032 S01 Ep 08 – Field Grade Lessons Learned in Large Scale Combat Operations from Two Seasoned OCTs, MAJ Carver (O05) & MAJ Berhnhart (B05) of JRTC

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the thirty-second episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander of Ops Group (COG), COL Matthew Hardman. Today’s guests are two seasoned Observer-Coach-Trainers from within Operations Group, MAJ Maria Carver and MAJ Kevin Berhnhart. MAJ Carver (O05) is the Chief-of-Staff for JRTC Ops Group staff sections, but previously as an engineer was the Senior Protection WfF OCT at brigade echelon. MAJ Berhnhart (B05) is an infantryman that served as the Brigade Combat Team’s Executive Officer OCT in Brigade Command and Control Task Force.

In this episode we discuss lessons learned in large scale combat operations at the battalion and brigade echelons from two seasoned field grade officers. One of the reoccurring observations for leaders is the notable difference in operations tempo (OPTEMPO) of LSCO compared to counter-insurgency / low-intensity combat conducting during the Global War on Terror. The OPTEMPO for LSCO is incredibly fast-paced and demanding, commonly referred to as small-unit operations on an industrial scale. There’s a common “eureka” moment at the JRTC, when leaders realize that time is your number one “enemy” or concern, not the opposing force. To help mitigate this grueling OPTEMPO, leaders can do three simple things, regardless of echelon:

• Establish & abide by a battle rhythm
• Create & publish realistic operational timelines
• Attempt to adhere to the one-thirds / two-thirds planning rule

(The rule states that leaders should use one-third of the time available before mission execution for their planning while allocating the remaining two-thirds to their subordinates for planning & preparations.)

In LSCO, brigade combat teams will consistently be in contact with the enemy across multiple domains. This will force BCTs and their subordinates to plan, prepare, and execute multiple operations simultaneously. A common trend is for units to attempt a very complicated and conceptual plan that becomes too cumbersome to execute effectively. Leaders must provide clear and simple guidance, which allows your subordinates to execute it violently in a timely manner.

While not being nearly as exciting a topic combined arms maneuver, battalions and brigades need to train and develop their staffs. Same concept as training and certifying a fire team as they too need sets and repetitions in order to function as an effective, cohesive team.

Observed attributes of high-performing Field Grades:

• Extreme ownership & learn to lead peers
• Presence matters
• Trust / empowerment of peers & subordinates
• Establish systems & processes
• Build relationships & dialogue between staffs & command teams

Part of S01 “The Leader’s Laboratory” series.

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