The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) recently marked a significant milestone with the celebration of the sixth anniversary of the formation of their Opposing Force (OPFOR) Battalion, now known as the 1st Battalion (OPFOR), Georgia Force Assistance Brigade North. The commemoration took place on August 10, 2024, at the Cumming Regional Readiness Center in Cumming, Georgia. Lt. Col. Vadim Timchenko, who has commanded the battalion since its establishment in 2018, led the ceremony with a ceremonial cake cutting. This event was not only a celebration of the battalion’s formation but also a tribute to Lt. Col. Timchenko’s dedicated leadership. Soldiers of the battalion presented him with engraved memorabilia to honor his service and commitment. The OPFOR Battalion has been integral in supporting the Georgia Army National Guard’s, especially their 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
The Opposing Force (OPFOR) unit within the Georgia State Defense Force is an integral group with a critical mission. Its primary role is to provide realistic opposition during Urban and Woodland Assault Training conducted by the Georgia Army National Guard. The OPFOR acts as the adversary in Military training exercises, such as Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT), a role previously filled by the National Guard’s own troops. Before the establishment of the GSDF OPFOR, this setup limited the effectiveness of training as soldiers had to divide their focus between their primary mission and serving as the opposing force. The creation of the GSDF OPFOR has significantly enhanced the quality of training by allowing the National Guard units to engage in more realistic, cohesive exercises, ultimately leading to better-prepared soldiers and a stronger overall force.
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Lt. Col. Vadim Timchenko joined Soldiers celebrating the anniversary of the formation of the GSDF OPFOR Battalion—now 1st Battalion (OPFOR), Georgia Force Assistance Brigade North—with a ceremonial cake cutting, Cumming Regional Readiness Center, Cumming, Ga., Aug. 10, 2024
Lt. Col Timchenko has commanded the battalion since its establishment in 2018. This battalion supports the Georgia Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as well as other Georgia Army National Guard units.
To commemorate the sixth anniversary of the formation of the Georgia State Defense ForceOPFOR Battalion—now 1st Battalion (OPFOR), Georgia Force Assistance Brigade North—Soldiers present Commander Lt. Col. Vadim Timchenko (left) this engraved memorabilia for his service, Cumming Regional Readiness Center, Cumming, Ga., Aug. 10, 2024.
Lt. Col Timchenko has commanded the battalion since its establishment in 2018. This battalion supports the Georgia Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as well as other Georgia Army National Guard units.
