The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the Joint Readiness Training Center and former COG, BG Jason Curl.

BG Curl commissioned as an infantry officer from the United States Military Academy in 1995 and has served in a variety of maneuver assignments. As the CG at the Joint Readiness Training Center, he has the Hollywood call-sign of “Warrior 06.”

In this episode, we dive into the pivotal role combat training centers (CTCs) play in preparing brigade combat teams (BCTs) and divisions to fight and win on tomorrow's multi-domain battlefield. The CTC experience is a crucible, pushing units to their limits and refining their warfighting skills through realistic, high-intensity scenarios that mirror the complexity of modern warfare. We explore how these rigorous training environments shape the collective glidepath of readiness, fostering adaptability, cohesion, and mastery across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains. Join us as we discuss how the lessons learned at CTCs are crucial for future mission success. Additionally, we highlight some of the modernization and innovation efforts that have been incorporated into our rotational design as well as some of the modernization of our rotational training units.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the third annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by CW2 Jerrad Rader, the Brigade Targeting Officer OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is Brigade Targeting Officer for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, CW3 James Crain.

The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is an active Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the United States Army based at Fort Drum in New York. The brigade headquarters carries the lineage of the 10th Mountain Division's original headquarters company, and served as such in World War II, and in peacetime at Fort Riley, Fort Benning, and West Germany in the 1940s and 1950s. 1st BCT has numerous deployments to contingencies around the world in the 1990s and later in support of the Global War on Terrorism. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Warriors” and the motto of “Find a way or make one.”

In this episode, we talk targeting cycle challenges, insights, and best practices for integrating and synchronizing joint fires from the perspective of two seasoned warrant officers. Fires are normally used in concert with maneuver, which helps shape the battlespace, setting conditions for decisive action. At the brigade echelon, this methodology focuses on the employment of fires within the brigade’s deep-fight with the maneuver battalions focused on the brigade’s close-fight. Another effective employment method is their use to support the brigade’s close-fight, which incorporates the use of the maneuver battalions’ mortars into the fires plan. Effective brigade fires during large-scale combat operations require the integration and synchronization of fire support with maneuver plans, leveraging joint fires, and maintaining clear command and control structures. A robust targeting process and decentralized execution allow for rapid and accurate fire missions. Logistical support ensures sustained operations, while counter-fire capabilities protect against enemy artillery. Continuous training and rehearsals are essential to maintaining proficiency and ensuring that brigade fires provide decisive, responsive firepower that supports the brigade’s overall objectives on the battlefield.

Part of S07 “Joint Fires Discussions” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is senior Army fellow at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. Following his current assignment, COL Matthew Leclair. Following his current assignment, he will assume command of the 196th Infantry Brigade, the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center at Ft. Shafter Hawaii.

The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is a premier training facility designed to enhance the readiness and interoperability of U.S. and allied military forces. Headquartered in Hawaii, it provides a realistic and challenging environment for joint and multinational training exercises. The center focuses on preparing forces for operations across the Indo-Pacific region, incorporating complex scenarios that address contemporary security challenges. By fostering collaboration among various military branches and international partners, the JPMRC plays a critical role in strengthening regional stability and preparedness. It hosts two major combat training center rotations per year, one in Alaska focused on arctic warfare and one in Hawaii focused on either jungle warfare or island hopping operations.

In this episode we discuss leadership lessons from a senior army leader that has risen from a private in 75th Ranger Regiment to a brigade combat team commander. COL Leclair’s journey highlights the importance of continuous self-improvement, mentorship, and the ability to lead by example, demonstrating that perseverance and commitment to excellence can pave the way for significant leadership roles. Specifically, we emphasize the crucial role that junior leaders—lieutenants, staff sergeants, and sergeants first class—play in the broader Army. They are the standard bearers, setting the tone and maintaining the standards for their units. These leaders are often on the front lines of implementation, ensuring that policies and procedures are followed and adapted as necessary. We also discuss the recurring themes of standard operating procedures and the use of standardized tools, such as pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections. These systems and processes not only establish benchmarks for performance but also provide a framework that allows leaders to maintain operational effectiveness, even under the challenging conditions of sleep deprivation and high stress. By adhering to these established standards, junior leaders help ensure consistency, reliability, and preparedness across the force, reinforcing the Army's overall mission readiness and cohesion.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Mason Thornal, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are members of Geronimo’s infamous Spectre Team, their information warfare team. MAJ Michael Wright, the Info War Cell Chief or officer-in-charge; CPT James Gardiner, the Deputy Chief and their space operations expert; and CW2 Christian Lehr, their electronic warfare expert.

1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” The information warfare cell focuses on leveraging information to achieve strategic objectives, often within military or intelligence operations. This includes activities such as cyber operations, psychological operations, and the dissemination of propaganda to influence, disrupt, or deceive adversaries. The cell analyzes and exploits data to gain a tactical advantage, protect critical information, and undermine enemy capabilities. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in countering misinformation and ensuring the integrity of its own communications and operations.

In this episode we focus on the employment of information warfare across multiple domains and various innovations that are helping transform our forces while in contact. We define innovation as our ability to turn ideas into valued outcomes and solutions with the goal of staying ahead of determined, and increasingly capable enemies on the modern battlefield. Specifically, we discuss the Joint Readiness Training Center’s new Innovations Initiative Program (I2P) to rapidly share the emerging trends and best practices for the employment of developing technologies into unit systems and processes through a controlled learning environment that is the crucible of the JRTC experience. The I2P includes JRTC’s budding innovations laboratory, which includes multiple 3D printers, drone pilot simulators, and other tools of the OPFOR trade.

Here’s why your team should consider volunteering to partner with JRTC’s I2P:

• JRTC offers a comprehensive operational environment that is conducive to trying innovative solutions to realistic tactical problem sets.
• Units are able to plan, execute, assess, and refine at operational speed against determined opponents.
• Real-time OPFOR & OCT feedback from professionals that facilitate nine or more rotations per year on average.
• Access to the innovations lab that offers the equipment, material, and most importantly the space to work.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the Maneuver Center of Excellence, MG Curtis Buzzard.

The Maneuver Center of Excellence was established in September 2011 when the US Army Armor Center and School moved from Ft. Knox, KY to Ft. Benning, GA (now Ft. Moore) in addition to the US Army Infantry Center and School. Fort Moore supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, family members, reserve component soldiers, retirees and civilian employees on a daily basis. Established in 1918 as Camp Benning and in 1922 Camp Benning became Fort Benning. In 2023 the name was changed to honor LTG Hal Moore and his wife Julia Compton Moore.

In this episode we focus on training and leader development, an area that the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) specializes in as it offers over 60 courses, ranging from Basic Combat Training to Ranger School to the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (MCCC). We also discuss some of the modernization efforts being undertaken as the MCoE is the proponent for force modernization for brigade and below formations. Specifically discussed is the deliberate refocusing on brilliance of the basics of small unit tactics, seen especially during Infantry, armor, and cavalry soldiers’ One Station Unit Training that combines basic training with advanced individual training for a twenty-two-week program. Over the last two years, MCoE has striven to incorporate emerging trends and technologies into their courses offered so that Soldiers and leaders alike are able to successfully fight and win any conflict that the US finds itself in tomorrow. This includes incorporating the employment of small UAS and basic EW capabilities into OSUT as well as having guest speakers from current ongoing conflicts at MCCC.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), MG Gregory Anderson.

The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) is the premier light infantry division in the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. Formerly designated as a mountain warfare unit, the division was the only one of its size in the US military to receive specialized training for fighting in mountainous conditions. Originally activated as the 10th Light Division (Alpine) in 1943, the division was redesignated the 10th Mountain Division in 1944 and fought in the mountains of Italy in some of the roughest terrain in World War II. The 10th Mountain is one of the most deployed divisions during the Global War on Terror with numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Syria. Their motto is “Climb to Glory” (the proper response is “To the Top”) and have the Hollywood call-sign of “Mountain.”

In this episode we continue to discuss the employment of light infantry divisions, brigade combat teams, and maneuver battalions during large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We highlight some of the heavy-light imperatives:

• The speed, ranges, and complexity of the battlefield are markedly greater in armored-mechanized formations and requires infinitely more logistics to sustain the fight (Integrated logistics into your maneuver plan).
• Light forces have greater mobility with the ability to rapidly deploy combined with flexibility in diverse complex-terrain, particularly in restrictive terrain, while maintaining a smaller logistical footprint.
• Requires effective synchronization, timing, and detailed controlled measures with the emphasis on fighting at distance.
• Armor-mech. Teams requires utmost dedication to maintaining their equipment, although all formations incorporate it into priorities of work.
• Leaders must learn to anticipate logistics instead of simply reacting to each situation in order to enable future operations.
• Most effective when employed together combined arms operations with supporting joint fires and integrated engineers & other enablers.
• Use of heavy forces to create breakthroughs and exploit enemy weaknesses while light forces conduct rapid maneuvers, seize key terrain, and disrupt enemy rear areas.

Additionally, we discuss some of the task organization changes that the Army is undertaking as part of their 2030 concept. Specifically, the suggested transformation that will occur to light infantry formations and the impact to their mission. The main attribute of light infantry formations is to be able to traverse with ease where armor-mech. Forces are unable to traverse.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is Deputy Commanding General for Operations with 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), BG Joseph Wortham.

1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) trains, mans, and equips Special Operations Forces Soldiers and units to conduct special operations worldwide in support of geographic combatant command, U.S. Ambassador and the Nation’s priorities. On order, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) deploys a Special Operations Headquarters to conduct Mission Command of Special Operations, Conventional, Joint, and/or Coalition Forces anywhere in the world in support of geographic combatant command, U.S. Ambassador and the Nation’s priorities. Their motto is “De Oppresso Liber” or “To Free the Oppressed.”

In this episode we continue to discuss the employment of US Army special operations forces during large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We highlight the importance of conducting multi-echelon training events at the combat training centers to focus on transitioning from competition to crisis to conflict. 1st SFC(A) has over half of its assigned units deployed worldwide across over 80 countries at any given moment and wants to provide realistic, rigorous, and relevant training to their forces preparing to deploy. 1st SFC(A) has begun to pivot to start focusing on the higher echelon training events to better prepare their special operation task force and combined joint special operations task force headquarters to fight and win on the modern battlefield.

Part of S12 “The JIIMs of JRTC: Working with Our Unified Action Partners” series.

Don’t forget to check-out 1st SFC(A)’s social media pages, their handles are ‘1st Special Forces Command (ABN)’ on Facebook, ‘1st Special Forces Command’ on X, and ‘1st Special Forces Command (A)’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (COG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guests are all seasoned mortar Observer-Coach-Trainers (OCTs) at the JRTC. SFC Juan Hernandez from Task Force 2 (Infantry Battalion) while SFC Terrance Fusek and SFC Robert Scholle are both from Live Fire Division.

Live Fire Division focuses on conducting brigade and battalion level, multi-echelon, combined arms live fire exercises for each of the rotational training units at the JRTC. CALFEX are multi-day training events that prepare US Army soldiers, leaders, and collective units for large-scale combat operations. CALFEXs are grueling exercises that involve the use of actual ammunition in realistic warfighting scenarios. These exercises help train troopers and units by building team cohesion and leader proficiency.

Within a light infantry brigade combat team, the US Army employs various mortar systems including the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm. These mortar systems provide essential indirect fire support, enabling the brigade to engage targets beyond the line of sight with high-angle trajectory fires. The M224 60 mm Lightweight Company Mortar System (LWCMS) offers portability and versatility, suitable for rapid deployment and close-in engagements. The M-252 81mm mortar provides increased range and firepower, supporting the brigade's maneuverability and flexibility in diverse operational environments. The M-120 120mm mortar, with its greater range and lethality, serves as a powerful asset for engaging hardened targets and providing sustained fire support during more prolonged engagements. Together, these mortar systems enhance the brigade's combat effectiveness by delivering accurate and timely fire support to maneuver units on the battlefield.

In this episode we continue to discuss employment of indirect fire systems organic to the BCT and warfighting on the modern battlefield. We highlight various best practices and insights gleaned across numerous rotations for integrating and synchronizing mortar fires. The effective employment of the maneuver battalions’ mortars and inclusion in the brigade’s joint fires plan is crucial for the brigade to win their close-fight during large scale combat operations. This in turn helps shape the battlespace and setting conditions for the maneuver battalions’ rifle companies and troops to fight and win on the modern battlefield.

Part of S07 “Joint Fires Discussions” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is Director of Operations Research Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, LTC David Beskow, PhD. He has a PhD in Societal Computing from Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science and serves in the Department of Systems Engineering.

The Operations Research Center (ORCEN) provides a dedicated analytical capability that engages problems of national significance for the purpose of enriching cadet education, enhancing the professional development of Operations Research Systems Analysis Officer Faculty, integrating emerging technologies and analytical tools into the Academic Program, and sustaining ties between the Academy, the Army, and the Department of Defense (DoD). The United States Military Academy (USMA) is a United States service academy in West Point, New York. It was originally established as a fort during the Revolutionary War, as it sits on strategic high ground overlooking the Hudson River 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. It is the oldest of the five American service academies and educates cadets for commissioning into the United States Army.

In this episode we continue to discuss warfighting on the modern battlefield, the incorporation of technology as a combat multiplier, and preparing the force for AI centric warfare of the future. Specifically, we discuss using data to feed intelligence and the operations process as well as how the Army is planning to incorporate emerging technologies into its formations on the modern battlefield. We also look at the application of machine learning to sift through massive amounts of data to find the nuggets of key information, classify it, and then start to do predictive analysis. LTC Beskow’s department has been tasked to look at:

• How do we become more data enabled as a fighting formation?
• How can we better utilize technology, especially ML/AI?
• Do we have the right systems in place to collect the data to feed ML/AI? If not, what methodology would you recommend?

For the CTCs like JRTC, his team is looking at:

• What data do the CTCs produce that the Army could leverage?
• What changes to the collection requirements would you recommend that would be least impactful from a collection process but be massively impactful to the Army at large?
• How can we better use the data? Understanding human performance, streamlining our acquisitions, better utilization of ML/AI, etc.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Task Force 5 (BDE Engineer BN), MAJ David Beale on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group. Today’s guests are the Commandant and Regimental Sergeant Major for the US Army’s Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, COL Joseph "Clete" Goetz and CSM Zachary Plummer. COL Goetz is the 100th Commandant at the USAES and coincidentally this episode will air in time for Regimental Week for the combat engineer community.

The US Army’s Engineer School was founded as the School of Engineering by General Headquarters Orders at Valley Forge on 9 June 1778. The USAES’ mission is to synchronize and integrate the doctrine, organization, training, material, leader development, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) domains to ensure the Engineer Regiment is prepared to provide engineer support now and into the future. Their vision to field Regiments of tactically and technically competent Engineer warriors and leaders of character serving the commander and committed to overcome any challenge to the success of the team’s mission. The US Army Engineer School provides training that develops a wide variety of engineering skills including combat engineer, bridging, construction, geospatial, topography, diving, and firefighting. Their motto is “Essayons” or “Let Us Try.”

In this episode we discuss how the US Army Engineer Schoolhouse prepares US Army engineers for large-scale combat operations. Specifically, we talk how USAES coordinates with the JRTC team to incorporate lessons learned there into the curriculum at the schoolhouse. A timeless observation is that leaders usually arrive full of confidence and depart humbled with a leader book full of areas to sustain and areas to improve their craft. Leaders are shown the importance of getting “sets & reps” through multi-echelon training at home-station coupled with deliberate mission preparation, which requires efficient planning and specified priorities of rehearsals. Additionally, we discuss some of the major changes coming to the engineer community with the Joint Force of 2030 concept as well as breaching best practices as seen at the JRTC.

Part of S06 “Sappers Up…Into the Breach” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Congratulations to our commissioned officers that are alumni and current serving Observer - Coach - Trainers for making the centralized selection list from the JRTC Team. The Commander of Operations Group, COL Matthew Hardman, and the CSM of Operations Group, CSM Michael Hall, send their warmest wishes. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, showcasing your exceptional leadership skills. Here's to continued success and making a positive impact in all your endeavors.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned, former command sergeant majors, CSM(R) Adam Nash and CSM(R) Curt Donaldson. CSM(R) Nash is the former 4th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major. CSM(R) Donaldson is the former 75th Ranger Regiment Command Sergeant Major, known as the Regimental Sergeant Major.

The 4th Infantry Division is a division of the United States Army based at Fort Carson, Colorado and was established in 1917 as a key member of the American Expeditionary Force for World War I. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Iron Horse,” but are commonly called “Ivy Division,” and the motto of “Steadfast & Loyal.” The 75th Ranger Regiment, also known as Army Rangers or simply as Ranger Regiment, is the premier light infantry unit and special operations raid force within the United States Army Special Operations Command. Their lineage dates back to Roger’s Rangers during the French and Indian War in the 18th Century. Their motto is “Sua Sponte” or “Of Their Accord,” with their daily greeting of “Rangers Lead the Way.”

In this episode we discuss warfighting on the modern battlefield, the process of developing junior leaders, and the need to focus leaders on combat mindset. Specifically we talk changing our units’ fighting spirit from focused on garrison life to preparing for war. The modern Soldier’s mindset must embrace the warrior spirit as it is vital to success on the battlefield. Every Soldier from the individual rifleman in a fire team through to the staff at brigade, must change their mindset from “going to JRTC” or “going to the range” to “going to war” because that mindset is what’s going to win the day. Senior leaders have to prioritize establishing and maintaining a leader development program within their units. This includes mentorship between non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers, especially as it applies to standards.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the third annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by the Commanding General of the JRTC and Ft. Johnson, BG Jason Curl and the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from across Operations Group, MAJ Benjamin Pinner, CPT Sheena Henley, CPT Chad Lipe, CW2 Jerrad Rader, and 1SG Ryan Hamilton as well as a senior member of the JRTC’s Opposing Force, MAJ Brandon Kilthau and CSM Chris Gaede from the US Army Special Operations Command’s Special Operations Training Detachment.

Our panel members are observer-coach-trainers with over 150 decisive action training environment rotations between them. MAJ Benjamin Pinner is the S-3 Operations Officer for Operations Group and was formerly the S-3 for Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control. CPT Sheena Henley is the Team Senior for the Air Assault / Air Movement Team of Task Force Aviation. CPT Chad Lipe is the Team Senior for the Administrative / Logistics Ops Center for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB / DSSB). CW2 Jerrad Rader is the Brigade Targeting Officer OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ). 1SG Ryan Hamilton is a Rifle Company First Sergeant OCT for TF-3 (IN BN). From the infamous Geronimo team, we have MAJ Brandon Kilthau who is the BN Executive Officer for 1-509th IN (ABN) (Opposing Force). Last but not least is CSM Chris Gaede, the former Command Sergeant Major for USASOC’s Special Operations Training Detachment for the combat training centers.

In this special episode, we focus on large-scale combat operations across multiple domains and explore the comprehensive efforts being made to prepare America's Army to fight and win tomorrow's wars. The panel discusses large scale combat operations executed at the platoon through division echelons, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics as well as emerging technologies employment. As the nature of conflict evolves, the Army is adapting to meet the challenges of modern warfare, which demands proficiency across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. By enhancing interoperability with Special Operations Forces (SOF) and integrating multinational coalitions, the Army is fostering a cohesive force capable of dominating in complex, multi-domain environments. Sustainment and logistics are being refined to ensure that the force remains agile and resilient, while joint fires and combined arms maneuver are being honed to deliver decisive effects on the battlefield. This episode delves into the strategies and innovations that are positioning America's Army at the forefront of future conflicts, ensuring that it remains a formidable force capable of securing victory in an increasingly unpredictable world.

LSCO on the modern battlefield involve coordinated efforts across multiple domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyber—spanning from platoon to division echelons. These operations require seamless integration of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Conventional Forces (CF) through Interoperability, Integration, and Interdependence (I3) to achieve unified objectives. Multinational coalitions bring together diverse military capabilities, enhancing operational flexibility and reach. Joint fires, combining assets from different services, deliver precise, synchronized strikes, while combined arms maneuver leverages the complementary strengths of infantry, armor, artillery, and aviation to dominate the battlefield and achieve decisive results. Sustainment and logistics play a critical role in maintaining the operational tempo, ensuring that forces are supplied and supported throughout the conflict. General John “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War I, said, "Infantry wins battles, logistics wins wars." This very much reflects the importance of logistics even today, where the importance and role of logistics can be seen very vividly in each rotation.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to checkout our first and second annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium, episodes sixteen and thirty of ‘The Crucible.’ And if you’d like to explore the CSM(R) Nash & CSM(R) Donaldson’s episode that COL Hardman referenced, look at episode fifty-one.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fiftieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a Senior Research Fellow for the Army Research Laboratory at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Dr. Robert Semmens. He has a PhD from Stanford University in how people learn with technology.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) is the U.S. Army's foundational research laboratory. The United States Military Academy (USMA) is a United States service academy in West Point, New York. It was originally established as a fort during the Revolutionary War, as it sits on strategic high ground overlooking the Hudson River 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. It is the oldest of the five American service academies and educates cadets for commissioning into the United States Army.

In this episode we discuss warfighting on the modern battlefield, the incorporation of technology as a combat multiplier, and preparing the force for AI centric warfare of the future. The science and technology team from ARL had four major take-aways for Army robotics of the future based on their observation of the rotation:

• Time-scale matters, especially when comparing combat units to combat support units.
• How are we going to man these units that oversee autonomous unmanned systems? How much training and education do these individuals need?
• What does the Army needs manufactured vs. what does the Army need to train for proficiency as it applies to robotics?
• How do we sustain this new force? What does the supply chain look like, especially as it pertains to contested logistics in LSCO?

The science and technology team from ARL usually doesn’t have very much interaction with the end-user, the warfighter, but were afforded the opportunity to spend nearly a week with the rotational training unit as they worked through the crucible that is the JRTC experience. This provided the team with invaluable insights into the actual needs of the warfighter as they work towards a variety of autonomous unmanned systems that can operate in groups effectively across a wide variety of support functions.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-nineth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of United States Army Forces Command, General Andrew Poppas.

Forces Command is the largest United States Army command and provider of expeditionary, regionally engaged, campaign-capable land forces to combatant commanders. FORSCOM trains and prepares a combat ready, globally responsive total force in order to build and sustain readiness to meet combatant command requirements. The vision of Forces Command is to provide combat ready and globally responsive total Army forces that are well led, disciplined, trained, and expeditionary that will win in a complex world. Its organizations are expeditionary, campaign focused, and tailorable to provide combatant commanders the required capabilities to be decisive across the range of military operations. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Freedom” and the motto of “Freedom’s Guardian.”

General Andrew Poppas is the 24th commander of United States Army Forces Command at Fort Liberty, N.C. A native of Wisconsin, General Poppas graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in 1988. He spent most of his career within XVIII Airborne Corps as well as numerous years on the joint staff.

In this episode we discuss warfighting, building lethality, and combat readiness of our formations. Specifically, we look at how = adopting a “fight tonight” mindset while simultaneously keeping an eye towards modernization will enable us to win the next fight. Combat training centers are critical for building lethality into our formations; leaders develop critical skills as they work through the friction of simulated combat. An area that is incredibly difficult, but equally important for leaders is master, is shifting from focusing “down and in” to “up and out” to assist your higher headquarters as well as adjacent unit coordination.

GEN Poppas states that his predecessor, GEN Garrett, identified that a gap in the Army’s preparations for large scale combat operations was preparing squads and platoons to win their first fight by getting back to the basics. He hopes that in his tenure the Army can collectively better prepare for transitions between phases of operations through staffs identifying multiple planning horizons. Battalions and brigades must become more predictable, synchronize operations across warfighting functions, and set the conditions for subordinate units to succeed.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out FORSCOM’s social media pages, their handles are ‘U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)’ on Facebook, ‘FORSCOM’ on X, and ‘US Army FORSCOM’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are part of a combat advisor team with 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, SFC Joseph Escalante and SFC Shelby Kelley.

Security force assistance brigades (SFABs) are specialized US Army units with the core mission to conduct advise, support, liaise and assess operations with allied and partner nations. These combat advisors are highly trained and among the top tactical leaders in the Army. Their work strengthens our allies and partners capacities and capabilities while supporting America's security objectives and the combatant commanders' warfighting needs.

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade is regionally aligned with the African continent partnered with U.S. Africa Command. The SFAB is a strategic game changer for the United States in Africa, providing hand-selected advisors capable of establishing an enduring presence in key countries and operating in any environment—enabling them to develop enduring relationships from the tactical to the strategic level. Simply put, the SFAB provides the United States with a capability no adversary can match. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Saber” and the motto of “Everyone Fights” while they have the unofficial motto of “Ready for Crisis and Conflict.”

This episode explores the function of security force assistance brigades (SFABs) in large-scale combat operations across various domains. We delve into the challenges of operating as a small-unit that’s been given strategic objectives and the necessity that the team must function cohesively to achieve these critical objectives. Specifically, we address the integration of US forces and multinational partners to coordinate efforts against the enemy in large-scale combat operations. Notably, SFABs typically comprise 40% personnel with maneuver experience, while the remainder possess diverse capabilities, making SFABs highly versatile formations.

Part of S12 “The JIIMs of JRTC: Working with Our Unified Action Partners” series.

Don’t forget to check-out SFAC’s social media pages, their handles are ‘ArmySFAC’ on Facebook, ‘armysfabs’ on Twitter / X, and ‘armysfabs’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a Foreign Exchange Officer serving as an Observer-Coach-Trainer Company Team Senior with Task Force 2 (Infantry Battalion), CPT Will Happel of the British Army. CPT Happel has since become a student Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and has since been promoted to the rank of Major.

In this episode we discuss how the British Ministry of Defense approached their expeditionary efforts during the Falklands War and how these same tenets would be applied to a multinational effort during large scale combat operations (LSCO).

The Falklands War, which took place in 1982, was viewed from the British perspective as a decisive conflict to reclaim the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation. The UK considered the Argentine invasion of the islands a violation of sovereignty and responded with a military campaign. The British government, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, sought to protect the rights of the islanders and reestablish British control. The eventual success of the British forces in retaking the Falklands bolstered national pride but also brought attention to geopolitical complexities in the South Atlantic.

Specifically, we discuss that when viewed through the lens of a multinational expeditionary operation during LSCO, reveals the collaborative efforts of the British-led task force. Nations like the United States provided intelligence support, while others offered political and logistical assistance. The conflict underscored the challenges and benefits of coordinating diverse military capabilities in a joint effort to achieve strategic objectives in a remote and contested theater. Additionally, the Falklands War highlighted the importance of interoperability and communication between allied forces, as well as the necessity of rapid deployment and sustained logistical support over long distances. The multinational nature of the operation demonstrated the strength of collective security efforts in addressing regional conflicts and upholding international norms of sovereignty and self-determination.

Additionally, we look at some of the case studies conducted on this conflict: “No Picnic: 3 Commando Brigade in the South Atlantic” by MG Julian Thompson; “Goose Green: The Decisive Battle of the Falklands War – by the British Troops Who Fought It” by Nigel Ely; “Not Mentioned in Despatches: The History and Mythology of the Battle of Goose Green” by Spencer Fitz-Gibbon.

Part of S12 “The JIIMs of JRTC: Working with Our Unified Action Partners” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Mason Thornal, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group.  Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL James Stultz.

The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which was activated on 1 July 1941 at Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore), GA. The IBCT draws its infantry battalions primarily from the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Strike,” but commonly called “Five oh Duece,” and the motto of “Strike.” (The rest of the motto is “I fight where I am told, and win where I fight.”) They are easily identified by the black heart patches on their helmets dating back to preparation for the invasion of France in World War II and have been known by the enemy as the “Black Hearts Brigade.”

In this episode we discuss how leaders should prepare for large scale combat operations from an air assault perspective. Specifically, we discuss how the brigade with division assets was able to conduct the first large-scale, long-range air assault for nearly thirty years. Strike was able to lift an entire infantry battalion and various enablers simultaneously. The air assault task force then flew over seven hundred miles, utilizing several forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) before arriving at their area of operation.

Additionally, we look at how commanders and their staffs build training plans, standard operating procedures, and conduct countless rehearsals, staff exercises, and various field problems in preparation for conducting effective air assaults under combat conditions.

Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.

Don’t forget to check-out the 101st Airborne Division’s social media pages for more information on large-scale, long-range air assaults, their handles are ‘101st Airborne’ on Facebook, ‘101stAASLTDIV’ on X, and ‘101stabndivaa’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the deputy senior mentor at the Leader Training Program at the JRTC, COL(R) Mike Kershaw.

He spent 34 years on active duty as an infantry officer and has been with the Leader Training Program for nearly nine years. The Leaders Training Program at the JRTC is a ten-day planning conference providing commanders and staff an opportunity to hone their military decision-making process skills and systems. The program is facilitated by retired, senior military planning coaches giving units best practices and lessons learned from previous iterations.

In this episode they discuss the various long-term trends at echelon within a brigade combat team, with emphasis on the infantry battalion and some recommendations to rectify some of the deficiencies. Specifically, we look at how the training requirements have evolved from counter-insurgency to hybrid warfare to large-scale combat operations and what it means for infantry battalions.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry, COL Robert Shaw.

The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division (Light), which was activated on 1 October 1941 in Hawaii mere days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, conducts military operations primarily in the Asia-Pacific region and has been in every conflict the U.S. has been involved in since its activation. On order, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deploys, fights, and wins in Unified Land Operations any place in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and conducts continuous and persistent engagement with regional partners to shape the environment and prevent conflict across the Pacific area of responsibility. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Bronco” and the motto of “None Better.”

In this episode we discuss how leaders should prepare for large scale combat operations from the light infantry perspective. Specifically, we look at commanders and their staffs build training plans, standard operating procedures, and conduct countless rehearsals, staff exercises, and various field problems in preparation for going to war or arriving at one of the US Army’s combat training centers, like the Joint Readiness Training Center. After each iteration, organizations at echelon should capture their success and their pathways to success to remedy identified vulnerabilities.

An interesting point that is discussed is that leaders need to not only have tenacity but initiative to never quit until the mission is accomplished. This requires leaders to strive to succeed and do the hard tasks in life, which inevitably means that some will not succeed initially but will have to persevere until they do. As leaders we must not only mentor our subordinates but identify talent and then nurture it.

Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fortieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the Commander and Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, COL Jason Clarke and CSM Paul Fedorisin.

Security force assistance brigades (SFABs) are specialized US Army units with the core mission to conduct advise, support, liaise and assess operations with allied and partner nations. These combat advisors are highly trained and among the top tactical leaders in the Army. Their work strengthens our allies and partners capacities and capabilities while supporting America's security objectives and the combatant commanders' warfighting needs.

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade is regionally aligned with the African continent partnered with U.S. Africa Command. The SFAB is a strategic game changer for the United States in Africa, providing hand-selected advisors capable of establishing an enduring presence in key countries and operating in any environment—enabling them to develop enduring relationships from the tactical to the strategic level. Simply put, the SFAB provides the United States with a capability no adversary can match. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Saber” and the motto of “Everyone Fights” while they have the unofficial motto of “Ready for Crisis and Conflict.”

In this episode they discuss the role of security force assistance brigades during large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We discuss the points of friction when transitioning from competition to crisis to conflict with our unified action partners.Specifically, we talk about integrating US forces and our multi-national partners into a synchronized effort against the enemy within large scale combat operations. It’s interesting to note that most SFABs consist of only 40% of the personnel having a maneuver background while the rest of the formation is all low-density, which makes the SFABs very diverse in their capabilities.

Part of S12 “The JIIMs of JRTC: Working with Our Unified Action Partners” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough is the battalion assistant S-3 operations observer-coach-trainer for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Commander of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, LTC Ryan Nugent as well as one of his troop’s executive officers, 1LT Aiden Hutchinson

The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment draws its lineage from a World War II tank destroyer battalion. In an interesting bit of trivia, the IBCT was for over a decade known as the 4th IBCT of 10th Mountain, but when the Army redesigned division for the “Army of 2020” concept, they became 3rd IBCT of 10th Mountain. (The “Spartan” Brigade was inactivated in August 2014.) They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Slugger” or “Patriot Recon” and the motto of “Ready Now,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.”

In this episode we discuss the role of the cavalry squadron in large scale combat operations, supporting both the division as the primary unit of action as well as the BCT’s close fight. The CAV squadron was very aggressive with their employment of small unmanned aircraft systems to further extend their reach while dominating the transparent battlefield. Taking lessons learned from both the Nagorno-Karabakh War and the ongoing Russo-Ukraine Conflict, the squadron trained their troops to deploy their sUAS in support of all operations, but especially while halted and dismounted to ensure that they make contact with the enemy first via a sensor package of their drones. A best practice for their squadron was the establishment of a UAS master trainer to ensure that at each echelon they had depth of the personnel trained on each applicable UAS as well as helping each troop commander build their training plans. The squadron also worked with their MICO to incorporate signals intelligence teams and electronic warfare teams into all major troop level training events. The also incorporated indirect fires as many collective training events as possible to build proficiency in bringing “steel rain” to the enemy.

Part of S04 “Scouts Out” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CPT Benjamin Malcolm of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commanding Officer – Operations for the 82nd Airborne Division, COL Andrew Saslav, All American 07. COL Saslav was the COG from 2021-2022 and the commander of 11th DTG  (OPFOR notional higher headquarters).

The 82nd Airborne Division specializes in joint forcible entry operations via vertical envelopment, both airborne and air assault, into denied areas with a U.S. Department of Defense requirement to respond to crisis contingencies anywhere in the world within 18 hours. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “All American” Division and the motto of “In Air, On Land.”

In this episode we discuss how airborne forces would be utilized at the commencement of large-scale combat operations. Specifically, we look at how Airborne forces allow the US Army to set conditions for follow-on operations to meet national objectives anywhere in the world. The individuals that become paratroopers are some of the most versatile, capable, and lethal lightfighters in the world that pride themselves in seizing the initiative and aggressively bringing the fight to the enemy on the complex, dynamic modern battlefield. GEN McGavin, the longest serving CDR of the 82nd ABN said, “You show me a man willing to jump out of an airplane and I’ll show you a man that will fight [and win] for his country.”

An interesting point that is discussed is that previously the DoD’s took for granted that the US would have air supremacy immediately, but lessons from Ukraine has forced the DOD to reevaluate this concept. The 82nd ABN operates under the premise that they will conduct a JFE into a contested environment to seize a key piece of terrain and establish a lodgment for US forces. This can only be done during a set time window along planned air corridors secured through joint suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) assets. 

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps’ social media pages, their handles are ‘82ndAirborneDivision’ on Facebook, ‘82ndABNDiv’ on X, and ‘82ndairbornediv’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Michael Weimer.

SMA Michael Weimer was sworn in as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army on Aug. 4, 2023. His previous assignment was serving as the Command Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Throughout his career he has served in a variety of positions from team member to Command Sergeant Major of Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan, to Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central.

As the Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Weimer is the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families. SMA Weimer is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.

In this episode we discuss warfighting and preparing leaders to lead troops in combat with the US Army’s most senior enlisted soldier, SMA Weimer. Army leaders must be true masters in the art of war, embodying action with confidence and resolve. While warfare is inherently a profession of deep thought, it also requires individuals who excel in the fundamentals and leaders who are experts in their craft. Non-commissioned officers are the backbone of the US Army and thus are responsible for ensuring their troops are ready for war. They do this through rigorous, realistic, and relevant training, which generates forces ready to win America’s wars.  It is imperative that Army leaders, particularly our NCOs, understand the gravity of their responsibility to the soldiers they lead in combat, recognizing that their most critical resource is human lives. Training programs should be designed progressively, building upon previous training and should include multi-echelon opportunities to train at all levels concurrently. Home-station must incorporate the “fog of war,” stress, and the clash of opposing wills as seen at the Combat Training Centers.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out the SMA’s social media pages, their handles are ‘US Army’ on Facebook, ‘US Army SMA’ on X, and ‘US Army SMA’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fortieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General for Security Force Assistance Command, MG Donn Hill.

The Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) is a division-level command element for the United States Army's new security force assistance brigades (SFAB). The SFAC draws its heritage from the Philippine Constabulary Advisory Mission immediately following the Spanish-American War and the Military Assistance Advisor Group throughout the Cold War. The SFAC’s core mission is security force assistance to conduct training, advising, assisting, enabling and accompanying operations with allied and partner nations. The SFAC builds and sustains readiness by manning, training, and validating regionally aligned SFA brigades for employment by combatant commands. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Advisor” and the motto of “Victorious Together.”

In this episode they discuss the evolution of the U.S. Army’s combat advisor program and its role in the Army’s ability to conduct large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We discuss the employment of SFABs attached to our multinational partners to ensure interdependence, interoperability, and integration with U.S. forces in that region. While they are primarily focused on providing security force assistance to our multinational partners through establishing relationships, providing training, and advising throughout the competition and crisis continuum. During the conflict phase, SFABs primarily act as a liaison between U.S. forces and our multinational partners to synchronize and mass effects across multiple domains.

Part of S12 “The JIIMs of JRTC: Working with Our Unified Action Partners” series.

Don’t forget to check-out SFAC’s social media pages, their handles are ‘ArmySFAC’ on Facebook, ‘armysfabs’ on Twitter / X, and ‘armysfabs’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guest is the commander of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, LTC Mason Thornal, also known as Geronimo 06.

1-509th IN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo,” the most hated unit in the Army. Geronimo’s primary mission is to help units see their selves clearly in order to rectify any deficiencies through rigorous, realistic, and relevant training with an aggressive opposing force (OPFOR).

In this episode they discuss Geronimo’s primary mission: helping units see their selves clearly in order to rectify any deficiencies through rigorous, realistic, and relevant training with an aggressive OPFOR. Specifically, we look at not only how Geronimo builds warfighters within its own organization but how it helps units build warfighters within their own organizations. We also look at how a unit’s noncommissioned officers enable commanders and directly impact a unit’s overall mission.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Christopher Gensler from Task Force 5 (BEB) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is MAJ Jonathan Tucker, the Battalion S-3 Operations Officer for 317thBrigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd IBCT, 10th Mountain Division.

They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Buffaloes” and the motto of “By Industry and Honor,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.”

Part of S06 “Sappers Up…Into the Breach” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, CPT Richard Snyder, CPT Benjamin Malcolm, and CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough. These OCTs have also previously participated in this year’s Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium.

Our guest observer-coach-trainers with over 75 decisive action training environment rotations between them. CPT Richard Snyder (P50) if the Fire Support Officer for Live Fire Division with eighteen rotations. CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough (R03A) is the BN Assistant S-3 Operations OCT for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) with a combination of forty-three rotations between OCT duties and OPFOR. Last but not least is CPT Benjamin Malcolm is the Company Commander for Pathfinder Co, 1-509th IN (Airborne) (Opposing Force) with sixteen rotations.

In this episode we discuss the lessons learned from company grade officer perspective in preparation for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The panel discusses large scale combat operations executed at the platoon, company, and battalion echelons, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics as well as emerging technologies employment.

Key lessons learned for company grade leaders at all echelons when conducting combined arms maneuver during large scale combat operations are ensuring that we are forcing the enemy into a close fight at the time and location of our choosing at a cost that is acceptable and sustainable. Violence of action on any objective should start with indirect fires, this is especially true for fires that organic to infantry battalions, their mortars. Company and battalion leaders need to look at their fires plans to efficiently and effectively layout their echelonment of fires in time and space as your element maneuvers to the objective. The reality of LSCO is that we must be very judicious in how we employ our artillery assets as they’re the keys to success as well as belonging to the division commander. At the squad and section echelons, our leaders ensure that our troops are dispersed, our fighting positions are dug and camouflaged, and that our key weapons systems are effectively emplaced. Tiny wins at the company aggregate to larger victories, which in the end helps ensure that the brigade succeeds.

The two most common myths that companies, batteries, and troops show-up to JRTC with are: 1) Geronimo openly and unapologetically cheats and 2) the training provided during a DATE rotation is focused on small-unit tactics. While we have attempted through this show to dissipate the Geronimo myth, it probably will never go away. As far as the training provided here myth, while partaking in the crucible that is a JRTC rotation, units will have numerous opportunities to conduct small-unit tactics. However, the primary training audience are the brigade and battalion commanders and staffs as there are very view training opportunities available that will simultaneously train an entire brigade combat team’s worth of leaders and staff under duress and in austere conditions against a free-thinking OPFOR.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to checkout our annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium, episode 16 and episode 30 of ‘The Crucible.’ Tune into the previous episode where we sat down with the Field Grade Officers from the LSCO Symposium of ’23.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, MAJ(P) Drew Zabriskie, MAJ Westly “Wes” LaFitte, and MAJ James Lee.

Our guest observer-coach-trainers with nearly fifty decisive action training environment rotations between them. MAJ(P) Drew Zabriskie (L05) is the BSB Executive Officer OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB / DSSB) with ten rotations. MAJ Westly “Wes” LaFitte is the BN Executive Officer OCT for the Fires Support TF (Field Artillery BN). MAJ James Lee is the BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ).

(MAJ(P) Zabriskie would become LTC Zabriskie a few short weeks post filming and MAJ Lee would become the BDE Executive Officer for BC2 as well.)

In this episode we discuss the lessons learned from field grade officer perspective in preparation for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The panel discusses large scale combat operations executed at the battalion, brigade, and division echelons, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics as well as emerging technologies employment.

Key lessons learned for field grade leaders at all echelons are understanding the amount of control and influence leaders must exert to be effective, grasping what you can’t control and not wasting resources in pursuit of it, understanding your area of operations and your sphere of influence within it, and lastly understanding the systems which drive all of these is critical. The goal for leaders at all echelons must be to ensure that you’re not creating problems than you’re solving for your subordinates as well as your higher headquarters. Embracing the “teamwork makes the dream work” philosophy and striving to work together as a team across the brigade combat team.

The number one question that commanders and staff ask across the force is how can we get better at the military decision making processes (MDMP)? There’s no shortcut, it’s simply sets and repetitions that make staffs better at MDMP. The largest myths that most field grade officers have when coming to JRTC is that as the “Iron Major” for their echelon that they can’t or won’t fail at any time. The combat training centers have been described as the “Ranger school for command teams and staffs.” With that in mind, every organization that comes to the CTCs is destined to fail by design. It is only through failure that growth can occur.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to checkout our annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium, episode 16 and episode 30 of ‘The Crucible.’ Be sure to stay to for a follow-up episode with the company team OCTs from LSCO Symposium of ’23.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (COG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guest is the Command Sergeant Major of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, CSM Andrew Baxter.

The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment also draws its heritage from the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion of infamy during the North African Campaign of World War II. In an interesting bit of trivia, the IBCT was for over a decade known as the 4th IBCT of 10th Mountain, but when the Army redesigned division for the “Army of 2020” concept, they became 3rd IBCT of 10th Mountain. (The “Spartan” Brigade was inactivated in August 2014.) They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Slugger” and the motto of “Ready Now,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.”

In this episode we discuss the roll of the noncommissioned officer within a cavalry squadron as well as the Army as a whole. The NCOs are the commanders’ “linebackers” with the goal of maintaining good order and discipline of the formation. As leaders, we have to strive to shift our formations from the garrison mindset to a “combat” mindset focused on lethality and overall readiness. We have to re-hone the edge of the NCO corps to be much more focused on direct leadership instead of the more passive, non-confrontational approach while still being professional, especially for our junior NCOs. The value of the specialist within our formations cannot be overemphasized as they fill the gap between Soldier and the NCO corps having proven their merit by mastering their skill level one tasks.

Part of S04 “Scouts Out” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, MG Christopher LaNeve (All American 06). He was previously the Commander of Ops Group from 2015 to 2016.

The 82nd Airborne Division was founded after the American entry into World War I in August 1917 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. They were redesignated as an airborne division in February 1942 have taken part of every conflict since WWI with the exception of the Korean War. The 82nd Airborne DIV is an airborne infantry division of the U.S. Army specializing in joint forcible entry operations via vertical envelopment, both airborne and air assault, into denied areas with a U.S. Department of Defense requirement to respond to crisis contingencies anywhere in the world within 18 hours. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “All American” Division and the motto of “In Air, On Land.”

In this episode we discuss what an airborne infantry division needs to not only survive but succeed on the modern battlefield, conducting large scale combat operations. All American 06 frames the conversation by highlighting the importance of the training offered at the three Combat Training Centers as well as the training that is required to ensure that the Army is prepared to fight and win on tomorrow’s battlefield. Divisions can prepare their brigades to a fair degree of readiness through their intensive training cycles but simply cannot train a brigade combat team plus attachments against a free-thinking opposing force to scale in time and space. The CTCs are where our Force is able to test new tactics, techniques, and procedures in a realistic operating environment.

XVIII Airborne Corps, their higher headquarters, had tasked 82nd ABN to structure itself and then test it as a unit under the ‘Division of 2030’ concept. The division has restructured itself where the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery (DIVARTY) is the brigade headquarters for each of the field artillery battalions within the division as well as the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade is the brigade headquarters for each of the brigade support battalions. This has allowed the Division to focus on “push” style logistics instead of “pull” style logistics that were common over the last twenty years supporting the Global War on Terror. The testing has identified that the DIVARTY needs a BSB itself just like the traditional infantry IBCTs. The Division has also been able to test their mobile assault command posts, making them not only more robust but streamlining to being smaller in-size while being more mobile and thus more survivable. All American 06’s goal: “Uncomfortably light, increasingly lethal” for his formations. His guidance to company through brigade commanders on their command posts has been:

• Must have both a digital & analog common operating picture
• Must establish & maintain communications
• Employ effective & timely joint fires
• Goal of displacing in under five minutes

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps’ social media pages, their handles are ‘82ndAirborneDivision’ on Facebook, ‘82ndABNDiv’ on X, and ‘82ndairbornediv’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, CPT Katherine Elifson and CPT Richard Duam. CPT Katherine “Katie” Elifson (L70) is the distribution company observer-coach-trainer from TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). CPT Richard “Richie” Duam (C10) is a rifle company OCT for TF-1 (infantry battalion).

In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the company and battalion echelons from two seasoned company grade officers. From the maneuver side, leaders must shift from “battle tracking” to actually “fighting” their units while maintaining adequate command and control, specifically understanding where units are in time and space in relation to friendly and enemy units. And, to truly be successful on the modern battlefield, leaders must employ combined arms maneuver that is lead with joint fires. From the sustainment side, leaders must understand the capability of assets and then C2 in a complex environment. The only way for sustainers to get “sets & reps” is through the employment of those same assets while at home-station, which is going to require a culture change.

Observed attributes of high-performing company grades:

• Should want to help your battalion/squadron and brigade succeed.
• Anticipate problems & take the initiative to solve.
• Give bottom-up refinement.
• Expect to be the “eyes & ears” of your BCT’s warfighting functions.

Successful battalions:

• Working off vetted SOPs allows there to be a better balance between current & future ops.
• Cannot wait for higher headquarters orders, must start basic planning / preparation process simultaneously.
• LOGSTATs are key to allowing logistics to be adequately forecasted & be able to sustain the fight.
• Develop systems & processes through the development of subordinate leaders, especially NCOs.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, MAJ Maria Carver and MAJ Kevin Berhnhart. MAJ Carver (O05) is the Chief-of-Staff for JRTC Ops Group staff sections, but previously as an engineer was the Senior Protection WfF OCT at brigade echelon. MAJ Berhnhart (B05) is an infantryman that served as the Brigade Combat Team’s Executive Officer OCT in Brigade Command and Control Task Force.

In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the battalion and brigade echelons from two seasoned field grade officers. One of the reoccurring observations for leaders is the notable difference in operations tempo (OPTEMPO) of LSCO compared to counter-insurgency / low-intensity combat conducting during the Global War on Terror. The OPTEMPO for LSCO is incredibly fast-paced and demanding, commonly referred to as small-unit operations on an industrial scale. There’s a common “eureka” moment at the JRTC, when leaders realize that time is your number one “enemy” or concern, not the opposing force. To help mitigate this grueling OPTEMPO, leaders can do three simple things, regardless of echelon:

• Establish & abide by a battle rhythm
• Create & publish realistic operational timelines
• Attempt to adhere to the one-thirds / two-thirds planning rule

(The rule states that leaders should use one-third of the time available before mission execution for their planning while allocating the remaining two-thirds to their subordinates for planning & preparations.)

In LSCO, brigade combat teams will consistently be in contact with the enemy across multiple domains. This will force BCTs and their subordinates to plan, prepare, and execute multiple operations simultaneously. A common trend is for units to attempt a very complicated and conceptual plan that becomes too cumbersome to execute effectively. Leaders must provide clear and simple guidance, which allows your subordinates to execute it violently in a timely manner.

While not being nearly as exciting a topic combined arms maneuver, battalions and brigades need to train and develop their staffs. Same concept as training and certifying a fire team as they too need sets and repetitions in order to function as an effective, cohesive team.

Observed attributes of high-performing Field Grades:

• Extreme ownership & learn to lead peers
• Presence matters
• Trust / empowerment of peers & subordinates
• Establish systems & processes
• Build relationships & dialogue between staffs & command teams

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Christopher Donahue.

The XVIII Airborne Corps was founded in January of 1942 just five weeks after the US entered World War II at what was previously called Camp Polk (what would become Ft. Johnson). They saw extensive service during World War II, throughout much of the various conflicts of the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, and in support of the Global War on Terror. The corps is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world and is referred to as "America's Contingency Corps." They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Sky Dragons” or simply as “Dragon” and the motto of “All the Way.”

In this episode they discuss the evolution of training to ensure that the U.S. Army is prepared to conduct large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We discuss some of the modernization efforts that XVIII ABN is undergoing as well as the skillsets required at the tactical level to be a learning organization. Leaders must strive to not only meet the challenges today but anticipate the challenges of tomorrow and this requires leaders to shape their organizations in the following ways:

• Must be able to adapt and integrate.
• Must be able to understand your environment.
• Ability to utilize data in all its waveforms.
• Employ the various forms of mass across multiple domains.

Leaders at echelon must strive to set the conditions for success for their subordinate commands. In layman’s terms, we want to ensure that your people are provided an unfair advantage over their opponent. Common leader habits, regardless of echelon: show-up everyday & compete; build resiliency in yourself & your team; and disciplined initiative.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps’ social media pages, their handles are ‘XVIII Airborne Corps’ on Facebook, ‘18airbornecorps’ on X, and ‘18thairbornecorps’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the company radio-telephone operator for B Company, 1-504th PIR, 1st BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, SPC Kevin Mitchell.

Established during the fierce fighting in the Italian campaigns of World War II, 1st Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was employed in multiple brush wars throughout the Cold War as well as in Operation Desert Storm and later as part of Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo before deploying in support of the Global War on Terror. 1-504 PIR now serves as part of 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Red Devils” (the BCT are the “Devils”) and the motto of “Strike and Hold.”

In this episode we discuss how airborne forces would be utilized at the commencement of large-scale combat operations for a joint forcible entry. Specifically, we look at how Airborne forces allow the US Army to set conditions for follow-on operations to meet national objectives anywhere in the world. While in other episodes we have focused at the macro level, in this episode we focus on the micro level, specifically at the platoon and company echelons. Focusing on brilliance in the basics is paramount for the success of airborne joint forcible entry operations, ensuring that every paratrooper is proficient in fundamental skills and tactics. Mastery of these core principles enhances coordination, precision, and effectiveness, critical for executing complex and high-stakes missions.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the second annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by the Commanding General of the JRTC and Ft. Johnson, BG David Gardner and the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, LTC Drew Zabriskie, MAJ Paul Scifers, MAJ Matt Cline, CPT Richard Snyder, and CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough as well as a senior member of the JRTC’s Opposing Force, CPT Benjamin Malcolm of the infamous Geronimo.

Our guest observer-coach-trainers with nearly 150 decisive action training environment rotations between them. LTC Drew Zabriskie (L05) is the BSB Executive Officer OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB / DSSB) with ten rotations. MAJ Paul Scifers (B03) is the BDE S-3 Operations OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) with nine rotations at the BDE level (He was previously an OCT as a CPT as well). MAJ Matt Cline (F20) is the BDE Fires OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) with five rotations. CPT Richard Snyder (P50) if the Fire Support Officer for Live Fire Division with eighteen rotations. CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough (R03A) is the BN Assistant S-3 Operations OCT for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) with a combination of forty-three rotations between OCT duties and OPFOR. Last but not least is CPT Benjamin Malcolm is the Company Commander for Pathfinder Co, 1-509th IN (Airborne) (Opposing Force) with sixteen rotations.

In this episode they discuss the evolution of training provided to brigade combat teams and the preparation for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The panel discusses large scale combat operations executed at the company through battalion echelons, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics as well as emerging technologies employment.

As the Army transitions from the BCT being the primary effort to the division becoming the unit of action, some of the long-term trends are examined as the training at the JRTC shifted from mission rehearsal exercises to decisive action training environment (DATE) exercises focused on LSCO. A major topic of discussion is the distinction between deficiencies and military activities that are simply challenging tasks, which will always be points-of-friction for warfighters.

Don’t forget to checkout our first annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium, episode 16 of ‘The Crucible.’ And if you’d like to explore the SFC Manship’s episodes that COL Hardman referenced, look at episodes eleven, twenty-six, and twenty-nine.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

The Joint Readiness Training Center’s Large Scale Combat Operations Products:

• 016 S01 Ep 03 – BCT Trends and Preparing for LSCO with Former COG Panel of ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience' Podcast Podbean Podcast https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dqbjn-14338ac YouTube: https://youtu.be/bE4c7Jx6-UE

• A Leader’s Guide to Large Scale Combat Operations https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1278267
• Brigade Combat Teams in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1160917
• Ethical Bedrock Vignettes: Law of Armed Conflict in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-979043
• Homestation battle drills to help achieve success in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1280107
• Large Scale Combat Operations at the JRTC, The LSCO Fight at the JRTC white paper, and JRTC LSCO Resources https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1151260

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest has been the only one to pull a “hat trick” or three successful returns to the podcast, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship also known as Muldoon 07. (His other episodes are eleven and twenty-six.)

In this episode we heavily focus on conducting effective offensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor defensive operations into deliberate offensive operations and vice-versa. In the offense, this includes establishing hasty defensive positions of recently acquired key terrain and hunter-killer teams or small-kill teams that employ anti-armor weapons or sniper weapons systems in micro-ambushes.

Combined arms maneuver with appropriate sustainment assets and enablers across multiple domains rules the battlefield even in the 21st century. For the platoon this entails executing the basics, small unit tactics, violently and through discipline initiative and creativity employing enablers or technology to be force multipliers. (Such as using small unmanned aerial systems to spot and adjust indirect fire from an Mk-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher onto enemy positions.)

A common point of friction at the JRTC, is how units transition from one operation to another and avoid what is colloquially called “avoiding the valleys of death” that is so often the result of poor transitions. Remember, transitions mark a change of focus in an operation, which can be planned or unplanned as well as mark the conclusion of one operation or a setback of another. Effective transitions require planning and preparation well before their execution, so the platoon can maintain the momentum and initiative against the enemy. A proven best practice is the rehearsal of critical transitions, such as the transition from the defense to the offense. Risks increase during transitions, so commanders establish clear conditions for their execution. At platoon level this is done through the rehearsal of battle drills and immediate action drills, which mitigates some of the risk higher echelons face during transitions.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) cell’s officer-in-charge (OIC), for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control, MAJ Luke Plante (Zulu 88) and one of JRTC’s opposing force’s senior members of their information warfare cell for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, CW2 Christian Lehr.

1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” The information warfare cell coordinates and executes the collection of tactical information, assurances that their information is valid, spreading of propaganda or disinformation to demoralize or manipulate the rotational training unit and the replicated civilian population, undermining the quality of the RTU's information, and denial of information-collection opportunities to the RTU as well as impede operations within the electromagnetic spectrum. Information warfare is closely linked to electronic warfare, psychological warfare, and cyberwarfare. EW is designed to deny the RTU the advantage of—and ensure friendly unimpeded access to—the EM spectrum. Psychological warfare that focuses on influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of the RTU. Cyberwarfare attacks computers, software, and command & control systems of the RTU, multinational forces, and replicated civilian population.

Cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) is the process of planning, integrating, and synchronizing cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare in support of unified land operations (ADP 3-0). By integrating and synchronizing cyberspace operations and EW, the RTU gain an information advantage across multiple domains and lines of operations while disrupting the OPFOR’s efforts across multiple domains. The CEMA Cell for P/EMC acts as the higher headquarters for the RTUs’ CEMA elements and/or efforts.

In this episode we discuss how brigade combat teams prepare their battalions and companies for large scale combat operations across multiple domains through the employment CEMA and information warfare. Geronimo not only has the “home-field” advantage but also the competitive advantage of innovation by utilizing unique and tailored solutions using emerging technologies to answer various tactical problems encountered.

A reoccurring theme is the dismantling of the idea of a short-cut to unit cohesion and effectiveness. Instead, modern formations must focus on the fundamentals and being able to execute them violently across multiple domains. For staff’s these means getting “sets & reps” of the going through the entirety of mission planning and execution.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commander for Support, 42nd Infantry Division (Army National Guard), BG Nathan Lord.

The 42nd Infantry has Division has served in World War I, World War II, throughout the Cold War, and took part in combat operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The division headquarters is a unit of the New York Army National Guard while subordinate units includes elements from fourteen different states, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. They have the nickname of the “Rainbow Division” and the motto of “Never Forget!”

In this episode we discuss how divisions prepare their battalions and brigades for large scale combat operations as well as some of the differences between an active duty rotation versus an ARNG rotation. An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon. At the battalion, brigade, and division echelons, it means aggregating the success of your squads, platoons, and companies to change the balance of the battlefield.

A reoccurring talking point in the podcast was highlighted in today’s episode, an infantry brigade combat team only has approximately a quarter of its forces as actual infantry units and where the infamous tooth-to-tail ratio (T3R) really starts to come into effect. (The ratio of sustainment or support elements to direct combat units.)

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a repeat offender from episode eleven, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship, also known as Muldoon 07.

The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in July 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” with 2nd BN having the call-sign of “Task Force-2 Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.” (Third Platoon having the call-sign of “Muldoon.”)

In this episode we discuss various nuances of planning and executing joint forcible entry operations through vertical envelopment. Leaders must be very deliberate in their planning of soldier load and the inclusion of mission essential equipment when compared against the commander’s intent and your troops-to-task. The age-old adage, “ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain,” rings true for the modern lightfighter as it did in ages past.

This episode also heavily focuses on conducting effective defensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor offensive operations into deliberate defensive operations and vice-versa. In the defense, this includes conducting reconnaissance and surveillance patrols while during the offense, hasty defensive positions should be dug with critical weapon systems overlooking key pieces of terrain.

Platoons must be prepared emphasis to self-sustain and fully embrace the “no one is coming to save you” mentality. (“The Last Tactical Kilometer.”) An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne, COL Richard “Ricky” Taylor.

The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. (The fifth being earned during Operation Urgent Fury to restore a free government to Grenada in October 1983.) After the Vietnam War, the 505th PIR participated in various military operations. Among them were Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Inherent Resolve. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.”

In this episode, we discuss some of the lessons learned for brigade and battalion leaders during large-scale combat operations. COL Taylor summarized it as:

• Being humble and being coachable
• Importance of synchronization of fire and maneuver
• Battlefield Circulation of Key Leaders
• Commander’s Role in the Planning Process
• Defining risk vs. opportunity & communicating that with DIV HQ

A reoccurring theme on the podcast, is the acknowledgement that those that learn fastest on the battlefield are almost always the ones whom succeed on the battlefield. Senior leaders within the brigade mentor junior leaders with special emphasis on company commanders and captains across the staff on both the art and science of conducting combined arms maneuver in LSCO. Specifically, leaders should come prepared to discuss the following 8 questions at every planning session:

• What’s your combat-power and your projected slant for the next 24hrs?
• What do you know about the enemy?
• What’s your composition / disposition?
• What’s the enemy’s composition / disposition?
• What are your concerns & risks at your echelon?
• Do you have any recommendations?
• What are your logistics / sustainment concerns?
• What are your planning horizons?

Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for 1-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd IBCT, 82nd Airborne, CSM Christopher Szalai.

The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. (The fifth being earned during Operation Urgent Fury to restore a free government to Grenada in October 1983.)They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” with 1st BN having the call-sign of “Task Force-1 Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.”

In this episode, we discuss embracing change, specifically changing our units’ fighting spirit from focused on garrison life to preparing for war. The modern Soldier’s mindset must embrace the warrior spirit as it is vital to success on the battlefield. Every Soldier from the individual rifleman in a fire team through to the staff at brigade, must change their mindset from “going to JRTC” or “going to the range” to “going to war” because that mindset is what’s going to win the day. While it are the companies that ensure the brigade succeeds in large scale combat operations, it is the senior NCOs that ensure the battalions are meeting the brigade’s intentions. Another point of emphasis is the difference in leader perception of implied versus specified tasks and how in a constrained environment it necessitates leader initiative as far as preparing mission essential equipment and troops-to-task. While brigades must ultimately solve the terrain management problem, the battalions contribute to the answer by providing bottom-up refinement. And the best way to do that is through current up-to-date operations graphics. Finally, leaders at battalion must be able to conduct digital fires to lead with HE in the form of 105mm and 155mm fires.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Fire Support Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer with Task Force Fires, MAJ Westly “West” LaFitte (Fox 20).

Joint fire support includes joint fires that assist air, land, maritime, cyberspace, and special operations forces to move, maneuver, and control territory, populations, airspace, cyberspace, electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), and key waters. Effective joint fires produce effects beyond the proportion of effort expended in execution. Effective fires are efforts that have both immediate and long term effects on the enemy's capability and will to prosecute the war.

In this episode they discuss joint targeting cycle challenges, insights, and best practices for integrating and synchronizing joint fires. Fires are normally used in concert with maneuver, which helps shape the battlespace, setting conditions for decisive action. At the brigade echelon, this methodology focuses on the employment of fires within the brigade’s deep-fight with the maneuver battalions focused on the brigade’s close-fight. Another effective employment method is their use to support the brigade’s close-fight, which incorporates the use of the maneuver battalions’ mortars into the fires plan. Time is a commodity that must be safeguarded through the establishment of battle rhythms and the adherence to the targeting cycle to ensure shared understanding and synchronization. Brigade and division fires plans should use both kinetic and non-kinetic to codify types of actions while using effects or outcomes to describe desired results.

Part of S07 “Joint Fires Discussions” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two incoming brigade commanders within the 82nd Airborne Division, COL Jason Schuerger and COL Jaron Wharton.

In this episode they discuss how units across the force must approach learning with an emphasis on never repeating the same mistakes in preparation for going to war. Specifically, the need for leaders to focus on learning the science, the fundamentals of their profession of arms, before they focus on the “art” of war. The combat training centers highlight to brigade and division leaders that time is your number one “enemy” or concern, not the opposing force. Leaders must provide clear and simple guidance, which allows your subordinates to execute it violently in a timely manner.

An interesting point highlighted in today’s episode, within most standard maneuver formations, infantry or armor, subordinate commands prepare leaders for the next echelon of responsibility. Time as a platoon leader prepares you to be a company executive officer and company commander and so forth. However, at the brigade echelon is the level of responsibility that focuses much more heavily enabler assets and thus has a much steeper learning curve at the brigade level. An infantry brigade combat team only has approximately a quarter of its forces as actual infantry units and where the infamous tooth-to-tail ratio (T3R) really starts to come into effect. (The ratio of sustainment or support elements to direct combat units.)

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman.  Today’s guest is the battalion command sergeant major from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, CSM Joseph Lachnit within the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

The 2nd IBCT was officially activated in February 1985 along with the rest of the division. While 10th Mountain Division was originally established to fight in the brutal mountains of the Italian campaign of WWII, 2-14 IN has an extensive and illustrious history dating back to the Civil War. Since its establishment, the battalion has served in every conflict that the US Army has participated in, from the Indian Wars of the American Frontier to the Boxer Rebellion to the mountains of Italy in World War II to the various conflicts of the Cold War and even Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. The battalion’s call-sign is the “Golden Dragons” with the motto of “Right of the Line.”

In this episode we discuss some of the overall mindset required to be an infantryman on the modern battlefield as well as exploring some of the leadership traits required to successfully lead troops in combat. A reoccurring theme highlighted on the podcast is that there isn’t a secret to conducting infantry operations, whether as part of a special operations task force or in conventional forces. Instead, modern infantry formations must focus on the fundamentals and being able to execute them violently across multiple domains. At the battalion level, leaders must focus on helping companies achieve the brigade’s objectives, thus making the entire organization better. In large scale combat operations, senior non-commissioned officers have to own sustainment operations for their organizations. Closing the last tactical kilometer in sustainment operations was also emphasized, which is a reoccurring theme on the podcast.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Forces Command, Lieutenant General Stephen Smith.

Forces Command is the largest United States Army command and provider of expeditionary, regionally engaged, campaign-capable land forces to combatant commanders. FORSCOM trains and prepares a combat ready, globally responsive total force in order to build and sustain readiness to meet combatant command requirements. The vision of Forces Command is to provide combat ready and globally responsive total Army forces that are well led, disciplined, trained, and expeditionary that will win in a complex world. Its organizations are expeditionary, campaign focused, and tailorable to provide combatant commanders the required capabilities to be decisive across the range of military operations. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Freedom” and the motto of “Freedom’s Guardian.”

In this episode we discuss the necessity for our leaders and their formations to receive realistic, rigorous, and relevant training for combat across multiple domains as it’s key for success on tomorrow’s battlefields. Specifically, we look at the battalion through corps echelons requirement for such training as it is essential to prepare soldiers for the complexities of modern warfare across multiple domains. Battalions should focus on integrating small unit tactics with real-time intelligence and cyber capabilities, while brigades emphasize combined arms operations and interoperability with joint and coalition forces. Corps-level training should prioritize strategic planning, large-scale maneuver coordination, and multi-domain command and control to ensure dominance in a contested environment.

In testifying to Congress to justify the expense of a large-scale maneuver just prior to our entry into WWII, General George Marshall stated, “My God, Senator, that’s the reason I do it. I want the mistakes down in Louisiana, not over in Europe.” Today we continue this legacy of realistic, rigorous, and relevant training at the DoD’s combat training centers, such as the Joint Readiness Training Center. At home-station, this is done through the divisions managing their intensive training cycles and at the battalion and brigade echelons through becoming predictable, through synchronizing the warfighting functions, and set the conditions for subordinate units to succeed.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

Don’t forget to check-out FORSCOM’s social media pages, their handles are ‘U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)’ on Facebook, ‘FORSCOM’ on X, and ‘US Army FORSCOM’ on Instagram.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.

“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twentieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the S-2 intelligence officer for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, CPT Benjamin Branower.  

1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” Geronimo’s primary mission is to help units see their selves clearly in order to rectify any deficiencies through rigorous, realistic, and relevant training with an aggressive opposing force (OPFOR). Besides functioning as a traditional S-2, CPT Branower also coordinates for the employment of Geronimo’s Special Purpose Forces, electromagnetic /cyber warfare team, and information warfare cell.

In this episode we discuss means in which Geronimo regularly prepares to engage each brigade combat team through the analytical process of searching for vulnerabilities and then exploiting said vulnerabilities, commonly called “red teaming.” What is repeatedly emphasized is that the Geronimo staff isn’t given any “insider” knowledge to each training rotation but instead conducts traditional Army staff work, such as information preparation of the battlefield, followed by aggressive, high-tempo operations against BCTs.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the nineteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Deputy Commander of Ops Group and retired, COL Edward Twaddell III, on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are Dr. Lester Grau and Mr. Charles “Chuck” Bartles from the renowned Foreign Military Studies Office at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas.

The mission of the Foreign Military Studies Office is to research and present understudied and unconsidered foreign perspectives in order to better understand the operational environment. Dr. Lester Grau is a senior analyst and the Research Director for the FMSO. He is considered a subject matter expert on tactical, operational and geopolitical subjects involving Russia. Chuck Bartles is a junior analyst and Russian linguist at the FMSO. His specific research areas include Russian and Central Asian military force structure, modernization, tactics, officer and enlisted professional development, and security assistance programs.

While this episode was filmed mere weeks prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the information presented here isn’t based on the observations and trends analysis from that conflict. Instead the assessment was largely formed from Russia’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, their activity in Eastern Ukraine prior to the 2022 conflict, the Cold War-esque saber rattling regarding the Baltics, and their combat operations in support of Syria. We have a future episode where Dr. Grau and Mr. Bartles address some of the lessons learned from the most recent Russo-Ukrainian Conflict.

In this episode we discuss he modern Russian military force structure as it applies to large scale combat operations. The discussion centers around the Russian overall employment methodology, general overview of the assets available at echelon to the tactical ground force commander, and their modernization program. Some of the assets addressed in this episode are their electronic and cyber warfare and communications capabilities as well as armored-mechanized teams, reconnaissance, and indirect fire formations. One fact that is repeatedly emphasized is that the Russian armed forces focus more on commander centric “battle drills” than a military decision making process focused on warfighting functions and maneuver enables fires instead of the Western model of fires enables maneuver.

For a more in depth look at the information covered, please check-out their book, The Russian Way of War, hosted by Army University Press.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by a former Senior Intelligence Trainer, COL John Ives, on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. This is part one of a two part series with COL John Ives.

In this episode we discuss the best practices for the intelligence warfighting function as with most of our discussions it focuses on brilliance in the basics. The best practices for the intel WfF within a BCT formation are as follows:

• Led by an S2 with a clear understanding of the 4-core competencies (Synchronization; Operations; PED; Analysis) and the intelligence process: articulates, trains, and stresses the steps and output of IPB.
• Rehearse, exercise, and maintain intelligence systems and team development at home-station; maximizes training time and incorporates intel systems in all activities.
• Establish and maintain the intelligence architecture: plan, validate, and rehearse by phase, collector, and capability.
• Conduct rehearsals and describe the intelligence cycle for each named area of interest (NAI) or high payoff target (HPT); emphasizing PED directly impacts the sensor-to-shooter integration.
• Resources and train the intel collection management team to leverage Echelons Above Brigade (EAB) and organic collection, coordinate PED (processing, exploitation, and dissemination) capacity, and integrate into the operations planning process.
• Plan and coordinate organic collection capabilities (recon, human intel collection teams, signals intel collection teams, and unmanned aerial systems platoon) including security, communications, and command support relationships.
• Maintain an intelligence common operational picture (COP) in both analog and digital form and actively disseminate fighting products, including battle damage assessment (BDA) charts and intelligence collection and synchronization matrix (ICSM).
• Operationalize RSOI (reception, staging, onward movement, and integration) including pack-out at home-station to set conditions for synchronization, PED, and intelligence operations.

Specifically addressed in this episode are the core intel competencies, conducting intel preparation of the battlefield, and home-station training good habits.

Part of S10 “Out-Thinking the Enemy” series.

For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast

Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventeenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. We have a special treat for our audience, today’s guest is retired US Army COL John Antal. The event was designed to encourage discourse and offer insights of the evolution of modern warfare and its impacts on the battlefield of tomorrow to future Leaders while promoting the Joint Readiness Training Center as a whole.

COL John Antal is a renowned author, military historian, and foreign affairs subject matter expert. He served 30 years in the US Army, where he led formations from platoon level through regiment and served on corps and multinational staffs. He is the author of hundreds of articles on military affairs and leadership subjects as well as having authored fourteen books, including his most recent book: '7 Seconds to Die: A Military Analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Future of Warfighting.'

Faculty and team members from across the US Army’s Combat Training Centers were able to participate in this briefing as it was part of the CTC Commander’s Conference at the Combined Arms Center in the Summer of 2022.

In this episode they discuss the evolution of technology and the impact it has had on modern warfare as well as the training provided to brigade combat teams in preparation for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The material referenced comes from multiple recent or on-going conflicts, including but not limited to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict. Specifically addressed are the so-called battlefield disruptors of modern war, which are the:

• Transparency of the battlefield.
• First strike advantage, often maintained by the opposition.
• Accelerating of the operations tempo.
• Fury & effectiveness of top attack.
• Unmanned to fully autonomous systems.
• From “kill-chain” to “kill-web” constructs.
• Visualization of the battlespace across all-domains.

One of the repeatedly emphasized methods for mitigating these disruptors was through the technique of “masking,” which was loosely defined as the full-spectrum, multi-domain effort to deceive enemy sensors and disrupt enemy targeting.

Part of S10 “Out-Thinking the Enemy” series.

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