About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), Operations Group, Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), was established in the early 1990s at Hohenfels, Germany, to support the U.S. Army’s premier training center in Europe. The unit’s mission centered on providing command, control, and administrative support to Operations Group, which directed realistic force-on-force training exercises for U.S. and allied units. HHC personnel ensured seamless coordination of logistical, personnel, and operational requirements during complex training rotations. Through its efforts, HHC, Operations Group, CMTC, played a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of NATO and U.S. Army forces throughout the region.
Historical Facts
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Unique Unit Designation: HHC, Operations Group, CMTC stands for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Operations Group, at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), which was located in Hohenfels, Germany.
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Birth of Modern Training: CMTC was established in 1988 to provide realistic force-on-force training for US Army and NATO units, using the latest simulation and observer-controller techniques.
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Observer Controllers ("OCs"): Members of HHC supported the elite Operations Group, whose Observer Controllers were renowned for their expertise in tactics and their iconic orange hats and vests.
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Role in Reforger Exercises: The CMTC, with HHC’s support, played a vital role in the Cold War era REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, preparing NATO for a potential Soviet invasion.
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Home of OPFOR: The Operations Group at Hohenfels was home to the 1-4 Infantry "OPFOR" (Opposing Force), who acted as the enemy for training and were considered some of the best in the world at simulating adversary tactics.
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Transition to JMRC: In the mid-2000s, CMTC was redesignated as the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC), reflecting its growing role in multinational training as well as joint operations.
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Support to Deploying Units: HHC, Operations Group provided critical logistical, administrative, and command support to thousands of rotating US and allied units preparing for deployments to the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
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High-Tech Training Aids: CMTC and its Operations Group were among the first to implement MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System), which allowed for realistic "laser tag" combat during exercises.
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Historic Location: The Hohenfels training area dates back to the 1930s, originally built by the German Army, and was later used by U.S. forces after WWII.
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International Partnerships: HHC, Operations Group, CMTC regularly hosted and trained alongside NATO and partner nations, fostering interoperability and building alliances that continue today under JMRC.
