vietnam. I do recall that Commissary.
The 6/31st is all forgotten about in "Camp/Fort Irwin" history. I was the training NCO for c/6/31 until my ets. Fort Irwin history also forgets "Operation Steel Scorpion" in 1979, which was the first test of Camp Irwin as a MILES battle ground. I was there then also with the 5th infantry in that operation. I had a nephew stationed there a few years back and he said there nothing he could see mentioned of the 6/31st ever having been there at all. I'm retired living in Thailand now. I hope you are doing the same my friend (Sgt Millican Training NCO C 6/31)
1982-85 as an OC with OpsGp. Worked with dedicated and professional bunch of OCs.
I was stationed at NTC from 1993 to 1996. First as Platoon Leader, 1st Platoon, D Co, 1-63 Armor (OPFOR) (my "T-62" tank (vismod M551) was '416' The Desert Fox), then after my branch detail ended, Signal Officer, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR. Good memories of serving on the last Army frontier post in the lower 48. Allons! Thanks for sharing.
Nice. If your on facebook you can checkout our page - search for "The General Robert W. Cone NTC & 11th ACR Heritage Center."
I was stationed at "The Planet" from 84-88. We called it The Planet because it is a world of it's own. I proudly served with 1/73 and 1/63 Armor Bns on 44 rotations. It was tough duty. But we knew if the balloon ever went up, we felt confident that we would prevail.
We still refer to it as Planet Irwin, some things never change.
'97-'99 with F Trp 2/11,how the time flies
My folks were stationed there in the 80s and I ended up working out there as well for the TASC. Met a lot of fantastic men n women, both rotational troops and OPFOR. Strange place to live I have to say. It was an odd memory chapter in my life.
Well I gave a thought, then decided to leave this brief little letter: Wham will always carry me back to Barstow, California and being Stationed at Fort Irwin's National Training Center Out In The Mojave Desert! I do not kid You, I was the 96th Person to get Assigned when they were reopening that Post and I would ride into town with this other Soldier and returning in the evening and coming from the mountains, You could see for five miles the Housing Area and The Installation it was such a straight road and the air so clear. But, this You may be able to check with anyone out there now, coming out the mountain turn as far as you could see on the road snakes were laying adsorbing the heat from the day on the Roadway! There are lots of memories from my time at The National Training Center. My baptism of fire working with Field Grade and General Officer. That's when I learned they were just like Your best buddy when You be hanging out after work but this was during work and I guess they were so sure of themselves they didn't worry about anybody bothering them. I once had the audacity to tell a Lieutenant Colonel I would not type up this Story the way he wanted me to tell it. He stopped what he was doing, looked up at me and told me, "Sergeant Means You have a thousand things to do and I have ten thousand things to do. I appreciate your helping me out but give the information back to me and I will write the story myself." I looked at him, glanced at his inbox and thought about Colonel Filbert had been nothing but good to me and definitely ran Interference for me between two other "Light Birds" who I swear I seem to taint the very air they breath! We all knew they were prejudice and the Command always made sure to call them and tell them when I had to come by and that I was doing something for the General. I looked at Colonel Filbert that day and told Him I was sorry and that I would bring the copy for Him to read when I finished the Story. He simply said "Thank You Sergeant Means" and returned to His work. That place was a trip out there but we made it. I think we were loosing a Soldier a weekend on that road between coming from those mountains and that straight-away going into the Cantonment Area. GOD BLESS, just felt like sharing a little. (I think I'll send this to the Public Affairs Office out there! Who knows, it's been 40 years but I'll bet Sergeant Means name is still haunting somebody around that area!
Thanks for sharing your story. BTW I moved from the Public Affairs Office and now run the post museum. Who was the CG while you were there? Was it Bramlett, or did you serve under BG Cole?
I would love to hear what memories you have of how life was at the old NTC.
@@TrippinWithKenny @kwdrylie hey there, Brig. Gen.James T. Bramlett was the first Post Commander. My first PAO after LTC Lonnie James Jr. returned to Fort Hood (told me he would love to take me back with him because I was a very good worker and I didn't deserve to get the man they was making my boss.) was Maj. Michael William and right off jump street you could tell he hated being at Fort Irwin. My first EER from him was a real nice 73. Post CSM talked to me and told me what a "dirty son-of-bitch" I worked for and advised me not to sign the EER but wanted me to transfer to one of the OPFOR Unit and work in my first MOS as a 13E (Fire Direction Specialist). Chief-of-Staff Col. Zimmer excused his driver and the Aide-to-Camp then he began to tell me what a son-of-bitch I worked for. Col. Zimmer told me I was one of them and he had requested the General talk to Maj. William about giving me the EER. The Major had apparently given me a 63 to began but told me he was doing me a favor by raising it to 73. The Major talked to me and after all was said and done, Major Williams had something to do with the information getting out about the (forgive me, being an exjournalist) Mein Li Massacre in Vietnam. Yeah, I could tell You of a few things but the biggest they tried to sweep under the rug was they discovered 'A Wife Swapping Ring' and it was mostly between the Senior Officers. I don't mind sharing with You. Things I tell You may seem "far-fetch" but I would not kid You about the things we went through. If You've ever seen the movie "Stripes" with Bill Murray in it
@@TrippinWithKenny Hey, practically wrote a small chapter but will send in three parts because it will not allow me to send whole. If after You read, I don't mind answering questions. GOD BLESS!!!
I had escort duty with a Sound Team and they recorded a lot of sounds. Last thing and I'll let You go for now. I was a really nice Spring Morning in 1982 and I had escort duty with a Reporter from the San Bernadino Sun Newspaper when Fort Bragg had picked up the Division and flew them across Country and jumped into NTC. We were told Congress had it on good authority that You could not jump a Division in a War Time so DOD had to justify keeping a Division. Before the Jump took place we later received word that the Safety Officer on the Ground had tried to call the jump off but he was over ruled by the Safety Officer in the plane and they began to jump the Soldier and drop equipment. When I saw the first parachute do a right turn, I told the Reporter we needed to leave. He in turn told me I could leave but he wanted to stay a little longer. Soldiers began to get hit by equipment and John Whitehead (reporter name ; like I recall Judy Evans from the Desert Dispatch - Local Newspaper in Barstow) was clicking away. Then in the middle of hundreds of Chutes, there was one parachute rolled up with the Soldier and it was tumbling. I later learned it's call a "tootsie roll" but I turned and walked away to get to my jeep. I could hear a few calling my name but I would not stop. Major Williams met me at the front door of the PAO (Spc 5 Norm Bothun had been assigned by this time and when I told him what the major had given me on my EER, I saw Norm turn Red in Color. Didn't know if it was from embarrassment or anger but he grabbed his hat and I heard him when he came in the other side and apparently walked pass the Major's Secretary because I heard her call his name but I could tell from his steps he did not even hesitate. Norm was a Radical, as was all of us and I really loved Norm after what he did. My desk was right by the dividing wall in the PAO and I could hear from beginning to end when Norm walked in the Major's office and slammed the door. The discussion was extremely hot and I recall Norm telling the Major he didn't give a shit about his rank and I know the Major could've had Norm locked up because Norm went way beyond disrespect. It got quiet after awhile and I didn't hear neither of the three secretaries typewriters going. I heard doors opening and closing and I saw Norm standing outside the back doors smoking. Since I was a Sergeant E5, when I got up to go out to Norm Our Editor, the Broadcaster, and the other Journalist all followed me. I simply held out my hand and Norm looked at me.
@@bilbo2shire The rumor at Planet Irwin is the Bramlett left the post with his secretary and left Mrs. Bramlett sitting on the steps of Quarters 1. Any truth to that?
Wow, sort of got carried away and began typing and had sent a small Novel by the time I stopped. it would not allow me to send it whole so I tried to sent it in three sections. When You're done and wish to pursue anything, I'll be more than happy to assist if I can. GOD BLESS!!!
Here I am again, 22 June 2024 and I hope this catch fire! Since they wish to give credit since 1982, it would be nice if they gave a Battle Streamer to the Entire Group that opened NTC during 1979 through 31 December 1981 and assign some one in Public Affairs to write Our story and get it n a Plaque. Thanks: Former Army Sergeant E5 Means, Willie E., Photojournalist!!!
Hey, I just went back and re-read some of our earlier conversations. Glad to hear your still kickin. I've had conversations with a few Soldiers from the early days. It's been a mixed bag. Some are really bitter about their time at Planet Irwin, some remember with a bit more pride in having been the ones who created the NTC. I'm always interested in hearing the stories from the beginnings of the NTC. Let me just say that your or any of your brothers and sisters from the early days are always welcome at Fort Irwin.
Pro Patria. We were men in the 6-31st Infantry. You couldn't have done it without us.
2/11 2001-2003