The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor and Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, CSM Oracio Pena, Jr on behalf of the Commanding General and Commander of Ops Group (COG). CSM Pena will become the CSM for G-3 at Transformation and Training Command (T2COM). Today’s guests are four seasoned senior NCOs within one of our infantry task forces. CSM Bryan Jaragoske outgoing, acting Command Sergeant Major of Operations Group (formerly BC2 CSM). CSM Lucas Young is the TF CSM for Task Force 2 (IN BN) and CSM Edwards Cumming is the TF CSM with Task Force 3 (IN BN). And last but not least is CSM James Miller, the Command Sergeant Major of 1-509th IN (ABN) (OPFOR), known as Geronimo.
This episode examines the long-term trends, strengths, and shortcomings of infantry platoons and squads observed across multiple JRTC rotations. Senior leaders discuss how the character of warfare is changing and how small units are adapting to increasingly complex operational environments shaped by drones, electronic warfare, contested communications, and peer threats. While today’s Soldiers have become increasingly proficient at integrating emerging technologies such as small unmanned aircraft systems, digital mission command tools, and other modern battlefield capabilities, the discussion emphasizes that technology alone cannot compensate for weak fundamentals. Leaders highlight recurring observations including declining fieldcraft, overreliance on digital navigation, poor security during halts and patrol bases, inconsistent priorities of work, and a tendency to neglect foundational infantry skills in favor of new technology. Throughout the conversation, the panel reinforces that lethality begins with disciplined execution of the basics, and that units which master the fundamentals are best positioned to capitalize on technological advances.
The discussion also provides practical recommendations for platoon sergeants, squad leaders, and team leaders preparing for combat or a JRTC rotation. Topics include maximizing security zones, conducting reconnaissance and security patrols, integrating analog and digital mission command systems, sustaining dispersed formations, strengthening reporting and operational security, and developing initiative through disciplined home-station training. Leaders stress the value of hip-pocket training, ruthless repetition, realistic live-fire exercises, and creating leaders who can adapt when technology fails. A recurring theme is that squads should never wait to be told to execute priorities of work or prepare for the next mission. Instead, successful formations continuously train, anticipate friction, and maintain the mindset that every halt is an opportunity to improve survivability, sustain combat power, and prepare for the next fight. Ultimately, the episode argues that while the tools of war continue to evolve, disciplined leadership, tactical proficiency, and mastery of the fundamentals remain the decisive factors that separate effective infantry units from those that struggle on the modern battlefield.
Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.
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“The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
