A "Day in the Life:" Army Observer, Coach, Trainer | JRTC | Ft Johnson, LA

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I was an Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Johnson (Fort Polk) Louisiana. A place where US Army units or RTU (Rotational Units), joint military branches and our foreign partners come and train to increase their lethality and readiness for combat.
We, as OCTs have significant experience, knowledge, and expertise in our positions to help guide, assist, and train our RTU counterparts. RTU leaves JRTC much better prepared from the intense training and engagements with their OCTs.
In order to provide top tier training, OCTs must be able to keep up with RTU in "The Box" (training area of Fort Polk).
Our M1097 "HUMVEEs" (HMMWV (high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle)) gives us the mobility that we need to provide the training. These are tough, rugged, and powerful trucks that traverse the muddy and sometimes unforgiving terrain.
We eat, sleep, and work out of our trucks throughout the 14 day rotation. Basically, truck camping out in the woods.
Each OCT outfits their HMMWVs differently. Over my time, I slimmed down on what I brought out to the field. I went for the minimalist and simple kit for my truck.
No OCT truck looks the same and each one is unique and interesting to see how others worked/lived.
Our trucks are special, more to some than others but are a lot of fun to roam "The Box" and get your off-roading fixin' in!
I hope you enjoy a “day” in the life…!
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This video is NOT sponsored, endorsed, or supported by the United States Army. It does not represent any views or opinions of the United States Army, JRTC Operations Group, or Fort Polk. This is strictly for entertainment purposes only.

Пікірлер: 53

  • @allthingsunrelated2919
    @allthingsunrelated29192 жыл бұрын

    Have you experienced JRTC as RTU or an OCT? Let me know in the comments- I’m sure some of the footage brings back some good (and maybe not so good) memories 😉 ATW!

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@svenolafson3032 A lot of them are incredible Officers, NCOs, and Warrants who genuinely want to provide the best training possible to see the individuals and units grow in that 14 day crucible. Thanks for the comment!

  • @jhavoc81

    @jhavoc81

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sir, this will be my first rotation coming up as a OCT, where did you get the warmer for your noodles and the screen on your humvee window

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jhavoc81 The warmer is a Jetboil (I did a video on that too kzread.info/dash/bejne/gpWVj7RxgLuaccY.html) You can get this at the Nichols store in downtown Leesville. It’s next to the Leesville movie theater past Walmart. The window covers were from my Task Force. Ask around, it’s actually part of a cover that blocks out the sun and I pulled the insert out to just let airflow thru my HMMWV. They were old so you may have to just ask around. Good luck and let me know if you have any OCT or other questions!

  • @lunnadrose

    @lunnadrose

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi, thank you for your video! My husband is looking to become an OCT. He is a warrant. Can you provide a template of what an OCT schedule would typically look like. Thank you in advance!

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    @@lunnadrose Hello. There are 12 different task forces in Operations Group that OCTs fall under. Each task force operates differently and is dependent on which type of unit / position they cover. The general operation is a training rotation every single month. Mostly at Polk but they have started to do fly away rotations in Hawaii and Alaska. Expect to work 20 out of the 30 days each month. JRTC tries to give as much time off in between rotations, so a lot of 4 day weekends. But during rotation can be pretty demanding but again, depends on his position. Definitely, spend some time out in the field to help the team out and give the best training to the rotational unit. If you tell me his MOS I maybe able to provide more detail if I’m familiar with the position. Thanks for the comment!

  • @jimboinsa
    @jimboinsaАй бұрын

    Man! Good memories, Was a former OC for TF1. L48. Best assignment of my career. I did have more creature comfort in my humvee though.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah I went super minimal. I wish I took video of other OCTs...some brought their kitchen sinks and then some! haha. Thanks for your service and appreciate the comments.

  • @hummerguy
    @hummerguy2 жыл бұрын

    Really nice video, gotta love the space in those humvees

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    2 жыл бұрын

    Heck yeah! I felt like I was the perfect height to maneuver around in there. I felt bad for the taller OCTs haha

  • @Runlittlebuddy1029
    @Runlittlebuddy1029 Жыл бұрын

    "I'm just trying to build some slides." I hear that all the time from my E100 TM. :D

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    lol yeap...no way to escape it. Hope you're having fun!

  • @austinlamons3729
    @austinlamons3729 Жыл бұрын

    As a old Gman. There will never be a better feeling to wake up the OC so we can adjudicate all the killing and stealing we did while RTU were sleeping lol. Good times.

  • @jamesdc9595
    @jamesdc95953 ай бұрын

    Just left Geronimo last year, best time I’ve ever had in the Army. I think TF Sustainment would drive me up a wall trying to get other loggies to do the basics right

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you had fun, not only training the best but also becoming the best. Best of luck, Airborne!

  • @i.d.6492
    @i.d.6492 Жыл бұрын

    We had a OC walking with us during movement and everytime we stopped he would pull out his filed chair and sit on it. I was so jealous. I was AG 11B stationed at Polk

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey, them OCTs work hard! Appreciate your comment and getting after it as an 11 "bang, bang!"

  • @MrJbrew69
    @MrJbrew69 Жыл бұрын

    Yeah good ole ft Polk man that place is out in the middle of no where like most bases. Been there for jrtc and mobilization a few times. Be glad to never go back.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    It ain’t that bad lol it certainly has its ups and downs…like all posts. Thanks for the comment and hope alls well with you! 😊

  • @losttwo704
    @losttwo7047 ай бұрын

    Was an OC with first army for about ten years. Post 9/11 mobilization validation at McCoy, wi. It was the best experience of my career. You don't realize how much you gain from it until being out for awhile.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    6 ай бұрын

    I learned so much. Thank you for your service fellow brother in arms!

  • @GimletYT
    @GimletYT5 ай бұрын

    Served one rotation at JRTC as RTU; 5th Battalion 21st Infantry, 7th ID(L), Oct-Nov '89. Served 26 rotations as an OC-T at NTC, '92-'94 as Wolf 35/Tarantula 09. Next to command, being an OC-T was the best job I had in my Army career. Also rode five rotations at JMRC-Hohenfels/Grafenwohr as an Analyst-Trainer, '11-'13. Lead-Train-Win!

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    5 ай бұрын

    Absolutely love it! Thanks for your service and leading the way for the rest of us. I hope you're enjoying the retired life and your comment is much appreciated, sir.

  • @claudee.duckettjr.7707
    @claudee.duckettjr.7707 Жыл бұрын

    I'm coming there soon to be apart of SFAC? 353D REG 3D BN would you happen to have insight on what I'll probably doing?

  • @dad3562
    @dad3562 Жыл бұрын

    Got any advice for BAS operations? Things to keep in mind, defensive, repeat AAR comments?

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    Are you headed for rotation anytime soon? All units go through LTP months out in order to MDMP and meet your OCTs. A great opportunity for questions at initial link up.

  • @bwilson6853
    @bwilson6853 Жыл бұрын

    What is the mosquito net on the HUMVEE window home made(4:39)? That is Great idea!

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    They were actually fabricated by one of our contracted shops on base. They're basically a mesh/nylon fabric that also had a camouflage part to it that would black out all the windows.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    @B Wilson I forgot, you can also buy these commercially. I’ve bought them for my pickup truck for camping. They’re just nylon window screens that slip on but if you get them, make sure you get both front and back ones because the shapes are different.

  • @691Micro
    @691Micro Жыл бұрын

    I’m actually PCSing there as the A3N. How long are you in the field? And when you are done, do you get time off? What’s the daily schedule like as an OC? Will the unit be sending you to schools before you officially start?

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    Being an OCT experience varies depending on position and which task force(TF) your assigned to. As a general idea, rotations are 14 days long and you’ll be out in the field majority of the time to train the units. Over nights will also vary but most likely 50% of the time sleeping in your HMMWV at a minimum because you’ll do shift work with your OCT team. Rest of the month are basically half days and they try to give as much time off. You can go to a school when you want but need to work that with your TF because when you’re gone, someone has to cover down on your absence which can impact the team. Again, it varies a lot but that gives you an idea. Thanks for watching and the questions!

  • @691Micro

    @691Micro

    Жыл бұрын

    @@allthingsunrelated2919 thanks for the insight sir. 🤙🏽🤙🏽

  • @ghosttube6525
    @ghosttube6525 Жыл бұрын

    My son got his orders yesterday for after Airborne...1st 509th at Polk. Whats his daily routine gonna be like? Any help appreciated.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    Hello, sir. He is going to be a part of the "Geronimo" airborne infantry regiment. They replicate the enemy for rotating units who come to train at Ft. Johnson (formerly known as Ft. Polk). He will be super busy during the rotations because they go out to the field and simulate a large scale combat operation. There will be downtime though, in between rotations where he will get to enjoy a 4- day weekend (Friday-Monday) time off to recuperate. The 1-509th is a great unit and he will certainly learn a lot. His missions and requirements can very depending on which specific company he ends up with but he'll also get to continue his jumping. Airborne!

  • @ghosttube6525

    @ghosttube6525

    Жыл бұрын

    @allthingsunrelated2919 that's awesome! He says his favorite time at Basic has been being out in the field and doing patrols/raids. Sounds like this is right up his alley. Thank you VERY much for your reply and for your service, sir. God Bless.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ghosttube6525 You bet! Any other questions feel free to reach out.

  • @sumguyman8656
    @sumguyman86562 ай бұрын

    So if i would have loaded my kit up THEN PMCd my vehicle...red x every time.

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    2 ай бұрын

    Can you please further explain? We PMCS'd our vehicles prior to every rotation.

  • @ac130pan
    @ac130pan Жыл бұрын

    I was at Polk in 3/10, y'all were pretty cool. I only ever met one OC/T who was kind of a dickhead. Still, JRTC, 0/10 would not recommend 😂

  • @allthingsunrelated2919

    @allthingsunrelated2919

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea we appreciate 3/10 as we used you guys to augment and help fill our shortages for rotations. OCTs come in all different flavors as we’re all human but hopefully you learned from all experiences and interactions. Appreciate the comment, best of luck to you! 😃