The 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, recently completed a 21-day training rotation at the Idaho Army National Guard's Orchard Combat Training Center, located southeast of Boise.

The U.S. Army unit utilized the OCTC ranges Sept. 4-24 to complete a series of live-fire qualifications culminating in a combined arms live-fire exercise at the troop level with support from the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing and the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion.

The 8-1 CAV soldiers typically train at JBLM or the Yakima Training Facility. Training at the OCTC allowed the unit to complete its annual training requirements in less time.

"Soldiers can complete their annual training requirements in 21 days versus at least 45 days of training elsewhere," Berriman said. "Soldiers loved the training; they had fun. That's important, when you're having fun doing it -- you'll do it better!"

Prior to beginning any training on the ranges, soldiers receive an environmental brief regarding the wildlife, vegetation and off-limit areas within the OCTC. The 8-1 CAV incorporated the restrictions into its training plan.

"Terrain analysis is a critical part of the mission planning process," said Lt. Col. Michael Berriman, squadron commander. "The staff must train to maintain its capability to determine how best to operate in the boundaries or within the constraints presented before us."

"The OCTC complex has many different ranges available to use and the design allows for simultaneous execution of training," Berriman said.