The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the sixty-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 company radio-telephone operator for B Company, 1-504th PIR, 1st BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, SPC Kevin Mitchell.

Established during the fierce fighting in the Italian campaigns of World War II, 1st Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 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. 1-504 PIR now serves as part of 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Red Devils” (the BCT are the “Devils”) and the motto of “Strike and Hold.”

In this episode we discuss how airborne forces would be utilized at the commencement of large-scale combat operations for a joint forcible entry. Specifically, we look at how Airborne forces allow the US Army to set conditions for follow-on operations to meet national objectives anywhere in the world. While in other episodes we have focused at the macro level, in this episode we focus on the micro level, specifically at the platoon and company echelons. Focusing on brilliance in the basics is paramount for the success of airborne joint forcible entry operations, ensuring that every paratrooper is proficient in fundamental skills and tactics. Mastery of these core principles enhances coordination, precision, and effectiveness, critical for executing complex and high-stakes missions.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

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