106 S03 Ep 11 – Backbone of the Plan: Integrating NCOs into the Plan & Across WfF to Survive LSCO

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today’s guests are four seasoned infantry task force command sergeants major. CSM Lucas Young is the TF CSM for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trainer and four rotations as a rotational training unit. CSM Bryan Jaragoske is the TF CSM for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) with three rotations as an OCT and five rotations as RTU. CSM Edwards Cummings is the TF CSM for Task Force 3 (IN BN) with nineteen rotations as an OCT and four rotations as RTU. And CSM Robert Absher is the TF CSM for Task Force 1 (IN BN) with four rotations as an OCT and eight rotations as RTU. In this episode of ‘The Crucible,’ the conversation centers on the evolving and enduring role of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in infantry warfighting during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). The discussion highlights how NCOs are stepping up in planning processes—especially in course of action development—providing ground truth from the field, validating feasibility, and integrating fire and maneuver. NCOs’ battlefield experience enables them to shape planning guidance, refine timelines, and ensure plans account for realistic sustainment, movement, and transition conditions. The panel underscores the importance of rehearsals and timelines, the application of fieldcraft, camouflage, deception, and understanding terrain—not just through mapping, but through hands-on analysis and feedback. The episode also explores how infantry NCOs are central to managing the fight during transitions, supporting fire planning, and leading security zone operations. A recurring theme is the necessity of blending technological advancement with mastery of fundamentals. The speakers caution against overreliance on tech like ATACs or drones without maintaining proficiency in basic soldiering skills such as map and compass navigation or patrolling under load. The conversation moves through sustainment challenges, especially medical evacuation, logistics discipline, and terrain management, offering best practices like rehearsing casualty evacuation and involving junior leaders in sustainment planning. Ultimately, the discussion affirms that well-trained, thinking NCOs—those who know the commander’s intent and can adapt when the plan breaks—are vital to combat effectiveness. Leadership, initiative, and the ability to bridge modernization with the realities of the battlefield form the cornerstone of successful infantry operations in LSCO. Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.