Mission Command in Large-Scale Combat: SF Groups and Integrations at the Division level Pt 1 (Ep. 31)
Off the Radar, Special Operations Training DetachmentShow Notes
This is part 1 of a 2 part interview focused on training ofSpecial Operations Battalions and Groups at the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), how MCTP augments the Combat Training Centers (CTCs), and the differences between Warfighters and Training Centers. During specific rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) the Army shifts its focus from Brigade Combat Teams to Divisions or Special Forces Groups as the main training audience. These rotations demonstrate the difference between a computer exercise and real in the dirt training allowing Division and Group staffs to experience the challenging and realistic training that comes with maneuvering a large force over a large area against a free thinking opposition force.
About the Guests:
LTC Ben Shumaker: From his upbringing in South Dakota went through ROTC to join the Army and see the world. Commissioned as a Chemical Officer and deployed in the invasion of Iraq prior to becoming a Special Forces Officer in 5th SFG. Multiple operational deployments with conventional and SOF primarily in CENTCOM.
MAJ Frank Schwandt: From Missouri enlisted in the ArmyReserves while in high school as a Military Police Officer then entered college and participated in ROTC. Commissioned as an Armor Officer and transitioned to Civil Affairs. He has multiple SOF deployments to EUCOM.
About the Host:
CPT Weston Rich is a member of SOF Plans at the NTC andformer member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command.
This episode covers:
- 2004 Iraq deployment with 5th SFG comparison tocurrent NTC scenario design as Large Scale Combat Operations; similarities and differences; key difference was the conventional maneuver quickly slowed down while SOF operations ramped up
- What the Mission Command Training Program is, focus onDivision and Corps level training through Warfighter exercise, the Army is transitioning from Brigade focused to Division focused
- Limitations to systems during warfighter exercises becauseof dated technology, Divisions and Corps staff focus on planning and executing mission command, twice a year Corps level partnered with a SF Group as a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF)
- MCTP SOF team serves as Observe Coach Trainers when aCJSOTF is executing a Warfighter, and serves as the CJSOTF when there is not a SF Group executing the exercise, MCTP also serves as the planners for the SOF portion of each Warfighter
- live training versus constructive training; CTCsuse constructed units and scenario information
- MCTP Warfighters also stress staffs on logistics and communication not just mission command
- Warfighters incorporation of Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations; synthetic internet for information domain, interagency and host nation are included into the exercise for civil affairs
- SOF-CF I3 at the Division level, SOF effects which will likely be fires heavy, so that integration is important to shorten that kill chain
- Large Scale Combat Operations requires SOF integration with conventional force to maximize effects from both elements
- Integrating at the Division level is capability focused, selecting the people with the right skill set, knowledge, and interpersonal skill; understanding how the conventional or joint force maneuvers is important
Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.
To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [email protected].
Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp ofSalty Sounds
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