Episode #5: Lessons from the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center
Transcript for this episode available here: CALL Podcast Insights from the Fight Ep 5 Lesson from JPMRC transcript [TXT - 53.2 KB]
On this episode, Colonel Matthew P. Leclair, the Commander for the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) and the 196th Infantry Brigade, provided a comprehensive overview of lessons from the Army's newest combat training center. He emphasized JPMRC's primary functions are leadership development and the validation of new organizations and equipment within the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike traditional training centers, JPMRC is designed to be exportable, bringing realistic, multi-domain training to diverse environments such as the jungles of Hawaii and the arctic conditions of Alaska. This approach allows for training alongside regional allies and partners, directly supporting the U.S. Army Pacific's (USARPAC) Operation Pathways and enhancing interoperability.
Colonel Leclair detailed the complexities of planning and executing training across such wide and varied operating environments. He highlighted the importance of mastering fundamental warfighting skills regardless of the environment, including reconnaissance, security, and the effective use of fires.
Key Highlights: Discussions on the impact of new equipment, such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) and the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV), in increasing mobility and the integration of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of Army transformation. Colonel Leclair also stressed the importance of sustainment, casualty care, and the critical role of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in successful operations, advocating for their empowerment and inclusion in the planning process.
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Host: Mr. Jeremy Stermer is a military analyst at CALL at Fort Leavenworth. He retired as a LTC after 20 years of service as an Infantryman. His deployments include Bosnia, Iraq, and the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Career Captain’s Course, Command and Staff Collage (08), Appalachian State University (BS 96) and Central Michigan University (MS 08).
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Guest: Colonel Matthew P. Leclair
Colonel (COL) Matt Leclair’s service began as an enlisted Ranger in 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment from 1994-1999 and believes it is the foundation for not only his military career but also his adult life. He received a Green-to-Gold scholarship and attended Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah Georgia receiving a degree in Computer Science and later a Masters degree from Central Michigan University in Administration with a focus in strategic leadership. He has been married to the former Ms. Christy McJunkin for 25 years and they have two boys Hunter and Brady, and two girls: Ryan and Evan.
COL Leclair attended Infantry Officer Basic Course in 2003 and was assigned to 1/505th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division. Here he served as platoon leader, executive officer and air operations officer. Following the Infantry career course in 2005, he was again selected for assignment to 1-Panther, 1/505th and served as the assistant operations officer and company commander. COL Leclair earned the opportunity to once again serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment from 2009 -2013 as 1/75th logistics officer and Charlie Company Commander. Following Command & General Staff College, COL Leclair was selected for assignment to 1/503rd “First Rock” in the 173rd in Vicenza Italy. He served as the battalion executive officer for 24 months operating in every country in Europe from Spain to Bulgaria to Latvia. The pinnacle of his leadership experiences was as the Commander for 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry in 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. COL Leclair is a career military professional with over 30 years of active service. His most recent operational responsibilities were directly supporting the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa Florida. COL Leclair comes to the 196th Infantry Brigade as a senior Army fellow at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies.
COL Leclair credits these organizations and more importantly the people in them who have inspired him to be the best leader, follower, teammate, father and husband he can be. He intends to do the same for the 196th Infantry Brigade and the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center at Ft. Shafter Hawaii.
Helpful links to JPRMC:
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