To create an authentic battlefield experience, the training center has developed what is known as "situation rehearsal." According to Mr. Wattsav, a representative from the center, there are now 40 different training lanes, each designed with great attention to detail. These scenarios were created by Hollywood professionals hired by the U.S. military. Every element—buildings, trees, language, currency, and even food—is carefully modeled after real Iraqi villages. Many of the locals who play roles in these simulations are Iraqi-Americans, fluent in Arabic and following traditional customs. Soldiers must respect these cultural elements during their training.

Once they arrive, soldiers are immersed in a world that feels almost real. From the moment they step off the plane, they enter a simulated battlefield that can be more intense than actual combat. They live in mock Arab villages where conditions are harsher than those in real Iraqi towns. Nighttime brings simulated artillery fire, and sudden attacks are common. Enemy forces often strike when troops are least prepared, using unfamiliar terrain to set traps. The environment is heavily guarded, with barbed wire, armed sentries, and even fake skeletons to add realism. Machine guns are placed on sandbags, and command posts are covered in camouflage and sandbags. Under dim lighting, operation maps are spread out, and the sound of simulated gunfire mixes with radio chatter. Even the threat of a chemical attack, simulated with tear gas, makes gas masks a daily necessity for the soldiers.

The pressure on trainees is immense. A single mistake can have serious consequences, and sometimes even something as simple as a gas mask can make the difference between life and death. This kind of training not only tests physical endurance but also mental resilience. It’s in this high-stress environment that soldiers gain the confidence and skills needed to face real war. The experience at Fort Irwin prepares them for the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, ensuring they are ready for whatever lies ahead.