Thinking Inside the Box - The Gauntlet

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Sgt. 1st Class Dakson Menefee, Observer, Coach, Trainer sits down with Capt. Steven Shak to discuss Field Trains Command Posts. They dive into some of the considerations for the FTCP planning, common issues and points of friction.

References:

FM 3-90.5 Combined Arms Battalion (July 2021) - https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/100.ATSC/78053117-6081-479B-BF87-47F6349E66BF-1455649447540/atp3_90x5.pdf

FM 3-34 Engineer Operations (December 2020) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31353-FM_3-34-000-WEB-1.pdf

FM 3-96, Brigade Combat Team (January 2021) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31505-FM_3-96-000-WEB-1.pdf

FM 4-0, Sustainment Operations (August 2024) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN41683-FM_4-0-000-WEB-2.pdf

FM 6-0, Commander and Staff Organization and Operations (May 2022) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN35404-FM_6-0-000-WEB-1.pdf

ADP 4-0, Sustainment (July 2019) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18450_ADP%204-0%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf

ATP 4-90 Brigade Support Battalion (June 2020) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN34182-ATP_4-90-001-WEB-2.pdf

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episodes in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are products of the Operations Group, National Training Center and part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Dakson Menefee and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Col. Ian Lauer, Commander of Operations Group sits down with the Lt. Col. Matt Bailey, the Commander of the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2-2nd Striker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, to discuss some of the lessons learned during Rotation 25-11. They dive into preparation for and how they approached training before coming to NTC; what the NTC provides; fundamentals, the transition from Sustainment of Battlefield effects to Period of Transition.

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episodes in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center as part of the Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Ian Lauer and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California. The Gauntlet drives warfighting by talking to leaders from our Joint Force, talking about the crucible of ground combat, leadership, training and fighting at the Crown Jewel of our Army.

In this episode, host Col. Ethan Diven sits down with Capt. Michaela Lang, Military Police Observer, Coach and Trainer to discuss how Military Police can support and be a force multiplier to maneuver forces during Large Scale Combat Operation (LSCO).

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episodes in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet and TAC Talks” are products of the Operations Group, National Training Center and part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Ethan Diven and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Col. Ethan Diven sits down with Maj. Tim Lee and Maj. Brent Lanier, the XO and S3 from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division to reflex on their experiences during NTC Rotation 25-07. They discuss lessons learned during the planning, preparation and execution phases of large-scale combat operations; how the NTC experience changed the way they will lead in the future; and give advice to leaders preparing for an NTC Rotation in the future.

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episodes in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are products of the Operations Group, National Training Center and part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Ethan Diven and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Col. Ethan Diven sits down with Lt. Col. Kyle Trottier and Lt. Col. James Small, of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division to reflex on their experiences during NTC Rotation 25-07. They discuss lessons learned, how the NTC experience changed the way they will lead in the future and give advice to leaders preparing for an NTC Rotation in the future.

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episodes in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center and part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Ethan Diven and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Kurtzhals sits down with Command Sgt. Major Alex Pulido, of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to discuss duties of the Non-Commissioned Officer. They go in-depth about the roles of the NCO; what is expected, how they empower and measure success; and how the GREYWOLF Brigade validates and revalidates their standard operating procedures.

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episode in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

Operations Group milsuite page

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ntc-operations-group (CAC Required)

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center.

Episode hosted by CSM Gary Kurtzhals and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Col. Ethan Diven, Commander of Operations Group sits down with the 3rd Infantry Division Command Team, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Reffeor to discuss the innovative training progressions for Armored Brigade Combat Teams. They dive into their role in the Army’s Transforming-in-Contact (Tic) 2.0, motivations for the training, the use data in transformative ways, and leadership expectations.

Recommended Resources:

Military Review, “Continuous Transformation - Transformation in Contact”, Gen. James E. Rainey, August 2024

https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/military-review/Archives/English/Online-Exclusive/2024/Transformation-in-Contact/Transformation-in-Contact-UA.pdf

Army News Service, “Transforming in Contact alters Army in unexpected ways”, Joe Lacdan, March13, 2025

https://www.army.mil/article/283757/transforming_in_contact_alters_army_in_unexpected_ways

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episode in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

Operations Group milsuite page

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ntc-operations-group (CAC Required)

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center as part of the Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Ethan Diven and edited by Annette Pritt

Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Capt. Seth Revetta shares the sixth episode in a miniseries called Left of the Bang from our Scorpion team Observer, Coach, Trainers. The series highlights how to better prepare each war fighting function for some of the challenges seen at the National Training Center. For our last episode in the miniseries, Maj. Steven Pyles, Capt. Bennett Johnson, Capt. Joe Figueroa, and Maj. Mario Malpica discuss the protection warfighting function. They describe common problems and trends, understanding equipment, integration and how Brigades can best prepare for coming to the National Training Center from the perspectives Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive material (CBRNE), Engineer and Air Defense.

Recommended Resources:

FM 3-11 (May 2019) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Operations – Audio Book

https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/FM-3-11-Audiobook/index.html

ATP 3-11.32 (January 2024) Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protection – (CAC Required)

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_c/ARN40099-ATP_3-11.32-000-WEB-1.pdf

ATP 3-11.36 (September 2018) Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Planning

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_c/ARN13023-ATP_3-11.36-000-WEB-1.pdf

GTA 03-06-008 (June 2023) CBRN Warning and Reporting System

https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog

ATP 3-37 (April 2023) Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Air and Missile Defense

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/ARN37833-ATP_3-01.15-000-WEB-1.pdf - CAC Required

ATP 3-01.8 (July 2016) Techniques for Combined Arms and Air Defense

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN2446-ATP_3-01.8-000-WEB-1.pdf

ATP 3-01.18 (August 2017) Stinger Team Techniques

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/pdf/ARN5334_ATP%203-01x18%20final%20web%20fix7Sep.pdf

TC 3-01.18 (October 2017) Stinger Team Gunnery Program

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/pdf/web/ARN5619_TC%203-01x18%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf

CALL Handbook NO 18-16 (April 2018) Maneuver Leaders Guide to Stingers

https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2023/01/19/18849503/18-16-maneuver-leader-s-guide-to-stinger-handbook-apr-18-public.pdf

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episode in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

Operations Group milsuite page

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ntc-operations-group (CAC Required)

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center.

Episode hosted by Capt. Seth Revetta and edited by Annette Pritt

“Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet”, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, host Col. Ethan Diven, the 31st Commander of Operations Group sits down with the commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Commander to reflect on his experiences during National Training Center Rotation 24-06 and how those lessons formed his preparations for their upcoming 25-06 Rotation. Col. Ed Arnston share insights on lessons learned, how they incorporated those lessons into home station training, approaches for this Leader Training Program, his expectations of leaders going into Rotation 25-06 and advice for leaders preparing for a future NTC Rotation.

Recommended Resources:

Operations Group milsuite page

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ntc-operations-group (CAC Required)

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episode in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center.

Episode hosted by Col. Ethan Diven

Edited by Annette Pritt, PAO

“Thinking Inside the Box – The Gauntlet”, part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles, brings you interviews with the United States Army’s experts in combined arms maneuver, the Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) of Operations Group, at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

In this episode, guest host Col. Carlos “Ben” Flynn, Senior Live Fire Trainer, sits down with members of the Dragon Team to discuss the role of the Master Gunners in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) during a Rotation at the National Training Center/Fort Irwin. Sgt. First Class Christopher Ohano, Sgt. First Class Luis Aguilar, Sgt. First Class Corey DaCosta, and Sgt. First Class Andrew Nee give insights into doctrine, planning during LSCO, ammunition management, observations, lethality, and preparing readiness as it pertains to the Master Gunner.

Recommended Resources:

Operations Group milsuite page

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ntc-operations-group (CAC Required)

To stay updated with the latest video from Operations Group, NTC Observer, Coach / Trainers, be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch. Stay tuned for more episode in the future.

Thinking Inside the Box Podcast at

Thinking Inside the Box on Apple Podcasts

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcast on Spotify

Thinking Inside the Box | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com

We encourage you to watch our TAC Talk series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tactalks-operationsgroupntc.

Follow us on Facebook to see more from Operations Group, NTC

https://www.facebook.com/operationsgroupntc

Visit us at our Official Unit Webpage:

https://home.army.mil/irwin/units-tenants/ntc-operations-group

“Thinking Inside the Box and TAC Talks” are a product of the Operations Group, National Training Center, as part of the NTC Warrior Chronicles.

Episode hosted by Col. Carlos “Ben” Flynn

Edited by Annette Pritt, PAO