033 S01 Ep 09 – Company Grade Lessons Learned in Large Scale Combat Operations from Two Seasoned OCTs, CPT Elifson & CPT Duam of JRTC

The Crucible - The JRTC Experience Podcast

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, CPT Katherine Elifson and CPT Richard Duam. CPT Katherine “Katie” Elifson (L70) is the distribution company observer-coach-trainer from TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). CPT Richard “Richie” Duam (C10) is a rifle company OCT for TF-1 (infantry battalion).

In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the company and battalion echelons from two seasoned company grade officers. From the maneuver side, leaders must shift from “battle tracking” to actually “fighting” their units while maintaining adequate command and control, specifically understanding where units are in time and space in relation to friendly and enemy units. And, to truly be successful on the modern battlefield, leaders must employ combined arms maneuver that is lead with joint fires. From the sustainment side, leaders must understand the capability of assets and then C2 in a complex environment. The only way for sustainers to get “sets & reps” is through the employment of those same assets while at home-station, which is going to require a culture change.

Observed attributes of high-performing company grades:

• Should want to help your battalion/squadron and brigade succeed.
• Anticipate problems & take the initiative to solve.
• Give bottom-up refinement.
• Expect to be the “eyes & ears” of your BCT’s warfighting functions.

Successful battalions:

• Working off vetted SOPs allows there to be a better balance between current & future ops.
• Cannot wait for higher headquarters orders, must start basic planning / preparation process simultaneously.
• LOGSTATs are key to allowing logistics to be adequately forecasted & be able to sustain the fight.
• Develop systems & processes through the development of subordinate leaders, especially NCOs.

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

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“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.