Shows
The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast161 S05 Ep 18 – Scheduled Services vs Unscheduled Maintenance w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the G-4 Senior Sustainment Planner from Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: CPT Blake Walker, the LSB Senior Maintenance Chief Observer – Coach – Trainer (OCT) and CPT Cody Kindle, the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / EMC TF. (MAJ Beatty was formerly the TF Executive Officer OCT for Task Force Sustainment (CSSB / LSB).)
This ep...
2026-06-0341 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast160 S11 Ep 12 – Disrupt, Attrit, & Counterattack: Geronimo’s Art of the Defense w/JRTC OPFOR’s Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CSM James Miller, the Command Sergeant Major of 1-509th IN (OPFOR), known as Geronimo, on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are subject matter experts on all things defense within Geronimo’s Baker Company: 1SG Larson Palsis, the Baker Co First Sergeant; SFC Woodroof Musser, Platoon Sergeant for 1st PLT; and SSG Joseph DuBrul, Squad Leader for 2nd SQD, 1st PLT.
This episode examines the art and science of conductin...
2026-05-2941 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast159 S13 Ep 29 – Continuing the Saga of Base Clusters in the Modern Fight w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control: MAJ Amy Beatty, the Senior G-4 Sustainment Planner and CPT Cody Kindle, an S-4 Sustainment Planner. (MAJ Beatty was formerly the TF Executive Officer OCT for Task Force S...
2026-05-2836 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast158 S11 Ep 11 – Geronimo’s Drone War: sUAS Lessons from the Modern Battlefield w/JRTC OPFOR’s Multi-Domain Effects CellThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Will Montoya, the Multi-Domain Effects Cell Chief for 1-509th IN (OPFOR), known as Geronimo, on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are subject matter experts on drone warfare within Geronimo: SGT Colin Rock, SGT Darius Shumpert, and SPC Collin Palm. SGT Rock is a Team Leader and drone operator for Able Company, 1-509th IN (OPFOR). SGT Shumpert and SPC Palm are first person viewer small unmanned aircraft systems operators for MD...
2026-05-2240 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast157 S13 Ep 28 – CBRN at the Brigade Level during Large Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: MAJ Charles “Dave” Johansen, CPT George Slawski, and SFC Brian Reigle. MAJ Johansen is the BDE Senior CBRN OIC OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ). CPT Slawski is the BN CBRN OIC OCT f...
2026-05-2142 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast155 S13 Ep 27 – Building the Common Operating Picture and the Battle for Shared Understanding w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts within JRTC’s Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) task force: MAJ Michael Stewart, the BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT; MAJ Steve Yates, the BDE S-6 Signal Officer-in-Charge; CW2 Christopher Puthoff, the BDE S-6 Signal Plann...
2026-05-1439 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast154 S05 Ep 17 – Sucks to Suck: Lazy Logisticians Leads to Culmination w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the G-4 Senior Sustainment Planner from Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: CSM Edward Cummings is the Task Force Command Sergeant Major Observer-Coach-Trainer for TF-3 (IN BN) and CPT Cody Kindle the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / EMC TF.
This episode explores the realities of brigade sustainment on the modern ba...
2026-05-0944 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast153 S05 Ep 16 – Proper Sustainment Planning & Preparation w/LTC DiGiovanni, 626th Light Support BattalionThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the G-4 Senior Sustainment Planner from Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Battalion Commander for the 626th Light Support Battalion, LTC Adam DiGiovanni.
The 626th Light Support Battalion (LSB), formerly the 626th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), serves as the sustainment backbone of the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasan,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Carrying the Hollywo...
2026-05-0757 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast152 S11 Ep 10 – Drone vs Counter-Drone Fight of the Modern Battlefield w/JRTC OPFOR & COL(R) Bill EdwardsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Trevor Jones, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR), known as Geronimo, on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are subject matter experts on drone warfare: LTC Michael Roscoe, COL(Retired) Bill Edwards, CW2 Brendan Henske, LTC(R) Mark Leslie, and CPT Christopher Chelson. LTC Roscoe is the Tactical Analysis, Communications, and Simulations Support (TACSS) Chief. COL(R) Edwards is the Director of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Operations for ENSCO. And CW2 He...
2026-05-021h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast151 S13 Ep 26 – Evolution of Battlefield Geometry in Modern warfare w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer – Coach – Trainer for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: MAJ Michael Stewart, the BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT and MSG Jared Cawthon, the BDE Fires Support NCOIC for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ). CSM Edward Cummings, is the Task Force Command Sergeant Major OCT for TF-3 (IN BN) and MAJ Ni...
2026-04-3040 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast150 S13 Ep 25 – Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) on the Modern Battlefield w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fiftieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC’s sustainment cyberspace electromagnetic activities enterprise: MAJ Brian Jones is the Cyber Electro-Magnetic Activities Planner for the Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control task force and CW2 Luis Alicea is the Senior Electromagnetic Warfare Targ...
2026-04-2643 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast149 S13 Ep 24 – Incorporating Noncommissioned Officers into the Military Decision-Making Process w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC’s sustainment enterprise: LTC Daniel Cole is the Task Force Senior OCT, MAJ Sumalindinie Serion is the DSSB Executive Officer OCT, and MAJ Amy Beatty is the TF Executive Officer OCT for TF Sustainment (DSSB / LSB).
This episode examines...
2026-04-2042 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast148 S05 Ep 15 – Adopting a Maintenance Mindset Builds Combat Power w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Cody Kindle and CPT Blake Walker. CPT Kindle the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force. CPT Walker is the Light Sustainment Battalion’s Senior Maintenance Chief OCT from Task Force Sustainment (DSSB / LSB).
This epis...
2026-04-1640 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast147 S13 Ep 23 – Incorporating Noncommissioned Officers into the Military Decision-Making Process w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT and MSG Jared Cawthon, the BDE Fires Support Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: CSM Edward Cummings is the Task Force Command Sergeant Major OCT for TF-3 (IN BN) and MSG Randell Conway is the BDE S-2 Intelligence NCOIC for BC2.
This ep...
2026-04-1157 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast146 S13 Ep 22 – Is Intelligence Too Focused on Targeting w/JRTC BC2 ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC: CW3 Michael Horrace is the Senior Targeting OCT, MAJ Edward Pecoraro is the BDE S-2 Intelligence Officer-in-Charge OCT, and MSG Randell Conway is the BDE S-2 Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge for BC2.
This episode explores the relationship between intelligence, fires, and the target...
2026-04-1030 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast145 S05 Ep 15 – LOGSYNC Meetings: Where Sustainment Gets Synchronized w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Cody Kindle and MAJ Charles Alley. CPT Kindle the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force. MAJ Alley is the Senior Sustainment Operations Officer S-3 OCT from Task Force Sustainment (DSSB / LSB).
This episode f...
2026-04-041h 09The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast144 S13 Ep 21 – Air Defense at the Brigade & Planning for the Modern Air Threat w/CW3 Bryan HarttThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the BDE Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the JRTC expert for JRTC for airspace management: CW3 Bryan Hartt, the Air Defense Airspace Management OCT (formerly Brigade Aviation Element) for BC2.
This episode examines air defense operations at the brigade and division echelons, emphasi...
2026-04-0220 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast143 S13 Ep 20 – Military Decision-Making Process Outputs that Win w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the BDE Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are experts across JRTC: MSG Jared Cawthon as the BDE Fires Support NCOIC, MSG Randell Conway as the BDE Intelligence NCOIC OCT, both from BC2 (BDE HQ), and MAJ Lorenzo Evans is the Support Operations Plans Officer OCT for TF Sustai...
2026-03-2832 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast142 S13 Ep 19 – The Importance of Rehearsals at Echelon within the Brigade w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the BDE Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are experts across JRTC: MSG Jared Cawthon as the BDE Fires Support NCOIC, MSG Randell Conway as the BDE Intelligence NCOIC OCT, both from BC2 (BDE HQ), and MAJ Lorenzo Evans is the Support Operations Plans Officer OCT for TF Sustai...
2026-03-2631 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast141 S13 Ep 18 – Getting the Integrated Fires Support Plan Right w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) and MAJ Jeff Horn, the Executive Officer OCT for Fires Support Task Force (FA BN / DIVARTY), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are experts within JRTC’s BC2: MSG Jared Cawthon as the BDE Fires Support NCOIC, MSG Austin Moss as the Senior Targeting NCOIC OCT, CW3 Michael Horrace is the BCT Targeting Officer OCT, and MSG...
2026-03-2138 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast140 S11 Ep 09 – Closing the Gap: Replicating the Modern Threat at JRTC w/JRTC OPFORThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fortieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Trevor Jones, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are members of JRTC’s intelligence community: Mr. Jason McAnally, MAJ Will Montoya, and CPT Graham Gifford. Mr. McAnally is the JRTC G-2 Intelligence Officer. MAJ Montoya is the Multi-Domain Effects Cell Chief for Geronimo. And CPT Gifford is the S-2 Intelligence Officer for Geronimo.
This episode centers on how the Joint...
2026-03-1937 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast139 S13 Ep 17 – Running Estimates Made Easy w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE Executive Officer OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are experts within JRTC’s BC2: MAJ Steven Yates, the BDE S-6 Signal OCT and MAJ Michael Stewart, the incoming, BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT.
This episode examines the role of running estimates within the Military Decision-Making Process...
2026-03-1334 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast138 S05 Ep 14 – Sustainment Base Cluster Design Deep-Dive w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Cody Kindle and CPT Christopher Ward. CPT Kindle the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force. CPT Ward is the A Co CDR OCT (Distro / BSA) from Task Force Sustainment (DSSB / LSB).
This episode e...
2026-03-121h 22The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast137 S13 Ep 16 – Base Cluster Basics w/JRTC Expert SustainersThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE Executive Officer OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are expert sustainers from across JRTC: MAJ Amy Beatty, the TF Executive Officer for TF Sustainment (DSSB / LSB) and CPT Cody Kindle, the S-4 Sustainment Planner in
Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control (TF Zulu).
This episode dives into th...
2026-03-0736 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast136 S11 Ep 08 – Machines before Men: Geronimo’s New Forms of Mass & Their Modern New Kill Chain w/JRTC OPFORThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Trevor Jones, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are members of JRTC’s infamous Opposing Force, Team Geronimo: CPT Jeremiah Cox, 1SG Terence Newby, and SFC Walter Jinks. CPT Cox is the Company Commander for Able Company, 1-509th IN. 1SG Newby is the First Sergeant for Easy Company, 1-509th IN. SFC Jinks is the Engineer Platoon Sergeant within Easy Company.
2026-03-0530 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast135 S13 Ep 15 – Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment Done Right: A Whole of Staff Approach as the Foundation of Military Decision Making Process w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE Executive Officer OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are intelligence and operations subject matter experts from across JRTC: MAJ Michael Stewart is the BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT, MAJ Edward Pecararo is the BDE S-2 Intelligence OIC OCT, and MSG Randell Conway is the BDE S-2 Intelligence NCOIC OCT from t...
2026-02-2839 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast134 S05 Ep 13 – LOGSTATs: The Variables of Success and Frustration w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is CPT Cody Kindle
the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force.
This episode breaks down the “5Ls of Logistics” framework, with a deep focus on the LOGSTAT as the foundational communication tool that drives the en...
2026-02-2656 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast133 S13 Ep 14 - Recon without Cav: Fighting for Information in LSCO w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ Michael Stewart, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts from the Brigade Command & Control task force: CPT Lowell Gothard is the Air Defense Support Element / Air-Ground Integration Element OCT (formerly the Air Defense Airspace Management / Brigade Aviation Element OCT), MAJ Edward Pecoraro the BDE S-2 Intelligence Office...
2026-02-2139 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast132 S13 Ep 13 - Presence, Planning, and Purpose: The Untapped Combat Multiplier of Unit Ministry Teams w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are JRTC’s very own Unit Ministry Team: MAJ(CH) Sean Kitchens, CPT(CH) Byron Denman, SFC Malik Carrigan, and SFC Dannell Bing.
This episode focuses on the employment of Unit Ministry Teams (UM...
2026-02-1940 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast131 S13 Ep 12 - Depth, Mutual Support, Integration: Winning the Defensive Fight at Echelon w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts from one of our infantry battalion task forces at JRTC: CPT Michael Boster is a Rifle Co Commander OCT, SFC John Corpier is an Infantry Platoon OCT, CPT Logan Wilson is the Fires...
2026-02-1325 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast130 S05 Ep 12 – LSB Staff Hacks & Why Sustainment ARSTRUC Isn’t the Risk Maneuver Thinks It IsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is MAJ Alice Bechtol, the Executive Officer for the 325th Light Support Battalion of 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
The 325th Light Support Battalion, known by its Hollywood call sign “Mustang” and guided by the motto “Support to the Front,” serve...
2026-02-1152 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast129 S13 Ep 11 - Sergeant’s Time or Leader’s Time? Who Owns Training? w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MSG Jared Cawthon, the BDE Fires Support NCOIC, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts from across JRTC: MSG Austin Moss is the Senior Targeting NCOIC OCT from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ). SFC Ryan Bruno is the Battery 1SG OCT with TF Fires (FA BN / DIVARTY). And 1SG Mark Varley is a C...
2026-02-0631 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast128 S13 Ep 10 - Air-Ground Disconnect: Why Enablers Fail in the Brigade Fight w/JRTC Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject experts are mainly from the Task Force Aviation (CAB) at JRTC: MAJ Steven Yates is the BDE S-6 Signal OCT from the Brigade Command & Control Task Force (BDE HQ). CW2 Brendan Henske is the Unmann...
2026-02-0540 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast127 S13 Ep 09 - Fighting Across Islands: LSCO in an Archipelago Battlespace w/JRTC Subject Matter Experts in HawaiiThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject experts from the Brigade Command & Control Task Force (BDE HQ) at JRTC: MAJ Steven Yates is the BDE S-6 Signal OCT, MAJ Michael Stewart is the incoming BDE S-3 Operations Officer OCT, MAJ Edward Pecora...
2026-01-3122 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast126 S05 Ep 12 – Casualties Don’t Wait: Medical Planning for the Hardest Days of Ground Combat w/JRTC ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor and Role II Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), MSG Timothy Sargent on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all combat medicine professionals with Live Fire Division. SFC Anthony Norris is the Senior Medical OCT and SFC Tulio Perez is one of the Medical OCTs.
This episode focuses on medical planning, execution, and sustainment requirements for live-fire training at JRTC, e...
2026-01-2945 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast125 S05 Ep 11 – BDE S4 vs SPO: No Dumb Questions, Roles and Responsibilities w/JRTC SustainersThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is CPT Cody Kindle
the S-4 Sustainment Planner for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force.
This episode explores sustainment in Large-Scale Combat Operations by breaking down how logistics must be planned, synchronized, and executed to survive and enable ma...
2026-01-2231 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast124 S13 Ep 08 - From Order to Action: Why Receipt of Mission Sets the Fight w/JRTC MDMP Subject Matter ExpertsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two subject experts of the military decision making process at JRTC: MAJ Brent Paish and MAJ Michael Stewart. MAJ Paish is an Australian Army Exchange Officer serving as the S-3 Operations Officer OCT for TF-3 (IN BN...
2026-01-1522 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast123 S05 Ep 10 – Ghost Logistics: How Sustainment Stayed Alive in the Box w/LTC Wilson, 307 Light Support BattalionThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer from Task Force Sustainment (Division Sustainment Support Battalion / Light Support Battalion) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is LTC Ryan Wilson, the Battalion Commander for the 307th Light Support Battalion, 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT), 82nd Airborne Division.*
The 307th Light Support Battalion, formerly the 307th Brigade Support Battalion, is the sustainment backbone of the 1st Mobile...
2026-01-0842 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast122 S13 Ep 07 - The Backbone in Action: Unleashing Non-Commissioned Officer Power at Echelon w/the JRTC Senior NCOsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE XO OCT (formerly the BDE S-3 Operations OCT), from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are senior non-commissioned officers of JRTC: MSG Jared Cawthon, MSG Randell Conway, and SFC Corey Rinn. MSG Cawthon is the BDE Fires Support NCOIC and MSG Conway is the BDE Intelligence NCOIC OCT in Brigade Command & Contro...
2025-12-3134 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast121 S02 Ep 19 - Fight the Enemy, Not the Plan: Lessons from the Drop Zone w/Commanders from the Devil Brigade (1/82 ABD)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twenty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’. Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG).
Established during the fierce fighting in the Italian campaigns of World War II, 1/82 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. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Devil” and the motto of “Strike and Hold.”
...
2025-12-261h 03The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast120 S01 Ep 38 – The Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium of Fiscal Year 2026 w/BG Jason Curl & COL Ricky TaylorThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twentieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the fifth* annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from across Operations Group, LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, MAJ Marc Howle, MAJ Amy Beatty, MAJ Jeff Horn, CSM Frank Enriquez, SGM Matthew Bollinger, and MSG Lacey Remillard as well as CW3 Roy Sandoval from the US Army Special Operations Command’s Special Operations Training Detachment. Opening remarks were provide...
2025-12-191h 57The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast119 S01 Ep 37 – Light Forces, Heavy Problems: Airborne Division Lessons Learned from the Friction Factory w/All American 06, MG Brandon TegtmeierThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-nineteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Commanding General for the fabled 82nd Airborne Division, MG Brandon Tegtmeier, All American 06.
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 “Al...
2025-12-181h 05The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast118 S05 Ep 09 – Triage Tips the Scales: Combat Medicine Realities in Large Scale Combat Operations with Combat Medicine Professionals of JRTCThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eighteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor and Role II Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), MSG Timothy Sargent on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all combat medicine professionals across the JRTC. SFC William Deutsch is the Senior Medical OCT with TF-3 (IN BN), SFC Robert Schimmelpfenneg is the Medical Advisor and Role II OCT with TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), and SFC Anthony Norris is the Senior Medical OCT with L...
2025-12-111h 10The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast117 S13 Ep 06 - Ammo, Assumptions, and the Artillery Fight: Lessons from the Box w/the JRTC Fires Support Task ForceThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-seventeenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are senior members of JRTC’s fires support enterprise: MAJ Jeff Horn, MSG Esteban Melendez, and SFC Larry Gillispie, Jr. MAJ Horn is the Executive Officer OCT for the Fires Support Task Force. MSG Melendez is the Battery Senior NCO OCT and SFC...
2025-11-2726 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast116 S05 Ep 08 – The Joint Aid Station-Rear and Beyond: Medical Coordination from the Line to the Rear at the JRTCThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is CPT Christina Pierce, the Officer-in-Charge, Joint Aid Station-Rear (JAS-R) attached to Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital on Fort Polk, LA.
This episode of The Crucible podcast focuses on the coordination and integration of medical operations from Role I through Role 2+, with particular emphasis on the...
2025-10-0252 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast115 S13 Ep 05 - The First Tactical Problem: Contested Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, & Integration (RSOI) in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC G4 & Plans /Exercise Maneuver ControlThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior members of JRTC that most units coordinate with but rarely see in-person: MAJ Jacquelin Marrero and MAJ Brandon Kilthau. MAJ Marrero is the G-4 Sustainment Officer at the Joint Readiness Training Center’s headquarters. MAJ Kilthau is the S-3 Oper...
2025-09-2527 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast114 S13 Ep 04 - LOGSTATs and Lifelines: Getting Sustainment Right in Large Scale Combat Operations w/Two Senior JRTC SustainersThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fourteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior sustainers within JRTC: MAJ Amy Beatty, the Task Force Executive Officer from Task Force Sustainment (Combat Sustainment Support Battalion / Brigade Support Battalion) and MAJ Adeniran Dairo, the BDE S-4 Sustainment Observer-Coach-Trainer from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ).
2025-09-1829 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast113 S13 Ep 03 - Rotary-Wing Reality Check: Time, Terrain, and Tactical Reach on the Modern BattlefieldThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York, the Task Force Senior from Aviation Task Force and SSG Nikolas Pappas, the AVN Maintenance Tech Platoon Sergeant from the Aviation Task Force.
This episode of The Crucible podcast delves into the complex rea...
2025-09-1025 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast112 S05 Ep 07 – Triage Under Fire: What Leaders Must Know About Prolonged Casualty Care, Pt 2/2The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twelfth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts in each of their warfighting fields, MAJ Jon Austin, SFC Scott Gallagher, 1LT Andy Cornelison, and LTC Max Ferguson. MAJ Austin is an armor officer from the Close Combat Lethality Task Force at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. SFC Gallagher is the former senior medic...
2025-09-0457 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast111 S13 Ep 02 - Command, Control, and the Art of Enabler Integration within the Brigade Combat TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eleventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are MAJ Steven Yates, the BDE S-6 Signal OCT from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) and SFC Daniel Pippin, the BN S-6 Signal NCOIC from the 1-509th IN (ABN) Opposing Force.
This episode of The Crucible centers...
2025-08-2820 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast110 S05 Ep 06 – Triage Under Fire: What Leaders Must Know About Prolonged Casualty Care, Part 1 of 2The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-tenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts in each of their warfighting fields, MAJ Jon Austin, SFC Scott Gallagher, 1LT Andy Cornelison, and LTC Max Ferguson. MAJ Austin is an armor officer from the Close Combat Lethality Task Force at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. SFC Gallagher is the former senior medic...
2025-08-211h 04The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast109 S13 Ep 01 - Hip Pocket Training Premier and MDMP in the DefenseThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Joshua Ash, a Company Commander with 1-509th IN (ABN) (Opposing Force), MAJ Reed Ziegler, the BN S-3 Operations OCT in TF-1 (Infantry BN), SFC Walter Jinks, the Explosive Hazard Advisor OCT in the Fires Support TF, and MSG Brando...
2025-08-1436 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast108 S02 Ep 18 – Bridging State Lines & Front Lines: How the Army National Guard Prepares for Modern Warfare w/COL Soults of TF Ryder, 2-34 IBCT (IA ARNG)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG) and CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today’s guest is the Commander of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, COL Eric Soults.
The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, is the premier infantry formation of the Iowa Army National Guard, headquartered in Boone, Iowa. As part of the storied “Red Bull” Division, the brigade car...
2025-07-3159 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast107 S05 Ep 05 – Care under Fire: Combat Medicine in the Chaos of Large Scale Combat Operations w/Three JRTC Medical ProfessionalsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior medical professionals, SFC Daniel Booker and MSG Bradley Robinson. SFC Booker is the Medical Operations NCO OCT for Aviation TF (CAB) and MSG Robinson is the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB).
This episode explores the evolving landsca...
2025-07-241h 01The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast106 S03 Ep 11 – The Backbone of the Plan: Integrating NCOs into the Plan & Across the Warfighting Functions to Survive Large Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC Infantry TF CSMsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today’s guests are four seasoned infantry task force command sergeants major. CSM Lucas Young is the TF CSM for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trainer and four rotations as a rotational training unit. CSM Bryan Jaragoske is the TF CSM for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) with three rotations as an OCT and five rotations as RTU. CSM Edwards Cu...
2025-07-0354 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast105 S03 Ep 10 – Modern Infantry Tactics, Ancient Truths: The Reality of Large Scale Combat Operations across Multiple Domains w/JRTC Infantry TF SeniorsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are four seasoned infantry task force seniors. LTC Andy Smith is the TF Senior for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trainer and six rotations as a rotational training unit. LTC Matt Bandi is the TF Senior for Task Force 3 (IN BN) with nine rotations as an OCT and four rotations as RTU. LTC(P) Timothy Price is the TF Senior...
2025-06-261h 06The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast104 S05 Ep 04 – From Brigade Support Battalion to Light Support BN in Mobility Brigade Combat Teams: Transforming Sustainment for Large Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Justin Bowman of 426 LSBThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), LTC Bruce Roett on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are three seasoned medical professionals with 1st Mobility Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division. LTC Justin Bowmen is the Battalion Commander for the 426th Light Support Battalion of the 1st Mobility Brigade Combat Team in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). MAJ Ryan Morris
is the Brigade Support Operat...
2025-06-131h 19The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast103 S08 Ep 03 – Wings of the Future: The Screaming Eagle’s Air Assault 2.0 (L2A2) in a Multi-Domain Fight during LSCO w/BG Travis McIntosh (Eagle 09)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). The COG is joined by the Aviation Task Force’s TF Senior, LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York. Today’s guest is Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), BG Travis McIntosh (Eagle 09).
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the “Screaming Eagles” and bearing the callsign “Eagle,” is one of the most storied and combat-proven divisions in U.S. Army history. Acti...
2025-06-0958 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast102 S12 Ep 08 – La Familia at War: 7th SFG(A) “Red Empire” Adapts to Large Scale Combat Operation w/COL Nelson, CSM Dunn, & CW5 VillarealThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the command team for 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). COL Patrick “Pat” Nelson is the Commander of 7th SFG(A). CSM Adam Dunn is the Command Sergeant Major of 7th SFG(A). And CW5 Jose Villarreal is the Command Chief Warrant of 7th SFG(A).
The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), known by its call-sign “Red Empire” and affectionately...
2025-05-1546 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast101 S11 Ep 07 – Understanding the Challenge of the Dragon: Decoding China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Tactics and Strategy w/Mr. Peter Wood of the Foreign Military Studies OfficeThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-one episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Intelligence Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Intelligence Task Force, COL Cory Reiter on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the senior military analyst at the China Desk within the Foreign Military Studies Office at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Mr. Peter Wood
You can access Mr. Wood’s intro to China reference booklet at: https://tr.ee/ukc6JINPfn
The Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO), located at the U.S. Army...
2025-05-081h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast100 S01 Ep 36 – Order in Chaos: The Art of Synchronizing Battalion Operations in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/the JRTC TF-2 TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from Task Force Two (IN BN). LTC Andrew “Andy” Smith is the
TF Senior for TF-2 (IN BN). MAJ Mackenzie “Macks” Colella is the BN Executive Officer OCT while CPT Ethan Milukas is the BN S-3 Operations Officer OCT is the TF. And SFC Tulio Perez is the BN Fires Support NCO OCT for the TF.
This epis...
2025-05-0155 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast099 S01 Ep 35 – From Wargaming to Warfighting: Military Decision Making Process That Delivers in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/the JRTC BC2 TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-nineth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the LTC Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two other senior members of BC2, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff and MAJ Marc Howle. MAJ Pfaltzgraff is the BDE S-3 Operations OCT and MAJ Howle is the Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for BDE C2 (BDE HQ). This is part two of our two-part series on MDMP with the previous episode being epis...
2025-04-241h 02The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast098 S03 Ep 10 – No Shortcuts to Proficiency: Closing the Gap in Small Unit Lethality and ReadinessThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience. Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF-1 (IN BN), LTC Charles “Chuck” Wall on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the First Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company of Operations Group, 1SG Will Pogue. 1SG Pogue was previously a Company Team First Sergeant Observer-Coach-Trainer at the JRTC.
In this episode, we focus on warfighting fundamentals at the team through platoon level during large-scale combat operations (LSCO), emphasizin...
2025-04-1650 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast097 S01 Ep 34 – Warfighting at Scale: Planning, Leadership, and Lessons Learned in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/LTG Anderson of XVIII Airborne CorpsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Commanding General for XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Gregory Anderson.
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, Operatio...
2025-04-1057 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast096 S04 Ep 05 – Drones in the Fight: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Echelon during Large-Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Mason Thornal & CW3 Jerrad RaderThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are the notorious “Geronimo 06,” LTC Mason Thornal, and a seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainer across the fire support enterprise at the JRTC, CW3 Jerrad Rader. LTC Mason Thornal is the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR). CW3 Jerrad Rader is the Brigade Targeting Officer OCT for BC2 (BCT HQ) with seventeen rotations as an OCT...
2025-04-0343 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast095 S05 Ep 03 – Blood, Sweat, and Battlefield Medicine: Medical Operations in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/two JRTC Medical ProfessionalsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), LTC Bruce Roett on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two seasoned medical professionals with TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez and SFC Jason Kohne. CPT Velez is the Senior Medical Operations Officer OCT and SFC Kohne is the Medical Operations NCO OCT.
In this episode, we examine the critical role of medical operations during large-s...
2025-03-2753 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast094 S02 Ep 17 – Leadership at Echelon & the Sergeant Major’s Impact on Warfighting within the BCT w/CSM Michael HallThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is a familiar face on The Crucible, the former Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG), CSM Michael Hall.
This episode explores the evolving role of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in large-scale combat operations (LSCO), with a special emphasis on the sergeant major’s critical influence on unit discipline, readiness, and execution. Discussions highlight the transition from counterinsurgency to LSCO, emphasizing how the A...
2025-03-2048 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast093 S01 Ep 33 – Large-Scale Combat Operations Symposium 2024 w/COL Ricky TaylorThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the fourth* annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from across Operations Group, LTC Bruce Roett, LTC Amoreena York, LTC Westly “West” LaFitte, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, MAJ Danielle Villaneuva, SGM Nancy Martinez, and MSG Bradley Robinson as well as a senior member of the JRTC’s Opposing Force, MAJ Dustin Lawrence and SGM Robert Listau from the US Army Special Oper...
2025-03-132h 03The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast092 S01 Ep 32 – The Backbone of the Battlefield: Command Sergeants Major in Large-Scale Combat w/CSM Oracio Pena and CSM Michael HallThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior command sergeants major, CSM Oracio Pena and CSM Michael Hall. CSM Pena is the Post Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Readiness Training Center. And CSM Hall is the former Command Sergeant Major of Operations Group (CSMOG) at the JRTC.
In this episode, delve i...
2025-03-0544 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast091 S01 Ep 31 – Planning in a Whirlwind - Myths, Realities, and the Need to Do Military Decision Making Process in Large Scale Combat Operations w/the JRTC BC2 TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the LTC Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two other senior members of BC2, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff and MAJ Marc Howle. MAJ Pfaltzgraff is the BDE S-3 Operations OCT and MAJ Howle is the Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for BDE C2 (BDE HQ).
In this episode, we focus on the military decision-making process (MDMP) and t...
2025-02-271h 14The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast090 S10 Ep 03 – Breaking Down the Battlefield: Intel’s Role in Targeting and Decision-Making within the Brigade Combat Team w/the JRTC Intel TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninetieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are three seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers across the intelligence warfighting function at the JRTC. LTC Cory Reiter is the TF Senior of the Intelligence Task Force and senior OCT for the brigade intelligence staff section as well as any division echelon intelligence assets at the JRTC. He has over fourteen rotations as a TF S...
2025-02-201h 04The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast089 S05 Ep 02 – Sustainment as a Warfighting Function: Keeping Combat Power in the Fight w/Three JRTC SustainersThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are three JRTC sustainers, LTC Bruce Roett, CPT Darrius Chisholm, and CPT Chad Lipe. LTC Roett is the Task Force Senior for the TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). CPT Chisholm is the Deputy Support Operations (SPO) OCT and CPT Lipe is the Forward Support Company OCT for TF-2 (IN BN).
In this episode we delve into the critical role of sustainment operati...
2025-02-1356 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast088 S01 Ep 30 – Lessons Learned from Two Infantry Officers at the Maneuver Captain's Career Course w/CPT Wilson & 1LT HooverThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the MAJ(P) Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two Infantry Officers at the Maneuver Captain's Career Course, CPT Joe Wilson and 1LT Jack Hoover.
The Maneuver Captains’ Career Course (MCCC or MC3), hosted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, Georgia, is a 22-week program designed primarily for U.S. Army infantry...
2025-02-0650 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast087 S07 Ep 06 – The Art & Application of Joint Fires in LSCO, Part 2 of 2, w/the JRTC Fire Support EnterpriseThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are three seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers across the fire support enterprise at the JRTC with over an astonishing one hundred completed rotations collectively.
LTC Russell Cummings is the TF Senior of Fires Support Task Force and OCT for the battalion commander of the various field artillery battalions at the JRTC. He has over fifteen rotations as a TF Senior. LTC Stephen Ficchi is the...
2025-01-2355 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast086 S01 Ep 29 - Relearning the Lost Art of Wargaming w/JRTC’s DCOG, LTC Ian GintyThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Deputy Commander of Operations Group (DCOG), LTC Ian Ginty. As the DCOG, LTC Ginty primarily focuses on assisting units through the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI) process, facilitating sustainment operations, and providing leadership roles within the fictitious division staff as the BCTs higher headquarters.
I...
2025-01-161h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast085 S07 Ep 06 – Strike’s Fires – A Mobile Brigade Combat Team’s Fire Support Enterprise in Large Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Haskell of 1-320 FA, 2nd MBCT, 101st ABN (AASLT)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ LTC Russell Cummings is the TF Senior of Fires Support Task Force and OCT for the battalion commander of the various field artillery battalions at the JRTC, on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, LTC Christopher Haskell.
The 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment (1-320 FA), known by its call sign “Top Guns,” is a storied artillery unit within the...
2025-01-0938 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast084 S04 Ep 04 – Reconnaissance in a Post-ARSTRUC World w/JRTC’s DCOG, LTC Ian GintyThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Deputy Commander of Operations Group (DCOG), LTC Ian Ginty. As the DCOG, LTC Ginty primarily focuses on assisting units through the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI) process, facilitating sustainment operations, and providing leadership roles within the fictitious division staff as the BCTs higher headquarters.
In thi...
2024-12-1949 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast083 S12 Ep 07 – Getting Pegasus Ready – 2 PARA’s Approach to LSCO w/LtCol Hitchins & RSM Groves of the British ArmThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control
(BDE HQ), LTC Westly “West” LaFitte on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are the command team for 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment of the British Army. LtCol Christopher Hitchins is the Commander for 2 PARA with his Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM Christopher Groves.
The 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) is an airborne infantry unit of the British...
2024-12-121h 07The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast082 S07 Ep 05 – The Science & Foundation of Joint Fires in LSCO, Part 1 of 2, w/the JRTC Fire Support EnterpriseThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are various seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers across the fire support enterprise at the JRTC with over an astonishing one hundred completed rotations collectively.
LTC Russell Cummings is the TF Senior of Fires Support Task Force and OCT for the battalion commander of the various field artillery battalions at the JRTC. He has over fifteen rotations as a TF Senior. LTC Stephen Ficchi is the...
2024-12-0552 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast081 S01 Ep 28 - Breaking the Gridlock: Stryker Tactics in Restrictive Terrain & Multidomain Maneuver w/MG Doyle & CSM Kupratty of 4th IDThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are the Commanding General and Division Command Sergeant Major of the 4th Infantry Division, MG David Doyle and CSM Alex Kupratty.
This episode was filmed on Veterans Day during a decisive action training environment rotation at the JRTC and aired on Thanksgiving Day. Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11, honors the service and sacrifices of all U.S. military veterans. The dat...
2024-11-2848 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast080 S05 Ep 01 – How to Sustain the Brigade Fight in Large Scale Combat Operations w/Three Senior SustainersThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eightieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the Leader Training Program, LTC Drew Zabriskie on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior sustainers, LTC Bruce Roett & LTC Daniel Belzer. LTC Bruce Roett is the Task Force Senior for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). LTC Daniel Belzer is the Commander of 526th Light Support Battalion of 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
The 526th Light Support...
2024-11-211h 35The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast079 S09 Ep 02 – Command Post Modernization and Survivability - Be Hard to Find and Hard to KillThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the S-3 Operations Officer for the Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control, MAJ Daniel Plumb on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Princeton Bradley and SFC Michael LaPlant. CPT Bradley is the S-2 Intelligence Observer-Coach-Trainer for TF-3 (IN BN) and SFC LaPlant is the BN Fires Support NCO OCT for the Fires Support TF.
MAJ Plum, with extensive experience as a maneuver planner, brings a strategic perspective to comm...
2024-11-1436 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast078 S03 Ep 09 – Preparing Warfighters to Take Company Command w/Two Small Group Leaders from the Maneuver Captain's Career CourseThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the MAJ(P) Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two Small Group Leaders of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, CPT Matthew Dunn and CPT Jordan Scanlon.
The Maneuver Captains’ Career Course (MCCC or MC3), hosted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, Georgia, is a 22-week progr...
2024-11-0751 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast077 S08 Ep 02 – Planning and Employment of a Combat Aviation Brigade in Large Scale Combat Operations w/COL Nicholas Ploetz of 4th Combat Aviation BrigadeThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the CSM Erik Burris, the Task Force Senior Enlisted Observer-Coach-Trainer for TF Aviation on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is COL Nicholas Ploetz, Commander of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division.
The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (4th CAB) of the 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) has a storied history that reflects its commitment to supporting ground forces and adapting to evolving combat demands...
2024-10-3139 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast076 S02 Ep 16 – Red Arrow Resilience and Lessons from the Les Terribles in Action at the JRTC w/MSG William KockenThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CMOG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guest is MSG William Kocken, which is the Operations Sergeant Major for 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment.
The 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment of the Red Arrow Brigade, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, has a distinguished history of service. Known for its long-standing tradition of excellence in both state and national missions, the bat...
2024-10-2438 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast075 S02 Ep 15 - Preparing for the Next Fight & the Army's Modernization Effort of Transformation in Contact w/COL Stultz of 2MBCT/101 ABNThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL James Stultz.
The 2nd Mobile 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 MBCT draws its inf...
2024-10-1749 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast074 S01 Ep 27 - Be Brilliant at the Basics: Advice for Army National Guard Units w/BG Riley & CSM Carver of the Oregon ARNGThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the Leader Training Program, LTC Drew Zabriskie on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are BG Eric Riley & CSM Jeremy Carver of the Oregon Army National Guard.
BG Riley is the Commanding General and CSM Carver is the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Land Component Command of OR ARNG. BG Riley is additionally the Deputy Commanding General–ARNG for the US Army’s Maneuver...
2024-10-1032 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast073 S01 Ep 26 - Long Range Airborne Envelopment During Large Scale Combat Operations w/MG Work, CDR of the 82nd ABNThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Ricky Taylor. Today’s guest is the Commanding General for the 82nd Airborne Division, MG James “Pat” Work.
MG Pat Work has served for 29 years in the U.S. Army, beginning his career as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy. He has held key assignments in the 101st Airborne and 3rd Ranger Battalion, where he developed his leadership and operational skills under the mentorship...
2024-10-0357 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast072 S09 Ep 01 – Establishing & Maintaining Command & Control on the Battlefields of Tomorrow w/MG Ellis, the Director of Network Cross-Functional TeamThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are MG Patrick Ellis and Mr. Mark Kitz. MG Ellis is the Director of the Army’s Network Cross-Functional Team. Mr. Kitz is the Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, & Communications-Tactical.
The Network Cross-Functional Team is an outgrowth of Army Futures Command, established in 2018 to tackle the Army’...
2024-09-2643 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast071 S02 Ep 14 – Realities of Large Scale Combat Operations at the Battalion Echelon w/MAJ Edward Worman & SGT Stephanie Smith of the 2-130 IN “Blackhawks”The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. This will be his last episode to host, but we may seem him as a guest in the future. Today’s guests are two key members from 2nd Battalion, 130 Infantry Regiment, MAJ Edward Worman and SGT Ashley Smith. MAJ Worman is the Battalion Commander for 2-130th IN and SGT Smith is the S-2 Intelligence Section Non-Commisioned Officer-in-Charge.
The 2nd Battalion of 130th Infa...
2024-09-2143 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast070 S02 Ep 13 – Now and Then: Experiences and Lessons Learned Over Time at the JRTC as an Observer-Coach-Trainer w/CPT Whitney Strong & CPT Joshua KentThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers, CPT Whitney Strong and CPT Joshua Kent. This episode is special because it is a compilation of their insights when they first arrived at the Joint Readiness Training Center as well as now towards the end of their assignment. CPT Whitney Strong is an engineer platoon and company OCT for TF-5 (BDE Engineer BN). CPT Joshua Kent is the lead O...
2024-09-191h 12The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast069 S01 Ep 25 – Professional Reading for the Military Practitioner w/COL(R) Mike Kershaw of JRTC’s Leader Training ProgramThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-ninth 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 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 m...
2024-09-121h 26The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast068 S01 Ep 24 – Training for Victory: How Combat Training Centers Build Combat Readiness of the Force & Shape the Future of Warfare w/BG Jason CurlThe 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 epis...
2024-09-051h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast067 S07 Ep 04 – Brigade Targeting Process During Large-Scale Combat Operations w/CW3 James Crain of 10th Mountain DivisionThe 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...
2024-08-2957 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast066 S01 Ep 23 – Large-Scale Combat Operations Symposium 2024 w/BG Jason CurlThe 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 Gae...
2024-08-222h 06The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast065 S01 Ep 22 – Perspectives of a Warfighter: Leadership Lessons with the Sergeant Major of the ArmyThe 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 me...
2024-08-1458 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast064 S03 Ep 08 – Paratrooper Basics & Preparing for an Airborne Joint Forcible Entry Operation w/a Rifle CO RTO, SPC Mitchell of 1-504 PIRThe 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...
2024-08-0840 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast063 S01 Ep 21 – Developing Leaders for Combat at the Brigade through Corps Echelons w/LTG Stephen SmithThe 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...
2024-08-011h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast062 S02 Ep 12 – Developing BDEs & Their Leaders for the Next Fight w/a Pre-BCT CMD & a Current BCT CDRThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-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 a pre-command and incoming commander for 2nd Brigade Combat Team of 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), COL Anthony Gore and the current commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL Trevor Voelkel.
You may notice that this episode may look and sound different than our regular episodes. That’s because this was filmed expeditio...
2024-07-251h 01The Crucible - The JRTC Experience PodcastLarge Scale Combat Operations Symposium of '24 Teaser 01Please join us for the Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium of ’24 on Thursday, 8 August ‘24 at 0900-1100 CST. Hosted by the incoming Commanding General, BG Jason Curl and the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman on 8 August ‘24. Their guests are several majors and captains observer-coach-trainers with over 125 decisive action training environment rotations between them. The panel will discuss large scale combat operations executed at the company level, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics.
This panel will later air as an episode of ‘The Crucible...
2024-07-1800 min