Observer, Coach, Trainer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center

In this episode, MWI's Dr. Charlie Faint speaks with Captain Francis Ambrogio, an Army armor officer, West Point graduate, and observer, coach, trainer (OCT) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, to discuss how the Army is preparing for the realities of modern warfare. Drawing on experiences ranging from his service as a tank platoon leader in Korea and an aide-de-camp to a general officer to his time as a troop commander in the 10th Mountain Division and his current role as an OCT, Francis explains the unique role of the JMRC in training US and allied forces alongside NATO partners and Ukrainian forces. He shares insights into the rapid integration of drones, artificial intelligence, multinational interoperability, and the persistent challenges of the modern battlefield, including command post operations, staff proficiency, and mastering increasingly complex technology. Throughout the conversation, Francis emphasizes that success in future conflict still depends on timeless fundamentals: treating training as real, mastering the basics, building trust, listening to subordinates, and constantly learning from both allies and past experience to prepare leaders and formations for the next fight.

Chapters

• (00:00:02) - The Spear
• (00:00:31) - Military Brings the Military to Life
• (00:02:33) - West Point Military Academy Experience
• (00:03:55) - What was your first job after you got in the Army?
• (00:04:46) - Retired Air Force Sergeant on Korea
• (00:06:23) - Francis Ambrosio on Becoming a General's Aide
• (00:10:30) - An Army Aid Officer's Burnout
• (00:13:00) - Captain Olig on Becoming a Captain
• (00:15:14) - Post-Basic Military Experience
• (00:18:07) - What Became an OCT
• (00:20:45) - Joint Multinational Training Center at Hohenfels
• (00:28:02) - Drones on the Modern Battlefield
• (00:31:36) - President Obama on Being an Ambassador for His Country
• (00:32:56) - Cadet Honors Program
• (00:34:43) - Training for a Future War
• (00:36:24) - Small Unit Cohesion
• (00:37:57) - Francis, You Are a Leader of the Army
• (00:40:36) - A Year in the Army
• (00:42:21) - Col. Francis Hohenfels on His 10th Year in
• (00:44:09) - The Spear