A candid discussion on the performance of the fire support arm and what fire supporters can do better to support their Maneuver counterpart with COL Michael Simmering, the Commander of the Operations Group at NTC, Fort Irwin, CA.

COL Simmering most recently served as the Brigade Commander for 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from July 2017 until June 2019.  As a Brigade Commander, COL Simmering deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in support of US Army Europe and Operation Spartan Shield in support of US Army Central Command.

COL Simmering has served in all key and developmental positions of an Armor Officer and has had multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

COL Simmering’s military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, National Defense University.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy as well as Master’s degrees from Kansas State University and the National Defense University.