Shows
The 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 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast061 S02 Ep 11 – Setting the Conditions for the BDE & BNs to Succeed in LSCO thru Staff Overmatch w/Devil 03, MAJ Tony FormicaThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ James “Jim” Lee is the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the BDE Command & Control Task Force (BCT HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Brigade S-3 Operations Officer for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, MAJ Anthony “Tony” Formica. (MAJ Formica is a repeat offender of The Crucible, as he was on episode 13, titled “Field Grade Lessons Learned from Good Geronimo, 2-501st PIR.”)
Established durin...
2024-07-181h 08The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast060 S12 Ep 06 – Special Operations within Large Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC's Special Operations Training DetachmentThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the Commander of the Special Operations Training Detachment for US Army Special Operations Command, COL Nathanael Joslyn and one of their special operation forces mentor, Mr. Tom Vogel.
The Special Operations Training Detachment (SOTD) at the Joint Readiness Training Center is crucial for preparing special operations forces and conventional forces for integrated combat operations. Responsible for orchestrating training rotations at both...
2024-07-111h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast059 S03 Ep 07 – The Life of a Grunt Leader: From a Ranger PFC to an Infantry Colonel w/COL Matthew LeclairThe 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 interop...
2024-06-201h 07The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast058 S11 Ep 06 – Spectre Team's Best Practices & Innovations w/Geronimo's Info War CellThe 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 J...
2024-06-1339 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast057 S1 Ep 20 – Training to Fight and Win in Tomorrow's Fight w/MG Buzzard of the Maneuver Center of ExcellenceThe 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...
2024-06-0644 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast056 S1 Ep 19 – The Employment of Light Infantry Formations During Large Scale Combat Operations w/MG Gregory Anderson of 10th MTNThe 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...
2024-05-301h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast055 S12 Ep 05 – Army Special Forces During Large Scale Combat Operations w/BG Joseph Wortham of 1st SFC(A)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 Headquarte...
2024-05-2334 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast054 S07 Ep 03 – Fixing Brigade Combat Team’s Organic Mortars w/Three Seasoned Mortarmen, SFC Hernandez, SFC Fusek, & SFC Scholle from JRTCThe 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 mult...
2024-05-1651 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast053 S01 Ep 18 – Using Data to Feed Operations & Incorporate Emerging Tech on the Modern Battlefield w/LTC Beskow of ORCENThe 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...
2024-05-021h 04The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast052 S06 Ep 02 – Preparing US Army Engineers for LSCO w/Commandant of the US Army Engineer School, COL Clete Goetz & CSM Zach Plummer
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...
2024-04-2548 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience PodcastJRTC COG & CSMOG Offer Congrats to Alumni & Current OCTs for Making the Centralized Selection ListCongratulations to our commissioned officers that are alumni and current serving Observer - Coach - Trainers for making the centralized selection list from the JRTC Team. The Commander of Operations Group, COL Matthew Hardman, and the CSM of Operations Group, CSM Michael Hall, send their warmest wishes. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, showcasing your exceptional leadership skills. Here's to continued success and making a positive impact in all your endeavors.
2024-04-1901 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast051 S01 Ep 17 – Developing Leaders for Combat w/Two Seasoned Command Sergeant Majors, CSM(R) Nash & CSM(R) DonaldsonThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned, former command sergeant majors, CSM(R) Adam Nash and CSM(R) Curt Donaldson. CSM(R) Nash is the former 4th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major. CSM(R) Donaldson is the former 75th Ranger Regiment Command Sergeant Major, known as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
The 4th Infantry Division is a division of the United States Army based at Fort Ca...
2024-04-1833 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast050 S01 Ep 16 - Using Technology as a Combat Multiplier on the Modern Battlefield w/DR Robert Semmens of the Army Research LaboratoryThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fiftieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a Senior Research Fellow for the Army Research Laboratory at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Dr. Robert Semmens. He has a PhD from Stanford University in how people learn with technology.
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) is the U.S. Army's foundational research laboratory. The United States Military Academy...
2024-04-111h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast049 S01 Ep 15 – Preparing the Army for the Next Fight w/GEN Andrew Poppas (Freedom 06)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-nineth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of United States Army Forces Command, General Andrew Poppas.
Forces Command is the largest United States Army command and provider of expeditionary, regionally engaged, campaign-capable land forces to combatant commanders. FORSCOM trains and prepares a combat ready, globally responsive total force in order to build and sustain readiness to meet combatant command requirements. The vision of Forces...
2024-04-0438 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast048 S12 Ep 04 – Combat Advisor Teams from Security Force Assistance Brigades Integrating US and Multi-National Partners in Large Scale Combat Operations w/ SFC Escalante & SFC KelleyThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are part of a combat advisor team with 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, SFC Joseph Escalante and SFC Shelby Kelley.
Security force assistance brigades (SFABs) are specialized US Army units with the core mission to conduct advise, support, liaise and assess operations with allied and partner nations. These combat advisors are highly trained and among the top tactical leaders in the Army...
2024-03-2834 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast047 S12 Ep 03 – Multinational Expeditionary Operations during Large Scale Combat Operations w/CPT Will Happel of the British ArmyThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a Foreign Exchange Officer serving as an Observer-Coach-Trainer Company Team Senior with Task Force 2 (Infantry Battalion), CPT Will Happel of the British Army. CPT Happel has since become a student Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and has since been promoted to the rank of Major.
In this episode we discuss how the British Ministry of Defense...
2024-03-1458 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast046 S02 Ep 10 – TF Strike’s Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault w/COL Stultz, 2nd IBCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Mason Thornal, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL James Stultz.
The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which was activated on 1 July 1941 at Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore), GA. The IBCT draws its infantry battalions primarily from the...
2024-03-0735 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast045 S01 Ep 14 – Trends & Best Practices at Echelon within the Infantry Battalion w/COL(R) Mike KershawThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the deputy senior mentor at the Leader Training Program at the JRTC, COL(R) Mike Kershaw.
He spent 34 years on active duty as an infantry officer and has been with the Leader Training Program for nearly nine years. The Leaders Training Program at the JRTC is a ten-day planning conference providing commanders and staff an opportunity to hone their militar...
2024-02-291h 05The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast044 S02 Ep 09 – Lightfighter Leaders’ Preparation for Large-Scale Combat Operations w/COL Shaw, 3rd IBCT, 25th Inf Div (Light)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry, COL Robert Shaw.
The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division (Light), which was activated on 1 October 1941 in Hawaii mere days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, conducts military operations primarily in the Asia-Pacific region and has been in every conflict the U.S. has been inv...
2024-02-2356 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast043 S12 Ep 02 – Security Force Assistance Brigades Integrating US & Multi-National Partners inThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fortieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the Commander and Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, COL Jason Clarke and CSM Paul Fedorisin.
Security force assistance brigades (SFABs) are specialized US Army units with the core mission to conduct advise, support, liaise and assess operations with allied and partner nations. These combat advisors are highly trained and among the top tactical leaders in the Army. Their w...
2024-02-1430 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast042 S04 Ep 03 Ensuring Success for the Cavalry Squadron in Large Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Nugent and 1LT Hutchinson of 10th Mountain DivisionThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough is the battalion assistant S-3 operations observer-coach-trainer for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Commander of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, LTC Ryan Nugent as well as one of his troop’s executive officers, 1LT Aiden Hutchinson
The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment draws its lineage from a World War II tank destroyer...
2024-02-081h 00The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast041 S01 Ep 13 – Conducting Airborne Joint Forcible Entries within Large-Scale Combat Operations w/COL Saslav, DCO for 82 ABNThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CPT Benjamin Malcolm of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commanding Officer – Operations for the 82nd Airborne Division, COL Andrew Saslav, All American 07. COL Saslav was the COG from 2021-2022 and the commander of 11th DTG (OPFOR notional higher headquarters).
The 82nd Airborne Division specializes in joint forcible entry operations via vertical envelopment, both airborne and air assault, into denied areas with...
2024-02-011h 15The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast040 S12 Ep 01 – Security Force Assistance Command in Large Scale Combat Operations w/MG HillThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fortieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General for Security Force Assistance Command, MG Donn Hill.
The Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) is a division-level command element for the United States Army's new security force assistance brigades (SFAB). The SFAC draws its heritage from the Philippine Constabulary Advisory Mission immediately following the Spanish-American War and the Military Assistance Advisor Group throughout the Cold War. The SFA...
2024-01-1855 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast039 S11 Ep 05 – How Noncommissioned Officers Impact the OPFOR w/Geronimo 06, LTC Mason ThornalThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guest is the commander of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, LTC Mason Thornal, also known as Geronimo 06.
1-509th IN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo,” the most hated unit in the Army. Geronimo’s primary mission is to help units see their selves clearly in order to rectify any deficiencies...
2024-01-1225 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast038 S06 Ep 01 – Brigade Engineer Battalions and Enablers in Large Scale Combat Operations w/MAJ Jonathan Tucker of 317 BEB, 3/10 MTNThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Christopher Gensler from Task Force 5 (BEB) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is MAJ Jonathan Tucker, the Battalion S-3 Operations Officer for 317thBrigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd IBCT, 10th Mountain Division.
They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Buffaloes” and the motto of “By Industry and Honor,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.”
Part of S06 “Sappers U...
2023-12-0751 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast037 S01 Ep 12 – LSCO Lessons Learned for PLTs, COs, and BNs w/Company Grade Officer OCT PanelThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, CPT Richard Snyder, CPT Benjamin Malcolm, and CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough. These OCTs have also previously participated in this year’s Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium.
Our guest observer-coach-trainers with over 75 decisive action training environment rotations between them. CPT Richard Snyder (P50) if the Fire Support Officer for Live Fire Division with eighteen rotations...
2023-11-3051 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast036 S01 Ep 11 – LSCO Lessons Learned for BNs, BCTs, and DIVs w/Field Grade Officer OCT PanelThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, MAJ(P) Drew Zabriskie, MAJ Westly “Wes” LaFitte, and MAJ James Lee.
Our guest observer-coach-trainers with nearly fifty decisive action training environment rotations between them. MAJ(P) Drew Zabriskie (L05) is the BSB Executive Officer OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB / DSSB) with ten rotations. MAJ Westly “Wes” LaFitte is the BN Executive Offic...
2023-11-2357 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast035 S04 Ep 02 – The Role of the Noncommissioned Officer within the Cavalry Squadron w/CSM Baxter of 10th Mountain DivisionThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (COG), CSM Michael Hall. Today’s guest is the Command Sergeant Major of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, CSM Andrew Baxter.
The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment also draws its heritage from the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion of infamy during the North African Campaign of World War II. In an interesting bit of trivia, the IBCT was for over a decade...
2023-11-1630 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast034 S01 Ep 10 – Fighting and Winning in Large Scale Combat Operations as an Airborne Infantry Division w/MG LaNeve of the 82nd Airborne DivisionThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, MG Christopher LaNeve (All American 06). He was previously the Commander of Ops Group from 2015 to 2016.
The 82nd Airborne Division was founded after the American entry into World War I in August 1917 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. They were redesignated as an airborne division in February 1942 have taken part of every co...
2023-11-041h 22The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast033 S01 Ep 09 – Company Grade Lessons Learned in Large Scale Combat Operations from Two Seasoned OCTs, CPT Elifson & CPT Duam of JRTCThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, CPT Katherine Elifson and CPT Richard Duam. CPT Katherine “Katie” Elifson (L70) is the distribution company observer-coach-trainer from TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). CPT Richard “Richie” Duam (C10) is a rifle company OCT for TF-1 (infantry battalion).
In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the company and battalion echelons from two season...
2023-10-2642 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast032 S01 Ep 08 – Field Grade Lessons Learned in Large Scale Combat Operations from Two Seasoned OCTs, MAJ Carver (O05) & MAJ Berhnhart (B05) of JRTCThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, MAJ Maria Carver and MAJ Kevin Berhnhart. MAJ Carver (O05) is the Chief-of-Staff for JRTC Ops Group staff sections, but previously as an engineer was the Senior Protection WfF OCT at brigade echelon. MAJ Berhnhart (B05) is an infantryman that served as the Brigade Combat Team’s Executive Officer OCT in Brigade Command and Control Task Force.
2023-10-1937 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast031 S01 Ep 07 – Winning on Tomorrow’s Battlefield & the Modernization of the Army w/LTG Donahue of XVIII Airborne CorpsThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Christopher Donahue.
The XVIII Airborne Corps was founded in January of 1942 just five weeks after the US entered World War II at what was previously called Camp Polk (what would become Ft. Johnson). They saw extensive service during World War II, throughout much of the various conflicts of the Cold War, Operatio...
2023-10-111h 10The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast030 S01 Ep 06 – Large-Scale Combat Operations Symposium of 2023 w/BG David GardnerThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the second annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by the Commanding General of the JRTC and Ft. Johnson, BG David Gardner and the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, LTC Drew Zabriskie, MAJ Paul Scifers, MAJ Matt Cline, CPT Richard Snyder, and CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough as well as a senior member of the JRTC’s Opposing Force, CPT Benjamin Malcolm of the infamous Geronimo.
2023-10-061h 56The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast029 S03 Ep 06 – Muldoon 07’s Hat Trick Bringing More Company and Platoon Best Practices for the Grunt w/SFC Manship, 2-505th PIR (3/82 ABN)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest has been the only one to pull a “hat trick” or three successful returns to the podcast, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship also known as Muldoon 07. (His other episodes are eleven and twenty-six.)
In this episode we heavily focus on co...
2023-09-2758 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast028 S11 Ep 04 – OPFOR & BLUFOR Employment of Electronic Warfare on the Modern Battlefield w/CEMA Cell OIC MAJ Plante & CW2 Lehr of Geronimo’s Info War CellThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) cell’s officer-in-charge (OIC), for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control, MAJ Luke Plante (Zulu 88) and one of JRTC’s opposing force’s senior members of their information warfare cell for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, CW2 Christian Lehr.
1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infam...
2023-09-2151 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast027 S01 Ep 05 – Preparing Battalion & Brigades for Large Scale Combat Operations w/BG Lord of the 42nd Infantry Division (ARNG)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commander for Support, 42nd Infantry Division (Army National Guard), BG Nathan Lord.
The 42nd Infantry has Division has served in World War I, World War II, throughout the Cold War, and took part in combat operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The division headquarters is a unit of the New York Army National Guard whi...
2023-09-1437 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast026 S03 Ep 05 – The Return of Muldoon 07 with More Company and Platoon Best Practices for the Grunt w/SFC Manship of 2-505th PIR (3/82 ABN)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a repeat offender from episode eleven, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship, also known as Muldoon 07.
The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated i...
2023-09-0857 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast025 S02 Ep 08 – Brigade Warfighting in Large Scale Combat Operations w/Panther 06, COL Ricky Taylor (3rd IBCT, 82nd Airborne)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne, COL Richard “Ricky” Taylor.
The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. (The fif...
2023-08-3157 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast024 S03 Ep 04 – Changing Our Mindsets from Garrison Life to Preparing for War w/CSM Christopher Szalai (1-505th PIR, 3rd IBCT, 82nd Airborne)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for 1-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd IBCT, 82nd Airborne, CSM Christopher Szalai.
The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII...
2023-08-2439 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast023 S07 Ep 02 – Leading with High Explosives thru the Fires Support Team w/MAJ West LaFitteThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Fire Support Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer with Task Force Fires, MAJ Westly “West” LaFitte (Fox 20).
Joint fire support includes joint fires that assist air, land, maritime, cyberspace, and special operations forces to move, maneuver, and control territory, populations, airspace, cyberspace, electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), and key waters. Effective joint fires produce effects beyond the proportion of effort expended in execution. Effective fir...
2023-08-1643 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast022 S01 Ep 04 – The BDE’s Tooth-to-Tail Ratio & Other Insights from Two Incoming BDE Commanders, COL Jason Schuerger & COL Jaron WhartonThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two incoming brigade commanders within the 82nd Airborne Division, COL Jason Schuerger and COL Jaron Wharton.
In this episode they discuss how units across the force must approach learning with an emphasis on never repeating the same mistakes in preparation for going to war. Specifically, the need for leaders to focus on learning the science, the fundamentals of their professio...
2023-08-111h 06The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast021 S03 Ep 03 – The Modern Infantry Mindset with the Golden Dragons’ CSM, CSM Joseph Lachnit (2-14 IN, 2nd IBCT, 10th Mountain)The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the battalion command sergeant major from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, CSM Joseph Lachnit within the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
The 2nd IBCT was officially activated in February 1985 along with the rest of the division. While 10th Mountain Division was originally established to fight in the brutal mountains of the Italian campaign of WWII, 2-14 IN has an...
2023-08-031h 03The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast020 S11 Ep 03 – How to Win Against the OPFOR w/Geronimo’s S-2 Intel Officer, CPT BranowerThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twentieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the S-2 intelligence officer for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, CPT Benjamin Branower.
1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” Geronimo’s primary mission is to help units see their selves clearly in order to rectify any deficiencies through rigorous, realistic, and relevant training with an aggressive opposing force...
2023-07-2647 minThe Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast019 S11 Ep 02 – Russian Forces in LSCO w/Dr Les Grau & Chuck BartlesThe Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the nineteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Deputy Commander of Ops Group and retired, COL Edward Twaddell III, on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are Dr. Lester Grau and Mr. Charles “Chuck” Bartles from the renowned Foreign Military Studies Office at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas.
The mission of the Foreign Military Studies Office is to research and present understudied and unconsidered foreign perspectives in order to better understand the operational e...
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