SOF Leadership: Basics, Balance, and Growth Pt 2 (Ep. 48)

This is part two of a two-part episode focused on Special Operations Force Integration Interoperability and Interdependence, lessons learn at the Detachment and Company level, educating the National Training Center Operations Group on SOF capabilities and SOF’s role in Large Scale Combat Operations. SOF units, chiefly Special Forces Companies (Advanced Operating Base or AOB) conducted numerous rotations annually at the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center working along side of conventional forces. In this episode SFC Gilgenast shares his experiences working as the Burro Team Operations NCO and later Sergeant Major. . About the Guest: SFC Erik Gilgenast: Grow up in a military family. His father a 33-year Army aviator, allowed Erik to grow up in various locations around the world. Having enlisted in the delayed entry program, upon graduation from high school in Germany, Erik entered service. Calling Colorado home, and meeting his wife in Colorado. Erik has operational experience in CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM. He has served both as a conventional infantryman and a Special Forces communications sergeant. About the Host: CPT Weston Rich is the of SOF Plans Chief at the NTC and former member of Burro Team, the Special Operations Training Detachment OC/T Team at NTC. Prior to his time at NTC, Weston served as a Detachment Commander with 1st SFG (A) and as an Infantry Officer with 3-509th IN (ABN)/4/25 ID (now part of 2/11 ABN DIV). Following his time at NTC, Weston will attend Carnegie Mellon University with a follow-on assignment to Army Futures Command This episode covers:

- understanding your regimental history, SF history through knives: V-42, Fairbairn, Yarbrough

- knowing OSS, 1SSF, and other Special Operations forces that came before Special Forces

- appreciating SOF/SF history and the people and families that came before the current generation

- work life balance in SF, understanding what is important and knowing when to devote time to your family and when you need to devote time to work

- know when you need to take care of ourselves and family, so you don’t get burnt out

- re-charging through a hobby to be a better Soldier and Leader

- using a hobby or business to increase time management and leadership abilities

- prepare yourself for when you will leave the military

- continue to develop your knowledge and skills of being a Soldier and Leader through self study 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