JRTC CALL Cell

The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast

Government EN ↓ 100 episodes

The Joint Readiness Training Center is the premier crucible training experience. We prepare units to fight and win in the most complex environments against world-class opposing forces. We are America’s leadership laboratory. This podcast isn’t an academic review of historical vignettes or political-science analysis of current events. This is a podcast about warfighting and the skillsets necessary for America’s Army to fight and win on the modern battlefield.

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JRTC CALL Cell

Episodes

116 S05 Ep 08 – The Joint Aid Station-Rear and Beyond: Medical Coordination from the Line to the Rear at the JRTC 02.10.2025 52:40

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is CPT Christina Pierce, the Officer-in-Charge, Joint Aid St...

115 S13 Ep 05 - The First Tactical Problem: Contested Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, & Integration (RSOI) in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC G4 & Plans /Exercise Maneuver Control 24.09.2025 27:27

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are tw...

114 S13 Ep 04 - LOGSTATs and Lifelines: Getting Sustainment Right in Large Scale Combat Operations w/Two Senior JRTC Sustainers 17.09.2025 29:24

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fourteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are t...

113 S13 Ep 03 - Rotary-Wing Reality Check: Time, Terrain, and Tactical Reach on the Modern Battlefield 10.09.2025 25:22

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-thirteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are L...

112 S05 Ep 07 – Triage Under Fire: What Leaders Must Know About Prolonged Casualty Care, Pt 2/2 04.09.2025 57:59

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-twelfth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts in each of their warfighting field...

111 S13 Ep 02 - Command, Control, and the Art of Enabler Integration within the Brigade Combat Team 28.08.2025 20:33

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eleventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are MAJ...

110 S05 Ep 06 – Triage Under Fire: What Leaders Must Know About Prolonged Casualty Care, Part 1 of 2 21.08.2025 1:04:26

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-tenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts in each of their warfighting fields,...

109 S13 Ep 01 - Hip Pocket Training Premier and MDMP in the Defense 14.08.2025 36:46

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection Observer-Coach-Trainer, and MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, BDE S-3 Operations OCT, from Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are CPT Jo...

108 S02 Ep 18 – Bridging State Lines & Front Lines: How the Army National Guard Prepares for Modern Warfare w/COL Soults of TF Ryder, 2-34 IBCT (IA ARNG) 31.07.2025 59:01

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG) and CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today’s guest is the Commander of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, COL Eric Soults. The 2nd Infant...

107 S05 Ep 05 – Care under Fire: Combat Medicine in the Chaos of Large Scale Combat Operations w/Three JRTC Medical Professionals 24.07.2025 1:01:42

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior medical professionals, SFC Daniel Booker and M...

106 S03 Ep 11 – The Backbone of the Plan: Integrating NCOs into the Plan & Across the Warfighting Functions to Survive Large Scale Combat Operations w/JRTC Infantry TF CSMs 03.07.2025 54:09

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today’s guests are four seasoned infantry task force command sergeants major. CSM Lucas Young is the TF CSM for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trai...

105 S03 Ep 10 – Modern Infantry Tactics, Ancient Truths: The Reality of Large Scale Combat Operations across Multiple Domains w/JRTC Infantry TF Seniors 26.06.2025 1:06:00

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are four seasoned infantry task force seniors. LTC Andy Smith is the TF Senior for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trainer and six rotations as a ro...

104 S05 Ep 04 – From Brigade Support Battalion to Light Support BN in Mobility Brigade Combat Teams: Transforming Sustainment for Large Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Justin Bowman of 426 LSB 13.06.2025 1:19:00

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), LTC Bruce Roett on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are three seasoned medical professionals with 1st Mobility Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division....

103 S08 Ep 03 – Wings of the Future: The Screaming Eagle’s Air Assault 2.0 (L2A2) in a Multi-Domain Fight during LSCO w/BG Travis McIntosh (Eagle 09) 09.06.2025 58:56

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). The COG is joined by the Aviation Task Force’s TF Senior, LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York. Today’s guest is Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), BG Travis M...

102 S12 Ep 08 – La Familia at War: 7th SFG(A) “Red Empire” Adapts to Large Scale Combat Operation w/COL Nelson, CSM Dunn, & CW5 Villareal 15.05.2025 46:59

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are the command team for 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). COL Patrick “Pat” Nelson is the Commander of 7th SFG(A). CSM Adam Dunn is the Command Sergeant Major of 7th...

101 S11 Ep 07 – Understanding the Challenge of the Dragon: Decoding China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Tactics and Strategy w/Mr. Peter Wood of the Foreign Military Studies Office 08.05.2025 1:00:07

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-one episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Senior Intelligence Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Intelligence Task Force, COL Cory Reiter on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the senior military analyst at the China Desk within the Foreign Military Studies Office a...

100 S01 Ep 36 – Order in Chaos: The Art of Synchronizing Battalion Operations in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/the JRTC TF-2 Team 01.05.2025 55:44

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from Task Force Two (IN BN). LTC Andrew “Andy” Smith is the TF Senior for TF-2 (IN BN). MAJ Mackenzie “Macks” Colella is the BN Executive Offic...

099 S01 Ep 35 – From Wargaming to Warfighting: Military Decision Making Process That Delivers in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/the JRTC BC2 Team 23.04.2025 1:02:17

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-nineth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the LTC Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two other senior members of BC2, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff and MAJ Marc Howle....

098 S03 Ep 10 – No Shortcuts to Proficiency: Closing the Gap in Small Unit Lethality and Readiness 16.04.2025 50:01

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience. Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF-1 (IN BN), LTC Charles “Chuck” Wall on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the First Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company of Operations Group, 1SG Will Pogue. 1SG Pogue was previously a C...

097 S01 Ep 34 – Warfighting at Scale: Planning, Leadership, and Lessons Learned in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/LTG Anderson of XVIII Airborne Corps 10.04.2025 57:06

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the Commanding General for XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Gregory Anderson. The XVIII Airborne Corps was founded in January of 1942 just five weeks after the US entered World War II at what...

096 S04 Ep 05 – Drones in the Fight: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Echelon during Large-Scale Combat Operations w/LTC Mason Thornal & CW3 Jerrad Rader 03.04.2025 43:43

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are the notorious “Geronimo 06,” LTC Mason Thornal, and a seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainer across the fire support...

095 S05 Ep 03 – Blood, Sweat, and Battlefield Medicine: Medical Operations in Large-Scale Combat Operations w/two JRTC Medical Professionals 27.03.2025 53:02

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), LTC Bruce Roett on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two seasoned medical professionals with TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez and SFC Jason Kohne. CPT Velez i...

094 S02 Ep 17 – Leadership at Echelon & the Sergeant Major’s Impact on Warfighting within the BCT w/CSM Michael Hall 20.03.2025 48:52

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is a familiar face on The Crucible, the former Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG), CSM Michael Hall. This episode explores the evolving role of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in l...

093 S01 Ep 33 – Large-Scale Combat Operations Symposium 2024 w/COL Ricky Taylor 13.03.2025 2:03:25

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience’ and the fourth* annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are all seasoned observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) from across Operations Group, LTC Bruce Roett, LTC Amoreena York, LTC Westly “Wes...

092 S01 Ep 32 – The Backbone of the Battlefield: Command Sergeants Major in Large-Scale Combat w/CSM Oracio Pena and CSM Michael Hall 05.03.2025 44:16

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ), LTC Timothy Price on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are two senior command sergeants major, CSM Oracio Pena and CSM Michael Hall. CSM Pena is the Post Command Serge...