Off the Radar, Special Operations Training Detachment

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

This is part one of a two-part 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 professional with a background in maneuver. Dylan started out his Army career as an Infantry Officer in 3rd BN 509th IN (ABN) in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Following his time as an Infantry Officer, Dylan attended the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course where he became a Military Intelligence Officer. His first assignment as an MI Officer was to 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade where he served in various assignments as an MI Officer. Following his time in 173rd Airborne, 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.   Dylan has attended nearly every Combat Training Center venue during his Army career. As an Infantry Platoon Leader, he conducted a JRTC rotation and served as a guest Observer Coach Trainer at the National Training Center. During his time as a Military Intelligence Officer in the 173rd Airborne, Dylan executed a rotation at Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Germany. As a Military Intelligence Officer in 75th Ranger Regiment, Dylan participated in a Joint Readiness Training Center exercise and the first 75th RR regimental rotation at the National Training Center.   Throughout this conversation, Dylan shares his experiences as a Military Intelligence professional and relates real-world operational experience to training he received at Combat Training Centers. Highlighting insights on what Military Intelligence, 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: - Realism of Military Intelligence: converting raw data into a percent of certainty of an outcome - Basics of how intelligence assessments are generated / intelligence cycle - How Intelligence professionals plan a key role in security in garrison and what a front line leader needs from a MI professional - Brief overview of Ranger Regiment and Ranger Assessment and Selection Program - The fundamental things intelligence Soldiers and Leaders should focus on during training - Compare and contrast conventional Airborne Infantry (173rd Airborne) rotation at Joint Multinational Readiness Center to SOF (75th RR) rotation at the National Training Center - Role of conventional versus Special Operations Forces; holding terrain or targeting high priority targets, close fight versus deep fight, prioritization of resources   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 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 15 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 the NTC. Highlighting insights on 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: - similarities and differences between medicinal care in the desert versus arctic - how coming from the Conventional Force helps you be a better Special Operations Forces Soldier - the Special Forces Medical Sergeant Training pipeline/experience - training in trauma and training on long term patient care (SOAP notes: subjective, objective, analysis, and prescriptions of care) - Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) versus prolonged field care (PFC) versus prolonged casualty care (PCC): overview of MARCH algorithm; PFC name focuses on environment, PCC focused on patient - real world example of how medical evacuations are being conducted in Ukraine - conventional medic capabilities versus a Special Forces Medic’s capabilities - 18D’s as the medical manager during treatment in prolonged care   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 the second part of a two-part conversation with CPT John Sinclair and MSG Wes Gatewood discussing Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha’s (SFOD-A) conducting Opposing Force or RED Force operations against a US Army Brigade Combat Team Augmented by US Army Special Operations Forces in a Large Scale Combat Training scenario across all domains (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC).   CPT Sinclair and MSG Gatewood share their experience executing REDSOF (RED SF) at the National Training Center. Highlighting insights on how they prepared for this rotation, what worked and what did not work for their Detachment, and their biggest take-aways from the rotation.   CPT Sinclair and MSG Gatewood have the distinct honor of being the first non-Burro Team members to be guests on the podcast and the Off the Radar team thank them for their time, dedication to the profession, and willingness to help improve the force through attending a Combat Training Center (CTC) rotation and sharing their lessons learned.   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: - the risk and potential rewards of not bringing enablers with the maneuver force; cost analysis on enablers and capabilities depending on mission set and area of operations -  balancing mission accomplishment and survivability -  thoughts on SF in LSCO prior to the rotation versus thoughts after the rotation - tactical targets versus operational or strategic targets; what types of missions and targets are appropriate for SOF and what is appropriate for conventional maneuver forces - recommendations for preparing for a CTC rotation -  recommendations for ways to improve REDSOF - lessons learned from an SFOD-A leadership team; SOF in LSCO and MDO, working with a conventional force and partner force; refreshing the basics especially planning   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 the first part of a two-part conversation with CPT John Sinclair and MSG Wes Gatewood discussing Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha’s (SFOD-A) conducting Opposing Force or RED Force operations against a US Army Brigade Combat Team Augmented by US Army Special Operations Forces in a Large Scale Combat Training scenario across all domains (land, air, space, cyberspace, information, and human) at the National Training Center (NTC).   CPT Sinclair and MSG Gatewood share their experience executing REDSOF (RED SF) at the National Training Center. Highlighting insights on how they prepared for this rotation, what worked and what did not work for their Detachment, and their biggest take-a-ways from the rotation.   CPT Sinclair and MSG Gatewood have the distinct honor of being the first non-Burro Team members to be guests on the podcast and the Off the Radar team thank them for their time, dedication to the profession, and willingness to help improve the force through attending a Combat Training Center (CTC) rotation and sharing their lessons learned.   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: - Preparing for REDSOF rotation at home station - Highlighting the importance of training the fundamental / basics - Integrating with 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment “Black Horse” and Task Force Reaper - What functions can REDSOF leverage from TF Reaper: Intel, Fires, Information Operations, Electronic Warfare - Working by, with, and through a partner force; partnered leadership and soldiers; role players filling other roles - Value of NTC; training on intelligence cycle, targeting cycling, visualization of the battlefield, mission command, forecasting operations, and developing commander’s intent - Training against a live free-thinking enemy and having to adjust to the battlefield as it changes   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 the third and final part of a three-part conversation with CPT Grant Cook discussing Special Operations Forces (SOF) Civil Affairs (CA) Teams and Civil Military Operations Centers (CMOC) conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National training Center (NTC) and across Combat Training Centers (CTCs).   CPT Grant Cook shares his experiences and observations on how best to approach a CTC rotation as a SOF CA professional. Through describing his personal experiences in both training and real-world operations; Grant illuminates how SOF CA is organized, how SOF CA functions operationally on its own and with Special Forces and Psychological Operations, and what SOF CA does for the Joint Force.   CPT Grant Cook recently finished his tour at the National Training Center as the lead Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) for Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs. As the lead SOF CA OC/T Grant took part in 6 rotations at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center coaching and mentoring CA teams, CMOCs, and SF AOB leadership and staff from across US Army Special Operations Command.   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: - Differences between SOF CA and conventional CA - directive 2000.13, directs al commanders to conduct civil affairs - USASOC authorities 525-38 Civil Military Engagement directive - Understanding what roles SOF CA and convention CA but recognizing that when you’re the only CA element at the point on the battlefield, you need to able to full either role - Value of the CTC when it comes to training the human and information dimensions - SOF CA and SOF PSYOP integration   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 the second part of a two-part conversation with CPT Eric Plummer discussing Special Operations Forces (SOF) Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Teams conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National training Center (NTC) and across Combat Training Centers (CTCs).   CPT Eric Plummer shares his experiences and observations on how best to approach a CTC rotation as a SOF PSYOP professional. Through describing his personal experiences in both training and real-world operations; Eric illuminates how SOF PSYOP is organized, how SOF PSYOP functions operationally on its own and with Special Forces and Civil Affairs, and what SOF PSYOP does for the Joint Force.   CPT Eric Plummer is a seasoned Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) at the National Training Center. He serves as the lead OC/T for Special Operations Forces Psychological Operations. As the lead SOF PSYOP OC/T Eric has taken part in 8 rotations at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center coaching and mentoring PSYOP teams and Detachments, and SF AOB leadership and staff from across US Army Special Operations Command.   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: - Value proposition of PSYOP at CTCs especially NTC - PSYOP integration with SF Company staff / non-kinetic targeting - Authorities and permissions competition vs conflict   - SOF PSYOP integration with Conventional PSYOP (USACAPOC) - Staff approval process and HICOM injects (or lack thereof) - Measures of performance and effectiveness; and how to gauge those - PSYOP’s role in LSCO   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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the second part of a three-part conversation with CPT Grant Cook discussing Special Operations Forces (SOF) Civil Affairs (CA) Teams and Civil Military Operations Centers (CMOC) conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National training Center (NTC) and across Combat Training Centers (CTCs).   CPT Grant Cook shares his experiences and observations on how best to approach a CTC rotation as a SOF CA professional. Through describing his personal experiences in both training and real-world operations; Grant illuminates how SOF CA is organized, how SOF CA functions operationally on its own and with Special Forces and Psychological Operations, and what SOF CA does for the Joint Force.   CPT Grant Cook recently finished his tour at the National Training Center as the lead Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) for Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs. As the lead SOF CA OC/T Grant took part in 6 rotations at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center coaching and mentoring CA teams, CMOCs, and SF AOB leadership and staff from across US Army Special Operations Command. 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: - How Observe Coach / Trainer approach coaching and mentoring Civil Affairs Teams - What a CAT / CMOC experiences during a CTC rotation leading up to the rotation and once they hit the ground - CA building rapport and demonstrating value to the AOB Leadership and PSYOP team -  Recommendation on prioritization of action for CA upon training scenario starting - Examples of how civil reconnaissance plays an important role in the whole of ARSOF’s understanding of the operational environment   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 the first part of a two-part conversation with CPT Eric Plummer discussing Special Operations Forces (SOF) Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Teams conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National training Center (NTC) and across Combat Training Centers (CTCs).   CPT Eric Plummer shares his experiences and observations on how best to approach a CTC rotation as a SOF PSYOP professional. Through describing his personal experiences in both training and real-world operations; Eric illuminates how SOF PSYOP is organized, how SOF PSYOP functions operationally on its own and with Special Forces and Civil Affairs, and what SOF PSYOP does for the Joint Force.   CPT Eric Plummer is a seasoned Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) at the National Training Center. He serves as the lead OC/T for Special Operations Forces Psychological Operations. As the lead SOF PSYOP OC/T Eric has taken part in 8 rotations at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center coaching and mentoring PSYOP teams and Detachments, and SF AOB leadership and staff from across US Army Special Operations Command.   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: - Eric describes his personal experiences in PSYOP and the Army - How PSYOP achieves dominance in the information dimension both in real-world operations and in training - PSYOP integration in the ARSOF Tribes - Regional versus Tactical PSYOP alinement structure - PSYOP task organization and home-station training - What the information environment looks like at the National Training Center - How to prepare for an upcoming rotation at the National Training Center   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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the first part of a three-part conversation with CPT Grant Cook discussing Special Operations Forces (SOF) Civil Affairs (CA) Teams and Civil Military Operations Centers (CMOC) conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National training Center (NTC) and across Combat Training Centers (CTCs).   CPT Grant Cook shares his experiences and observations on how best to approach a CTC rotation as a SOF CA professional. Through describing his personal experiences in both training and real-world operations; Grant illuminates how SOF CA is organized, how SOF CA functions operationally on its own and with Special Forces and Psychological Operations, and what SOF CA does for the Joint Force.   CPT Grant Cook recently finished his tour at the National Training Center as the lead Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) for Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs. As the lead SOF CA OC/T Grant took part in 6 rotations at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center coaching and mentoring CA teams, CMOCs, and SF AOB leadership and staff from across US Army Special Operations Command.   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: - How SOF CA is Task Organized and roles: Civil Affairs Teams, Civil Military Operations Centers, Company - The COMREL formal and informal that SOF CA typically works under operationally - Overview of the Military Occupation Specialties on a Civil Affairs Team - CA is preventative medicine, doing your job throughout competition, crisis, and conflict - Value of CA participating in Combat Training Centers   Please like, subscribe, comment 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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is part two of a two-part conversation with MAJ Michael Hitzner discussing Special Forces (SF) Companies (AOBs) and Teams (ODAs) conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National Training Center (NTC). He shares his extensive experience and observations on how best to approach a Combat Training Center (CTC) rotation and what he has learned from his time here at NTC. MAJ Hitzner recently finished his two-year tour at the National Training Center, spending a year as the Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-West Operations Officer/Exercise Control. Then his final year as the Officer in Charge of AOB-W. During this time, he conducted over 12 rotations, at NTC, JRTC, and JPMRC, observing and coaching SF AOBs and ODAs. 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: - How training for LSCO prepares you for competition missions - Should NTC or a CTC be used a certification / validation event or a pre-mission training (PMT)? - A recommendation for using a CTC as a certification / validation event. - When AOBs and Teams should start to prepare for a CTC rotation. - How to approach multi-domain operations, including suggested enablers to have with you - How tactical SOF actions effect the operational and strategic levels Please like, subscribe, comment 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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the first part of a two part conversation with MAJ Michael Hitzner discussing Special Forces (SF) Companies (AOBs) and Teams (ODAs) conducting training in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) across multi-domains at the National Training Center (NTC). He shares his immense experience and insights on how best to approach a Combat Training Center (CTC) rotation and what he has learned from his time here at NTC. MAJ Hitzner recently finished his two year tour at the National Training Center, spending a year as the Special Operations Training Detachment AOB-West Operations Officer/Exercise Control, then his final year as the Officer in Charge of AOB-W. During this time he conducted over 12 rotations observing and coaching SF AOBs and ODAs. 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: - Difference between home-station training and training at NTC - The value of SF AOBs and ODAs conducting a rotation at NTC - The unique and expansive resources that are brought in for a rotation at NTC - Where and how SF AOBs integrate with conventional forces - The focus of ARSOF training at NTC on the AOB and the value that SFOD-As receive from NTC - What it takes to survive and operate in the desert Please like, subscribe, comment 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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds

This is the conclusion of the interview with MSG Steven Connor focusing on what Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) can gain from training at the National Training Center (NTC). 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. In this episode we discuss: - Lessons learned from current real world conflicts - What winning and loosing at NTC look like - Working by, with, and through partnered forces both US and host nation - How training for Large Scale Conflict Operations (LSCO) helps ARSOF prepare for operations during competition / operations other than conflict - Training staff functions at the Detachment and Company level - Whether or not MSG Connor would volunteer to bring his future SF Company to NTC for a rotation Please like, scribe and share these episodes with any and all ARSOF or conventional Soldiers to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO. To provide feedback please look up the host, CPT Rich, on global and send an email. Please like, subscribe, comment 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. Production, editing, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds