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

This episode explores the evolving role of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in large-scale combat operations (LSCO), with a special emphasis on the sergeant major’s critical influence on unit discipline, readiness, and execution. Discussions highlight the transition from counterinsurgency to LSCO, emphasizing how the Army is adapting to the realities of high-intensity warfare. The conversation underscores the importance of disciplined formations, accountability, and a strong combat mindset, which sergeant majors play a central role in fostering. The episode also delves into leadership at echelon, emphasizing the need for NCOs to hold each other accountable and build a culture of excellence through rigorous training and adherence to the fundamentals.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the involvement of sergeant majors in planning and execution, particularly in mitigating risk, ensuring mission success, and developing junior leaders. The conversation explores how NCOs can better integrate into mission analysis, wargaming, and staff planning to enhance operational effectiveness. Additionally, the importance of battlefield circulation, command presence, and real-time decision-making is emphasized, with insights on how sergeant majors can alleviate command anxiety by identifying and addressing points of friction. The episode concludes with a strong call for NCOs to instill a combat-ready culture through meticulous training, trust-building, and fostering pride in the profession, ensuring formations are prepared for the challenges of LSCO.

Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series.

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