The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience. Hosted by the Task Force Senior for the TF-1 (IN BN), LTC Charles “Chuck” Wall on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guest is the First Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company of Operations Group, 1SG Will Pogue. 1SG Pogue was previously a Company Team First Sergeant Observer-Coach-Trainer at the JRTC.

In this episode, we focus on warfighting fundamentals at the team through platoon level during large-scale combat operations (LSCO), emphasizing the gap between familiarity and true proficiency. A central issue discussed is how units often rush through collective training gates without ensuring mastery of basic tasks. This “check-the-box” mentality results in units arriving at the JRTC underprepared, especially when it comes to troop leading procedures (TLPs), indirect fire integration, support-by-fire shifts and lifts, and graphic control measures. The lack of unit-wide standard operating procedures (SOPs) and insufficient repetitions in home-station training were identified as key friction points. Best practices emphasized include deliberate, planned retraining windows; leader certification on SOPs; and daily reinforcement of team through company-level standards—especially through structured sergeant’s time training.

Another focal point is the inconsistency within and across units when it comes to weapons squad performance, patrol base occupation, and movement to contact. The discussion notes that some platoons within a company display exceptional coordination and fire discipline, while others show significant knowledge gaps. The causes include high leader turnover, lack of doctrinal grounding, and insufficient focus on junior NCO development. Recommendations include certifying leaders before executing training, embedding retraining as a standard step in the 8-step training model, and reinforcing collective standards through battalion-wide forums or training events. The episode closes with a reminder that excellence in LSCO starts with discipline in the fundamentals—fieldcraft, communication, tactical planning, and leadership—and that repeated, standards-based training at home-station is the only path to achieving real warfighting proficiency.

Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.

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