Insights from the Fight Podcast

In this episode of the Center for Army Lessons Learned Podcast, host Mr. Jeremy Stermer engages with Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Daniel Harrison, Command Sergeant Major Kirby Odom, and Staff Sergeant John Barsanti of 1-12 Infantry to discuss their experiences and lessons learned during their mission along the southern border. The discussion begins with an overview of the initial challenges faced when the unit received orders to support the border mission, including logistical hurdles, and the need for rapid planning. The leaders emphasize the importance of building relationships with local law enforcement, particularly the Border Patrol, to facilitate effective operations. Key Highlights: Insights into the complexities of military operations in support of homeland security, the significance of interagency collaboration, and the ongoing need for adaptability and effective communication in achieving mission success. See CALL’s JTF Southern Border Mission Support Report, and CALL 25-957 DSCA and the Targeting Working Group: Lessons from the North Carolina National Guard’s Hurricane Helene Response.

This episode of the Center for Army Lessons Learned Podcast features a discussion with three former battalion XOs and S3s about lessons learned from their time in those positions. The conversation centers on the critical roles of managing personnel, the impact of relationships within the staff and adjacent units, and how to develop staff members to support the commander’s requirements. Majors Joe Perez, Charlie Foy, and Ronald Rice discuss challenges they encountered during these key development positions. This unique perspective of serving in the same battalion sequentially demonstrates how changing operating conditions and commanders shaped their views on duties. Looking back, they reflect on what they learned and how that would advise future leaders to prepare for and approach a variety of situations. The podcast offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate a strong staff team capable of solving complex problems. Key Highlights: Managing staff personnel and processes, conducting operations, supporting the commander’s information requirements, and mentorship. CALL Handbook 25-13 (786): First 100 Days XO and S3, and CALL Handbook 25-12 (761): Home Station Training.

This episode of the Center for Army Lessons Learned Podcast features a discussion with Sergeant Major William Thacker on NCO development and training roles within the Army. The conversation centers on the critical role of NCOs in individual and collective training, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind tasks and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Sergeant Major Thacker highlights the need for leaders to balance professional development with practical training, stressing that effective NCOs are standard-bearers who prioritize foundational skills and adapt to evolving challenges. He shares experiences from recent deployments and training rotations, underscoring the value of realistic training scenarios and the importance of empowering NCOs to enforce standards and drive unit readiness. The podcast offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate a strong NCO corps capable of leading and training soldiers in complex environments. Key Highlights: Developing NCOs, NCO roles in training, training as a forward deployed unit, best practices for collective and individual training guidance, CALL Handbook 25-04 (912): First 100 Days as an NCO, and CALL Handbook 25-12 (761): Home Station Training.

The Center for Army Lessons Learned hosts Sergeant Major (Retired) Mike Robinson for a discussion on maximizing the impact of Noncommissioned Officers within staff processes. The conversation highlighted common challenges in integrating NCOs into staff functions and offered practical solutions rooted in experience from various echelons, including joint task forces and Army Reserve components. The podcast underscored the unique value NCOs bring to the staff – honed through years of experience at the company level – and the need to foster a collaborative environment where all voices are heard. Ultimately, effective NCO integration, coupled with continuous learning and leveraging resources like Army doctrine and CALL publications, is crucial for building adaptable and successful staffs prepared for the complexities of modern warfare. Key highlights: building trust between officers and NCOs, clearly delineating tasks, and providing targeted training and mentorship.