The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.