The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast

‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience' Podcast: 080 S05 Ep 01 – How to Sustain the Brigade Fight in Large Scale Combat Operations w/Three Senior Sustainers

The 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 Battalion, formerly known as the 526th Brigade Support Battalion, is a vital sustainment unit within the 101st Airborne Division, providing logistical and operational support to ensure combat effectiveness. With a history dating back to its inception in World War II, the battalion has evolved alongside modern military needs, transitioning from traditional support roles to a lighter, more agile sustainment structure. Over decades of service, the 526th has supported operations in conflicts such as World War II, Iraq, and Afghanistan, consistently demonstrating its capability to adapt and provide critical logistical support under diverse and challenging conditions. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Performance” and the brigade’s motto of “Best by Performance.”
 
In this episode we discuss on the logistical challenges and best practices encountered during operations at the JRTC. The focus centers on the experiences of leaders managing sustainment functions in a Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) or Logistics Support Battalion (LSB) and in a Combat Sustainment Support Battalion or Division Sustainment Support Battalion. Key lessons learned include the critical importance of proactive terrain management, the need to decentralize base clusters for survivability, and leveraging innovative practices like additive manufacturing for rapid repair and supply replenishment. The episode highlights the necessity of balancing mobility with operational needs, emphasizing modular approaches to sustainment and security while managing resource constraints.
 
At the company and platoon leadership levels, a recurring theme is the requirement for clear communication, disciplined planning, and adaptive execution. Leaders must ensure small-unit proficiency in tasks like logistics planning, convoy operations, and decentralized sustainment support, particularly under high-stress, resource-limited conditions. The discussions stress the importance of rehearsing operations extensively, building redundancy into communication and logistics plans, and maintaining flexibility to respond to dynamic enemy actions and environmental factors. These insights collectively underscore the complexity and criticality of sustainment operations in large-scale combat scenarios.
 
Part of S05 “Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids, Batteries, Water, & Fuel” 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.

079 S09 Ep 02 – Command Post Modernization and Survivability - Be Hard to Find and Hard to Kill

The 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 command post operations. CPT Bradley, previously a battalion S-2 and Division G-2 targeting officer, offers insights from an intelligence background, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and security in command post layouts. SFC LaPlant provides a seasoned NCO’s perspective on discipline and functionality, underlining the challenges and advantages of open-air, camouflaged CPs over traditional setups. Together, these leaders provide a comprehensive view of how modern command posts can operate more effectively across multiple domains in large-scale combat operations.
 
In this episode we discuss some of the fielding lines of effort to modernize command posts with the goal of increasing survivability in modern warfare. Specifically we look at some of the ways that CP operations on the modern battlefield demand flexibility, mobility, and minimized visibility across multiple domains. We emphasize the need for command posts to be adaptive in layout and function to reduce their electronic and physical signatures, making them less susceptible to enemy detection and targeting. One notable lesson from exercises at JRTC is the evolution from traditional, stationary setups to a more mobile and modular approach where these are strategically positioned. This mobility allows units to quickly relocate command posts as the battle conditions change, leveraging natural terrain and camouflage to avoid detection and reduce vulnerability to enemy indirect fires and electronic warfare.
 
Another key insight is an effective command post is simply qualified personnel coupled with systems and processes, made easier with specialized equipment. The goal is to get the right people at the right place and right time with the right systems then you’ll be incredibly effective at C2-ing your unit. Additionally, we highlight the importance of modular design and system integration within the command post itself. By organizing vehicles by function and ensuring that essential command elements can operate independently or together, units improve situational awareness and enhance staff integration. This flexibility is particularly valuable in an unpredictable combat environment, where a command post must quickly transition between supporting current operations and planning future movements. Practical lessons show that offsetting signal-heavy components like antenna farms can further enhance survivability by decreasing the likelihood of detection by enemy electronic warfare assets, thus supporting command continuity even under hostile conditions.
 
Due to operational security concerns this is the “cut edition” made for the general public. For the “uncut edition” and ‘Ideal CP SOP’ please checkout our MilSuite and Microsoft Teams’ channels.
 
Part of S09 “Got Comms?” 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.

078 S03 Ep 09 – Preparing Warfighters to Take Company Command w/Two Small Group Leaders from the Maneuver Captain's Career Course

The 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 program designed primarily for U.S. Army infantry and armor officers, with participants also including U.S. Marine Corps captains and officers from allied nations. The course’s mission is to equip these officers with the skills necessary for effective company command and to fulfill tactical planning duties as battalion S-3 operations staff officers. MCCC has its roots in the former Infantry and Armor Officer Advanced Courses, which prepared captains for command and staff roles within their respective branches. Since 2008, MCCC has merged these curricula into a unified “maneuver” focus, reflecting the integrated requirements of modern warfare. The course is organized into three teams, each led by a senior major and divided into 12 seminars of about 15 officers, guided by a senior captain or major. Offered six times annually, MCCC runs three classes concurrently, supporting a student body of approximately 400 to 600 officers at any given time.
 
In this episode we discuss key insights into leadership and operational effectiveness at the company and platoon levels during large-scale combat operations. A primary lesson learned is the critical importance of adaptability and readiness within small-unit leadership, as the complex and dynamic battlefield environment demands quick decision-making under pressure. Platoon leaders and company commanders must develop autonomous decision-making skills and a strong understanding of the commander’s intent. This autonomy is essential, especially in scenarios where communication lines may be compromised by enemy electronic warfare efforts. Leaders must ensure that every soldier has a clear grasp of the mission objectives, allowing units to maintain operational effectiveness even when cut off from higher command.
 
This episode also underscores the importance of “brilliance in the basics,” particularly for foundational skills in movement, coordination, and logistics management. Small-unit leaders stressed that mastery of basic soldiering tasks, such as secure communication practices, tactical movement, and efficient resupply operations, is indispensable for sustaining momentum during prolonged engagements. Additionally, the integration of new assets, such as multifunctional reconnaissance elements and flexible support units, requires company and platoon leaders to be proficient in managing these resources effectively on the ground. These lessons underscore the need for platoon and company leaders to cultivate a blend of tactical proficiency and adaptability, ensuring that they can operate independently and sustain combat effectiveness across diverse and challenging LSCO environments.
 
Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.
 
Note from the podcast team: This episode was filmed during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in April 2024, so the audio and video quality maybe reduced due to filming in an expeditionary manner. MAJ(P) LaFitte has since been promoted to lieutenant colonel.
 
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.

077 S08 Ep 02 – Planning and Employment of a Combat Aviation Brigade in Large Scale Combat Operations w/COL Nicholas Ploetz of 4th Combat Aviation Brigade

The 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. First activated as the 4th Aviation Company, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Lewis, Washington on 1 April 1957. They were relocated to Fort Hood (now Ft. Cavazos), Texas in 1995, the 4th CAB rapidly established itself as a formidable aviation force within the division, providing critical air support and mobility. They were later relocated to Ft. Carson, Colorado in 2011. Over its deployments to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the brigade demonstrated resilience and tactical versatility, embodying the 4th ID’s legacy of “Steadfast and Loyal.” Their ethos is embedded in the brigade’s dedication to mission support, whether through reconnaissance, assault, or medevac capabilities, earning it a respected place within the U.S. Army’s aviation and combat support structure. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Iron Eagle,” the nickname of “Ivy Eagles,” and the brigade’s motto of “Vigilantia Aeterna” or “Eternal Vigilance.”
 
In this episode we discuss best practices for effective planning and employment of a combat aviation brigade during large scale combat operations. In LSCO, two core principles emerge as essential for the CAB: standardization in operations and clarity in staff roles and responsibilities. First, standardizing critical elements such as FARPs (Forward Arming and Refueling Points), logistics, and sustainment processes across the CAB enables rapid, adaptable responses to evolving battle conditions. For example, a standardized FARP setup ensures that refueling and resupply can occur with minimal disruption, allowing aviation assets to remain in the fight without delays. This standardization enhances synchronization between the CAB and other units, like the various brigades within the DIV it supports, ensuring timely, mutually reinforcing actions. By embedding standardized protocols, planners can build in contingencies that maintain mission continuity, even when the order or operational environment shifts unexpectedly.
 
Equally important is cultivating a proficient and well-coordinated staff structure. Clear roles and responsibilities within the CAB’s staff, supported by a rigorous adhered standard operating procedures, are crucial for effective planning and swift decision-making under pressure. Regular military decision-making process repetitions, as observed in training rotations, allow staff members to refine their roles, improving their readiness to tackle complex, high-tempo operations. When staff roles are well-defined and thoroughly rehearsed, the CAB can execute plans more efficiently, maintaining the flexibility needed for fast-paced combat demands. This clarity in structure not only ensures internal cohesion but also strengthens the CAB’s ability to synchronize with division-level goals and respond to DIV support needs effectively.
 
Together, these practices enable the CAB to operate as a cohesive, agile force that can adapt to and shape the battlefield. Through disciplined standardization and clear, well-rehearsed staff coordination, the CAB is better equipped to deliver sustained support, anticipate operational needs, and reinforce the broader mission objectives in large-scale combat scenarios.
 
Part of S08 “The Aviator’s Corner” 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.

076 S02 Ep 16 – Red Arrow Resilience and Lessons from the Les Terribles in Action at the JRTC w/MSG William Kocken

The 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 battalion’s motto, Les Terribles—meaning “The Terrible Ones”—reflects its fierce combat reputation earned during World War I. The Red Arrow Brigade, of which the 2-127th is a part, derives its name from its ability to pierce enemy lines during both world wars, symbolizing the unit’s strength and perseverance. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Black Hats” (the BCT’s call-sign is “Red Arrow”), the nickname of “Wisconsin Volunteers,” and the brigade’s motto of “Forward.”
 
In this episode we discuss the lessons learned at the battalion echelon for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains, particularly in logistics, communications, and standards of discipline. One of the key takeaways was the challenge of maintaining efficient communication across dispersed units, especially during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). Unlike Active Duty forces, the Army National Guard (ARNG) faces unique difficulties in ensuring smooth, real-time communication, which became a critical area for improvement. Additionally, the exercise exposed gaps in logistical sustainment, as ARNG units struggled with coordinating supplies, equipment, and personnel over extended operations. This highlighted the need for more robust logistical planning and the importance of developing a deeper understanding of how to sustain operations in high-intensity environments.
 
Best practices that emerged from the rotation included a renewed emphasis on “brilliance in the basics” and reinforcing standards and discipline. The importance of mastering fundamental soldiering skills, such as maintaining noise and light discipline, digging proper fighting positions, and ensuring basic field craft, became apparent. Leaders realized that gaps in these areas could have serious consequences in LSCO, where the margin for error is small. The exercise also demonstrated that success depends on rigorous preparation and adhering to the most basic tasks, which in turn allows units to perform better in more complex and dynamic scenarios. Commanders stressed the importance of repetitive training in these foundational areas to ensure that soldiers can respond effectively in high-pressure situations and adapt to modern battlefield demands.
 
Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.
 
For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast
 
Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.
 
Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.
 
Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.
 
“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

075 S02 Ep 15 - Preparing for the Next Fight & the Army's Modernization Effort of Transformation in Contact w/COL Stultz of 2MBCT/101 ABN

The 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 infantry battalions primarily from the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. 2nd MBCT is the Army’s first mobile BCT construct. As their designation implies, they’re focused on increasing a brigade’s overall mobility and with it the agility and flexibility that it provides. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Strike,” but commonly called “Five oh Duece,” and the motto of “Strike.” (The rest of the motto is “I fight where I am told, and win where I fight.”) They are easily identified by the black heart patches on their helmets dating back to preparation for the invasion of France in World War II and have been known by the enemy as the “Black Hearts Brigade.”
 
In this episode, we discuss several emerging key lessons, particularly regarding the importance of Transition in Contact (TiC) and the evolving nature of command and control (C2Fix). TiC was highlighted as a critical skill, requiring seamless coordination between the brigade and its multifunctional reconnaissance companies (MFRC) and multi-purpose companies (MPCs), which replaced the traditional anti-tank and heavy weapons companies. These units provided vital intelligence and protection in the deep area, using scout snipers, electronic warfare sections, and anti-air capabilities. However, there were challenges in maintaining a balance between reconnaissance and target acquisition, illustrating the need for constant refinement in how these specialized companies are employed. The introduction of the MFRC and other multifunctional units demonstrated the Army’s shift towards more flexible, mobile brigades capable of long-range operations, especially through the use of large-scale air assaults (L2A2).
 
In addition to TiC, the exercise reinforced the importance of mastering logistics and communications across multiple domains to support Army modernization efforts. Logistics played a critical role in enabling mobility, especially as light infantry units integrated vehicles like the infantry squad vehicle (ISV), providing new tactical opportunities but requiring extensive training. Effective communications were essential for synchronizing complex operations, particularly in the context of C2Fix, where brigades aimed to reduce their physical footprint and rely more on higher echelons for intelligence processing. Mastery of “brilliance in the basics,” such as security, camouflage, and decentralized command structures, proved essential in navigating these transitions and ensuring brigade effectiveness in large-scale combat operations (LSCO). These insights provide a roadmap for future improvements in integrating modern capabilities while maintaining a focus on foundational warfighting skills.
 
Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.
 
For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast
 
Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.
 
Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.
 
Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.
 
“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

074 S01 Ep 27 - Be Brilliant at the Basics: Advice for Army National Guard Units w/BG Riley & CSM Carver of the Oregon ARNG

The 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 Center of Excellence.
 
The Oregon Army National Guard’s lineage starts with the history of the militia, which dates back to the establishment of the first Oregon militia in 1843. However, the present ARNG was not established until after 1903. The modern Guard includes citizen soldiers, and its motto is "When we are needed, we are there." It responds to state and national emergencies, military conflicts and international natural disasters as well as conducts search and rescue operations when required. It consists of 41 armories across 33 communities.
 
In this episode, we discuss hard-hitting lessons on resilience, communication, and mastering the basics, all crucial for thriving in the high-stakes environment of large-scale combat operations. Our guests noted how enduring the physical and mental hardships of the rotation strengthened the soldiers’ ability to adapt and persevere. They highlighted that even small issues, such as a lack of communication or minor logistical oversights, could quickly compound into larger problems in a high-stress environment, such as combat. The training reinforced that resilience is not just physical endurance but also the ability to maintain operational effectiveness under continuous pressure. Commanders must ensure that soldiers are prepared for the reality of LSCO, where supply shortages and logistical challenges are the norm, rather than the exception, unlike the relative comforts experienced during previous conflicts.
 
The discussion also underscored the necessity of mastering the basics, or “brilliance in the basics,” particularly in areas like communication, logistics, and warfighting skills. This is especially true in maintaining soldier discipline at echelon and across every phase of the operation. Effective communication across all levels is vital to ensure accurate reporting, coordination, and execution of tasks. In the LSCO environment, missteps in communication can have far-reaching consequences, and units must be proficient in using equipment and ensuring clear lines of communication. Similarly, logistical planning must be meticulous, with attention given to both what is brought to the field and what is left behind. The training also revealed the need for proficiency in foundational warfighting skills, from individual tasks to large-unit maneuvers, ensuring that units can operate effectively in multiple domains, including land, air, and cyber, while facing the challenges of modern, complex battlefields.
 
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.

073 S01 Ep 26 - Long Range Airborne Envelopment During Large Scale Combat Operations w/MG Work, CDR of the 82nd ABN

The 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 of influential military leaders. Throughout his career, he has focused on preparing units for the complexities of large-scale combat operations, emphasizing the importance of decision-making, adaptability, and logistics. Known for his commitment to leader development and operational readiness, MG Work’s service is marked by his ability to synthesize lessons learned from both his mentors and his own experiences to guide, motivate, and develop his soldiers.
 
The 82nd Airborne Division, established in 1917 during World War I, is one of the most storied units in the U.S. Army, originally composed of soldiers from all 48 states, earning it the nickname “All American.” It was reactivated during World War II as the first airborne division, pioneering the use of paratroopers in large-scale operations. The division’s motto is often thought to be, “All The Way” (that’s XVIII ABN’s motto), but in truth it is, ““In Air, On Land,” which reflects its commitment to mission accomplishment and enduring resilience in combat.
 
In this episode we emphasize the complexity and intensity of warfighting, particularly in large-scale combat operations and airborne operations in general. He describes it as fundamentally about “large-scale violence,” requiring commanders to manage immense challenges of speed, scale, and logistics. Effective warfighting, according to MG Work, requires meticulous planning around threats, terrain, and logistical realities. We stress the need for divisions to constantly re-establish their fires architecture while ensuring mobility and sustainment across vast areas of operation. Units must be prepared for continuous movement of supplies, personnel, and damaged assets, all while operating in a joint and coalition environment. For MG Work, warfighting is not only about combat but also understanding the complexity of modern conflicts, from strategic decisions made by commanders to the execution by brigade combat teams on the ground.
 
In terms of leadership and planning, MG Work emphasizes the importance of preparation before combat begins. Leaders must ensure their troops are mentally and physically ready for the exhaustion and grind of sustained campaigns. He also highlights the value of decision-making processes, where leaders operate with 40-70% certainty and make choices based on limited information. Trust, competence, and a focus on developing subordinates are central to his leadership philosophy. He believes in creating more leaders and ensuring that brigade commanders are focused on thinking deeply and planning ahead, while delegating current operations to trusted subordinates. Leadership, in his view, is a balance between empowering subordinates and maintaining a strategic vision across time and space.
 
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.