The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, MG Christopher LaNeve (All American 06). He was previously the Commander of Ops Group from 2015 to 2016.   The 82nd Airborne Division was founded after the American entry into World War I in August 1917 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. They were redesignated as an airborne division in February 1942 have taken part of every conflict since WWI with the exception of the Korean War. The 82nd Airborne DIV is an airborne infantry division of the U.S. Army specializing in joint forcible entry operations via vertical envelopment, both airborne and air assault, into denied areas with a U.S. Department of Defense requirement to respond to crisis contingencies anywhere in the world within 18 hours. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “All American” Division and the motto of “In Air, On Land.”   In this episode we discuss what an airborne infantry division needs to not only survive but succeed on the modern battlefield, conducting large scale combat operations. All American 06 frames the conversation by highlighting the importance of the training offered at the three Combat Training Centers as well as the training that is required to ensure that the Army is prepared to fight and win on tomorrow’s battlefield. Divisions can prepare their brigades to a fair degree of readiness through their intensive training cycles but simply cannot train a brigade combat team plus attachments against a free-thinking opposing force to scale in time and space. The CTCs are where our Force is able to test new tactics, techniques, and procedures in a realistic operating environment.   XVIII Airborne Corps, their higher headquarters, had tasked 82nd ABN to structure itself and then test it as a unit under the ‘Division of 2030’ concept. The division has restructured itself where the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery (DIVARTY) is the brigade headquarters for each of the field artillery battalions within the division as well as the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade is the brigade headquarters for each of the brigade support battalions. This has allowed the Division to focus on “push” style logistics instead of “pull” style logistics that were common over the last twenty years supporting the Global War on Terror. The testing has identified that the DIVARTY needs a BSB itself just like the traditional infantry IBCTs. The Division has also been able to test their mobile assault command posts, making them not only more robust but streamlining to being smaller in-size while being more mobile and thus more survivable. All American 06’s goal: “Uncomfortably light, increasingly lethal” for his formations. His guidance to company through brigade commanders on their command posts has been: Must have both a digital & analog common operating picture Must establish & maintain communications Employ effective & timely joint fires Goal of displacing in under five minutes   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   Don’t forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps’ social media pages, their handles are ‘82ndAirborneDivision’ on Facebook, ‘82ndABNDiv’ on X, and ‘82ndairbornediv’ on Instagram.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, CPT Katherine Elifson and CPT Richard Duam. CPT Katherine “Katie” Elifson (L70) is the distribution company observer-coach-trainer from TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). CPT Richard “Richie” Duam (C10) is a rifle company OCT for TF-1 (infantry battalion). In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the company and battalion echelons from two seasoned company grade officers. From the maneuver side, leaders must shift from “battle tracking” to actually “fighting” their units while maintaining adequate command and control, specifically understanding where units are in time and space in relation to friendly and enemy units. And, to truly be successful on the modern battlefield, leaders must employ combined arms maneuver that is lead with joint fires. From the sustainment side, leaders must understand the capability of assets and then C2 in a complex environment. The only way for sustainers to get “sets & reps” is through the employment of those same assets while at home-station, which is going to require a culture change. Observed attributes of high-performing company grades: Should want to help your battalion/squadron and brigade succeed. Anticipate problems & take the initiative to solve. Give bottom-up refinement. Expect to be the “eyes & ears” of your BCT’s warfighting functions.   Successful battalions: Working off vetted SOPs allows there to be a better balance between current & future ops. Cannot wait for higher headquarters orders, must start basic planning / preparation process simultaneously. LOGSTATs are key to allowing logistics to be adequately forecasted & be able to sustain the fight. Develop systems & processes through the development of subordinate leaders, especially NCOs.   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, MAJ Maria Carver and MAJ Kevin Berhnhart. MAJ Carver (O05) is the Chief-of-Staff for JRTC Ops Group staff sections, but previously as an engineer was the Senior Protection WfF OCT at brigade echelon. MAJ Berhnhart (B05) is an infantryman that served as the Brigade Combat Team’s Executive Officer OCT in Brigade Command and Control Task Force.   In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the battalion and brigade echelons from two seasoned field grade officers. One of the reoccurring observations for leaders is the notable difference in operations tempo (OPTEMPO) of LSCO compared to counter-insurgency / low-intensity combat conducting during the Global War on Terror. The OPTEMPO for LSCO is incredibly fast-paced and demanding, commonly referred to as small-unit operations on an industrial scale. There’s a common “eureka” moment at the JRTC, when leaders realize that time is your number one “enemy” or concern, not the opposing force. To help mitigate this grueling OPTEMPO, leaders can do three simple things, regardless of echelon: Establish & abide by a battle rhythm Create & publish realistic operational timelines Attempt to adhere to the one-thirds / two-thirds planning rule (The rule states that leaders should use one-third of the time available before mission execution for their planning while allocating the remaining two-thirds to their subordinates for planning & preparations.)   In LSCO, brigade combat teams will consistently be in contact with the enemy across multiple domains. This will force BCTs and their subordinates to plan, prepare, and execute multiple operations simultaneously. A common trend is for units to attempt a very complicated and conceptual plan that becomes too cumbersome to execute effectively. Leaders must provide clear and simple guidance, which allows your subordinates to execute it violently in a timely manner.   While not being nearly as exciting a topic combined arms maneuver, battalions and brigades need to train and develop their staffs. Same concept as training and certifying a fire team as they too need sets and repetitions in order to function as an effective, cohesive team.   Observed attributes of high-performing Field Grades: Extreme ownership & learn to lead peers Presence matters Trust / empowerment of peers & subordinates Establish systems & processes Build relationships & dialogue between staffs & command teams   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Christopher Donahue.   The XVIII Airborne Corps was founded in January of 1942 just five weeks after the US entered World War II at what was previously called Camp Polk (what would become Ft. Johnson). They saw extensive service during World War II, throughout much of the various conflicts of the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, and in support of the Global War on Terror. The corps is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world and is referred to as "America's Contingency Corps." They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Sky Dragons” or simply as “Dragon” and the motto of “All the Way.”   In this episode they discuss the evolution of training to ensure that the U.S. Army is prepared to conduct large scale combat operations across multiple domains. We discuss some of the modernization efforts that XVIII ABN is undergoing as well as the skillsets required at the tactical level to be a learning organization. Leaders must strive to not only meet the challenges today but anticipate the challenges of tomorrow and this requires leaders to shape their organizations in the following ways: Must be able to adapt and integrate. Must be able to understand your environment. Ability to utilize data in all its waveforms. Employ the various forms of mass across multiple domains. Leaders at echelon must strive to set the conditions for success for their subordinate commands. In layman’s terms, we want to ensure that your people are provided an unfair advantage over their opponent. Common leader habits, regardless of echelon: show-up everyday & compete; build resiliency in yourself & your team; and disciplined initiative.   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   Don’t forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps’ social media pages, their handles are ‘XVIII Airborne Corps’ on Facebook, ‘18airbornecorps’ on X, and ‘18thairbornecorps’ on Instagram.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the second annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by the Commanding General of the JRTC and Ft. Johnson, BG David Gardner and the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are all seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from across Operations Group, LTC Drew Zabriskie, MAJ Paul Scifers, MAJ Matt Cline, CPT Richard Snyder, and CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough as well as a senior member of the JRTC’s Opposing Force, CPT Benjamin Malcolm of the infamous Geronimo.   Our guest observer-coach-trainers with nearly 150 decisive action training environment rotations between them. LTC Drew Zabriskie (L05) is the BSB Executive Officer OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB / DSSB) with ten rotations. MAJ Paul Scifers (B03) is the BDE S-3 Operations OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) with nine rotations at the BDE level (He was previously an OCT as a CPT as well). MAJ Matt Cline (F20) is the BDE Fires OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) with five rotations. CPT Richard Snyder (P50) if the Fire Support Officer for Live Fire Division with eighteen rotations. CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough (R03A) is the BN Assistant S-3 Operations OCT for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) with a combination of forty-three rotations between OCT duties and OPFOR. Last but not least is CPT Benjamin Malcolm is the Company Commander for Pathfinder Co, 1-509th IN (Airborne) (Opposing Force) with sixteen rotations.   In this episode they discuss the evolution of training provided to brigade combat teams and the preparation for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The panel discusses large scale combat operations executed at the company through battalion echelons, offering perspectives on a variety of topics including combined arms maneuver, transparent battlefield, fires, and contested logistics as well as emerging technologies employment.   As the Army transitions from the BCT being the primary effort to the division becoming the unit of action, some of the long-term trends are examined as the training at the JRTC shifted from mission rehearsal exercises to decisive action training environment (DATE) exercises focused on LSCO. A major topic of discussion is the distinction between deficiencies and military activities that are simply challenging tasks, which will always be points-of-friction for warfighters.   Don’t forget to checkout our first annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium, episode 16 of ‘The Crucible.’ And if you’d like to explore the SFC Manship’s episodes that COL Hardman referenced, look at episodes eleven, twenty-six, and twenty-nine.   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   The Joint Readiness Training Center’s Large Scale Combat Operations Products: 016 S01 Ep 03 – BCT Trends and Preparing for LSCO with Former COG Panel of ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience' Podcast Podbean Podcast https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dqbjn-14338ac YouTube: https://youtu.be/bE4c7Jx6-UE A Leader’s Guide to Large Scale Combat Operations https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1278267 Brigade Combat Teams in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1160917 Ethical Bedrock Vignettes: Law of Armed Conflict in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-979043 Homestation battle drills to help achieve success in LSCO https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1280107 Large Scale Combat Operations at the JRTC, The LSCO Fight at the JRTC white paper, and JRTC LSCO Resources https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1151260 For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.  

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest has been the only one to pull a “hat trick” or three successful returns to the podcast, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship also known as Muldoon 07. (His other episodes are eleven and twenty-six.)   In this episode we heavily focus on conducting effective offensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor defensive operations into deliberate offensive operations and vice-versa. In the offense, this includes establishing hasty defensive positions of recently acquired key terrain and hunter-killer teams or small-kill teams that employ anti-armor weapons or sniper weapons systems in micro-ambushes.   Combined arms maneuver with appropriate sustainment assets and enablers across multiple domains rules the battlefield even in the 21st century. For the platoon this entails executing the basics, small unit tactics, violently and through discipline initiative and creativity employing enablers or technology to be force multipliers. (Such as using small unmanned aerial systems to spot and adjust indirect fire from an Mk-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher onto enemy positions.)   A common point of friction at the JRTC, is how units transition from one operation to another and avoid what is colloquially called “avoiding the valleys of death” that is so often the result of poor transitions. Remember, transitions mark a change of focus in an operation, which can be planned or unplanned as well as mark the conclusion of one operation or a setback of another. Effective transitions require planning and preparation well before their execution, so the platoon can maintain the momentum and initiative against the enemy. A proven best practice is the rehearsal of critical transitions, such as the transition from the defense to the offense. Risks increase during transitions, so commanders establish clear conditions for their execution. At platoon level this is done through the rehearsal of battle drills and immediate action drills, which mitigates some of the risk higher echelons face during transitions.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) cell’s officer-in-charge (OIC), for JRTC’s Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control, MAJ Luke Plante (Zulu 88) and one of JRTC’s opposing force’s senior members of their information warfare cell for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, CW2 Christian Lehr.   1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” The information warfare cell coordinates and executes the collection of tactical information, assurances that their information is valid, spreading of propaganda or disinformation to demoralize or manipulate the rotational training unit and the replicated civilian population, undermining the quality of the RTU's information, and denial of information-collection opportunities to the RTU as well as impede operations within the electromagnetic spectrum. Information warfare is closely linked to electronic warfare, psychological warfare, and cyberwarfare. EW is designed to deny the RTU the advantage of—and ensure friendly unimpeded access to—the EM spectrum. Psychological warfare that focuses on influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of the RTU. Cyberwarfare attacks computers, software, and command & control systems of the RTU, multinational forces, and replicated civilian population.   Cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) is the process of planning, integrating, and synchronizing cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare in support of unified land operations (ADP 3-0). By integrating and synchronizing cyberspace operations and EW, the RTU gain an information advantage across multiple domains and lines of operations while disrupting the OPFOR’s efforts across multiple domains. The CEMA Cell for P/EMC acts as the higher headquarters for the RTUs’ CEMA elements and/or efforts.   In this episode we discuss how brigade combat teams prepare their battalions and companies for large scale combat operations across multiple domains through the employment CEMA and information warfare. Geronimo not only has the “home-field” advantage but also the competitive advantage of innovation by utilizing unique and tailored solutions using emerging technologies to answer various tactical problems encountered.   A reoccurring theme is the dismantling of the idea of a short-cut to unit cohesion and effectiveness. Instead, modern formations must focus on the fundamentals and being able to execute them violently across multiple domains. For staff’s these means getting “sets & reps” of the going through the entirety of mission planning and execution.   Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Deputy Commander for Support, 42nd Infantry Division (Army National Guard), BG Nathan Lord.   The 42nd Infantry has Division has served in World War I, World War II, throughout the Cold War, and took part in combat operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The division headquarters is a unit of the New York Army National Guard while subordinate units includes elements from fourteen different states, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. They have the nickname of the “Rainbow Division” and the motto of “Never Forget!”   In this episode we discuss how divisions prepare their battalions and brigades for large scale combat operations as well as some of the differences between an active duty rotation versus an ARNG rotation. An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon. At the battalion, brigade, and division echelons, it means aggregating the success of your squads, platoons, and companies to change the balance of the battlefield.   A reoccurring talking point in the podcast was highlighted in today’s episode, an infantry brigade combat team only has approximately a quarter of its forces as actual infantry units and where the infamous tooth-to-tail ratio (T3R) really starts to come into effect. (The ratio of sustainment or support elements to direct combat units.)   Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is a repeat offender from episode eleven, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship, also known as Muldoon 07.   The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in July 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” with 2nd BN having the call-sign of “Task Force-2 Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.” (Third Platoon having the call-sign of “Muldoon.”)   In this episode we discuss various nuances of planning and executing joint forcible entry operations through vertical envelopment. Leaders must be very deliberate in their planning of soldier load and the inclusion of mission essential equipment when compared against the commander’s intent and your troops-to-task. The age-old adage, “ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain,” rings true for the modern lightfighter as it did in ages past.   This episode also heavily focuses on conducting effective defensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor offensive operations into deliberate defensive operations and vice-versa. In the defense, this includes conducting reconnaissance and surveillance patrols while during the offense, hasty defensive positions should be dug with critical weapon systems overlooking key pieces of terrain.   Platoons must be prepared emphasis to self-sustain and fully embrace the “no one is coming to save you” mentality. (“The Last Tactical Kilometer.”) An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne, COL Richard “Ricky” Taylor.   The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. (The fifth being earned during Operation Urgent Fury to restore a free government to Grenada in October 1983.) After the Vietnam War, the 505th PIR participated in various military operations. Among them were Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Inherent Resolve. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.”   In this episode, we discuss some of the lessons learned for brigade and battalion leaders during large-scale combat operations. COL Taylor summarized it as: Being humble and being coachable Importance of synchronization of fire and maneuver Battlefield Circulation of Key Leaders Commander’s Role in the Planning Process Defining risk vs. opportunity & communicating that with DIV HQ A reoccurring theme on the podcast, is the acknowledgement that those that learn fastest on the battlefield are almost always the ones whom succeed on the battlefield. Senior leaders within the brigade mentor junior leaders with special emphasis on company commanders and captains across the staff on both the art and science of conducting combined arms maneuver in LSCO. Specifically, leaders should come prepared to discuss the following 8 questions at every planning session: What’s your combat-power and your projected slant for the next 24hrs? What do you know about the enemy? What’s your composition / disposition? What’s the enemy’s composition / disposition? What are your concerns & risks at your echelon? Do you have any recommendations? What are your logistics / sustainment concerns? What are your planning horizons?   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.