During World War II, tanks played an important supporting role in infantry training at Camp Adair, Oregon. Soldiers assigned to the four infantry divisions trained to work alongside armored vehicles as part of realistic battlefield operations. The purpose was to teach infantrymen how to advance with armored support, recognize enemy positions, maneuver across open terrain, and coordinate their movements with supporting weapons.

Training included maneuvers involving tanks, antitank guns, mortars, artillery, and infantry units. Soldiers learned how armored vehicles could provide protection and firepower while infantry troops advanced to secure enemy positions. They also had to understand the dangers posed by enemy tanks and learn how to defend themselves against armored attacks.

One particularly interesting part of Camp Adair's armored training involved the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion, which arrived in March 1943. The battalion operated M10 tank destroyers and participated in training exercises at Camp Adair. Its soldiers also constructed a simulated German village and obstacle course for the 96th Infantry Division, allowing infantrymen to practice street fighting and house-to-house combat.

These exercises helped prepare Camp Adair's infantry divisions for the realities of combat overseas, where cooperation between infantry, armor, artillery, and other supporting units was essential.

An interesting historical distinction for your Camp Adair project: The Army's historical records specifically confirm that tanks supported training maneuvers at Camp Adair. The 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion's M10 vehicles were armored tank destroyers, not conventional tanks.

Troops look over a M10 Tank Destroyer from the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion

M5 Stuart Tanks getting ready for to head out for maneuvers at Camp Adair