Diamond in the Swamp
The Value of Serving as an Observer, Coach, and Trainer at the Joint Readiness Training Center
For officers who know the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) only through experiences as the Rotational Training Unit (RTU), receiving orders to Fort Polk to serve as an Observer, Coach, Trainer (OC/T) can be a severe gut check. Memories of fighting off the local flora, fauna, and Geronimo forces in the swamps of Louisiana aren’t generally pleasant. However, behind the reputation is one of the Army’s best-kept secrets. After more than two years as an OC/T, I can say it’s one of the best assignments I’ve had—an opinion echoed by many of my peers.
For post-command captains deciding what to do next, I strongly recommend working as an OC/T at JRTC. In doing so, it strengthens leaders in tactical proficiency, strategic thinking, professional networks, home-life balance, and educational advancement, providing a foundation that will serve you well as you step into the field-grade ranks.
Tactical Proficiency and Leadership Development
In the two-plus years I served as an OC/T, I worked directly as a team senior with over 25 command teams across airborne, air assault, mountain, Stryker, light infantry, and special operations formations. These organizations, composed of active duty, National Guard, Army Reserves, and foreign military counterparts, provided diverse repetition on ways to succeed in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). Each rotation offered fresh perspectives and unique problem sets such as drone employment, cyber operations, and electronic warfare.
I also had the opportunity to coach platoon leaders and executive officers, helping them think through decisions under pressure, refine their planning processes, and translate doctrine into action. Watching dozens of leaders confront similar tactical problems was professional development at a rate no single operational assignment could match. That depth and breadth of exposure will be invaluable as a future field-grade officer.
Strategic Perspective and Professional Growth
One of the greatest advantages of being an OC/T is developing a holistic understanding of Army operations. JRTC’s full-spectrum training environment places company, battalion, and brigade commanders and staff under sustained stress. This makes an ideal venue for observing how operational planning, targeting, sustainment, and mission execution work at scale. This role deepened my understanding of each element in a BCT and how friction in one area can ripple across the formation. Reviewing doctrine across branches and watching it applied in real time broadened my joint and combined arms perspective far beyond what I experienced in company command. After many rotations, I feel better prepared to anticipate staff requirements and challenges, and to communicate them to higher echelons as a field-grade officer.
Networking and Professional Relationships
Another benefit of serving at JRTC is the caliber of senior leaders OC/Ts get to work with daily. The leaders who come to serve at JRTC are not placed here by chance: the senior field-grade officers, ranging from the task force seniors to the Operations Group commander, are handpicked by the Army for their performance in previous roles. Observing how these leaders think, communicate, and solve problems expanded my own leadership toolkit in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional line unit. Each rotation also brought new brigades and battalions into the box, creating opportunities to build a network of peers and mentors across divisions and components. These relationships are essential when making decisions on future assignments or seeking professional advice.
Sustainable Rhythm of Work and Family
Transitioning from company command before arriving here at JRTC, I was used to working long hours and sacrificing time with my family. There are more times than I care to admit that I left for work before anyone else in the house was awake and didn’t return home until after my children were asleep. Since serving here as an OC/T, when I am not in rotation, I have had ample opportunity to spend time with my family and support them as they supported me in command. From watching my son’s baseball games and Cub Scout events to taking the kids trick-or-treating, I’ve created a closer bond by spending more time with them in an average week here than I did in a month in command. Even during rotations, schedules are highly predictable, allowing OC/Ts to support each other in being part of their children’s and families’ lives.
Opportunity for Professional and Educational Advancement
Serving as an OC/T also creates space for professional and academic growth. JRTC encourages its OC/Ts to maintain relevant expertise by supporting attendance at key military courses and branch-specific certifications. Units expect their coaches to be technically and tactically proficient, and continued education ensures OC/Ts remain subject-matter experts. It is difficult to coach airborne or air assault operations without attending those schools yourself. The predictable schedule also provides time to pursue graduate studies, complete PME requirements, or work on writing and research projects that are often difficult to balance in a line unit.
Conclusion
For captains who have just finished command and are trying to decide what to do before promoting to major, I strongly recommend serving as an OC/T at the JRTC. It significantly contributed to my leadership and tactical expertise as a post-command captain, allowing me to reflect on my growth while continuing to serve in a meaningful capacity. This assignment is an opportunity to significantly impact the US Army and our foreign counterparts at one of the world’s best training institutions by sharing your experience and expertise across echelons and war fighting functions. I have expanded my network and strengthened my relationship with my family. I encourage you to consider it an investment in your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success as you prepare for ILE and the next chapter of your career.
CPT Seth Lynn serves as a Team Senior in Task Force III, JRTC OPS GRP. A 2014 graduate of USMA, he served as an infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Infantry, the 3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and now the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Photos:
Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division react to contact at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) during JRTC rotation 23-01 on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 8, 2022. JRTC Rotation 23-01 serves to enhance brigade and supporting unit’s deployment readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jacob Moir)
SGT Moore of C Co, 1-506 IN, deploys a drone during JRTC 25-07 to screen for OPFOR in the Fullerton Training Area, May 12, 2025.
