Green Berets Explain Why the Next Conflict Will Be Nothing Like the Last 20 Years

Description

Large Scale Combat Operations will define the next generation of warfare, forcing America’s military to prepare for conflicts far beyond the counter-terrorism fight of the last two decades. Host Fran Racioppi sat down with COL Gabe Szody and CSM Travis Esterby of 5th Special Forces Group to break down how Green Berets are preparing for the realities of Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) and the demands of fighting alongside the joint force against near-peer adversaries. For Special Forces, LSCO requires a completely different mindset. Future conflict will demand massive sustainment, deeper coordination across conventional and Special Operations forces, and commanders capable of making critical decisions without having a perfect battlefield picture. COL Szody and CSM Esterby explain how Special Forces detachments provide deep sensing, special reconnaissance, and global access capabilities that act as combat multipliers for the larger joint force. The conversation explores how Green Berets are adapting from the fast-paced targeting cycles of the Global War on Terror to conflicts requiring long-term planning, synchronization, and operational depth. They also discuss the role Combat Training Centers play in preparing leaders and formations for the scale, uncertainty, and complexity of modern warfare. 5th Special Forces Group continues to evolve for the next fight, proving that adaptability, integration, and preparation will define success on tomorrow’s battlefield. Meet the Guests: COL Gabe Szody, Commander, 5th Special Forces Group CSM Travis Esterby, Senior Enlisted Advisor, 5th Special Forces Group Command a unit home to 25 Medal of Honor Recipients Highlights: 0:00 Defining LSCO 5:19 SOF’s role in LSCO 9:32 SOF-Space-Cyber Triad 11:49 LSCO decision making Quotes: “If the big one kicks off, we will be what the nation needs us to be” “It’s our access and placement forward the line of troops that’s unique.” “In LSCO, you got to be thinking at least 96 hours out.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by On