Forging ARSOF: CTCs, Deep Fight, and Basics with Pineland Underground Pt 2 (Ep. 42)

This is part 2 of a 2-part of the collaboration with Pineland Underground podcast where MAJ Maicke and SFC Coach interview MAJ Ficken, CPT Rich, and SFC Wade of Burro Team, the SOF Observer Coach Trainer team at the National Training Center. This interview focused on training combat ready and lethal Special Operations Forces highlighting the value of training at a Combat Training Center through lessons learned and describing trends observed by OC/Ts. Additionally, giving insight in ways to prepare for a rotation, what Large Scale Combat in a Multi-Domain environment might look like, and more. Off the Radar thanks PU and USAJFKSWC for supporting SOTD’s push to educate and inspire the force. About the Guest:

MAJ Phil Ficken commissioned into the Infantry and found his way to Special Forces. He served in 5th SFG (A) with operational experiences in CENTCOM as SOF and conventional. MAJ Ficken has overseen 12 ARSOF rotations at NTC and JRTC. CPT Weston Rich commissioned into the Infantry later switching to Special Forces. He served in 1st SFG (A) and worked at NTC as both an OC/T and SOF planner. Weston has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM with SOF and conventional forces. SFC Keith Wade is a Team Sergeant OC/T for Burro Team. He is an 18C Engineer Sergeant from 1st SFG (A) and has operational experience in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM. Keith has served on multiple SFOD-As and as a sniper instructor for 1st SFG (A). About the Hosts:

MAJ James Maicke commissioned in the Infantry then became Special Forces serving in 3rd SFG (A) as a CPT and 5th SFG (A) as a MAJ. He has served in multiple theaters both in the conventional and SOF. He is currently finishing his time as a Special Operations Recruiter. SFC Clay Coash is currently a Psychological Operations Senior Leader’s Course instructor. He has operational experience in multiple theater across the world. Prior to being a PSYOP NCO, Clay served in the Marine Corps during the 1990s and during a break in service as a country radio DJ. This episode covers:

- Comparing CTCs for ARSOF training value to the ARSOF Training Center at WSMR, NM; biggest difference is CTCs have dedicated OPFOR, larger backside support

- SOF training enables creativity through allowing SOF units to choose from multiple training venues and methods: including RMT

- ARSOF units train outside of CTC training areas: conducting infrastructure assessments, simple sabotage, influence operations, etc.

- Basics: off site comms shots, terrain masking, shoot, move, communicate, sustain, medicate, principles of patrolling; vehicle load out SOPs, camouflage, rehearsals on maneuver, planning, etc; integrating fires (call for fire), issuing guidance

- Lessons learned and trends: understanding digital force protection, teams improve over time, simple tasks become harder as rotation goes on and fatigue sets in, understanding the environment and taking prudent risks

- Doing the hard right over the easy wrong, make decisions that make tactical sense and don’t hit the easy button

- Understanding environment and what is required in that environment and how to best maneuver

- Don’t get compliance or get comfortable, that is what gets Soldiers killed

- Successes at NTC: long range dismounted winter mountain movement, tandem free fall infiltration of Space Soldier, drone grenade drops, passing control of loitering munition, downed drone example of synchronizing SOF and CF to mutually support each other

- ARSOF trains as the opposing force every rotation

- CTCs provides training on SOF-CF I3 to help conventional force and SOF understand each other and aid in recruiting future ARSOF Soldiers Please like, subscribe, and share these episodes with ARSOF any conventional Soldiers and Leaders to spread the knowledge of ARSOF in LSCO.

To provide feedback please email the host, CPT Rich, at [e-mail].

Produced, edited, and sound engineering by Micah Popp of Salty Sounds