The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the forty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by LTC Mason Thornal, the Battalion Commander of 1-509th IN (OPFOR) on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group. Today’s guests are members of Geronimo’s infamous Spectre Team, their information warfare team. MAJ Michael Wright, the Info War Cell Chief or officer-in-charge; CPT James Gardiner, the Deputy Chief and their space operations expert; and CW2 Christian Lehr, their electronic warfare expert.

1-509th IN BN is the opposing forces unit for the Joint Readiness Training Center, the infamous “Geronimo.” The information warfare cell focuses on leveraging information to achieve strategic objectives, often within military or intelligence operations. This includes activities such as cyber operations, psychological operations, and the dissemination of propaganda to influence, disrupt, or deceive adversaries. The cell analyzes and exploits data to gain a tactical advantage, protect critical information, and undermine enemy capabilities. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in countering misinformation and ensuring the integrity of its own communications and operations.

In this episode we focus on the employment of information warfare across multiple domains and various innovations that are helping transform our forces while in contact. We define innovation as our ability to turn ideas into valued outcomes and solutions with the goal of staying ahead of determined, and increasingly capable enemies on the modern battlefield. Specifically, we discuss the Joint Readiness Training Center’s new Innovations Initiative Program (I2P) to rapidly share the emerging trends and best practices for the employment of developing technologies into unit systems and processes through a controlled learning environment that is the crucible of the JRTC experience. The I2P includes JRTC’s budding innovations laboratory, which includes multiple 3D printers, drone pilot simulators, and other tools of the OPFOR trade.

Here’s why your team should consider volunteering to partner with JRTC’s I2P:

• JRTC offers a comprehensive operational environment that is conducive to trying innovative solutions to realistic tactical problem sets.
• Units are able to plan, execute, assess, and refine at operational speed against determined opponents.
• Real-time OPFOR & OCT feedback from professionals that facilitate nine or more rotations per year on average.
• Access to the innovations lab that offers the equipment, material, and most importantly the space to work.

Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.

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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.