Oregon National Guard opens first off-road tank trail in Hermiston

By Dan Thesman on Monday, March 24th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The Oregon Army National Guard has created its first off-road tank trail at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in Hermiston.

The six-mile course allows local tank crews to train effectively without traveling out of state, enhancing training for the 3^rd Battalion, 116^th Cavalry Battalion.

The trail supports day and night operations for M1 Abrams tanks, allowing crews to practice with thermal imaging and night vision in a controlled setting, marking a significant advancement in developing the former Umatilla Chemical Depot into a modern military training site.

Photo via MAJ. Wayne Clyne