Off the Radar, Special Operations Training Detachment

This is part 1 of our 2-part conversation focused on communications, mission command, digital force protection, and SOF tactical cyber and space operation. During rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) the Special Operations training units must efficiently and effectively communication within their own formations, across to conventional, host nation, and Joint forces, and out to other governmental agencies. Communication is a challenge in and of itself but when operating across a vast geographic area with forces in a simulated contested or denied environment actively been hunted by the opposing force communicating clearly and timely likely means the difference between victory and defeat. Additional consider the implications to mission command and digital force protection. About the Guest:

SGT: Kai Ramirez: SOTD AOB-W signal NCO. He is a 25S SATCOM systems operator and maintainer with over 6 years in the Army and signals experience ranging from tactical to strategic communications. He has been stationed in CENTCOM. About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- SOF and Conventional communication systems integration, Leadership Training Program is too late for training units to integrate their communications architecture, recommend working that integration even earlier like at the initial planning conference

- SOF units should work with conventional units at homesteading to integrate communication systems

- SOF units do have successes during rotations in terms of communications with conventional forces

- SOF training units have been successful by getting tactical radio keys/fills and being able to operate on the conventional units on tactical comms, additionally using the same equipment that the conventional unit uses such as a JBCP (joint battle command platform)

- training, experience, and willingness to try new things with the equipment enables success in terms of communication systems, practice practice, practice

- understanding command guidance and when to accept risk to communicate or not communicate

- High Frequency: might be the answer to most of the digital force protection dilemmas presented at NTC; but comes with its own challenges and limitations; fishing pole antenna gives you up to 500 miles; voice and data

- digital force protection must be balanced with risk to force and risk to mission

- SOF companies and below have limited understanding of tactical space and cyber but are working through what that looks like in the dirt at the Combat Training Centers; does it require specialized personnel or just specialized equipment?

- SOF operations including space and cyber don’t have to be enacted by SOF personal, SOF units work by, with, and through partners to achieve mission success Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 or our 2-part interview focused on training of Special Operations Battalions and Groups at the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), how MCTP augments the Combat Training Centers (CTCs), and the differences between Warfighters and Training Centers. During specific rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) the Army shifts its focus from Brigade Combat Teams to Divisions or Special Forces Groups as the main training audience. These rotations demonstrate the difference between a computer exercise and real in the dirt training allowing Division and Group staffs to experience the challenging and realistic training that comes with maneuvering a large force over a large area against a free-thinking opposition force. About the Guests: LTC Ben Shumaker: From his upbringing in South Dakota went through ROTC to join the Army and see the world. Commissioned as a Chemical Officer and deployed in the invasion of Iraq prior to becoming a Special Forces Officer in 5th SFG. Multiple operational deployments with conventional and SOF primarily in CENTCOM. MAJ Frank Schwandt: From Missouri enlisted in the Army Reserves while in high school as a Military Police Officer then entered college and participated in ROTC. Commissioned as an Armor Officer and transitioned to Civil Affairs. He has multiple SOF deployments to EUCOM. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- Does an SF BN (SOTF) with a Conventional Division, is that the right match up?

- Large Scale Combat vs Global War on Terror; SOF enables Conventional/Joint Force versus the other way around; coordination authorities and need for synchronization of efforts and effects, no captain chaos

- Risk calculation/ mitigation will be different in LSCO

- Warfighters and CTCs are limited in the battle space and operational environment, whereas a real conflict there will be operations or potential influence outside of the conflict zone(s) and in third party countries – deterrence or influence operations

- SOF is looking further in the physical domain (battlefield geometry) and in time

- SOF has been in the operational area prior to conflict breaking out, there will reporting from prior to conflict there will be known personalities

- CTCs provide real training challenges that warfighters don’t have; for example equpiment breaking down

- AOB serving as a sustainment node rather than a mission command node to enables detachments, detachments may have direct communication with the SOTF or CJSOTF for mission approval

- Division is the future fighting unit of the conventional Army; Brigades will be more mobile and agile

- decision making process = MDMP doctrinally, in stride while receiving indirect fires, assume any maneuver element may never come back up on comms

- time, resource you cannot get more of, everything using the time resource

- sleep is a weapon

- know SOF history and doctrine Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview focused on training ofSpecial Operations Battalions and Groups at the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), how MCTP augments the Combat Training Centers (CTCs), and the differences between Warfighters and Training Centers.  During specific rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) the Army shifts its focus from Brigade Combat Teams to Divisions or Special Forces Groups as the main training audience. These rotations demonstrate the difference between a computer exercise and real in the dirt training allowing Division and Group staffs to experience the challenging and realistic training that comes with maneuvering a large force over a large area against a free thinking opposition force.

About the Guests:

LTC Ben Shumaker: From his upbringing in South Dakota went through ROTC to join the Army and see the world. Commissioned as a Chemical Officer and deployed in the invasion of Iraq prior to becoming a Special Forces Officer in 5th SFG.  Multiple operational deployments with conventional and SOF primarily in CENTCOM.

MAJ Frank Schwandt: From Missouri enlisted in the ArmyReserves while in high school as a Military Police Officer then entered college and participated in ROTC. Commissioned as an Armor Officer and transitioned to Civil Affairs. He has multiple SOF deployments to EUCOM.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC andformer member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- 2004 Iraq deployment with 5th SFG comparison tocurrent NTC scenario design as Large Scale Combat Operations; similarities and differences; key difference was the conventional maneuver quickly slowed down while SOF operations ramped up

- What the Mission Command Training Program is, focus onDivision and Corps level training through Warfighter exercise, the Army is transitioning from Brigade focused to Division focused

- Limitations to systems during warfighter exercises becauseof dated technology, Divisions and Corps staff focus on planning and executing mission command, twice a year Corps level partnered with a SF Group as a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF)

- MCTP SOF team serves as Observe Coach Trainers when aCJSOTF is executing a Warfighter, and serves as the CJSOTF when there is not a SF Group executing the exercise, MCTP also serves as the planners for the SOF portion of each Warfighter

- live training versus constructive training; CTCsuse constructed units and scenario information

- MCTP Warfighters also stress staffs on logistics and communication not just mission command

- Warfighters incorporation of Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations; synthetic internet for information domain, interagency and host nation are included into the exercise for civil affairs

- SOF-CF I3 at the Division level, SOF effects which will likely be fires heavy, so that integration is important to shorten that kill chain  

- Large Scale Combat Operations requires SOF integration with conventional force to maximize effects from both elements

- Integrating at the Division level is capability focused, selecting the people with the right skill set, knowledge, and interpersonal skill; understanding how the conventional or joint force maneuvers is important

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp ofSalty Sounds

This is the third and final part of our interview focused on how Civil Affairs serves as the connective tissue between the military and civil government during military operations. Civil Affairs engage and leverage the civil component or population of an area, region, or country. Civil Affairs operates during peace time operations, competition, crisis, and conflict by providing guidance and support to both the military and civil government. During rotation 25-02 at the National Training Center (NTC) a Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC), a Company level CA entity, executed SOF operations along side a conventional Brigade. This three part episode discusses the experiences that the CMOC had during that rotation. About the Guests:

Jessica Lauder: MAJ Lauder is the CMOC Chief. Jess was an Chemical Officer in the National Guard prior to switching to active duty Air Defense Officer prior to becoming SOF Civil Affairs. As a CA Officer, she has operational experience across CENTCOM. Kevin: Kevin is the operations Sergeant for the CMOC. He has over eight years of SOF Civil Affairs experience. Prior to becoming SOF CA, Kevin was a fueler. He has multiple conventional and SOF deployments to CENTCOM and AFRICOM. About the OC/T:

Pat McCluskey: CPT McCluskey is the lead Civil Affairs Observer Coach-Trainer for Burro team. He served as the lead OC/T for this CMOC only rotation. Pat has operational experience in EUCOM. About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- CA serving as the sole ARSOF entity during a CTC rotation, CMOC fulfilling all staff functions and being the sole SOF entity integrating with a conventional brigade

- The importance of Intel and having the right people working on Intel, Intel war fighting function in the targeting cycle

- integration through physically being co-located versus integrating and interoperating while displaced

- Commanders guidance; specifying what the limits might be and the criteria that needs to be met by the unit if action

- Prolonged Casualty Care scenario; using non-standard medical network and planning evacuation; passing of information from adjacent unit missions to get unit faction the required information in a timely manner

- Balancing operations and resources ins resource constrained environment, managing battle rhythm with rhythm of battle

- Deliberate method for planning, communication, and executing the plan

- Civil Affairs in Large Scale Combat: consolidation of gains (more USACAPOC task), creating opportunities beyond the FLOT and creating operational time for the maneuver force, horizontal escalation: actions in third countries or separate regions that effect the combat zone, influencing the Division deep and extended deep areas

- Commander’s role to visualize the battlefield, commander serving as plans officer to push the planning process further forward and visualize the future battlefield to make decisions now to drive end state

- biggest lessons learned: fundamentals: PCC/PCIs, comms, taking training seriously, systems and processes, mentally towards training Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This episode is focused on how Civil Affairs serves as the connective tissue between the military and civil government during military operations. Civil Affairs engage and leverage the civil component or population of an area, region, or country. Civil Affairs operates during peace time operations, competition, crisis, and conflict by providing guidance and support to both the military and civil government. During rotation 25-02 at the National Training Center (NTC) a Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC), a Company level CA entity, executed SOF operations along side a conventional Brigade. This three part episode discusses the experiences that the CMOC had during that rotation. About the Guests: Jessica Lauder: MAJ Lauder is the CMOC Chief. Jess was an Chemical Officer in the National Guard prior to switching to active duty Air Defense Officer prior to becoming SOF Civil Affairs. As a CA Officer, she has operational experience across CENTCOM. Kevin: Kevin is the operations Sergeant for the CMOC. He has over eight years of SOF Civil Affairs experience. Prior to becoming SOF CA, Kevin was a fueler. He has multiple conventional and SOF deployments to CENTCOM and AFRICOM. About the OC/T: Pat McCluskey: CPT McCluskey is the lead Civil Affairs Observer Coach-Trainer for Burro team. He served as the lead OC/T for this CMOC only rotation. Pat has operational experience in EUCOM. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- Translating CA operations onto graphics and products; link analysis, overlays, common operating picture (depicting human terrain on top of physical terrain)

- Coordinating and communicating with the conventional Brigade; using the conventional CA component; attending Brigade battle rhythm events; commander to commander dialog

- Handling civilians on the battlefield / displaced civilians; influence the environment to reduce civilian movement through battlefield; balancing risk to networks and capabilities through changes in operational environment

- Messaging why the environment is shifting; gas to operational area is shut off to civilians, narrative of who is responsible and why, is Coalition or host nation government delivering gas to civilians during this time

- Passing off responsibilities and resources to the conventional CA as the battlefield changes and the SOF focuses shifts farther forward

- CA generates options for Special Operations Forces and conventional forces

- Understanding authorities and permissions to reduce the approval time for operations

- Understanding issuing guidance and allowing down trace units to develop the how, the military decision making process; requesting and speaking in effects Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This episode is focused on how Civil Affairs serves as theconnective tissue between the military and civil government during military operations. Civil Affairs engage and leverage the civil component or population of an area, region, or country. Civil Affairs operates during peace time operations, competition, crisis, and conflict by providing guidance and support to both the military and civil government. During rotation 25-02 at the National Training Center (NTC) a Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC), a Company level CA entity, executed SOF operations along side a conventional Brigade. This three part episode discusses the experiences that the CMOC had during that rotation.

About the Guests:

Jessica Lauder: MAJ Lauder is the CMOC Chief. Jess was anChemical Officer in the National Guard prior to switching to active duty Air Defense Officer prior to becoming SOF Civil Affairs. As a CA Officer, she has operational experience across CENTCOM.

Kevin: Kevin is the operations Sergeant for the CMOC. He hasover eight years of SOF Civil Affairs experience. Prior to becoming SOF CA, Kevin was a fueler. He has multiple conventional and SOF deployments to CENTCOM and AFRICOM. 

About the OC/T:

Pat McCluskey: CPT McCluskey is the lead Civil Affairs Observer Coach-Trainer for Burro team. He served as the lead OC/T for this CMOC only rotation.  Pat has operational experience in EUCOM.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC andformer member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- How the CMOC prepared for their NTC rotation, through training at home station, using realistic military training, and operational deployments; starting to prepare as earlier as possible

- Training basics, such as convoy briefs to go to a team dinner,training focused on shoot, move, communicate, and medicate

- Managing operations when the headquarters is split

- Testing systems, processes, and set-ups through varioustraining and operations; seting up a TOC: figuring out what tents, vehicles, etc are needed to execute a mobile operations center

- Task organization of a CA Company

- SOF CA conducting non-kinetic / non-lethal targeting

- Reporting; reducing ambiguity in writing, issues clearguidance, ensuring down trace units understand guidance, and training down trace units to report in a clear concise manner

- Learning from the mentorship of the retired SOF role players

- Creating a shared understanding; getting the information out of your head and into a digestible format for others to understand and initiate action

- Communicating capabilities and intent and demonstrate value to conventional unit  

- Providing recommendations not just data

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at[email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp ofSalty Sounds

This episode is focused on Special Operation Forces and Conventional Forces Integration, Interoperability, and Interdependence (SOF-CF I3). As defined by FM 6-05: integration is the ability to synchronize capabilities and actions. Interoperability is the ability to act coherently to exchange information and services. Interdependence is reliance on one another. Army SOF and Conventional Forces depend on one another to accomplish strategic, operational, and tactical objectives. Here at the National Training Center (NTC), ARSOF and Conventional Forces work together and train together to prepare for real world operations and the future of warfare.

About the Guest:

COL Ethan Diven: Ethan Diven is the current Commander of Operations Group at the National Training Center. Ethan Diven is a husband and father and warrior. He graduated the New Mexico Military Institute and Texas Tech prior to entering active duty. As an Armor Officer, COL Diven has served in multiple formation types including Armor, Infantry, Airborne, and Special Operations with 75th Ranger Regiment. Multiple deployments to CENTCOM and EUCOM.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Special Operations Forces and Conventional Forces Integration, Interoperability, and Interdependence

- NTC in 1998 conducting air land battle and similarities to multiple domain operations in large scale combat

- Comparing deployments with Ranger Regiment (as a staff officer) to conventional deployments as a Company commander

- Conducting a Division level rotation at NTC as a Brigade Commander prior to conducting a EUCOM rotation; describing SOF-CF I3 during the rotation; conducting Leader Training Program to begin that integration

- Advising in integrating with NATO partners in EUCOM to conduct training exercises and at the Joint Multi-national Readiness Center

- Outlaw 01; as the Commander of Operations Group; responsible for integrating all the branches within the Army, all the war fighting functions, across all domains from the individual soldier level up to the Division level

- Leadership factor: Observers Coaches / Trainers are professionals that improve the Army

- SOF-CF I3 is imperative, enables the joint force through creation of mass and leveraging effects across all domains

- Brigades expectations of SOF, understanding that SOF and CF need to work together and bring value to one another

- Brigade’s perspective of SOF actions deep or extended deep; related to how effective the SOF Liaisons to the BDE or DIV are

- REDSOF from the COG’s perspective; REDSOF gets great training from the experience including SF, CA, and PSYOP

- Operations outside of the NTC Box that SOF executes

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

is episode is focused on Critical Factors Analysis. Army Special Operations Forces use Critical Factors Analysis at the Battalion or SOTF level and above to identify center(s) of gravity of an enemy force or target. This is taught at the SOF Operational Design Course. This framework of analysis is a tool for analysis and targeting that can be leveraged at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. At the National Training Center (NTC) MAJ Ficken

and all Burro Observer Coach Trainers coaches and mentors SF AOBs to use doctrinal planning and analysis tools such as Critical Factors Analysis. Rotations at NTC and JRTC highlight the validity of our SOF, Army, and Joint Doctrine.

About the Guest:

MAJ Philip Ficken: Phil Ficken is the current Special Operations Training Detachment AOBWest Officer in Charge aka Commander. Prior to the he served as the Exercise Control Officer and J3 Operations Officer for SOTD AOB-W. Prior to that He served in various roles in 5th Special Forces Group including Company Commander, Staff positions, and Detachment Commander.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Analysis for targeting: CRAVER, Critical Factors Analysis

- Joint Publications 5-0: Chapter 3:

- Centers of Gravity: source of power or strength that enables a force to achieve its objective

- Critical Factors Analysis: framework to identify center(s) of gravity

- Critical Capabilities: primary abilities that are essential to the accomplishment of the mission – example: Maneuver for a combined arms force

- Critical Requirements: “are the conditions, resources, and means that enable a critical capability to become fully operational” – fuel for a armored force

- Critical Vulnerabilities: “are those aspects or components of critical requirements that are deficient or vulnerable to direct or indirect attack in a manner achieving decisive or significant results.”

- When analyzing vulnerabilities consider the following: accessibility, redundancy, resiliency, and impact,

- If the enemy’s capability is not degraded through the removal or a requirement, then you have misidentified the critical requirement

- Conduct analysis on analog via a white board or similar, on left critical capabilities, middle critical requirements, circle the requirements you can target and that is the critical vulnerabilities for you to target

- Can be used to target non-kinetic, non-lethal, intangible targets

- Christmas leave example to demonstrate critical factors analysis

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This the fourth and final episode of a four-part series focused on how Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations integrate and interoperate at the team/Detachment level. During a recent rotation, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, Civil Affairs Team, and Tactical PSYOP Detachment conducted operations at the National Training Center (NTC) as Opposing Force (OPFOR). This cross functional team approach to REDSOF was the first iteration of its kind and yield effective results on the rotational conventional unit and Special Operations unit. During this interview, the leaders of each element will describe how each ARSOF Tribe integrated and interoperated to achieve their endstate.

About the Guests:

Spencer: Detachment Sergeant for the Tactical PSYOP Detachment (TPD) on REDSOF. He has over 15 years of Army experience, 8 of which are SOF PSYOP. Multiple operational rotations in both conventional and SOF units.

Michael: Team Leader of the REDSOF Civil Affairs Team (CAT). Former Infantry officer with e multiple CTC rotations both on BLUEFOR and REDFOR. Andrew: SFOD-A Detachment Commander for REDSOF SFOD-A. From 10th Special Forces Group, SOF operational experience in SOCEUR. Former Infantry officer.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- what is a target? Or who? Looking at the population as a non-kinetic target

- creativity in problem solving; creating a non-governmental organization on the enemy side to drive the narrative

- recognizing the players in the information domain, identifying their purpose and audience then leverage that to your advantage

- layering effects; information operations timed with non-kinetic operations (delivering food in an area denied to you by using your networks); swaying the populace to your cause

- the power of credibility or the detriment of losing credibility

- treat everything as a tactical objective

- be creative; use authorities or lack there of to your advantage

- CA and PSYOP take bandwidth off of SF and fill and support War Fighting Functions

- go full scenario (push the I believe button) mentality towards training Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This part three for a four-part series focused on how Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations integrate and interoperate at the team/Detachment level. During a recent rotation, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, Civil Affairs Team, and Tactical PSYOP Detachment conducted operations at the National Training Center (NTC) as Opposing Force (OPFOR). This cross functional team approach to REDSOF was the first iteration of its kind and yield effective results on the rotational conventional unit and Special Operations unit.

During this interview, the leaders of each element will describe how each ARSOF Tribe integrated and interoperated to achieve their endstate.

About the Guests:

Spencer: Detachment Sergeant for the Tactical PSYOP Detachment (TPD) on REDSOF. He has over 15 years of Army experience, 8 of which are SOF PSYOP. Multiple operational rotations in both conventional and SOF units.

Michael: Team Leader of the REDSOF Civil Affairs Team (CAT). Former Infantry officer with e multiple CTC rotations both on BLUEFOR and REDFOR.

Andrew: SFOD-A Detachment Commander for REDSOF SFOD-A. From 10th Special Forces Group, SOF operational experience in SOCEUR. Former Infantry officer.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- OC perspective on the integration of the ARSOF tribes as a cross functional team

- Special Operations integrating with conventional forces; REDSOF integration and interdependence with Task Force Reaper of Blackhorse; nesting operations and objectives across the domains

- The importance of interpersonal skills and building relationship to enhance integration; establishing creditability

- How integration breaks down barriers and enables decision makers to remove roadblocks for down trace units

- Overview of an operation from concept through execution to accessing the effect on the “enemy”; utilizing the cross functional team to leverage resources across the domains to create a layered effect

- Using the information domain (with physical and non-physical methods and products) to control the narrative to maintain tempo and momentum

- Describes effects of Special Operations to the conventional force to build creditability

- Balance risk to force, risk to mission, risk to nation

- Understanding initial commander’s intent and being creative to achieve that intent and more

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part two for a four-part series focused on how Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations integrate and interoperate at the team/Detachment level. During a recent rotation, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, Civil Affairs Team, and Tactical PSYOP Detachment conducted operations at the National Training Center (NTC) as Opposing Force (OPFOR). This cross functional team approach to REDSOF was the first iteration of its kind and yield effective results on the rotational conventional unit and Special Operations unit.

During this interview, the leaders of each element will describe how each ARSOF Tribe integrated and interoperated to achieve their endstate.

About the Guests:

Spencer: Detachment Sergeant for the Tactical PSYOP Detachment (TPD) on REDSOF. He has over 15 years of Army experience, 8 of which are SOF PSYOP. Multiple operational rotations in both conventional and SOF units.

Michael: Team Leader of the REDSOF Civil Affairs Team (CAT). Former Infantry officer with e multiple CTC rotations both on BLUEFOR and REDFOR.

Andrew: SFOD-A Detachment Commander for REDSOF SFOD-A. From 10th Special Forces Group, SOF operational experience in SOCEUR. Former Infantry officer.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Cross functional team mentality; not drawing lots for ground force commander, but working together, effectiveness was measured off creating dilemmas in the enemy’s rear area across the civil and informational dimensions

- Interdependence and interoperability especially between CA and PSYOP, linking the human dimension to the information dimension then bringing that to the cross functional team enabling lethal and non-lethal targeting

- Cross functional targeting, task organizing the cross functional team, split team operations increased speed but degraded integrated planning

- Communication architecture issues within SOF tribe integration, integrating SOF tribes in garrison to enhance SOF tribe integration at tactical and operational levels

- Integrating with conventional forces, building trust and developing a network with everyone you can, “always be (re)cruiting “

- Staff processes approached by war fighting function, CA and PSYOP fill in with war fighting functions

- You look at the picture from your foxhole, meaning each person sees the situation differently and identifies different things as important

- Speed of decision-making process and ability to maintain tempo enables momentum and stay on the offensive, “If you’re not first, you’re last” layered narrative building  

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the introductory episode for a four-part seriesfocused on how Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations integrate and interoperate at the team/Detachment level. During a recent rotation, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, Civil Affairs Team, and Tactical PSYOP Detachment conducted operations at the National Training Center (NTC) as Opposing Force (OPFOR). This cross functional team approach to REDSOF was the first iteration of its kind and yield effective results on the rotational conventional unit and Special Operations unit.

During this interview, the leaders of each element will describe how each ARSOF Tribe integrated and interoperated to achieve their endstate.

About the Guests:

Spencer: Detachment Sergeant for the Tactical PSYOPDetachment (TPD) on REDSOF. He has over 15 years of Army experience, 8 of which are SOF PSYOP. Multiple operational rotations in both conventional and SOF units. Former combat engineer.

Michael: Team Leader of the REDSOF Civil Affairs Team (CAT).Former Infantry officer with e multiple CTC rotations both on BLUEFOR and REDFOR.

Andrew: SFOD-A Detachment Commander for REDSOF SFOD-A. From 10th Special Forces Group, SOF operational experience in SOCEUR. Former Infantry officer.

OC/TS:

SFC Keanu Caroline: Civil Affairs Team Sergeant. Former CAmedic. Operational experience in INDOPACOM and AFRICOM.

SFC Cody: PSYOP Detachment Sergeant. FormerInfantrymen from 82nd Airborne. SOUTHCOM and CENTCOM operational experience.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC andformer member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Differences between BLUEFOR and REDFOR, the challenges and benefits of both

- Identifying targets that are SOF specific; communicatingthat with the conventional force, if it isn’t SOF specific then chances are the conventional force should do it not SOF

- Train up prior to the rotation, trying to build the crossfunctional team before arrival at NTC

- “Everyone wants to be the prettiest girl at the party” –understand what your role is and what it is not, fulfill your role and allows others to fulfill theirs, building the team is better than building your ego

- Leader Training Program, best way to integrate with theconventional unit

- Be prepared to execute the mission both physically and equipment wise, don’t go into a mission with negative biases, let the bias be that together you will be the best team on the field

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp ofSalty Sounds

In this episode, MAJ Sam Pavolko discusses the changes to Special Operations Civil Affairs Doctrine with a focus towards SOF CA conducting Large-Scale Combat emphasizing multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human). MAJ Pavolko observed a rotation at the National Training Center (NTC) to see firsthand how SOF CA is approaching LSCO and MDO at the tactical and operational levels in the dirt.

About the Guest:

MAJ Sam Pavolko is the current United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWC) Civil Affairs Branch Proponent Doctrine Chief. This role focuses on reviewing and revising doctrine to ensure current tactics, techniques and procedures are captured in doctrine as well as the lessons from recent trainings and operations are reflected in doctrine. Prior to this role, MAJ Pavolko has served in various leadership positions in CA to include Company Command, Detachment Command, and roles in the conventional Army.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- SOF CA working with conventional forces; Civil Affairs in competition during the annexation of Crimea in 2014

- The importance of doctrine; improving one’s branch through enhancing and revising doctrine

- Flash to bang inception of a concept to written in doctrine: 21-24 months but requires three successful tests or experiments overseen by USASOC force modernization

- Specific Branch Doctrine must be nested within Joint publications, Army publications, and USASOC publications

- NTC scenario is deep and wide enough for CA to really dive into and get significant training from

- The interaction of SOF CA and conventional CA; how important that is to SOF-CF I3; how that interaction and integration looks on the ground

- CA in LSCO: creates multiple dilemmas for the enemy through our civil networks

- The handoff of CA responsibilities and governance between SOF and CF CA; as the battlefield geometry changes and the areas of focus shift responsibilities shift as well

- value of civil information; the criticalness of analyzing and synthesizing information into intelligence that can feed commander’s decision-making process; displaying civil information graphically

- The CTCs, specially NTC, provide valuable and realistic training to SOF CA and ARSOF holistically

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the fourth and final section of a four-part series focused on mentorship of Special Forces Companies (Advance Operation Bases, AOBs) conducting Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizing multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). This mentorship and coaching is conducted in role and out of role from retired Special Operations Officers and NCOs. About the Guests:

Tom Vogel: COL(R) Vogel is from Chicago, IL. He graduated from West Point where he was commissioned into the Infantry, and became Special Forces. He spent the bulk of his SF career in 10th SFG(A). Kelly Smith: COL(R) Smith grew up in Montana and attended Montana State University. Started his Army career as an enlisted military policeman in the reserves. While in ROTC, Kelly switched from reserves to 19th SFG(A) in the National Guard. He was commissioned as an active-duty Infantry Officer and later became Special Forces. He spent time in 10th SFG(A), JSOC, USASOC, and 3rd SFG(A) Both Tom and Kelly have multiple Combat deployments and training experiences at the Combat Training Centers. About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- Battlefield geometry: where does the AOB go? Where do the Civil Affairs Teams, PSYOP teams and detachments go? Are the ODAs only supposed to be in the deep/extended deep?

- recognize there are multiple options for battlefield geometry and for operational focus of each ARSOF tribe. It’s a risk based decision and in training we maximize training value

- high payoff target list doesn’t have to mirror what is seen at a CTC rotation for a real world operation. There are options for things that are equally relevant to the Joint Combined Force.

- similarities and differences between JRTC and NTC. Terrain, weather, unit formation (light infantry versus armor), civil population (real world and scenario).

- train an AOB by placing them into a complex environment and separating them from their down trace units

- ARSOF units should be attending CTCs. Tom and Kelly share their opinions about how ARSOF units should approach and view CTCs. How important commander’s emphasis is on specific events.

- How CTCs best prepare units for the break glass encase of emergency going to war moment. To execute a theater opening operation in LSCO.

- Preparing for a CTC starts with rehearsals. Especially at the staff level. Rehears planning and battle rhythm events. Have Commander to Commander dialogs and brainstorming sessions to prepare for what it’s going to be like to be displaced and operate in a comms degraded austere environment.

- read, read, read. Prepare yourself and learn from other’s experiences.

- moral imperative for leaders to ensure units are trained. Importance of flat and clear comms. Can your unit walk the walk? Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the third of a four-part series focused on mentorship of Special Forces Companies (Advance Operation Bases, AOBs) conducting Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizing multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). This mentorship and coaching is conducted in role and out of role from retired Special Operations Officers and NCOs.

About the Guests:

Tom Vogel: COL(R) Vogel is from Chicago, IL. He graduated from West Point where he was commissioned into the Infantry, and became Special Forces. He spent the bulk of his SF career in 10th SFG(A).

Kelly Smith: COL(R) Smith grew up in Montana and attended Montana State University. Started his Army career as an enlisted military policeman in the reserves. While in ROTC, Kelly switched from reserves to 19th SFG(A) in the National Guard. He was commissioned as an active-duty Infantry Officer and later became Special Forces. He spent time in 10th SFG(A), JSOC, USASOC, and 3rd SFG(A) 

Both Tom and Kelly have multiple Combat deployments and training experiences at the Combat Training Centers.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Forecasting requirements, visualization, and being able to put a picture into word. Having a sounding board that will be honest and tell you when something isn’t good enough, when there is still ambiguity

- Using graphic control measures and communicate in phase lines; sending and receiving communications within organic unit and with external units; disciplined and concise communication using reporting formats; message logs

- Advice on Commander’s Intent; reducing gap between Commander’s understanding and the down trace units

- Using planning tools to frame the problem and make a decision, such as a modified combined obstacle overlay; or using a narrative to tell a story of the situation; communicating the situation in a short concise manner

- How training and operations from the 1990’s prepared SF for the War on Terror

- The changes in Doctrine over 30+ years from Air Land Battle, Combined Arms Maneuver, and Multi-Domain Operations; integrating Joint and Combined militaries as well as emerging technologies (space and cyber)

- Special Operations are warriors who are masters in irregular partnered operations, executing operations in the deep and extended deep (whether physically there or through partners) to achieve operational and strategic objectives

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the second of a four-part series focused on mentorship of Special Forces Companies (Advance Operation Bases, AOBs) conducting Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizing multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). This mentorship and coaching is conducted in role and out of role from retired Special Operations Officers and NCOs.

About the Guests:

Tom Vogel: COL(R) Vogel is from Chicago, IL. He graduated from West Point where he was commissioned into the Infantry, and became Special Forces. He spent the bulk of his SF career in 10th SFG(A).

Kelly Smith: COL(R) Smith grew up in Montana and attended Montana State University. Started his Army career as an enlisted military policeman in the reserves. While in ROTC, Kelly switched from reserves to 19th SFG(A) in the National Guard. He was commissioned as an active-duty Infantry Officer and later became Special Forces. He spent time in 10th SFG(A), JSOC, USASOC, and 3rd SFG(A) 

Both Tom and Kelly have multiple Combat deployments and training experiences at the Combat Training Centers.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Weapon systems of importance in LSCO: Anti-Armor

- Battle rhythm, targeting cycle, doctrine processes and systems, benefits of getting skilled enablers to augment the AOB staff; ie Military Intelligence

- OC/Ts and mentor role players have to met the rotation training unit where they are at with respect to knowledge and skill

- Doing something “by the book” or just doing a brainstorming session to get a “good enough answer”; white board planning sessions

- SOF is LSCO: warriors using partnered forces in irregular warfare in support of Division and Corps high payoff targets.

- ARSOF in LSCO having more centralized control? Top down control to ensure the right thing is down at the right time. Ensuring Threshold of violence isn’t crossed too early, and the right action is taken at the right place at the right time. This is NOT the 500 mile screwdriver aka micromanaging.

- AOB’s role is to squeeze out all the ambiguity of orders/commander’s intent

- The Teams and Detachments still have latitude on the how when it comes to executing missions during LSCO.

- Initial LSCO, you are the first unit on the ground, you have to start from zero, there are only so many resources to be shared with all the coalition forces

- Risk calculus in LSCO. Kinetic and non-kinetic target approval and risk authority will ebb and flow.

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

is the first of a four-part series focused on mentorship of Special Forces Companies (Advance Operation Bases AOBs) conducting Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizing multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). This mentorship and coaching is conducted in role and out of role from retired Special Operations Officers and NCOs. About the Guests: Tom Vogel: COL(R) Vogel is from Chicago, IL, graduated from West Point where he commissioned into the Infantry, and became Special Forces. He spent the bulk of his SF career in 10th SFG(A). Kelly Smith: COL(R) Smith grew up in Montana and attended Montana State University. Started his Army career as an enlisted military policemen in the reserves. While in ROTC, Kelly switched from reserves to 19th SFG(A) in the National Guard. He commissioned as an active duty Infantry Officer and later became Special Forces. He spent time in 10th SFG(A), JSOC, USASOC, and 3rd SFG(A) Both Tom and Kelly have multiple Combat deployments and training experiences at the Combat Training Centers. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command. This episode covers:

- Comparing CTC Training pre 9/11 to CTC training today

- The importance of fundamentals and principles in both training and combat regardless of the mission set

- What it means to give back to the force through the role of mentor/role player. Using their experiences as Group level leadership to mentor ARSOF Companies and Detachments.

- Companies and above balancing requirement to support subordinate units with training for war time mission (preparing staffs and headquarters).

- How Detachments and Companies can approach collective training.

- The value of training at a CTC and how leaders need to emphasize training at CTCs

- AOBs have to be able to integrate disciplines other than itself. The AOB will have shortfalls in knowledge and experience in these other areas. Have the humility to know your gaps and have a methodology to overcome those gaps.

- Opening the theater, going expeditionary. Start point zero.

- The importance of creating a network of people to leverage expertise from across the force. Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the second and final part of our conversation with CPT Dylan Wendt discussing Special Operations approach to Military Intelligence during a Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizes multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC).

CPT Dylan Wendt is a Military Intelligence (MI) Officer with a background in maneuver. Dylan started his Army career as an Infantry Officer in 3-509th IN (ABN). Following that, Dylan attended the MI Captains Career Course. His next assignment was to 173rd Airborne  where he served in various assignments as an MI Officer. Then Dylan attended Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was selected for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment (RR). Dylan has held various MI positions in the 75th RR.

Throughout this conversation, Dylan shares his experiences as a MI Officer and relates real-world operational experience to training he received at CTCs. Highlighting insights on what MI, primarily focused on SOF MI, looks like in LSCO and recommendations on how to prepare for an upcoming CTC rotation as a Military Intelligence professional.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Training that the RR especially the intelligence practitioners did to prepare for a 75th RR rotation at NTC, developing the Ranger Operating Concept, ROC. Managing intelligence and analysis from the ground unit of action all the way up the chain of command

- Signature management: physical and electromagnetic. How signature management can impact intel conducting analysis. Where is the best place on the battlefield for intel professionals to be. Potential impact on time and communication of intel products and analysis.

- Lessons learned during 75th RR NTC rotation Spring 23 and lessons learned from JRTC 7th SFG (A) rotation augmented by 75th RR during Spring 24.

- Preparing your unit and your position for the next person. Ensuring not just you but also the unit has learned the lessons from a CTC and doesn’t have to relearn those same lessons with new leadership.

- Working with SOF Plans at either JRTC or NTC to develop a scenario that incorporates the training objectives your unit has. Attending Leadership Training Program (LTP) to begin that integration piece with not only the Planners but also the other units taking part in the rotation.

- Deploying with as much Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) done as possible.  

- Developing convergence windows to mass effects in time and space on the battlefield to generate relative advantage and enable maneuver, degrade the enemy, and achieve a specific objective. 75th RR uses these convergence windows to penetrate deep into enemy lines to conduct surgical strike operations or establish a foothold for the conventional force to expand lodgment from.

- Advice to those seeking to attend RASP. 1. Physical Fitness. 2. Igo to Ranger School first. 3. know your strengths and weaknesses and own up to them.

- The Abrams charter: RR improves the regular Army through NCOs and Officers cycling back to the CF, developing TTPs or procuring equipment that the CF adopts.

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part third and final-part conversation with SFC Mondrian Bogert (or Mo) discussing Special Forces approach to prolonged casualty care in austere and resource constrained environments during a Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizes multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC).

SFC Bogert is an Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) on the the Burro Team; Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-W at Fort Irwin and NTC.

SFC Bogert has over 16 months experience as an SOF (SF) OC/T, he has planned, resourced, coordinated, and supervised the execution of multiple prolong casualty care scenarios at NTC.  Mo shares his experiences observing and supervising the execution of prolonged casualty care at NTC. Highlighting insights on how what prolong casualty care might look like in LSCO, the differences in planning and approach to MASCAL versus prolonged casualty care, and recommendations on how to prepare for an upcoming CTC rotation.

SFC Bogert is the type of OC/T that wants to see the training unit improve and he consistently goes above and beyond during rotation and outside of rotation to train Soldiers both in and outside of ARSOF. The Off the Radar team want to thank Mo for his time, dedication to the profession, and willingness to help improve the force through sharing the lessons he learns as an OC/T.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- Day to day operations for an 18D Special Forces Medic at a Combat Training Center: medical status tracking, tracking medical logistics, taking the team and attachments and partner force, real world and in scenario medical needs

- 18Ds interpersonal skills and key leader engagements; using 18Ds to help built trust and rapport with the partner force, learning about the operational environment from the partner force

-  tailoring your medical equipment and load out to your operational environment

- identifying problems, recommending solutions to the Detachment leadership

- Cross talking within the Detachment to share information with relative parties and ensure a shared understanding of the partner force capabilities, operational environment, medical network, medical logistics so that the Commander can make decisions and assume prudent risk, and understand the locations and capabilities of friendly medical assets

- Developing a medical Common Operating Picture that can be an overlay in analog and digital form. Including conventional forces medical assets, partnered or host national medical assets, civilian assets (hospitals, clinics, vets, midwives, animal services, schools, pharmacies, etc.)

- Medical equipment to bring and what not to bring

- Cross training to ensure each member of the Detachment knows where all the medical supplies are packed, knows what they look like, and can find them under pressure in low light conditions, having a Standing Operational Procedure (SOP)

- Bringing extra class VIII (medical supplies) to build individual first aid kits (IFAKs) for your partner force. Immediately build rapport and gain the ability to train them or assess their level of training on tactical combat casualty care

- Identifying the overmatch a Special Force Operational Detachment-Alpha will face in a denied area across all war fighting functions and ways to mitigate and eventually overcome that overmatch

Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].  

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part two of a three-part conversation with SFC Mondrian Bogert (or Mo) discussing Special Forces approach to prolonged casualty care in austere and resource constrained environments during a Large-Scale Combat Training scenario emphasizes multi-domain operations (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC). SFC Bogert is an Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) on the the Burro Team; Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-W at Fort Irwin and NTC. SFC Bogert has over 16 months experience as an SOF (SF) OC/T, he has planned, resourced, coordinated, and supervised the execution of multiple prolong casualty care scenarios at NTC. Mo shares his experiences observing and supervising the execution of prolonged casualty care at NTC. Highlighting insights on how what prolong casualty care might look like in LSCO, the differences in planning and approach to MASCAL versus prolonged casualty care, and recommendations on how to prepare for an upcoming CTC rotation. SFC Bogert is the type of OC/T that wants to see the training unit improve and he consistently goes above and beyond during rotation and outside of rotation to train Soldiers both in and outside of ARSOF. The Off the Radar team want to thank Mo for his time, dedication to the profession, and willingness to help improve the force through sharing the lessons he learns as an OC/T.

About the Host:

CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.

This episode covers:

- medical planning including examples of PACE (primary, alternate, contingency, emergency) plans. Blood PACE, who from the team or partner force are you pulling blood from. Where in country X can you secure medical supplies when needed? Midwives, animal husbandry services, etc.

- Cross training for the Detachment and for your partner force. Layering medical training into other training. SOPs for simple things like place of tourniquets.

- what does a rotation at NTC look like from the medical perspective. Recommendations on medical load out: personal aid bag, truck bag, MASCAL bag, pro-longed field care bag, contingency kits (crush kit, burn kit, envenomation kit, etc). Recommendations on equipment and medicine to bring. Consider your partner force as well as the Detachment.

- Medical field craft – functional tourniquet, stretchers, etc.

- personnel management in MASCAL and pro-longed field care. The moral dilemma of discontinuing treatment on a casualty that will not make it to save another casualty or discontinuing treatment based on limited resources.

- medical load out and sustainment balanced with load out and sustainment of the other MOSs and war fighting functions

- detailed medical planning, developing a medical common operation picture (what does SOF have, what does the conventional force have, what does the partner force have, what exists in the environment / with the local population)

- medical overmatch. Know what phase you are in and understand how to bring medical overmatch or mitigate the adversaries overmatched in critical moments in time and space on the battlefield.

- approach as a observer coach trainer overseeing pro-longed casualty care. Ensuring the 18D, special forces medic, understands the basics of medical treatment and resource management. Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds