160 S11 Ep 12 – Disrupt, Attrit, & Counterattack: Geronimo’s Art of the Defense w/JRTC OPFOR’s Subject Matter Experts

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixtieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by CSM James Miller, the Command Sergeant Major of 1-509th IN (OPFOR), known as Geronimo, on behalf of the Commander of Operations Group.  Today’s guests are subject matter experts on all things defense within Geronimo’s Baker Company: 1SG Larson Palsis, the Baker Co First Sergeant; SFC Woodroof Musser, Platoon Sergeant for 1st PLT; and SSG Joseph DuBrul, Squad Leader for 2nd SQD, 1st PLT. This episode examines the art and science of conducting a successful defense against a peer threat, using Geronimo’s defensive operations as a framework for discussing proven tactics, techniques, and procedures. The conversation centers on the doctrinal characteristics of the defense—disruption, mass and concentration, security, preparation, flexibility, maneuver, and operations in depth—and how these concepts are applied on a modern battlefield. Leaders discuss the importance of engagement area development, obstacle integration, reconnaissance, early warning systems, and synchronizing direct and indirect fires to create multiple dilemmas for attacking forces. A recurring theme is that successful defenses are not passive. Rather, they are active, intelligence-driven operations designed to disrupt enemy tempo, attrit combat power, and set the conditions for a future counterattack.  The episode also highlights common shortcomings observed among rotational units, particularly in the areas of preparation, time management, communication, and defensive planning. Leaders stress that units often rush through defensive operations after focusing heavily on offensive tasks, resulting in poorly developed engagement areas, inadequate rehearsals, and limited flexibility once contact is made. The discussion reinforces the importance of reconnaissance, reporting, and maintaining a shared understanding across all echelons so commanders can make timely decisions and properly position forces. Additional insights include the value of counterattacks, defense in depth, reserve employment, and building multiple branches and sequels into the plan. Ultimately, the episode argues that the best defensive formations are those that master the fundamentals, aggressively prepare positions, rehearse actions, and continuously adapt faster than the enemy can react.    Part of S11 “Conversations with the Enemy” series.