Off the Radar, Special Operations Training Detachment

This is the follow up from our initial discussion with the Goldminer Command Team. Here we continue discussing ARSOF CFI3 (Integration, Interoperability, and Interdependence) while also getting unique insight on the challenges that a CSSB and BSB face here at NTC. Goldminer 07 and 40 discuss the opportunities for future collaboration between ARSOF and Logisticians at NTC and how that relationship can be transferred to real world operations.

This is part one of a two part discussion with Goldminer 07 and 40, the lead Logistician Trainers at NTC. Both LTC Eric Shockley and CSM Krista Peterson are career logisticians with a vast amount of knowledge and experience at both NTC and Army sustainment operations.In this episode of Off the Radar, we dive into the unique role Army logisticians play in supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin. As the battlefield becomes increasingly complex and multi-domain, the demands on sustainment professionals grow sharper and more critical.Join us as we talk with Goldminer 07 and 40, LTC Eric Shockley and CSM Christa Petersen about how logistics directly impacts mission success in high-intensity, joint-force training environments. From logistic distribution in denied terrain to expeditionary maintenance and austere medical support, this episode explores how logisticians adapt, innovate, and execute under the toughest simulated combat conditions in the Army.Whether you're a seasoned sustainment leader or a new 92-series Soldier, this conversation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep SOF and Conventional Forces ready, responsive, and resilient at the point of friction.

This is part two of a two-part episode focused on Special Operations Force Integration Interoperability and Interdependence, lessons learn at the Detachment and Company level, educating the National Training Center Operations Group on SOF capabilities and SOF’s role in Large Scale Combat Operations. SOF units, chiefly Special Forces Companies (Advanced Operating Base or AOB) conducted numerous rotations annually at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center working along side of conventional forces. In this episode SFC Gilgenast shares his experiences working as the Burro Team Operations NCO and later Sergeant Major. . About the Guest: SFC Erik Gilgenast: Grow up in a military family. His father a 33-year Army aviator, allowed Erik to grow up in various locations around the world. Having enlisted in the delayed entry program, upon graduation from high school in Germany, Erik entered service. Calling Colorado home, and meeting his wife in Colorado. Erik has operational experience in CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM. He has served both as a conventional infantryman and a Special Forces communications sergeant. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - understanding your regimental history, SF history through knives: V-42, Fairbairn, Yarbrough - knowing OSS, 1SSF, and other Special Operations forces that came before Special Forces - appreciating SOF/SF history and the people and families that came before the current generation - work life balance in SF, understanding what is important and knowing when to devote time to your family and when you need to devote time to work - know when you need to take care of ourselves and family, so you don’t get burnt out - re-charging through a hobby to be a better Soldier and Leader - using a hobby or business to increase time management and leadership abilities - prepare yourself for when you will leave the military - continue to develop your knowledge and skills of being a Soldier and Leader through self study 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part one of a two-part episode focused on Special Operations Force Integration Interoperability and Interdependence, lessons learn at the Detachment and Company level, educating the National Training Center Operations Group on SOF capabilities and SOF’s role in Large Scale Combat Operations. SOF units, chiefly Special Forces Companies (Advanced Operating Base or AOB) conducted numerous rotations annually at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center working along side of conventional forces. In this episode SFC Gilgenast shares his experiences working as the Burro Team Operations NCO and later Sergeant Major. About the Guest: SFC Erik Gilgenast: Grow up in a military family. His father a 33-year Army aviator, allowed Erik to grow up in various locations around the world. Having enlisted in the delayed entry program, upon graduation from high school in Germany, Erik entered service. Calling Colorado home, and meeting his wife in Colorado. Erik has operational experience in CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM. He has served both as a conventional infantryman and a Special Forces communications sergeant. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - Dealing with being a geo-bachelor while serving at Fort Irwin and taking care of the soldiers within your formation - Roles and responsibilities as the Burro Team Operations Sergeant, and the Burro Team Sergeant Major fo - appropriate use of SOF units within LSCO - SOF-CF I3 with NTC OPS GRP and ensuring NYC scenario design makes sense for SOF training - comparing what is focused on for SOF training versus conventional units training at NTC - SOF area of operations compared to conventional, SOF bringing mass and supporting the joint fight - Coaching points from Burro OPS SGT- analog products such as synch matrix, decision matrix, logstat, etc ; should have digital and analog - OC/Ts learn from training units - Positive mental attitudes increases the training value, engaged leadership that sets the standard - understand the basics and execute the basics, use your Ranger handbook 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part two of a two-part episode focused on Special Operations Psychology Operations executing Combat Training Center rotations specially the National Training Center. SOF PSYOP’s role in Large Scale Combat Operations, executing multiple domain operations and integrating with ARSOF and conventional forces. SOF PSYOP executing information operations ins training environment. . About the Guest: SSG Phil Smith: SOF PSYOPer from First PSYOP Group. Prior to that he served as an Infantryman and then before that an Air Force C-17 mechanic. Phil has SOF PSYOP operational experience in SOUTHCOM and has served as a PSYOP OC/T for 2 years. Phil went ARSOF to work in a career field that allowed him to make a difference in support of the Nation’s Objectives. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - methods to influence the information domain: print media, social media, broadcast media, etc - influence operations are trainable at NTC, role players can be influence to support opposing force or coalition force - NTC constantly changes and improves and training becomes more realistic and challenging every rotation - integration early and often is key to success when working with other units, MOSs, branches, etc - SOF Civil Affairs and SOF PSYOP should work hand in hand, they mutually supporting roles - SOF and Conventional Forces, must share information and understand each others objectives so that they don’t accidentally degrade each other but instead support each other - risk to force and risk to mission can be decreased through effective use of influence operations to increase likelihood of mission success - PSYOPers of all ranks need to be able to speak to a Commander and outline what PSYOP can do for them - PSYOPers embedding with SFOD-A, when it makes sense, they need to be prepare for austere conditions and provide PSYOP input to the detachment level - fundamentals of a PSYOPer, understand how to read an OPROD, find the PSYOP tasks and authorities and develop plan to execute those tasks, understand the modalities of information operations, train on offensive and defensive information operations - understand your operational area - blacksmith bbq, having a hobby to improve your performance at work, and potentially grow into a business 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part one of a two-part episode focused on Special Operations Psychology Operations executing Combat Training Center rotations specially the National Training Center. SOF PSYOP’s role in Large Scale Combat Operations, executing multiple domain operations and integrating with ARSOF and conventional forces. SOF PSYOP executing information operations ins training environment. . About the Guest: SSG Phil Smith: SOF PSYOPer from First PSYOP Group. Prior to that he served as an Infantryman and then before that an Air Force C-17 mechanic. Phil has SOF PSYOP operational experience in SOUTHCOM and has served as a PSYOP OC/T for 2 years. Phil went ARSOF to work in a career field that allowed him to make a difference in support of the Nation’s Objectives. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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 training for PSYOP to operational PSYOP - PSYOP integrating into SF AOB at a CTC, give a capabilities brief and build rapport - add value to the AOB staff by getting involved in the staff functions and working groups, leverage special skill sets and knowledge you have to provide value - Tactical Deception (TAC-D) vs Deception in Support of Operations (DISO): TAC-D creates an action in the enemy force, DISO used to protect OPSEC - use information operations to create effects now (in near real time) - SOF direct action raid example: DISO- protects planning and execution of raid, TAC-D influence enemy to move away from objective area - deception mine field example - NTC has pre-approved information operations series, don’t reinvent the wheel, use what is already available, share information and ensure AOB knows what you know - messaging can get approved through higher In 24-48hours at NTC, messaging must be forecasted - measures of performance and effectiveness must be identified prior to the message going out, have a baseline understand of environment and decision points for messaging and information operations 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part two of an episode focused on rotation 25-06 at the National Training Center where 7th SFG (A) sent 3 SF Soldiers to serve as the Special Operation Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE). This was not a typical rotation but still enabled Special Operation Forces – Conventional Forces Integration Interoperability and Interdependence. SOF builds mass and produces outsized effects from it’s formation size. This is true even from a SOFLE, demonstrating credibility and value to the conventional force. About the Guest: MAJ Matthew Song: Served at a Lieutenant with 10th Mountain Division before becoming Special Forces. Served as a Detachment Commander in 1st BN, 1st SFG (A) in Okinawa, Japan and as a SF Company Commander in 2nd BN, 1st SFG (A) in Joint Base Lewis McChord. Sent the last year as the SOTD AOB-W “Burro Team” exercise control director and J3, his next assignment is the Burro Team OIC. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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 are the DIV and BDE CDR focused on? BDE CDR – combining arms in the close fight; DIV CDR – providing intelligence, integrating fires, forecasting logistics; SOF fits neatly into the priorities of the DIV CDR - SOF holistically can answer the mail for the CJSOTF CDR and DIV CDR simultaneously through multi-layered mutually supporting lines of effort - SOFLE must understand what Command level cares about what information at what time - SOF provides the most value to the Joint Force through focusing efforts on DIV level objectives and targeting; SOF actions have limited effects on BDE close fight - SOF is interdependent on conventional forces for logistics and medical support - BDE become comfortable to conduct kinetic fires on behalf of SOF when SOF requested fires with non-standard observations - SOFLE splitting between BDE TOC and TAC, managing communications equipment and personnel between multiple footprints - SOFLE SITREP enabled AOB and SOTF to understand situation and communicate requirements - Sharing Common Operating Picture; SOFLE used digital COP to share BDE information to AOB, manpower is critical to maintain these multiple systems and must be balanced with other demands 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part one of an episode focused on rotation 25-06 at the National Training Center where 7th SFG (A) sent 3 SF Soldiers to serve as the Special Operation Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE). This was not a typical rotation but still enabled Special Operation Forces – Conventional Forces Integration Interoperability and Interdependence. SOF builds mass and produces outsized effects from it’s formation size. This is true even from a SOFLE, demonstrating credibility and value to the conventional force. About the Guest: MAJ Matthew Song: Served at a Lieutenant with 10th Mountain Division before becoming Special Forces. Served as a Detachment Commander in 1st BN, 1st SFG (A) in Okinawa, Japan and as a SF Company Commander in 2nd BN, 1st SFG (A) in Joint Base Lewis McChord. Sent the last year as the SOTD AOB-W “Burro Team” exercise control director and J3, his next assignment is the Burro Team OIC. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - Informing for the force via this podcast, USASOC lessons learned, and written After Action Reviews - SOFLE – what capabilities need to be in that element and the type of personnel to consider - Producing SOF actions through constructed / simulated effects since there was no live SOF elements taking part on the ground during the rotation - Communications architecture for SOFLE to communicate with higher SOF headquarters and how to interplays with conventional communications - Digital force protection considerations, inclusion in the written AARs, camouflage - Building systems that can survive in a comms denied environment, through use of a TACSOP - SOFLE can integrate with the CF BDE and assist in their military decision-making process and get SOF capabilities to the forefront of CF CDR’s mind, feeding the BDE’s OODA loop - Understanding command relationships, SOFLE is a coordinating relationship; SOFLE must monitor operations, coordinate, advise, and assist the conventional force; beyond those duties SOFLEs should build rapport, demonstrate creditably, and provide value 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 of a 2-part of the collaboration with Pineland Underground podcast where MAJ Maicke and SFC Coach interview MAJ Ficken, CPT Rich, and SFC Wade of Burro Team, the SOF Observer Coach Trainer team at the National Training Center. This interview focused on training combat ready and lethal Special Operations Forces highlighting the value of training at a Combat Training Center through lessons learned and describing trends observed by OC/Ts. Additionally, giving insight in ways to prepare for a rotation, what Large Scale Combat in a Multi-Domain environment might look like, and more. Off the Radar thanks PU and USAJFKSWC for supporting SOTD’s push to educate and inspire the force. About the Guest: MAJ Phil Ficken commissioned into the Infantry and found his way to Special Forces. He served in 5th SFG (A) with operational experiences in CENTCOM as SOF and conventional. MAJ Ficken has overseen 12 ARSOF rotations at NTC and JRTC. CPT Weston Rich commissioned into the Infantry later switching to Special Forces. He served in 1st SFG (A) and worked at NTC as both an OC/T and SOF planner. Weston has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM with SOF and conventional forces. SFC Keith Wade is a Team Sergeant OC/T for Burro Team. He is an 18C Engineer Sergeant from 1st SFG (A) and has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM. Keith has served on multiple SFOD-As and as a sniper instructor for 1st SFG (A). About the Hosts: MAJ James Maicke commissioned in the Infantry then became Special Forces serving in 3rd SFG (A) as a CPT and 5th SFG (A) as a MAJ. He has served in multiple theaters both in the conventional and SOF. He is currently finishing his time as a Special Operations Recruiter. SFC Clay Coash is currently a Psychological Operations Senior Leader’s Course instructor. He has operational experience in multiple theater across the world. Prior to being a PSYOP NCO, Clay served in the Marine Corps during the 1990s and during a break in service as a country radio DJ. This episode covers: - Comparing CTCs for ARSOF training value to the ARSOF Training Center at WSMR, NM; biggest difference is CTCs have dedicated OPFOR, larger backside support - SOF training enables creativity through allowing SOF units to choose from multiple training venues and methods: including RMT - ARSOF units train outside of CTC training areas: conducting infrastructure assessments, simple sabotage, influence operations, etc. - Basics: off site comms shots, terrain masking, shoot, move, communicate, sustain, medicate, principles of patrolling; vehicle load out SOPs, camouflage, rehearsals on maneuver, planning, etc; integrating fires (call for fire), issuing guidance - Lessons learned and trends: understanding digital force protection, teams improve over time, simple tasks become harder as rotation goes on and fatigue sets in, understanding the environment and taking prudent risks - Doing the hard right over the easy wrong, make decisions that make tactical sense and don’t hit the easy button - Understanding environment and what is required in that environment and how to best maneuver - Don’t get compliance or get comfortable, that is what gets Soldiers killed - Successes at NTC: long range dismounted winter mountain movement, tandem free fall infiltration of Space Soldier, drone grenade drops, passing control of loitering munition, downed drone example of synchronizing SOF and CF to mutually support each other - ARSOF trains as the opposing force every rotation - CTCs provides training on SOF-CF I3 to help conventional force and SOF understand each other and aid in recruiting future ARSOF Soldiers 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 1 of a 2-part of the collaboration with Pineland Underground podcast where MAJ Maicke and SFC Coach interview MAJ Ficken, CPT Rich, and SFC Wade of Burro Team, the SOF Observer Coach Trainer team at the National Training Center. This interview focused on training combat ready and lethal Special Operations Forces highlighting the value of training at a Combat Training Center through lessons learned and describing trends observed by OC/Ts. Additionally, giving insight in ways to prepare for a rotation, what Large Scale Combat in a Multi-Domain environment might look like, and more. Off the Radar thanks Pineland Underground and USAJFKSWC for supporting SOTD’s push to educate and inspire the force. About the Guest: MAJ Phil Ficken commissioned into the Infantry and found his way to Special Forces. He served in roles from Detachment Commander, AOB Commander, and Staff Officer in 5th SFG (A) with operational experiences in CENTCOM as SOF and conventional. MAJ Ficken served as Burro Team’s J3 for one year and as the OIC for one year overseeing over 12 ARSOF rotations at NTC and JRTC. CPT Weston Rich commissioned into the Infantry later switching to Special Forces. He served as a Detachment Commander in 1st SFG (A) and worked at NTC as both an OC/T and SOF planner. Weston has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM with SOF and conventional forces. SFC Keith Wade is a Team Sergeant OC/T for Burro Team. He is an 18C Engineer Sergeant from 1st SFG (A) and has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM. Keith has served on multiple SFOD-As and as a sniper instructor for 1st SFG (A). About the Hosts: MAJ James Maicke commissioned in the Infantry then became Special Forces serving in 3rd SFG (A) as a CPT and 5th SFG (A) as a MAJ. He has served in multiple theaters both in the conventional and special operations. He is currently finishing his time as a Special Operations Recruiter. SFC Clay Coash is currently a Psychological Operations Senior Leader’s Course instructor. He has operational experience in multiple theater across the world. Prior to being a PSYOP NCO, Clay served in the Marine Corps during the 1990s and during a break in service as a country radio DJ. This episode covers: - SOTD task organization, role of an OC/T and value of training at a CTC - Interoperability of SOF with CF and partners forces (PF) through shared training experiences - LSCO: CF against a peer/near peer advisory of equivalent size and how SOF fits into these operations by deep sensing, targeting high priority targets, and enable MDO in the Division deep areas by with and through partners - CTCs: 10 rotations a year, 8 focused on Brigade and SOF Companies, 1 focused on Division level and SOF Battalion (SOTF), and 1 focused on SOF Group leave (CJSOTF) - Training the basics: teams that do the most planning and preparation are the most successful; be off natural lines of drift, camouflage, use micro terrain, principles of maneuver are the same mounted or dismounted - Trends: over reliance on phones / ATAK for planning or communicating, analog products increase shared understanding - Don’t train PF on unsustainable platform (weapon system, planning system, etc). Use what the PF as accessible - Understanding the operational environment and adversary’s capabilities, night vision, thermals, sensors of all kinds, etc - SOF integration with PF and role players, PF plays as host nation forces and role players are that unit’s leadership; role players fulfilling roles in the host nation government, as local civilians, etc - SOF integration with CF happens at the AOB level and through a liaison element at the Brigade 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 of a 2-part of the collaboration with WarDocs podcast where MSgt (R) Steve Cum and COL (R) Doug Soderdahl interview SFC Mondrian Bogert. This interview focuses on Special Operations Medical training, specifically Special Forces, at the Combined Training Centers: The National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). Combat medicine saves lives and requires non-medics as well as medics. From care under fire through evacuation the skills, equipment, and knowledge needed to be successful at treating patients and getting your fellow service members home. About the Guest:SFC Mondrian Bogert: Mo is a Special Forces 18D or medical sergeant. He served in the 82nd Airborne as an infantryman prior to graduating the SF Qualification Course. He served as a medical sergeant in 10th SFG (A) conducting multiple training and operations in EUCOM. Mo has nearly 2 years of experience as an SF Observer Coach, Training with over a dozen rotations at NTC and JRTC overseeing multiple medical scenarios including MASCAL and prolonged causality care. This episode covers: - Partner force treatment and transportation, dilemma when to stop treatment on a patient to conserve resources for patients that can be care for - Non-standard CASEVAC examples: use of partner force, use of civilian networks, use of non-medical transportation asset at risk of losing that asset - Actions to take when you cannot get to friendly lines, find alternative means to treat patients including locations to hold and care for patient - Understand all options to accomplish a task such as CASEVAC, create a PACE for transport and understand risks and consequences for using each of those options - Non-medics providing assistance to medics: understanding Care Under Fire = priority security and massing fires, Tactical Combat Casualty Care = knowing MARCH and how to conduct interventions until 18D is available take and record vitals, understand when to stay out of the 18Ds way, familiarity with medical equipment and interventions - Medical cross training is paramount so all Soldiers are prepared to execute combat trauma medicine, this includes understanding where equipment is in an aide bag, truck box, prolonged care bag, etc. - Replication of wounds from indirect fire, small UAS, airborne munitions, RAID - Challenge the SOF medics to motivate them to leave the CTC with a desire to self-study and cross train their Detachment to be more combat ready - Resilience is extremely important for combat medics, ability to be calm in a stressful situation, grit to not quit and push through for your team, being mentally prepared for those situations beforehand - Flexibility and foresight: being able to forecast what medical equipment is needed and flexible enough to execute with what you have on hand - Integration with conventional forces and plan for tactical ground CASEVAC with link up with conventional M113s at a predetermined Ambulance Exchange Point - Field expeditated medicine 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 1 of a 2-part of the collaboration with WarDocs podcast where MSgt (R) Steve Cum and COL (R) Doug Soderdahl interview SFC Mondrian Bogert. This interview focuses on Special Operations Medical training, specifically Special Forces, at the Combined Training Centers: The National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). Combat medicine saves lives and requires non-medics as well as medics. From care under fire through evacuation the skills, equipment, and knowledge needed to be successful at treating patients and getting your fellow service members home. About the Guest: SFC Mondrian Bogert: Mo is a Special Forces 18D or medical sergeant. He served in the 82nd Airborne as an infantryman prior to graduating the SF Qualification Course. He served as a medical sergeant in 10th SFG (A) conducting multiple training and operations in EUCOM. Mo has nearly 2 years of experience as an SF Observer Coach, Training with over a dozen rotations at NTC and JRTC overseeing multiple medical scenarios including MASCAL and prolonged causality care. This episode covers: - Depth of training for a Special Forces Medic (18D) compared to a conventional Combat Medic (68W), 68Ws learn trauma care to get patient to higher care; 18Ds are trained in trauma care, to prolong care, and conduct preventive care - Wound sets 18Ds can handle and how that is trained at the CTCs, multi-system trauma, burns (electrical, chemical, or thermal), head injuries, unstable patients - 18Ds are trained to be medical managers and cross train their team, the Detachment members conduct the treatment and inventions on the patient while the 18D manages the overall care - Prolonged causality care scenarios: important skills to extend care 24-72 hours, early vitals tracking and watching signs and symptoms; this should be accomplished by the non-18Ds on the team and managed by the 18Ds; and understanding mechanism of injury - Integration of Telemedicine into CTCs: telemedicine is available but not dictated as a requirement, helps break out from subjectivity of treatment of patient - Vital trends lead medical professionals to diagnoses which leads to treatment plans - Interoperability of medics from joint force especial joint SOF medics; this is limited at CTCs to when joint SOF elements attend CTCs which is not often; most joint SOF medics attend same medical training as 18Ds but not all - USSOCOM Directive 350-29 SOF standards of SOF medical interoperable for the joint force - Requirement to explain to the conventional force what a SOF medic provides to demonstrate value to the conventional force, cross training on medicine with conventional forces including 68Ws 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 of a 2-part interview focused on the Targeting Process and Joint Fires. Targeting is not only a means for putting indirect fire or air support onto a specific target at a specific time. Targeting is a holistic approach to bring effects at the right time and place to achieve a desired outcome. This includes lethal and non-lethal as well as kinetic and non-kinetic means to effect the enemy or the civil component. The outcome of the targeting process is used to drive operations and move personnel, equipment, and or capabilities to the right location at the right time to achieve the desired endstate. The Targeting Process and integration of Joint Fires is trained in a Multi-Domain Large Scale Combat scenario at the Combat Training Centers to prepare Special Operation and the Army for the first battle of the next war.   About the Guest:SFC Dillion Luedtke: Dillion grow up watching his father, an Airborne Artilleryman, deploying multiple times, ultimately leading Dillion to seek out a life of service as well with a passion for the Airborne and fires community leading him to Special Forces. Dillion is an 18C Engineer SGT with training in Joint Firepower Course and Joint Fires and Effects Course. Dillion has operational experience in CENTCOM and AFRICOM with 3rd SFG (A).  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: - Joint targeting: land, air, maritime, and SOF components work together to allocate resources to targets in time and space with specific desired effects; this process can be replicated at the Detachment level- Convergence windows: Joint/conventional force identifies time and space on battlefield for each supporting effort to execute operation to support main effort - D3A: decide, detect, deliver, assess: SOF adds value in the assessment phase by being able to provide collateral damage or battle damage assessments, or confirm those assessments, including CA and PSYOPs roles - Challenges for ARSOF regarding targeting and fires, generally SF AOBs target working groups do not have all ideal elements integrated into the targeting process, needs to at a minimum have all war fighting functions represented - Requesting fires at the appropriate time and place with the right resources to mitigate risk to mission and force- Consider sustainability for elements providing fire or air support - Understanding the enemy MLCOA and MDCOA when desired effects occur, will the terrain you are on be targeted by enemy as suspected FO position- ARSOF must integrate as early as possible with conventional and joint force, building rapport and being seen as a team member- Prepare for CTCs and improve understanding of targeting by reading doctrine, send people to get institutionally trained  - Building relationships with conventional forces, air component and maritime components to develop training opportunities - targeting includes all domains: air, land, maritime, cyber, and space 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 weston.rich@socom.mil.  Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 1 of a 2-part interview focused on the Targeting Process and Joint Fires. Targeting is not only a means for putting indirect fire or air support onto a specific target at a specific time. Targeting is a holistic approach to bring effects at the right time and place to achieve a desired outcome. This includes lethal and non-lethal as well as kinetic and non-kinetic means to effect the enemy or the civil component. The outcome of the targeting process is used to drive operations and move personnel, equipment, and or capabilities to the right location at the right time to achieve the desired endstate. The Targeting Process and integration of Joint Fires is trained in a Multi-Domain Large Scale Combat scenario at the Combat Training Centers to prepare Special Operations and the Army for the first battle of the next war. About the Guest: SFC Dillion Luedtke: Dillion grow up watching his father, an Airborne Artilleryman, deploying multiple times, ultimately leading Dillion to seek out a life of service as well with a passion for the Airborne and fires community leading him to Special Forces. Dillion is an 18C Engineer SGT with training in Joint Firepower Course and Joint Fires and Effects Course. Dillion has operational experience in CENTCOM and AFRICOM with 3rd SFG (A). 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. This episode covers: - How a Detachment conducts the targeting process, who is involved, who should be involved, what is the outcome of the targeting process - Differences in SOF targeting since the end of the Global War on Terror and what the future looks like; SOF no longer main effort and now is supporting effort for Division / Corps; dynamic targeting will not be the norm; airspace will be denied or contested - Understanding the High Priority Target List for the Div/Corps or Joint components (land, air, or maritime components) - HATS: High Priority Target List, Attack Guidance Matrix, Target Selection Standards, Target Synch Matrix (using Decide Detect Deliver, Assess methodology) - Base principles and fundamentals learned from training and previous operations still apply to Multi-Domain Large Scale Combat Operations - Div/Corps work off 96 hour targeting cycle – assess execution of day prior, delivering / executing effects for day of, conducting conditions checks for tomorrow, 48 hours out they are doing meat and potatoes of targeting and product making (detect), 72-96 hours out target nominations based of HPTL (decide) - SF Detachments infiltrate prior to conventional units and must be integrated with BDE/DIV/CORPS targeting process prior to infil so that the Detachments can nominate targets and prosecute targets prior to conventional forces infil - How OC/Ts and role players coach Detachments to conduct bottom up targeting process, starts with Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, developing Named Areas of Interest, analyzing HPTL and determining what is likely in their area of operations and what they can effect - Theater Air Control System: method to request air component resources and request air assets in the Air Tasking Order, also working through BDE Aviation Element - Targeting is not just kinetic / lethal it is also non-kinetic / non-lethal; requires analysis (i.e. CRAVER or other methodologies ); simple sabotage 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 of a 2-part interview focused on Fighting Products that are useful and essential to the planning and execution of Multi-Domian Large Scale Combat Operations with the Joint and Combined Force. A fighting product is a visual product that doctrine desires created by a staff to enable the commander to visualize the battlefield, understand the operational environment, and synchronize action in time and space. This supports the commander’s decision-making process and ensures common understanding throughout the unit. This interview covers the core fighting products that ARSOF Company staffs and above should be producing, additional products that are highly useful, and methods of displaying and sharing these products to increase shared understanding at the headquarters and up and down the chain of command. These fighting products have value at the Combat Training Centers and across the spectrum of operations from competition to conflict. About the Guest: MAJ Philip Ficken: Phil Ficken is the current Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-West 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 the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - Displaying fighting products: digital versus analog the pros and cons of both - Digital is great for sharing, especially up the chain of command but becomes more difficult sending down the chain of command; requires connectivity, consistent electricity, and access to digital workspace / system - Analog is for everyone: allow for immediate common access to the information to those present, reduces digital signature and increases protection to force, unable to be jammed - Staff must reproduce products on both digital and analog to ensure redundancy and understanding; digital products need to be reduced in size to allow transmission over systems with minimal bandwidth, staff must dedicate time and personnel to conduct these actions - Down trace units must be able to receive textual information and transform it into visual products such as a common operating picture - Methods to display analog products: battle board- large or small – center map with overlays, left side enemy, right side friend bottom center timelines; tabletop page protectors; shower curtain white board - Staff handover / commander update drills – when conducting shift changes or commander returns after an extended time away - Digital products allow only one person to look at them at one time (computer or cell phone screen), it is difficult to display multiple products at the same time - Risk to force and mission by producing a digital signature in a contested or denied environment, especially for units in front of the forward line of troops (FLOT) - Sand tables, map overlays, and other means of analog products enable faster, more collaborative, and more iterative planning and shared understanding - Take away: Detachments and Companies should utilize those 6 essential fighting products to enable visualization and understanding of the environment and synchronization of actions 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 weston.rich@socom.mil

This is part 1 of a 2-part interview focused on Fighting Products that are useful and essential to the planning and execution of Multi-Domian Large Scale Combat Operations with the Joint and Combined Force. A fighting product is a visual product that doctrine desires created by a staff to enable the commander to visualize the battlefield, understand the operational environment, and synchronize action in time and space. This supports the commander’s decision-making process and ensures common understanding throughout the unit. This interview covers the core fighting products that ARSOF Company staffs and above should be producing, additional products that are highly useful, and methods of displaying and sharing these products to increase shared understanding at the headquarters and up and down the chain of command. These fighting products have value at the Combat Training Centers and across the spectrum of operations from competition to conflict. About the Guest: MAJ Philip Ficken: Phil Ficken is the current Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-West 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 the of SOF Plans Chief 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: - MAJ Ficken conducted an NTC rotation as an AOB Commander and was coached on producing these same fighting products - Fighting products => enable commanders to visual / understand the operational environment and synchronize actions - 6 essential fighting products: Common Operating Picture / Common Intelligence Picture (COP / CIP), Execution Matrix, Information Collection Matrix (ICM), High Pay Off Target List (HPTL), Target Sync Matrix / Fire Support Execution Matrix (TSM / FSEM), Logistics Status Report (LOGSTAT) 1. COP / CIP: military symbols drawn over top of a map sheet or satellite imagine depicting friendly units, enemy units, obstacles, maneuver, significant actions/events, critical infrastructure etc. 2. Execution Matrix: graphs operations along time, y-axis is list of operations, x-axis is time, map out operations out 72 hours at a minimum, update constantly as battlefield changes, improve synchronization, identify decision points 3. ICM: maps out how friendly forces will answer intelligence requirements by time and method of collection 4. HPTL: prioritize list of targets whose loss will significantly contribute to friendly success, must be able to be acquired and engaged by your unit 5. TSM / FSEM: outlines how to Decide Detect Deliver and Assess on targets 6. LOGSTAT: report that provides the current on hand supply and forecasted future logistical requirements by commodity - Additional useful fighting products: Execution Checklist, Air Hope Timelines, Light and Weather Data, Information Requirements (CCIR, FFIR, PIR), Task Organization, Combat Power 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part 2 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 will be collected on; even if you aren’t completely dark in terms of tactical communication Ms, you are emitting signature of some kind - SOF digital force protection doesn’t depend on better encryption or better equipment, but instead smarter tactics and procedures. Timing is very important, if the enemy is tired, degraded, or preoccupied then it is safer for the SOF units to technically communicate. Also, off setting communication from planning and preparation areas on the battlefield - At the CTCs SOF units are collected on across the electromagnetic spectrum for administrative reason to educate the SOF training unit on what they look like on in terms of EMS - Target team to runs the planned targets for the and controls the opposing force on objective - Kai and the target team gather signals data throughout the rotation and conduct analysis to determine what signals are conventional forces versus SOF - Camouflage and physical protection for signals equipment - Power consumption for signals/communications equipment - thermal considerations for personal and equipment - Practice practice practice with your equipment, know what your zero drill is and when to use it, crypto roll over and frequency roll over drill - detection of a message versus interception and decryption of a message 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

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 weston.rich@socom.mil. 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 weston.rich@socom.mil. 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 weston.rich@socom.mil.   Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp ofSalty Sounds