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