Georgia OPFOR Sharpens Soldier Skills During Field Exercise

The Georgia State Defense Force Opposing Forces (OPFOR) Battalion recently spent a few days in the field sharpening their soldier skills. The OPFOR unit is a specialized unit in The Georgia State Defense Force that serves as an opposing force to Army National Guard units during their combat operations training.

Previous to the establishment of the Georgia State Defense Force OPFOR unit the Georgia Army National Guard had to use their own troops to serve as the opposing force during training exercises. This unfortunately decreased the amount of training every soldier received. Now with The Georgia SDF OPFOR serving that role, Army National Guard units can train together and develop their skills as one.

The OPFOR unit is often used by The Georgia Army National Guard when conducting operations such as Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) or attacking fixed positions in woodland environments. The OPFOR troops would setup within defensive structures and emulate an enemy target. Army National Guard troops would then conduct room clearing throughout the facility. This allows the soldiers to sharpen and test their skills against an active opponent. So when Army National Guard units deploy to combat zones they are more than ready to handle any encounter.

Soldiers from the Georgia State Defense Force OPFOR Battalion head out for a field training exercise, Camp Merrill, Dahlonega Ga., March 10-11, 2023.

Georgia State Defense Force photo Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Clunie

A Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) OPFOR Battalion Soldier utilizes land navigation skills during an OPFOR Battalion field training exercise, Camp Merrill, Dahlonega Ga., March 10-11, 2023.

Georgia State Defense Force photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Clunie

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Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) OPFOR Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Vadim Timchenko (left) joins 2nd Lt. Christopher Harrah and other OPFOR Battalion Soldiers during a field training exercise at Camp Merrill, Dahlonega Ga., March 10-11, 2023. COL

GSDF Col. Anthony Dill also visited the OPFOR Battalion during the field training exercise.

Georgia State Defense Force photo by Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Clunie

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Here are the members of OPFOR

Soldiers of Georgia State Defense Force OPFOR Battalion hiked Sawnee Mountain Preserve Sunday, February 19, as part of their monthly drill training and conditioning.

Source: Georgia State Defense Force