Podcasts about infantry brigade combat team

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the former Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. This will be his last episode to host, but we may seem him as a guest in the future. Today's guests are two key members from 2nd Battalion, 130 Infantry Regiment, MAJ Edward Worman and SGT Stephanie Smith. MAJ Worman is the Battalion Commander for 2-130th IN and SGT Smith is the S-2 Intelligence Section Non-Commisioned Officer-in-Charge.   The 2nd Battalion of 130th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the Illinois Army National Guard. 2-130 IN has an extensive and illustrious history dating back to the War of 1812. Since its establishment, the battalion has served in every conflict that the US Army has participated in, from the Mexican War to the Civil War to Indian Wars of the American Frontier to battlefields of World War I to the island hoping campaign in the Pacific Theater of World War II to the various conflicts of the Cold War and finally in support of the Global War on Terror. They are one of the infantry battalions for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, formerly the 66th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, but for their rotation at the JRTC they were attached to the 32nd IBCT of the Wisconsin ARNG. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Blackhawks,” the nickname of “Fourth Illinois,” and the motto of “Always Ready.”   In this episode we discuss the lessons learned at the battalion echelon for conducting large scale combat operations across multiple domains. Specifically, we focus on the information requirements for the battalion commander and his subordinate company commanders as well as best practices of an efficient battalion staff. At the battalion echelon, the commander needs timely and accurate reporting; tactical patience; and understand where leaders need to be on the battlefield. Battlefield circulation is critical during transitions between various phases of the operation. Smart-books and the TRADOC G-2 World Equipment Guide (WEG) are your friend. Staff sections should update and maintain their overlays to provide the commander with updated graphics to make decisions, such as modified combined obstacle overlay and threat overlays plus event matrix. The most successful battalions at the JRTC are those that don't overly rely on digital products and instead use analog products. Remember, to be detected is to be targeted is to be killed.   The number one question that commanders and staff ask across the force is how can we get better at the military decision making processes (MDMP)? There's no shortcut, it's simply sets and repetitions that make staffs better at MDMP. While both our guests did exceptionally well during their crucible rotation, it is nearly certain that some may feel that it is unrealistic that such junior leaders would fill those roles. We at the JRTC would argue that the opposite is true as it should be expected that large scale combat operations would inflict a high attrition rate upon our forces, demanding junior leaders to fill the void.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.    

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience' and the third annual Large Scale Combat Operations Symposium. Hosted by CW2 Jerrad Rader, the Brigade Targeting Officer OCT for BDE Command & Control (BCT HQ) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today's guest is Brigade Targeting Officer for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, CW3 James Crain.   The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is an active Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the United States Army based at Fort Drum in New York. The brigade headquarters carries the lineage of the 10th Mountain Division's original headquarters company, and served as such in World War II, and in peacetime at Fort Riley, Fort Benning, and West Germany in the 1940s and 1950s. 1st BCT has numerous deployments to contingencies around the world in the 1990s and later in support of the Global War on Terrorism. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Warriors” and the motto of “Find a way or make one.”   In this episode, we talk targeting cycle challenges, insights, and best practices for integrating and synchronizing joint fires from the perspective of two seasoned warrant officers. Fires are normally used in concert with maneuver, which helps shape the battlespace, setting conditions for decisive action. At the brigade echelon, this methodology focuses on the employment of fires within the brigade's deep-fight with the maneuver battalions focused on the brigade's close-fight. Another effective employment method is their use to support the brigade's close-fight, which incorporates the use of the maneuver battalions' mortars into the fires plan. Effective brigade fires during large-scale combat operations require the integration and synchronization of fire support with maneuver plans, leveraging joint fires, and maintaining clear command and control structures. A robust targeting process and decentralized execution allow for rapid and accurate fire missions. Logistical support ensures sustained operations, while counter-fire capabilities protect against enemy artillery. Continuous training and rehearsals are essential to maintaining proficiency and ensuring that brigade fires provide decisive, responsive firepower that supports the brigade's overall objectives on the battlefield.   Part of S07 “Joint Fires Discussions” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by LTC Mason Thornal, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group.  Today's guest is the Brigade Commander for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL James Stultz.   The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which was activated on 1 July 1941 at Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore), GA. The IBCT draws its infantry battalions primarily from the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Strike,” but commonly called “Five oh Duece,” and the motto of “Strike.” (The rest of the motto is “I fight where I am told, and win where I fight.”) They are easily identified by the black heart patches on their helmets dating back to preparation for the invasion of France in World War II and have been known by the enemy as the “Black Hearts Brigade.”   In this episode we discuss how leaders should prepare for large scale combat operations from an air assault perspective. Specifically, we discuss how the brigade with division assets was able to conduct the first large-scale, long-range air assault for nearly thirty years. Strike was able to lift an entire infantry battalion and various enablers simultaneously. The air assault task force then flew over seven hundred miles, utilizing several forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) before arriving at their area of operation.   Additionally, we look at how commanders and their staffs build training plans, standard operating procedures, and conduct countless rehearsals, staff exercises, and various field problems in preparation for conducting effective air assaults under combat conditions.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   Don't forget to check-out the 101st Airborne Division's social media pages for more information on large-scale, long-range air assaults, their handles are ‘101st Airborne' on Facebook, ‘101stAASLTDIV' on X, and ‘101stabndivaa' on Instagram.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry, COL Robert Shaw.   The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division (Light), which was activated on 1 October 1941 in Hawaii mere days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, conducts military operations primarily in the Asia-Pacific region and has been in every conflict the U.S. has been involved in since its activation. On order, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deploys, fights, and wins in Unified Land Operations any place in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and conducts continuous and persistent engagement with regional partners to shape the environment and prevent conflict across the Pacific area of responsibility. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Bronco” and the motto of “None Better.”   In this episode we discuss how leaders should prepare for large scale combat operations from the light infantry perspective. Specifically, we look at commanders and their staffs build training plans, standard operating procedures, and conduct countless rehearsals, staff exercises, and various field problems in preparation for going to war or arriving at one of the US Army's combat training centers, like the Joint Readiness Training Center. After each iteration, organizations at echelon should capture their success and their pathways to success to remedy identified vulnerabilities.   An interesting point that is discussed is that leaders need to not only have tenacity but initiative to never quit until the mission is accomplished. This requires leaders to strive to succeed and do the hard tasks in life, which inevitably means that some will not succeed initially but will have to persevere until they do. As leaders we must not only mentor our subordinates but identify talent and then nurture it.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by CPT Nicolaus Rohrbough is the battalion assistant S-3 operations observer-coach-trainer for TF-4 (CAV Squadron) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today's guest is the Commander of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, LTC Ryan Nugent as well as one of his troop's executive officers, 1LT Aiden Hutchinson   The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment draws its lineage from a World War II tank destroyer battalion. In an interesting bit of trivia, the IBCT was for over a decade known as the 4th IBCT of 10th Mountain, but when the Army redesigned division for the “Army of 2020” concept, they became 3rd IBCT of 10th Mountain. (The “Spartan” Brigade was inactivated in August 2014.) They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Slugger” or “Patriot Recon” and the motto of “Ready Now,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.”   In this episode we discuss the role of the cavalry squadron in large scale combat operations, supporting both the division as the primary unit of action as well as the BCT's close fight. The CAV squadron was very aggressive with their employment of small unmanned aircraft systems to further extend their reach while dominating the transparent battlefield. Taking lessons learned from both the Nagorno-Karabakh War and the ongoing Russo-Ukraine Conflict, the squadron trained their troops to deploy their sUAS in support of all operations, but especially while halted and dismounted to ensure that they make contact with the enemy first via a sensor package of their drones. A best practice for their squadron was the establishment of a UAS master trainer to ensure that at each echelon they had depth of the personnel trained on each applicable UAS as well as helping each troop commander build their training plans. The squadron also worked with their MICO to incorporate signals intelligence teams and electronic warfare teams into all major troop level training events. The also incorporated indirect fires as many collective training events as possible to build proficiency in bringing “steel rain” to the enemy.   Part of S04 “Scouts Out” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (COG), CSM Michael Hall. Today's guest is the Command Sergeant Major of 3-89th Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, CSM Andrew Baxter. The 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment also draws its heritage from the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion of infamy during the North African Campaign of World War II. In an interesting bit of trivia, the IBCT was for over a decade known as the 4th IBCT of 10th Mountain, but when the Army redesigned division for the “Army of 2020” concept, they became 3rd IBCT of 10th Mountain. (The “Spartan” Brigade was inactivated in August 2014.) They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Slugger” and the motto of “Ready Now,” while the IBCT has the call-sign “Patriots” and the motto of “Forged for War.” In this episode we discuss the roll of the noncommissioned officer within a cavalry squadron as well as the Army as a whole. The NCOs are the commanders' “linebackers” with the goal of maintaining good order and discipline of the formation. As leaders, we have to strive to shift our formations from the garrison mindset to a “combat” mindset focused on lethality and overall readiness. We have to re-hone the edge of the NCO corps to be much more focused on direct leadership instead of the more passive, non-confrontational approach while still being professional, especially for our junior NCOs. The value of the specialist within our formations cannot be overemphasized as they fill the gap between Soldier and the NCO corps having proven their merit by mastering their skill level one tasks.   Part of S04 “Scouts Out” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Introduction: Welcome to the VinnyRoc Podcast. In this episode, we're honored to introduce Captain Florent A. Groberg, a symbol of bravery and selflessness in the U.S. Army. His story is one of extraordinary valor and sacrifice. Military Service and Leadership: Captain Groberg served as the Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. His leadership was pivotal during crucial combat operations in Asadbad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. A Day of Heroism: On August 8, 2012, Captain Groberg's courage was put to the ultimate test. Leading a dismounted movement with several high-ranking officials, he faced a life-threatening situation that demanded instant action and unflinching bravery. Decisive Action Against Imminent Threat: Identifying a suicide bomber within the formation, Captain Groberg selflessly placed himself in harm's way. His quick thinking and decisive actions in pushing the bomber away saved countless lives, displaying his extraordinary heroism and commitment to his fellow soldiers. Aftermath and Impact: The explosion resulted in casualties, but Captain Groberg's actions significantly minimized the attack's impact. His ability to act swiftly under pressure averted a potentially devastating outcome for the entire formation. Legacy of Valor: Captain Groberg's actions reflect the highest military service traditions, embodying the essence of selfless service and bravery. His story is a testament to the courage and dedication of those who serve in the U.S. Army.   AND… During this podcast, we don't talk much about that because you can google that. We talk about Family and being a FATHER!   We sincerely thank our sponsors for their unwavering support of the VinnyRoc Podcast. Their commitment enables us to deliver content that informs, educates, and engages consistently.   Core Medical Group: Striving to pioneer wellness solutions and help you achieve optimal well-being. Visit https://www.coremedicalgrp.com to discover more. GMR Gold: Offering premium gold and silver investment options to elevate your wealth. Explore more at https://www.gmrgold.com. Everest: The ultimate marketplace for the great outdoors. Embark on your adventure today at https://www.everest.com. Modern Gun School: Dedicated to enriching your firearms knowledge with a comprehensive curriculum. Find out more at https://mgs.edu.   We value each sponsor's contribution and appreciate their dedication to our shared goals.   For those who haven't yet, we invite you to watch our latest episode on YouTube, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming content. If you find our discussions valuable, please share them within your networks.   Thank you for your continued support of the VinnyRoc Podcast.   #VinnyRocPodcast #ThankYouSponsors

Through Nov. 10, U.S. Army Pacific is hosting a large scale exercise on Oahu and Hawaii Island with more than 5,000 soldiers, sailors and air force personnel from across the world. The Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are being evaluated by observers on their preparedness for real world combat in the Indo-Pacific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-ninth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest has been the only one to pull a “hat trick” or three successful returns to the podcast, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship also known as Muldoon 07. (His other episodes are eleven and twenty-six.)   In this episode we heavily focus on conducting effective offensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor defensive operations into deliberate offensive operations and vice-versa. In the offense, this includes establishing hasty defensive positions of recently acquired key terrain and hunter-killer teams or small-kill teams that employ anti-armor weapons or sniper weapons systems in micro-ambushes.   Combined arms maneuver with appropriate sustainment assets and enablers across multiple domains rules the battlefield even in the 21st century. For the platoon this entails executing the basics, small unit tactics, violently and through discipline initiative and creativity employing enablers or technology to be force multipliers. (Such as using small unmanned aerial systems to spot and adjust indirect fire from an Mk-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher onto enemy positions.)   A common point of friction at the JRTC, is how units transition from one operation to another and avoid what is colloquially called “avoiding the valleys of death” that is so often the result of poor transitions. Remember, transitions mark a change of focus in an operation, which can be planned or unplanned as well as mark the conclusion of one operation or a setback of another. Effective transitions require planning and preparation well before their execution, so the platoon can maintain the momentum and initiative against the enemy. A proven best practice is the rehearsal of critical transitions, such as the transition from the defense to the offense. Risks increase during transitions, so commanders establish clear conditions for their execution. At platoon level this is done through the rehearsal of battle drills and immediate action drills, which mitigates some of the risk higher echelons face during transitions.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is a repeat offender from episode eleven, the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship, also known as Muldoon 07.   The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in July 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” with 2nd BN having the call-sign of “Task Force-2 Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.” (Third Platoon having the call-sign of “Muldoon.”)   In this episode we discuss various nuances of planning and executing joint forcible entry operations through vertical envelopment. Leaders must be very deliberate in their planning of soldier load and the inclusion of mission essential equipment when compared against the commander's intent and your troops-to-task. The age-old adage, “ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain,” rings true for the modern lightfighter as it did in ages past.   This episode also heavily focuses on conducting effective defensive operations at the platoon and company echelons. One important aspect of large-scale combat operations is the incorporation of minor offensive operations into deliberate defensive operations and vice-versa. In the defense, this includes conducting reconnaissance and surveillance patrols while during the offense, hasty defensive positions should be dug with critical weapon systems overlooking key pieces of terrain.   Platoons must be prepared emphasis to self-sustain and fully embrace the “no one is coming to save you” mentality. (“The Last Tactical Kilometer.”) An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-fifth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is the Brigade Commander for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne, COL Richard “Ricky” Taylor.   The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in June 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. (The fifth being earned during Operation Urgent Fury to restore a free government to Grenada in October 1983.) After the Vietnam War, the 505th PIR participated in various military operations. Among them were Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Inherent Resolve. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.”   In this episode, we discuss some of the lessons learned for brigade and battalion leaders during large-scale combat operations. COL Taylor summarized it as: Being humble and being coachable Importance of synchronization of fire and maneuver Battlefield Circulation of Key Leaders Commander's Role in the Planning Process Defining risk vs. opportunity & communicating that with DIV HQ A reoccurring theme on the podcast, is the acknowledgement that those that learn fastest on the battlefield are almost always the ones whom succeed on the battlefield. Senior leaders within the brigade mentor junior leaders with special emphasis on company commanders and captains across the staff on both the art and science of conducting combined arms maneuver in LSCO. Specifically, leaders should come prepared to discuss the following 8 questions at every planning session: What's your combat-power and your projected slant for the next 24hrs? What do you know about the enemy? What's your composition / disposition? What's the enemy's composition / disposition? What are your concerns & risks at your echelon? Do you have any recommendations? What are your logistics / sustainment concerns? What are your planning horizons?   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.  

An Army soldier has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his newlywed wife. Zarrius Hildabrand, 21, a member of the Alaska National Guard's 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands accused of fatally shooting his wife, Saria Hildabrand, also 21, and then attempting to cover up the crime by stashing her body in a storm drain.  The Anchorage Police Department revealed that the disturbing series of events began when Hildabrand reported Saria missing on the evening of Monday, August 7. The couple had returned home in the early hours of Sunday, August 6, after celebrating Zarrius' birthday with friends. A neighbor later reported hearing a gunshot in the vicinity around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday.  Hildabrand initially claimed that Saria had walked to work at a local restaurant between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. that same day, saying they were both too hungover to drive. He reported her missing to the police when he went to pick her up from work at 7 p.m. and realized she never arrived. Desperate and concerned, he turned to social media, posting messages on Facebook about his wife's disappearance and even assisting Saria's mother, Meredith Barney, in searching for her.  However, the unfolding investigation raised serious doubts about Hildabrand's account. A friend of the couple informed the police that Saria had not planned to work on August 6. Contradictions in Hildabrand's statements and evidence found at their apartment led detectives to delve deeper into the case.  When police searched the couple's apartment, they discovered two loaded pistols on the kitchen table, one of which was missing a bullet. Detectives also noticed peculiar details, including a missing bed sheet replaced by a mattress pad with new sheets nearby. Hildabrand's reluctance to let the police inspect the bed raised further suspicions.  As the investigation progressed, more incriminating evidence emerged. Hildabrand was found to have purchased a variety of items on August 6, including a jar of marinara sauce, a set of sheets matching those in their apartment, a mattress cover, hydrogen peroxide, and an empty spray bottle. A large 96-gallon garbage can was also purchased from a nearby store. Police later located a mop and mop bucket that matched those sold on the same aisle as the garbage can.  Tragically, the investigation reached its conclusion when a drone search uncovered Saria Hildabrand's remains concealed in a 4-by-5-foot storm drain near the couple's apartment. She had suffered a gunshot wound to the left temple.  The couple, who had met during basic training the previous summer, were married in December 2022. Saria had moved from Utah to Alaska just six months prior to be with her new husband.  Zarrius Hildabrand was appointed a public defender and is being held on a $500,000 bond.  Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-first episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman.  Today's guest is the battalion command sergeant major from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, CSM Joseph Lachnit within the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.   The 2nd IBCT was officially activated in February 1985 along with the rest of the division. While 10th Mountain Division was originally established to fight in the brutal mountains of the Italian campaign of WWII, 2-14 IN has an extensive and illustrious history dating back to the Civil War. Since its establishment, the battalion has served in every conflict that the US Army has participated in, from the Indian Wars of the American Frontier to the Boxer Rebellion to the mountains of Italy in World War II to the various conflicts of the Cold War and even Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. The battalion's call-sign is the “Golden Dragons” with the motto of “Right of the Line.”   In this episode we discuss some of the overall mindset required to be an infantryman on the modern battlefield as well as exploring some of the leadership traits required to successfully lead troops in combat. A reoccurring theme highlighted on the podcast is that there isn't a secret to conducting infantry operations, whether as part of a special operations task force or in conventional forces. Instead, modern infantry formations must focus on the fundamentals and being able to execute them violently across multiple domains. At the battalion level, leaders must focus on helping companies achieve the brigade's objectives, thus making the entire organization better. In large scale combat operations, senior non-commissioned officers have to own sustainment operations for their organizations. Closing the last tactical kilometer in sustainment operations was also emphasized, which is a reoccurring theme on the podcast.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

A special Memorial Day show on The Ward Scott Files, Monday, May 29, at 9am EDT with a member of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida National Guard, from the border in Del Rio, Texas, along the Rio Grande.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guests are the field grade officers from 2-501st PIR, MAJ Doug Meyer and MAJ Anthony Formica from 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.   The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment was established in November 1942 as part of the 101st Airborne Division but was deactivated after World War II. 2nd Battalion, 501st PIR was deployed to Vietnam as a member of 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and then was deactivated following the Vietnam War. Fast-forward to 2013 after some time spent in Alaska, 2-501st PIR became part of 1/82nd ABN as one of their infantry battalions. The battalion's call-sign is “Geronimo” while at the JRTC they are jokingly referred to as the “Good Geronimo” since our OPFOR has the same call-sign. (The BCT's call-sign is “Devil and their motto of “Strike and Hold.”)   During GEN Mark Milley's tenure as Chief of Staff of the Army, he stated that he wanted “rotations at the Combat Training Centers to be like Ranger School but for BCT formations.” Our guests in this episode can in fact confirm that the JRTC has lived up to this request.   In this episode they discuss some of lessons learned as told through the eyes of a battalion's two field grade, staff officers. They emphasize the importance of a battalion's “Top 5” leaders needing to work as an effective team which results in the battalions functioning as a team at large. Additionally, they highlight the need for the field grades across the brigade to have an open dialogue, which will then overcome a lot of the bureaucratic traps that staff sections can often find themselves locked in. The area they emphasized was the need for units needing to establish, vet, disseminate, and test their systems prior to attending a rotation. This comes in the form of roles and responsibilities for staff sections coupled with the establishment of their standard operating procedures.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eleventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is the Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (2-505th PIR), 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, SFC Tyler Manship. The 505th PIR has the honor of being one of the oldest airborne units in the U.S. military as they were activated in July 1942 during World War II and earned four of its five combat jumps during the fierce fighting of WWII. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Panther” with 2nd BN having the call-sign of “Task Force-2 Panther” and the motto of “H-Minus.”   For the rotation in question, Panther Brigade supported the rotation by providing augmentation leaders and Soldiers to assist as both Observer-Coach-Trainers (OCTs) and Opposing Force (OPFOR) personnel.   In this episode they discuss the importance of rigorous, realistic, and relevant training, whether it's Ranger School for the individual or collectively at the JRTC as the Rotational Training Unit. The importance of these type of training events cannot be overstated as it builds the foundation for our warfighters through arduous trials that cultivate character and humility while providing leaders expertise as well as a shared experience basis. This process gives both the leader and subordinate confidence in themselves, their leadership, and the organization in general. They additionally delve into leader development with an emphasis on the Non-Commissioned Officer side-of-the-house. NCOs must be able to not only understand doctrine but be able to utilize it. Platoons must be prepared to self-sustain and fully embrace the “no one is coming to save you” mentality. (“The Last Tactical Kilometer.”) An underlying theme that applies to every warfighting function (WfF) is you must master the fundamentals before you can attempt the master skillsets and this applies at echelon.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the tenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is a repeat offender on the podcast, the commander of 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, COL Theodore Kleisner. Established during the fierce fighting in the Italian campaigns of World War II, 1/82 was employed in multiple brush wars throughout the Cold War as well as in Operation Desert Storm and later as part of Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo before deploying in support of the Global War on Terror. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Devil and the motto of “Strike and Hold.”   In this episode they discuss some of the trends from the Devil Brigade completing two iterations at the Joint Readiness Training Center with the majority of the leadership throughout the entire process. Also discussed are some lessons learned as well as the points of friction that were identified as the Devil Brigade transitioned from planning to execution. One of the major topics of discussion were the various nuances to building an effective joint task force that is capable of conducting an airborne joint forcible entry operation into a heavily contested environment and the challenges of moving all the heavy equipment into the Devils' newly seized battlespace.   This is the sequel to their episode with COL Kleisner and Team Devil that took place at the end of the Leader Training Program, which is part of the training glide-path for their rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guests are both brigade staff with 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). CPT Pamela Donais is the Chief of Plans and CPT Nickolas Ondrla is the Brigade Training Officer with the S-3 operations staff section. 1/101 ABN has a long and illustrious history dating back to trench-warfare in WWI to glider assaults during WWII to air mobile warfare in Vietnam and then air assault operations in Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. They are easily identified by the clubs (not shamrocks) patches on their helmets dating back to preparation for the invasion of France in World War II and have the Hollywood call-sign of “Bastogne.”   In this episode they discuss life as a brigade staff officer and the preparation glide-path to coming to the Combat Training Centers. Special attention is placed on the common points-of-friction within brigade and battalion staffs as they transition to operating in a large-scale combat operations environment against a peer opposing force. An interesting note, the Bastogne Brigade flew more tactical unmanned aerial systems missions than any other unit over the last five years and conducted more rotary-wing sling-load tactical resupply missions than all the other units combined for the last year. Additionally, they discuss the importance of planning and how the Leader Training Program prior to their rotation allowed them to get multiple iterations / repetitions while conducting multi-echelon planning cycles.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.     For additional information and insights from this episode, please checkout our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today's guest is the commander of 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), COL Kevin Sharp. 1/101 ABN has an extensive and illustrious history dating back to trench-warfare in the Moselle River valley in 1917 and became one of the original members of the 101st Airborne in 1942 as their glider infantry regiment. They are easily identified by the clubs (not shamrocks) patches on their helmets dating back to preparation for the invasion of France in World War II and has the Hollywood call-sign of “Bastogne.”   In this episode they discuss some of the things that the Bastogne Brigade would have liked to have known prior to the start of their rotation as well as some of the keys to success they embodied. Specifically, Bastogne's training glidepath that focused on re-honing their squads and platoons to be able to fire and maneuver during large scale combat operations while their staffs conducted concurrent deliberate planning for future operations. Additionally, they address being able to sustain the fight and how light infantry needs to plan to close the last 100 meters to their units for tactical resupply.   Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.

This edition features a stories about how Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team presided over a change of command ceremony and how the Commandant and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps visited Marines in Kandahar, Afghanistan over the weekend. Soundbites include Gen. James F. Amos - Commandant of the Marine Corps. Produced by Sgt. Andrew Milner and produced by Sgt. Jenn Casanova.

Throughout Thomas Bryant's time in the Army, he has come to find his resiliency has taken him on a never-ending battle to be the best he can be when facing any new challenge. In 2006, Bryant was wounded in an ambush during his first deployment to Afghanistan with this unit, the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was sent to Germany where he would spend a year in the Warrior Transition Unit. There, it was found he had cancer for the second time, he said. His first time was when he was 19, but this time he was told it had moved up to his abdomen, lungs and pelvic area. 5th RTB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5thrtb _______________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil Mentors4mil Shop: https://www.youtube.com/c/MentorsforMilitary/store

This week, we're celebrating Veteran's Day and all those who have served! To honor our Veterans across the country, we're having a conversation with commander (CDR) Jeanette Arencibia, a Plans, Operations, and Medical Intelligence officer for the Marine Corps Forces Reserve Command and the Marine Corps Forces Southern Command. Today CDR Arencibia will discuss her definition of leadership and the dynamic relationship that exists between the military and rural healthcare. “I really look forward to a time when I can dedicate myself to what's going on in the civilian sector and utilizing some of my military experience to practice that in our own country” -CDR Janette Arencibia CDR Arencibia is an accomplished Plans, Operations, and Medical Intelligence (POMI) officer. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, she graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Science Education and a Master's in Public Administration–Public Health as a Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow Awardee in 1996. Upon a direct commission to Lieutenant Junior Grade in 2003, CDR Arencibia earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Navy War College and is a graduate of the Marine Corps University. CDR Arencibia is as well a graduate of the Global Health Strategies for Security program at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. Commander Arencibia's initial assignment at the Naval School of Health Sciences(NSHS)was as Officer in Charge of Healthcare Facilities. Upon transfer, she completed her first of several Individual Augmentee tours in support of the Oregon Army National Guard 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team; Operation Enduring Freedom and was assigned Chief, Joint Visitor's Bureau (JVB) for Task Force Phoenix V-Afghanistan. She served as Officer in Charge of the first Female Afghan National Army Security Unit. In September 2006, she reported to NRD New England and then to the National Naval Medical Center as Department Head for Contingency Operations. CDR Arencibia assumed lead medical planning roles in support of Operation Unified Response (USNS COMFORT) and Continuing Promise 2010 (USS IWOJIMA). She was selected as a Plans, Operations, and Medical Intelligence Officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Joint Staff Surgeon Internship program at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. During her Joint Staff tenure, she completed Verification, Validation, and Accreditation of the Joint Medical Planning Tool, now a required casualty estimation tool per the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan. CDR Arencibia was subsequently assigned as the Lead Medical Planner for NORAD/NORTHCOM followed by her assignment to Marine Forces Central Command whereby she instituted Global Health Engagements resulting in noted capability improvements to international bilateral agreements between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Follow-on assignments include U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) and USNS COMFORT GlobalHealth Advisor in response to the 2019 Venezuelan Crisis. As Deputy Medical Director and interim Medical Director, she completed her assignment at Naval Amphibious Force, TF 51/5thMarine Expeditionary Brigade, Crisis Response having instituted the R2LMERSS Playbook for continuity of operations during COVID-19. A Joint Qualified Officer, CDR Arencibia is recently returned as Deputy Surgeon, United Forces South Korea. Commander Janette Arencibia's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy-Marine Commendation Medal (two awards) along with various individual and unit decorations.

Patrick Salvador served his country in Iraq on two tours his memories of the friend who didn't make it home, a man who has memories and stores many who sever find hard to tell. So many of our veterans who have come back maybe here but there is a need to welcome them home. There's many who thank them for serving - many who even one day or one battle would not be able to cope with what comes after. Guys like me the story tellers - the shadows know the faccts like Patrick, who is Filipino American, seved wth the elite Stryker Brigade. From November 2003 to November 2004, the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the sands of Iraq the 3rd Brigade Stryker Brigade Combat Team proved the value of the Stryker brigade concept in combat and logistics operations On the second tour, a brutal one for casualties and injuries, From June 2006 to September 2007, the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the 3rd Stryker Brigade's second deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom their mission was to assist the Iraqi security forces with counter-insurgency operations in the Ninewa Province. Following a second RIP (Relief in Place) with 172nd SBCT, the BDE split between the bridge proper and 1st BDE, 1st CAV DIV. The respective units were based out of Balad, Taji, and Greater Baghdad. The bulk of the 46 soldiers that were killed in action during the deployment, occurred during this time frame. On 1 June 2006 at Fort Lewis, Washington the 4th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division was formed. From April 2007 to July 2008 the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team was deployed in as part of the surge to regain control of the situation in Iraq. The brigade assumed responsibility for the area north of Baghdad and the Diyala province. 35 soldiers from the brigade were killed during the deployment. From October 2006 to January 2008, the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed from Fort Carson, Colorado in support of the Multi-National Division – Baghdad (1st Cavalry Division) and was responsible for assisting the Iraqi forces to become self-reliant, bringing down the violence and insurgency levels and supporting the rebuilding of the Iraqi infrastructure. 43 soldiers from the brigade were killed during the deployment. Let's remember to never forget those who served and fought in our names and for our protection and freedom those in conflicts that just ended and those who have been a part of history we know was how America is what it is today. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mike-k-cohen/support

Michael E. Nolan was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, but grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He is the son of an Irish-American sailor who married a beautiful Puerto Rican from a good family. His dad would spend a few decades, after leaving the Navy and having a stint at the University of Michigan, engaged in various creative entrepreneurial endeavours until he eventually became a farrier, invented the Nolan Hoof Plate, and enjoyed some modest success towards the end of his days. The entrepreneurial roller coaster of his father's life, however, was offset by Michael's mother who provided the family with some stability through her own employment at the Ohio State University and the support of her family back in Puerto Rico.Once he turned eighteen, Michael joined the military as an infantryman and eventually served in the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserves, and the Army National Guard between the years 1990 to 2016. During his military service, he participated in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Provide Promise/Deny Flight, and United Nations Operation Somalia with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. With the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines he participated in Joint Task Force Six along the U.S.-Mexican border. He also did two tours in Iraq, first with the 1452nd Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-05, and then with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-08. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3 awards), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (7 awards), and the Combat Infantryman's Badge among others.During this time, Michael graduated magna cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Franklin University. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree (2006) from the University of Phoenix as well as a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy (2013) from The Eisenhower School at National Defense University where Michael was an Afghanistan/Pakistan Fellow and a member of the Land Combat Systems industry study. He also has almost twenty years of civilian service in both the defence and intelligence arenas that included roles as the Chief Financial Officer for the standup of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency as well as a Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Defense of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.Having been raised by an entrepreneur and seeing first-hand how to start, build, and eventually sell a business, Michael was always tinkering with businesses of his own. This ranged from ventures as diverse as farrier services to a business brokerage. Michael's passion, however, always seemed to lie with financial related endeavours. He found success helping clients in both real estate and as a foreign exchange proprietary trader before settling into the management of his own portfolio and shifting his attention to writing. Now, Michael focuses his time and efforts on producing high-quality content focused on the warrior tradition.When he's not working, Michael enjoys spending time practising the martial arts. He is a lifelong martial artist having studied various arts from all over the world but focusing his efforts primarily on the Chinese martial arts. He studied Wing Chun and Tai Chi from Dr Fred Ming-An Wu starting in 1983 until Dr Wu's death in 2000, excepting periods of military service. Currently, Michael studies Shuai Chiao in Northern Virginia under Master Nick Masi, a student of Dr Daniel Chi-hsiu Weng, himself a top disciple of the world-renowned Grandmaster Chang Tung-Sheng. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

-The following citation is an account of the actions that earned U.S. Army Captain (ret.) Florent Groberg the Congressional Medal of Honor-Captain Florent Groberg distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Asadbad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on August 8, 2012. On that day, Captain Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, two command sergeants major, and an Afghanistan National Army brigade commander. As they approached the Provincial Governor's compound, Captain Groberg observed an individual walking close to the formation. When the individual made an abrupt turn towards the formation, he noticed an abnormal bulge underneath the individual's clothing. Selflessly placing himself in front of one of the brigade commanders, Captain Groberg rushed forward, using his body to push the suspect away from the formation. Simultaneously, he ordered another member of the security detail to assist with removing the suspect. At this time, Captain Groberg confirmed the bulge was a suicide vest and with complete disregard for his life, Captain Groberg again with the assistance of the other member of the security detail, physically pushed the suicide bomber away from the formation. Upon falling, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest outside the perimeter of the formation, killing four members of the formation and wounding numerous others. The blast from the first suicide bomber caused the suicide vest of a previously unnoticed second suicide bomber to detonate prematurely with minimal impact on the formation. Captain Groberg's immediate actions push the first suicide bomber away from the formation significantly minimized the impact of the coordinated suicide bombers' attack on the formation, saving the lives of his comrades and several senior leaders. Captain Groberg's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect credit upon himself, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.Follow Florent Groberg:https://www.instagram.com/florent.groberg/?hl=en8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier's Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor:https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Courage-Soldiers-Story-Immigrant/dp/1501165887#:~:text=Amazon.com%3A%208%20Seconds%20of,Flo%2C%20Sileo%2C%20Tom%3A%20BooksFirstNet Built with AT&T:http://www.firstnet.com/healthandwellnessDownload the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website: http://o2x.comIG: https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

#tbt Train as you fight! Lessons learned from the arduous Battle for Manila! Welcome back to another Combat Field Studies Featurette, where we dive into jungles and cities of the Philippines. The 148th Infantry Regiment (148th Infantry Regiment Veterans Association) of the 37th Division (37th Infantry Division in WWII, Buckeye: The 37th Infantry Division and Brigade - A Century of Service) engages in the Battle for Manila during this daring campaign in WWII. They are today's 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, of the Ohio National Guard and this is their history. Visit our Official Website: www.nationalguard.mil/leaderdevelopment Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/leadersrecon Visit our Instagram page at: www.instagram.com/arng_leader_development

In episode seven of The Dirt Logistician, Captain Joseph Tereniak (Tarantula 17, Light Infantry/Airborne Task Force Forward Support Company Trainer) discusses rotation 21-08.5 with Captain Vernon Long, Commander of the Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard.   Key topics include: Developing innovative logistics solutions when challenged with personnel and capacity constraints Integrating and synchronizing logistics capabilities with the supported unit Lessons-learned and deliberate planning of the field trains command post composition Training focus areas for forward support companies in the National Guard

In this episode of WeARtheGuard, we sit down with Col. Jon Stubbs, Commander of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat team. Tune in over the Independence Day holiday as he talks about the challenges over the past 18 months, getting ready for the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), our families and employers, the ACFT, being "fit to fight, ready to win", and his message to the Bowie team. "In my most humble opinion, I have the best job in the Arkansas National Guard and the United State Army as the commander of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team." - COL Johnathan Stubbs You can listen/subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76NNkcAgAL0yhR6EffJIOe Apple Podcasts: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1557909504 DVIDS: https://www.dvidshub.net/podcast/alpha/W/page/1 Catch us to/from work, in the gym, or whenever you have an opportunity and Thank you for listening.

In this episode of WeARtheGuard we continue in our series of conversations with Commanders in the Arkansas National Guard. This week, we are speaking with recently promoted Maj. Megan Thomas. When Maj. Thomas sat down with WeARtheGuard, she was serving in a command position with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-153rd Infantry Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Since this recording, she has been assigned to command Bravo Company, 2-153rd (Batesville/Augusta), and will command the unit through the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana in July & August, 2021. "Infantry officers want to command an infantry company," said MAJ Thomas. "This is why we're are here, and this is one of the highlights of my career as a commissioned officer. I am really looking forward to commanding the best citizen-Soldiers our state has to offer.” You can listen/subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76NNkcAgAL0yhR6EffJIOe Apple Podcasts: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1557909504 DVIDS: https://www.dvidshub.net/podcast/alpha/W/page/1 Catch us to/from work, in the gym, or whenever you have an opportunity and Thank you for listening.

As hundreds of Oregon-based soldiers return from overseas deployment, more than 60 have tested positive for coronavirus after a 10-month deployment in Kosovo. According to the Oregon Military Department, it's unclear if service members contracted the virus overseas, or if they were infected upon their return to Fort Bliss, Texas. Members of Oregon's congressional delegation wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of the Army expressing concern for the soldiers' safety amid a surge in coronavirus infections. We speak with Col. Eric Riley, the commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, about what the military is doing to keep service members safe before they return home to Oregon.

Train as you fight! Lessons learned from the arduous Battle for Manila! Welcome back to another Combat Field Studies Featurette, where we dive into jungles and cities of the Philippines. The 148th Infantry Regiment (148th Infantry Regiment Veterans Association) of the 37th Division (37th Infantry Division in WWII, Buckeye: The 37th Infantry Division and Brigade - A Century of Service) engages in the Battle for Manila during this daring campaign in WWII. They are today's 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, of the Ohio National Guard and this is their history.

CV bypasses the political trappings, and goes straight to the heart of the perennial battle over military healthcare spending. Ashley celebrates the continuing series of female firsts in the military by sharing the story of Capt. Candice Bowen, who has taken command of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, making her one of the first black women to take command of a rifle company in the National Guard and the first female infantry commander in Virginia. After watching "Immigration Nation" on Netflix, Jeff shares his take on the plight of deported Marine veteran Cesar Lopez and launches a wider discussion on military service and citizenship. Rapid Fire: Special Forces gear spending and the joys of CIF, trouble stirring in Syria Space Force units are popping up around the world - including Thule, Greenland - which get's CV a little nostalgic, and now Iran is paying bounties. Jeff also shares his excitement for the 100 Miles for Hope campaign swag.

The Oregon Army National Guard is deploying 1400 soldiers to five different countries: Djibouti, Jordan, Kosovo, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The 41st Infantry Brigade Command Team is holding town hall meetings this week to answer questions from soldiers, families, and employers who will be impacted when the bulk of the troops deploy this fall. Col. Eric Riley is the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander. He joins us to talk more about the upcoming deployment.

A series of podcasts commissioned by UCL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION'S FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME to mark the CENTENARY of the BATTLE OF AMIENS on 8 August 1918. In August 2018, students from across the United Kingdom joined students from France, the United States, Canada and Australia on the Western Front to commemorate the Battle of Amiens. This podcast series, recorded mostly during that battlefield tour, tell the story of the Battle of Amiens in the wider context of the First World War and the road to armistice. In this podcast, we mark the CENTENARY of the BATTLE OF AMIENS with a series of reflections from representatives of the Allied nations, recorded during the battlefield tour at the Château de Flixecourt and Amiens Cathedral. CONTRIBUTORS | THE RT HON JEREMY WRIGHT, MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | DR ANDREW MURRISON, MP, Prime Minister's Special Representative for the Commemoration of the First World War Centenary | MONIQUE SEEFRIED, Commissioner, US WW1 Centennial Commission | THE HON SEAMUS O'REGAN MP, Minister of Veterans Affairs & Associate Minister of National Defence, Government of Canada | COLONEL SCOTT CLINGAN, Australian Defence Force Attaché for WW1 Western Front Commemorations | COLONEL ANTHONY EGAN, Defence Attaché, Australian Embassy, Paris | Members of the group representing FRANCE on the battlefield tour | BOB LEWIS, Director, British Council, France | MONSEIGNEUR OLIVIER LEBORGNE, Bishop of Amiens | REVEREND DR DAVID COULTER, Chaplain General to HM Land Forces | NICK PERRY, Permanent Secretary, Department of Justice, Northern Ireland. READINGS | Cadet PO1 Jenna McKay, ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET - Cadet Sergeant Heidi Kelly, ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET - Sergeant Quentin Davis, INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, US ARMY - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CADET - Sydnee Thorne, DUKE OF YORK ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL, DOVER. MUSIC | Land of Promise (Terry Devine-King) licensed courtesy of audionetwork | Music from the service in Notre Dame Cathedral, Amiens, on 8 August 2018 marking the Centenary of the Battle of Amiens - performers include an international military band led by the CENTRAL BAND OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. IMAGE | Notre Dame Cathedral, Amiens - ChromeRadio PRODUCTION | ChromeRadio for UCL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION'S FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME | Executive Producer - Simon Bendry | Producer - Catriona Oliphant | Post-production - Chris Sharp.

Colonel Brett Sylvia is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point. He has served as a Battalion Commander in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division. Brett is currently serving as the Brigade Commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division currently serving in Iraq. Brett brings an incredible perspective to leadership having served multiple combat tours over the past two decades.   “Leadership is about taking people to where they may not have gone on their own.” “As you empower others failure is inevitable, how are you going to deal with it?” “When failure came he didn't berate us, he didn't yell at us, he didn't tell us that we were stupid, or that was completely foreseeable, how come we didn't see it. he brought us in again… first he would look internally and say, ok did I give them good enough guidance, did I train them well enough, and then would bring you in and say let's talk about what happened, where did this go wrong, how can we do better how can we move forward from this point.”   Brett discussed his experience at West Point, and the power of receiving feedback from a peer that he carries with him to this day. That receiving the right information at the right time from others can shape your self-awareness.   He explained his thoughts on challenging people in his organization. He describes the fine line of following through with what people say they want versus what they need and what they truly want. It is about finding a balance and priorities.   Empowering others is a focus point for Brett. He explained this as an essential component of his leader development strategy, to give intent and guidance and allow subordinates to fail. Failure is essential in learning for both your subordinate and for yourself as a leader.   Brett's failure to get a White House Fellowship position, he described his internalization of advice as a reason for his failure. This advice kept him from being truly authentic in the moment of his interviews. He tied this directly to self-awareness as a key component of being a great leader.   Experiencing growth in personal self-awareness is in Brett's words aided in difficult and trying times. Taking those “Ranger School” type opportunities that push you to the brink of failure and trying times that cause you to ask deeply who you are and what drives you.   Brett also talked about his extremely challenging experiences as a leader of a combat engineer platoon leader in Bosnia. The first US military unit in the area since the signing of the Dayton Accords following the hostilities. His efforts were focused on clearing mines placed by both sides of this conflict.   Part of leadership development is knowing that they are not “fully cooked”. He described the Army as a “leadership laboratory” that is designed to develop them. This is a key component that all individuals in all organizations should recognize, that even if you are hiring an individual to lead a part of your organization, no one is perfect. By making leadership development a key component of what you do not only makes learning from your mistakes part of the job, but also a responsibility of everyone in the organization. Brett describes the difference between commitment and dedication. “In commitment there involves some sacrifice.” Bret give some amazing wisdom focused in on balance and priorities. How there are often seasons of priorities towards family, friends, and others for work. Brett spoke to this directly to the idea of expectations.   Finally, Brett discussed his relationship with his wife, and dealing with high demand positions and jobs. He gave key ideas for how to have a successful relationship.   You can find Brett at his LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-sylvia-884989

This week's podcast guest is retired U.S. Army Capt and Medal of Honor winner, Florent "Flo" Groberg. Flo was born in Poissy, France and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2001. Flo went to high school with my wife at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. Groberg attended the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and competed in varsity track and cross country. In May 2006, Groberg graduated from UMD with a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. Groberg entered the Army and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. He received his commission as an infantry officer, Dec. 4, 2008. After completing Infantry Officer Basic Course, Mechanized Leaders Course, U.S. Army Airborne and U.S. Army Ranger Schools, he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo., as a platoon leader. In November 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Lethal, with responsibility for the Pech River Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. Upon returning home in June 2010, he continued serving as a platoon leader until he was reassigned as an infantry company executive officer from October 2010 to November 2011. He was then assigned as the brigade personal security detachment commander for 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He deployed again to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in February of 2012, with Task Force Mountain Warrior. He was promoted to captain in July 2012. As a result of his actions, Groberg sustained the loss of 45 to 50 percent of his left calf muscle with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. Groberg spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from August 2012 through May 2015. He was medically retired from Company B Warriors, Warrior Transition Battalion, as a captain, July 23, 2015. Groberg's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the U.S. Army Parachutists Badge, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. You can follow Flo on Twitter: @FlorentGroberg and read his book, 8 Seconds of Courage.  Also, if you liked this episode and others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @IntentionalPerformers. Thanks, Brian

Highlights Thanksgiving reflections from 1917 @ | 01:15 Tank warfare in the battle of Cambrai - Mike Shuster @ | 11:35 Introducing WW1 Centennial Commissioner Zoe Dunning @ | 15:55 Ceremonial Coin Strike at Philly mint @ | 16:15 Trench Coat and Wristwatch - Speaking WW1 @ | 17:20 100C / 100M project in Springfield, MA @ | 19:55 WWrite Blog article by WW1CC intern Sarah Biegelsen @ | 25:15 Yurok Native Americans in WW1 - Chag Lowry & Rahsan Ekedal @ | 26:15 Memoire - An adventure in 1914 - Christopher Kelly @ | 32:00 DH4 WW1 Aircraft restoration progresses @ | 37:50 The Buzz - Katherine Akey @ | 38:30 Image Credit: A work-in-progress image of a Yurok Native Army soldier drawn by Rahsan Ekedal for the upcoming Graphic Novel "Soldiers Unknown" by Chag Lowry ----more---- Opening Welcome to World War 1 centennial News - It’s about WW1 THEN - what was happening 100 years ago this week  - and it’s about WW1 NOW - news and updates about the centennial and the commemoration. Today is November 29th, 2017. Our guests this week include: Mike Shuster from the great war project blog,    Jacqueline Farrow and Eddie Boulrice [bowl-reece] from the Godfrey Triangle Restoration Committee, in Springfield, Massachusetts Graphic novel team Chag (ChAIg) Lowry and Rahsan [Ruh-SAN] Ekedal [ek-uh-dhal] Author and historian Christopher Kelly And Katherine Akey the shows line producer and the commissions social media director... WW1 Centennial News is brought to you by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library. I’m Theo Mayer - the Chief Technologist for the Commission and your host. Welcome to the show. [MUSIC] Preface It is sometimes difficult in our media overloaded, multi-faceted, social and general media inundated world --- not be cynical - but in 1917 many people genuinely believed that they were answering a higher calling. That makes Thanksgiving 1917,  100 years ago this past week an interesting moment of reflection for millions of Americans both within our nation and those who find themselves “over there”. We are going look at this -  plus a series of other stories that occur as the American Military finds itself on the precipice of major battle action. So let’s jump into our wayback machine and see what was happening 100 years ago this week in the War that Changed the World. World War One THEN 100 Year Ago This Week [MUSIC TRANSITION] Thanksgiving 1917 - at home, President Wilson uses the Official Bulletin - the government’s daily war gazette published by George Creel the head of America’s propaganda machine - to get a short statement from each member  of his cabinet -   [SOUND EFFECT] Dateline, November 28, 1917 The masthead of the Official Bulletin reads: Cheering Thanksgiving Messages to Americans at Home And Fighting Forces Abroad From the President’s Cabinet Are in This Issue It starts with an excerpt from President Wilson’s Thanksgiving Proclamation! On this day of the revelation of our duty not only to defend our own rights as a nation but to defend also the rights of free men throughout the world, we are filled with the resolution and spirit of united action. We should especially thank God that in such circumstances, in the midst of the greatest enterprise the spirits of men have ever entered upon, we have, if we but observe a reasonable and practicable economy, abundance with which to supply the needs of those associated with us as well as our own.— From Robert Lansing - Secretary of State If we measured our national blessings by the materialistic standard of physical comfort and prosperity, which has been in recent years so potent in our thought as a people, the observance of Thanksgiving Day this year might seem almost a mockery, for we are engaged in the most destructive and terrible war of all times. But a new conception of national blessings has come to the American people, a conception in which the spiritual is exalted above the material, in which the life of the Nation is placed above the life of the individual. No greater blessing could have come to the Republic than this awakening to the fact that patriotism is more to be prized than wealth. From William McAdoo Secretary of the Treasury For the first time in more than fifty years Thanksgiving Day finds America at war. In this chaos of civilization the power of America was needed to tip the scales in favor of freedom and democracy as against the enslavement of the world which would inevitably follow the triumph of military despotism. Terrible as war is, and fearful as are the sacrifices it entails, nothing is comparable to freedom and liberty. From Newton D. Baker - Secretary of War I am glad to take advantage of the opportunity which the OFFICIAL BULLETIN gives to send a word of appreciation and good cheer from the men of the War Department who are in this country to the men who are now in France. We are striving our hardest to send them, promptly and plentifully, the material things they need  - as they take their stand by the side of the gallant men who, for so long, have been holding the battle front for a world -  that shall look forward and not look backward. From Thomas Gregory - the Attorney General Nearly a century and a half ago our forefathers, hungry and poorly fed, clothed, disciplined, and armed, --- gave, when needed, their all --- for liberty to live undefiled by license that men are free and self governed. They dreamed and labored, so that real freedom and free institutions were born. To-day you battle that these principles do not die --- but may live on and reach untold millions - who now live under the blight of despots. From Albert Burleson - Postmaster General Our Thanksgiving holiday is like many other good things—of New England origin. It came into national use during the Civil War. The people of the United States in the celebration of this festival now have special cause for returning thanks to the Almighty Ruler of the universe for the many blessings He has showered upon us. While Europe, Asia, and Africa are ravaged by war, no foe has invaded our country --- our cities have not been destroyed, and our people go about their business and live in peace, in plenty, and in security. After every honorable effort had been exhausted to avoid it --- we were thrust into the world's war. In the name of allied nations we have entered into the contest. We have met the crisis unselfishly, patriotically, and nobly. Today, our sons, true to the traditions, ideals, and standards of their heroic fathers are mustering on the battlefields of Europe. From Josephus Daniels - Secretary of the Navy We are grateful to have discovered what some doubted before the war: That we have many youthful Nathan Hales in this generation --- who regret that they have only one life to give for their country. - That the spirit of “Don't give up the ship” actuating men in the Navy to-day gives us many Lawrences who meet death with little thought of self but deep concern for their country. That the people of the United States are justified in their faith in the soldiers and sailors and marines who are of the same stuff as the men whose courage made Bunker Hill and King's Mountain and Yorktown and Lake Champlain meccas of patriotism. That all America is mobilized and all true Americans have highly resolved to make every sacrifice that may be demanded for the sway of liberty and freedom in the world, where neither the autocracy of crowned heads nor entrenched privilege can deny the right of all men to govern themselves. From Franklin Lane - Secretary of the interior I cannot give thanks for war, nor for the method that men make war, nor for the turning of the minds of men from things constructive to things destructive; but I can give thanks that this is a Nation unashamed; that the spirit of Bunker Hill and Santiago is still quick and aggressive; that men are willing to die that liberty and justice may live; that we are not to see the free peoples of the earth humiliated or crushed; and that Fear is not to master the world. From William Wilson Secretary of Labor I have traveled through the most diverse parts of the country and come in contact with every variety of our citizenship —the rich and the poor, those who have sprung from old English stock, as well as naturalized citizens who have come to us from the different lands of Europe, including the central powers. In the midst of all this diversity of place and people, behind all differences, I find a common and complete devotion to this country and an unquestioning devotion to the aims of freedom and democracy which are the purposes of this country going to war. [SOUND EFFECT] Meanwhile in Europe, the US Army tries to bring a bit of home to the boys. Dateline: November 29, 1917 Headline: A story from the NY times… Cooks Prepare Feast For Pershing’s Men - Thanksgiving Dinner Expected to be the Best Ever Service to Army on Foreign Soil. The story reads: In every village in France where American troops are stationed, the company cooks started to make cranberry sauce and to lay out great piles of plump turkey, sweet potatoes and everything else that goes to make a real thanksgiving Dinner. Thanksgiving Day for the American forces will be one of resting, eating and recovering. After the dinner settles there will be real american doings such as football games, in which some american stars who are there will play. But back to the fighting front... [SOUND EFFECT] Early in this month, in Episode 45 we told you the story of a company of American Soldiers who were the first to contact the enemy - they were training in bunkers in a quiet part of the western front. Suddenly Germans attacked, over-ran the positions and took 12 prisoners of war. They also killed 5 and wounded others. This week, the incident is in the news again as the French Government endeavors to decorate 15 men of this unit. [SOUND EFFECT] Dateline November 27th 1917 Headline: From the pages of the New York Times “French Decorate 15 of our troops… “French War Crosses” conferred on men who met German Trench Raid on November 2… but TOLD NOT TO WEAR MEDALS - Recipients must wait until Congress authorizes them to accept honors from a foreign nation. Now I see that the follow on of this story offers great insight into the situation on the ground… After months of waiting - American soldiers finally head to the front early in the month. It’s a quiet area but in the actual war zone… The Americans are essentially still training when suddenly themselves in an unintended engagement as the Germans attack. The story in the times includes: The French General, in referring to the actions of this american company said: “On the night of November second, this company, which was in the line for the first time, met an extremely violent bombardment, despite which it seized arms and offered such stubborn resistance that the enemy, though numerically superior, was obliged to retire” [Sound effect] Also this week -- another group of Yankee Doughboys find themselves “In the Fight” - somewhat unintentionally - during the battle of Cambrai. The 11th engineers are helping to build the rail system that has been transporting a new power weapon to the front - in preparation for the british Cambrai campaign that was, for the first time make major use  of the tank!   Suddenly near the town of Gouzeaucout, ( GUZ- Oh - COO) the germans counter-attack and the engineers suddenly find themselves in combat. The following is from an article printed in a UK magazine called "I was there". The author is Major General Seely of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade as he describes the German counter attack at Cambrai around November 30th. “I have to say that a good many stragglers from the battle gallantly came forward with me. Amongst others we found a curious and most interesting party, American engineers whom we had seen 12 days before, engaged in making a light railway some five miles behind the front line. They were pursuing their peaceful avocations near to Gouzeaucourt ( GUZ- Oh - COO) , which had been close to the front line before our advance on November 21. They belonged to the American 11th Engineers. Colonel Hoffman was the Regimental Commander and I think Captain Hulsant was commanding the party, when the German advance fell on upon them. Some had rifles with them, in the case of others the rifles were far away, but that made no difference to these gallant Yankees. With spades and pickaxes they fell upon the advancing Germans and although many were knocked out, I am assured that they got the best of it in a hand to hand combat. It was a brave thing to do, for surrender would have been easy and for once justifiable. When I came home on leave a month later, I gave some account of this at a luncheon, given by Lord Beaverbrook. I do not know if this account has reached America from other sources, but I am glad to put it on record now. [SOUND EFFECT] Dateline December 1, 1917 Headline from the story in the New York times reads Every State now has Militia in France - Not a man lost of those who have sailed from America to the Front So by November of 1917 - the Americans are mobilized - sent the troops “over there” - have been busy training and helping to build infrastructure - and are beginning to engage the enemy - though not intentionally yet. None of this is deemed fast enough or big enough by the British who warn that the pace and power projection of the Americans is crucial but lacking 100 years ago this month -  in the War that changed the world . [SOUND EFFECT] Great War Project Tanks were to be a major strategic shift in the planning for the Battle of Cambrai - Nearly 500 were deployed for the campaign - but with some mixed results… Here to tell us about it is Mike Shuster, former NPR correspondent and curator of the Great War Project blog. The tank is to be the new super weapon in the war - the game changer - but apparently did not come out of the gate quite as planned - tell us about it Mike: [Mike Shuster] Mike Shuster from the Great War Project blog. LINK: http://greatwarproject.org/2017/11/19/where-are-the-americans-2/ http://greatwarproject.org/2017/11/26/are-tanks-the-answer/ [SOUND EFFECT] The Great War Channel For video about this week in WWI 100 years ago - from a more European perspective - we recommend the Great War Channel on Youtube hosted by Indy Neidell.   Their episodes this week include: The End Of Passchendaele and Jagdkommandos - Austria Hungary’s Special Forces and Tank Corps Unleashed - The battle of Cambrai And finally Dropping Bombs on Germany - Indy takes audience questions in an episode of “Out of the Trenches” Follow the link in the podcast notes or search for “the great war” on youtube. Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGreatWar World War One NOW It is time to fast forward into the present to WW1 Centennial News NOW - this section is not about history, but rather - it explores what is happening to commemorate the centennial of the War that changed the world! [SOUND EFFECT] Commission News: Coin Strike and Zoe Dunning When Commission Chair Robert Dallesandro retired from the US World War One Centennial Commission it left a seat open for a new commissioner.  So last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi filled that seat with  Commander Zoe Dunning, USN (Ret.) of San Francisco. We welcome Commissioner Dunning who is our first commissioner from the west coast. Read more about Commissioner Dunning by visiting the link in the podcast notes. link:http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/3721 Philadelphia Mint Ceremonial Coin Strike In more commission news - on Tuesday, November 28th in Philadelphia-- the US Mint hosted a ceremonial coin strike event for the new 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar. A distinguished group who were involved with the coin project were on hand, including Congressional sponsors of the legislation that authorized the coin; Don Everhardt, legendary US Mint coin engraver; Terry Hamby, the Chair of our WWI Centennial Commission; and Gerald York, grandson of WWI hero Sergeant Alvin York. This commemorative coin -- which will be produced in limited quantities and will be available for purchase from the Mint beginning in January 2018 -- will support our endeavors with surcharge on the sale of each coin that will go directly to help us honor, educate and commemorate the centennial of WWI. You can learn more about it by going to ww1cc.org/coin or by following the link in the podcast notes. link:http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/3208 Speaking WW1 And now for our feature “Speaking World War 1” - Where we explore the words & phrases that are rooted in the war  --- Fashion was not exactly top of mind when you were dodging shells, machine guns and sleeping with rats in the trenches... But those very conditions lead to some pretty iconic and common contemporary fashion items. Two of these - that are very much with us today - were created to solve very practical issues: first, of course, mud, mud, mud everywhere! So get yourself a trenchcoat! Mud clung to clothes in the trenches, caking and weighing men down. The traditional serge greatcoats of the French and British armies were impractical in such conditions, so the lighter, more water resistant trench coat was developed. Secondly, how the heck are you supposed to begin an attack on time - everyone going “over the top” simultaneously when your units are strung out over the horizontal miles of trenches? Audio doesn’t work very far because there are big guns and shells exploding all over the place - There’s no internet or chat - radio and telephone are large clunky things... The answer: create a fashion forward, trench adapted wrist watch for every officer and commander.. No fumbling with devices in pockets - it’s right there and available - hey wait a minute - that’s apples new pitch for their generation 3 apple watch… Well - in any case - 100 years ago - specially with the development of tactics like the creeping barrages, the precise synchronization between the artillery gunners and the infantry advancing just behind the barrage - coordinated timing became essential to a successful campaign. Though wristwatches existed in some fashion since the 1500s, the watches produced during the War were specially designed for the rigours of trench warfare, with luminous dials and unbreakable glass. Those luminous dials have a whole horror story attached to them as well… check out The Buzz in episode #19 for the story of the Radium Girls. With a watch on nearly every commander, whole divisions could synchronize their timepieces and be sure to “jump off” all together. By the end of the war, almost all enlisted men wore a wristwatch, and after they were demobilized, the fashion soon caught on. Wristwatch and trenchcoat -- words for items with their roots in the trenches! See the podcast notes to learn more! link: https://www.amazon.com/Tommy-Doughboy-Fritz-Soldier-Slang/dp/144563 7839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508848013&sr=8-1&keywords=tommy+doughboy+fritz 100 Cities/100 Memorials [SOUND EFFECT Springfield, MA 100 cities Moving on to our 100 Cities / 100 Memorials segment about the $200,000 matching grant challenge to rescue and focus on our local WWI memorials. As you listen to our guest tell us about the project, remember that we are taking grant applications for the second round of awards - the deadline to submit the applications is January 15, 2018 - go to ww1cc.org/100Memorials to learn all about it.’ This week we are profiling the Indian Orchard Godfrey Triangle Project in Springfield, Massachusetts-- with us tell us about the project are Jacqueline Farrow and Eddie Boulrice [bowl-reece] from the Godfrey Triangle Restoration Committee. Welcome! [exchange greetings] Eddie  - Tell us a little about your Indian Orchard Heroes of WWI memorial - it’s past, current and future role in  your community. Eddie - Like so many other 100 year old memorials, your memorial is both a weather worn and unfortunately it was vandalized - tell us about the eagle! So the memorial is in the city of Springfield Massachusetts - Is Indian Orchard a neighborhood? Jacqueline-- In March you held a fund raiser with The Indian Orchard American Legion Post 277 Ladies Auxiliary - how did that go? Your project was submitted in Round 1 and has continued on to Round 2 of the 100 Cities / 100 Memorials project. What would you say to the selection committee about why THIS project should be selected specifically? Thank you both! Jacqueline Farrow and Eddie Boulrice are from the the Indian Orchard Citizen’s Council in Springfield Massachusetts. If you have a local project you want to submit for a grant - go to ww1cc.org/100 memorials or follow the link in the podcast notes to learn more about how to participate in this program! Link: www.ww1cc.org/100memorials https://www.facebook.com/events/438048213017354/ Wwrite Blog In our WWRITE blog, which explores WWI’s Influence on contemporary writing and scholarship, this week’s post is a perfect dovetail to our weekly 100 Cities/100 Memorials segment-- The title reads “Forgetting to Remember: Making America's Great War Monumental Again” As the new national WWI Memorial materializes in D.C., we want to look at other war memorials and the narrative of their construction. Reading the "story" of the ways memorials are conceived plays an important role in the understanding of public, cultural memory. You can delve into the subject with this week’s blog post by WW1CC intern, Sarah Biegelsen. Read the fascinating tour of some of America's interesting WWI monuments and their stories by visiting ww1cc.org/wwrite Link:http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/articles-posts/3738-forgetting-to-remember.html www.ww1cc.org/wwrite [SOUND EFFECT] Spotlight in the Media Soldiers Unknown Interview For our Spotlight in the Media segment this week, we are speaking with Chag Lowry (ChAIg) and Rahsan Ekedal (rah-SAN  Ek-uh-dhal) --the author and artist for a Graphic Novel ---- Soldiers Unknown ---- which tells the story of Yurok soldiers - native americans - who were part of the 91st Infantry Division in WW1. Welcome gentlemen! [greetings] This question is to you Chag - To start, can you tell us a bit about the Yurok peoples? And what drew you to the story of the 91st Infantry division? So you have a great subject here - how did the two of you come together and decide that a graphic novel was the best way  to tell the story? The native american commitment to serving is huge - probably as a community the large % veterancy. When it comes to being a graphic novel, have you found any challenges particular to this story during illustration? Chag you have experts on your side that you consult with? If you were going to do a companion book to this one, about another WW1 story -- what would you each choose to focus on? [thanks and goodbye] Chag Lowry and Rahsan Ekedal - creators of the Graphic Novel - Soldiers Unknown. Learn more at the links in the podcast notes. Link:https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/veterans/soldiers-unknown-graphic-novelist-chag-lowry-on-world-war-is-native-warriors/ http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/1890-four-questions-for-chag-lowry.html http://www.rahsanekedal.com/news/ Chris Kelly Interview In another Spotlight in the Media segment this week, we are speaking with Christopher Kelly, an American history writer based in Seattle and London, and editor of An Adventure in 1914: The True Story of an American Family’s Journey on the Brink of World War I. Welcome, Chris! [greetings] Chris, this book is in fact a memoir that you edited. Can you tell us a bit about the man whose memoir it is, Thomas Tileston [Tile-ston] Wells? You’ve written and co-written a number of other books, but came to this one as an editor; what kind of work is done by the editor of a pre-existing text like this one? So what is the story about? The story is just incredible-- made for the movies almost! Just for fun, if a film version of this story were to be made, who would you cast as as your great grandfather - Mr. Wells? There So I understand there is a romance side of the story… tell us about that… Where do i find the book, and how can i get it? [goodbyes/thanks] Christopher Kelly is an American history writer based in Seattle and London. You can find links to the website for the book, An Adventure in 1914 in the podcast notes. Links:http://anadventurein1914.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-1914-American-Familys-Journey-ebook/dp/B01LXD1KHQ https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christopher-kelly/adventure-1914/ https://americanconservativeinlondon.blogspot.co.uk/ Articles and Posts Our website at WW1cc.org is the home and archive for lots of things WW1 - with over 3700 articles on WWI, 2,000 locations listed in our map database and nearly 1400 WWI related events in our national events register - its a great place to explore and new articles are published weekly. This week we will highly a few of them for you. Pow-wow honors Wisconsin Pow-wow honors Wisconsin World War I Native American vets First from the Badger State -- Wisconsin-- it’s an update from the states, an event and an article. About 200 people gathered on Veterans Day to commemorate 28 Ho-Chunk men – known as the Winnebago Indians in 1917 — from the area surrounding Volk Field National Guard training base in Wisconsin. The families of these warriors — known as Descendants of Red Arrow — have met at Volk Field since 1977 to celebrate their service, their memory, and the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division, which continues today as the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Read the story about the ceremony and its World War One origins by following the link in the podcast notes. link:http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/3704-pow-wow-honors-wisconsin-wwi-native-american-veterans.html Historic WWI DH4 aircraft will fly again For all the aviation buffs out there, some exciting news coming out of Kentucky. There, a team of enthusiasts is hard at work restoring the first warplane built in America — the Dayton-Wright DH4. The group members hope to remind the public of the plane’s importance by restoring the DH4 in time for test flights this coming spring with plans for airshows across the country and even a trip to France. Read more about the ongoing efforts to get the so-called Liberty Plane flying again by visiting ww1cc.org/news or following the link in the podcast notes. Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/3709-historic-wwi-dh-4-aircraft-will-fly-again.html The Buzz - WW1 in Social Media Posts And that brings us to the buzz - the centennial of WW1 this week in social media with Katherine Akey - Katherine, what’s going on in the world of social media this week? Hi Theo! Canadian Tragedy This week, we shared the story of one of the worst accidents of the war, certainly the worst in North America. In the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 6th, 1917, a ship carrying aid collided with a ship carrying high-explosives, causing an explosion and tsunami wave that destroyed the north end of the city, and killed some 2,000 people and injured a further 9000. At the time, the explosion was the largest human-made blast that the world had experienced, reaching a measured height of 2.25 miles Sadly, the explosion was followed by a blizzard that severely restricted efforts to help the city for days. Commemorations of this disaster are to take place soon, and you can read more about both the explosion and the upcoming commemorations at the link in the podcast notes. link:http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2017/11/commemorations-mark-centenary-of-wwi-explosion-that-killed-2000-canadians.aspx Cello from the Trenches Finally, let’s end on a lighter note, with some music! [MUSIC] An article shared on Facebook this week comes from ClassicFm.Com and features a video of a very special, and special looking, cello being played. The cello is a long, narrow rectangle, rather than the large, curvaceous instrument we’re used to calling cello. This is a “holiday cello” – an instrument you can pack up and take away with you so you can still practise when you’re away from home. And, indeed, it went very far from home as its British owner, Harold Triggs, was sent to the trenches and took the cello with him. He played it in the trenches of Ypres and he wasn’t the only one – there were reportedly other instruments in the trenches, some made from ammunition boxes and pipes. In that bleak place, people needed music. Decades and decades later, it found its way into the hands of a stringed instrument expert. In the video, cellist Steven Isserlis plays it for us so we can all hear the music that once filled the war torn landscape 100 years ago. And that’s it this week for the Buzz! link:http://www.classicfm.com/artists/steven-isserlis/trench-cello-first-world-war/ And that’s WW1 Centennial News for the end of November, 1917 and 2017 Our guests this week.. Mike Shuster, explaining the growing role of tanks in the war    Jacqueline Farrow and Eddie Boulrice [bowl-reece] from the Godfrey Triangle Project in Springfield, Massachusetts Chag Lowry and Rahsan Ekedal telling us all about their graphic novel Soldiers Unknown Christopher Kelly sharing the story behind the memoir An Adventure in 1914 Katherine Akey the shows line producer and the commissions social media director... Thanks to Eric Marr for his great help on our story research… And I am Theo Mayer - your host.   The US World War One Centennial Commission was created by Congress to honor, commemorate and educate about WW1. Our programs are to-- inspire a national conversation and awareness about WW1; Your listening to this podcast is a part of that…. Thank you! We are bringing the lessons of the 100 years ago into today's classrooms; We are helping to restore WW1 memorials in communities of all sizes across our country; and of course we are building America’s National WW1 Memorial in Washington DC. This week’s featured web page is ww1cc.org/coin - where you can learn about the US Mint’s 2018 commemorative WWI coin We want to thank commission’s founding sponsor the Pritzker Military Museum and Library for their support. The podcast can be found on our website at ww1cc.org/cn   on  iTunes and google play ww1 Centennial News, and on Amazon Echo or other Alexa enabled devices. Just say: Alexa: Play W W One Centennial News Podcast. Our twitter and instagram handles are both @ww1cc and we are on facebook @ww1centennial. Thank you for joining us. And don’t forget to share the stories you are hearing here today about the war that changed the world! [MUSIC] So I’m putting on my Matrix trench coat - snapping on my third generation dick tracy apple watch - in costume and all set to take in  a special showing of “All quiet on the western front” at my local movie house -  So long! So long!

Welcome! Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Nelan, from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, https://www.facebook.com/79th.IBCT/ shares his experiences, and gives us a unique perspective of Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine. Since April 2014, Army Europe has led land forces efforts on behalf of the U.S. military, by conducting continuous, enhanced multinational training and security cooperation activities with allies and partners in eastern Europe. These multinational training and security cooperation activities are taking place in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. These training events improve interoperability, strengthen relationships and trust among allied armies, contribute to regional stability, and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. Atlantic Resolve demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the security of NATO allies on air, land and at sea. To ensure its own security, NATO must have strong, committed and capable allies, which is why the United States has fought, exercised and trained with our European allies for the past 70 years. The U.S.-European strategic partnership is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and commitment to a Europe that is stable and prosperous. https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/

A conversation with Chaplain (MAJ) Brad Tripp. CH Tripp currently serves as the brigade Chaplain for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. You can help support the continued creation of these podcasts by backing the project on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=160166&ty=h

Soldiers from 700 Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team secure a perimeter around the Plaza Tower Elementary School which was devastated by the May 20th tornado. Includes sound bites from Specialist Josh Gragert, 700 Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Quick Response Force. Also available in high definition.

Soldiers from 700 Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team secure a perimeter around the Plaza Tower Elementary School which was devastated by the May 20th tornado. Includes sound bites from Specialist Josh Gragert, 700 Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Quick Response Force. Also available in high definition.

In our November episode, the Georgia National Guard welcomes a new Adjutant General; the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gets new commander; the CERFP unit validated and designated as combat ready; the Georgia Guard pins its newest general; and more. Visit our home page at: http://www.dod.state.ga.us/ View the First Friday Briefing online at: http://www.dod.state.ga.us/firstfridayonline/nov07/index.html.