An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 27, 2024

Idaho National Guard Trains with US, Indian Special Forces

By Mike Freeman, Idaho Army National Guard

BOISE, Idaho - The U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), along with partners from the Indian Army’s Special Operations Forces and the Idaho National Guard’s 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, participated in Exercise Vajra Prahar Nov. 2-22.

The exercise on Orchard Combat Training Center ranges and facilities enhanced relationships between the elite units, focusing on realistic training scenarios that challenge participants in complex environments.

The 124th ASOS provided the Indian soldiers with joint terminal attack controller and close air support instruction to enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. special operations forces.

“We helped build stronger relationships with the partner force by demonstrating the tactical air control party’s commitment to their success and providing them with valuable training and resources,” said Master Sgt. Douglas K. Brock, a JTAC with 124th ASOS. “In the end, the 124th ASOS showcased their ability to work with anyone, anywhere, at any time to achieve mission success by maintaining a high level of readiness while also building a foundation for future training and development opportunities.”

Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise, now in its 15th year, and changes locations annually between U.S. and Indian training facilities to improve the special operators’ ability to work together in a variety of terrain and climate conditions. It was the first time the exercise was in Idaho.

“The airspace and training facilities have been awesome at the OCTC,” said a member of 1st SFG(A). “They’ve given us the ability to run CH-47 Chinook missions, live talk on JTAC training, conduct sniper training and make direct-action assaults on multiple urban objectives.”

The realistic training environment and integration of skills from participating units fostered tactical improvements and stronger relationships among the partner-nation forces, according to the 1sgt SFG(A) Soldier.

“By engaging in this rigorous training, participants develop their skills, improve communication and foster a spirit of collaboration that is essential for successful operations in real-world situations,” he said. “Working alongside our partners across the Indo-Pacific region increases security capacity and interoperability among our forces.”

The OCTC is a 173,000-acre joint combined arms training site 18 miles south of Boise. It provides world-class training facilities for warfighters from all U.S. armed forces and partner nations.

 

 

Related Articles
Airman assigned to the 124th Civil Engineer Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, supports facility restoration at Redwood National and State Parks, California, June 17, 2025. IRT delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness and provides key services to American communities.
Idaho Guard Engineers Aid Redwood Park Restoration
By Staff Sgt. Jadyn Eisenbrandt, | June 20, 2025
CRESCENT CITY, Calif. - Golden light filters through the dense canopy of California’s redwoods, casting long beams across the forest floor. The sound of birdsong and rustling leaves blend with the clatter of hammers and the...

The 17th Field Artillery Brigade deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to the Orchard Combat Training Center in March to increase warfighting readiness and hone lethality in a rigorous, realistic training environment aligned with the challenges of modern combat. The OCTC enabled the brigade to collectively train in a contiguous battlespace with unfamiliar terrain and numerous live firing locations.
Orchard Combat Training Center Hosts HIMARS Training
By Mike Freeman, | March 26, 2025
BOISE, Idaho - The 17th Field Artillery Brigade deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to the Orchard Combat Training Center in March to increase warfighting readiness and hone lethality in a rigorous, realistic training...

Michigan National Guard Biathlon Team members compete at the Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Competition, held this year at the Mount Itasca Winter Sports Center in Coleraine, Minn., from Feb. 28-March 5, 2025.  The annual competition is held in one of three host states, Minnesota, Utah and Vermont, and is open to National Guard members in all 54 states and territories.
Michigan Guard Team Competes at Biathlon Championship
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine, | March 20, 2025
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan National Guard Biathlon Team competed at the Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championship at Mount Itasca, Minnesota, from Feb. 28-March 5. The annual event brings together top competitors...