Melvyn Leffler, a prominent historian of American foreign policy, is in the studio offering a fresh perspective on the Iraq War. Leffler joins host Carrie Lee challenging some conventional wisdoms surrounding the war, arguing that the George W. Bush administration was not intent on invading Iraq from day one. He makes the case that there were genuine fears among American policymakers about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. He highlights the role of fear, power, and hubris in the decision-making process. Their conversation examines the extensive interviews and archival research Leffler conducted, and offers a nuanced understanding of one of the most consequential foreign policy decisions of the 21st century. The post FEAR, FERVOR, AND FALSEHOODS: INSIGHTS ON THE IRAQ INVASION<br><small>(PART 1)</small> appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
In November 1944, Japan launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary bombs across the Pacific, aiming to set fire to American forests and divert resources from the war effort. While the campaign caused minimal damage and few casualties, it highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. homeland to attack. To discuss lessons from this historical event, the current state of homeland defense, and how we might better prepare for the future, George Schwartz and Bert Tussing sat down with host Darrell Driver. Their conversation emphasizes the need for a whole-of-nation approach to preparedness and the importance of collaboration between government, military, and private sectors. The post THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HOMELAND DEFENSE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
There is a global trend of increased politicization of the military in eroding democracies, some of which are allies of the United States. Risa Brooks joins host Carrie Lee to shed light on the evolving dynamics between political leaders and the military in these countries. Brooks discusses the trend of political leaders using the military for their own electoral and personal gain, explaining how they draw it into domestic politics and, at times, seek to turn the military into a partisan ally. The discussion also underscores the crucial role of professional military education in instilling a deep understanding of democratic principles and norms and ethical boundaries in military service. The episode aims to raise awareness about this critical issue and encourage military professionals around the globe to uphold their commitment to democratic values. The post NORMS, POLITICIZATION, AND THE MILITARY PROFESSION appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
The American intelligence community (IC) is a complex network of 18 different agencies constantly vying for authority and resources. This competition, along with the ongoing effort to balance civilian and military organizations within the IC, is the focus of today's discussion. Dr. Jeff Rogg, a senior research fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to explore the history of the U.S. intelligence system, highlighting its civilian-military dynamics and the critical balance between national security and civil liberties. They delve into the roles of key figures like William Donovan and examine the challenges faced by various Directors of Central Intelligence as they navigate the intricate relationship between military and civilian agencies. This insightful conversation also raises questions about potential reforms needed within the intelligence community, especially considering the growing capabilities of surveillance technology and the need to preserve individual freedoms while ensuring national security. The post THE SPY AND THE STATE: THE PARADOX OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
The recent surge of coups d'etat in Africa holds significant implications for U.S. foreign policy. Dr. Naunihal Singh, author of "Seizing Power: The Strategic Logic of Military Coups," joins host Carrie Lee to discuss his extensive research on this topic. They explore the definition and historical context of coups, examining the intricate dynamics involved. Dr. Singh's insights, particularly on the role of mid-grade military officers, offer a unique perspective on this complex issue, crucial for those interested in civil-military relations and the future of democracy. The post COUPS & CONSEQUENCES: CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN CRISIS appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
The Army is actively seeking innovative programs and ideas to address the recruitment and retention challenges it faces. The post RETENTION THROUGH INNOVATION: THE BLENDED EDUCATION PROGRAM appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Military service provides unique education and experience opportunities not readily available elsewhere, a key selling point for recruiting an all-volunteer force. But do those experiences that make service members valuable in the military translate to success in political service? This is one of the questions Danielle Lupton explores in her research and book, Reputation for Resolve. She joins host Carrie Lee to discuss the role of reputation in international politics and the impact of veterans in politics, Congress, and even the White House. It's the latest episode in our Civil-Military Relations Center speaker series. The post REPUTATION AND RELIABILITY: MILITARY VETS IN POLITICS appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
On August 8, 2024, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who served as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe from 2014 to 2017, visited Carlisle. Michael Neiberg had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a conversation about his latest book, Future War and the Defence of Europe. Their conversation was held at a public presentation at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We're excited to share this bonus episode of their conversation with you, thanks to the generosity of the bookstore in sharing the audio recording of the event. The post AN EVENING WITH FORMER USAREUR COMMANDING GENERAL BEN HODGES appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
A new academic year brings a new lineup of speakers to the U.S. Army War College’s Civil-Military Relations The post MEN OF LEGEND: THE LEGACY OF MONTFORD POINT<br><small>(CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS)</small> appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Last week, the U.S. Army War College welcomed Sir Hew Strachan, a distinguished British military historian and accomplished author. He graciously took the time to sit down with Michael Neiberg in the studio for another episode of our "On Writing" series. During their conversation, Sir Hew shared his journey to becoming one of the foremost experts on the First World War. They explored the significance of historical perspective in contemporary analysis, delved into his extensive studies of Clausewitz and other strategists, and discussed how appearing on television prompted him to think about war in more distilled terms. This engaging dialogue showcases the insights of two skilled and passionate historians. The post THE SCHOLAR AND THE STRATEGIST:<br>SIR HEW STRACHAN<br><small>(ON WRITING)</small> appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Tom Spahr is back in the studio with another insightful discussion focused on data management, refinement, and exploitation within the military. He is joined by CW4 Kelsey Gibson, a senior technical advisor with years of experience in data and digital modernization in the special operations community. Together, they examine the challenges of developing data literacy across all leadership levels. They also discuss the importance of effectively sorting and filtering large data sets, as well as building the trust necessary to leverage AI and automation for faster decision-making. This conversation offers valuable insights into a crucial topic—tune in to hear their perspectives and share your thoughts! The post ASKING DATA THE RIGHT QUESTIONS appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
This week, we have one final episode in our "Back to School" series highlighting another special program at the U.S. Army War College. The Advanced Regional Studies (ARS) program offers opportunities for students to meet the senior decision- and policy-makers of our allied and partner nations on their own turf. Daniel Krebs, the director of ARS, is in the studio to explain how a select number of students will travel abroad for study. He joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to discuss how students gain invaluable knowledge and understanding of the culture and mindset of these nations and their leaders by spending time in their countries and meeting with them face-to-face. The post SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO BE THERE: ADVANCED REGIONAL STUDIES AT THE WAR COLLEGE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Last week, we noted the next few conversations veer into some of the "inside baseball" of how the Army War College educates strategic leaders. Episodes like this are mainly to inform incoming resident students about options available to them, but other listeners might be interested in getting some insights into the inner workings of senior joint professional military education. Host Tom Spahr sits down with the directors of three such opportunities: Bob Bradford, director of the Enterprise Management Enrichment Specialization (EM), Jerad Harper, director of the Joint Warfighting Program (JWP) and Mike Stinchfield, director of the National Security Simulation Exercise of Competition, Crisis, and Conflict (NSEC3). Their conversation examines the unique opportunities each of these enrichment and enhancement programs affords participants as they continue their growth towards becoming better critical thinkers, trusted advisers, and strategic thought leaders in the joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment. The post MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAILORED EDUCATION AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
We know that the next few episodes are a little bit of inside baseball. But one of the things we like to do at War Room is highlight the innovative means and methods by which the U.S. Army War College develops strategic leaders. Episodes like this inform incoming resident students of the options available to them during their academic year as well as give insights to listeners who may never get to see the inner workings of senior joint professional military education (JPME). Host Darrell Driver sits down with the directors of three such opportunities: Doug Douds, director of the Advanced Strategic Art Program (ASAP), Richard Lacquement, director of the National Security Policy Program (NSPP) and Celestino Perez, director of the Carlisle Scholars Program (CSP). Their conversation examines the unique opportunities each of these immersive programs affords participants as they continue their growth towards becoming better critical thinkers, trusted advisers and strategic thought leaders in the joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment. For more information on each of the programs you can contact the directors. Dr. Doug Douds (ASAP) douglas.douds@armywarcollege.edu Dr. Richard Lacquement (NSPP) richard.lacquement@armywarcollege.edu Dr. Celestino Perez (CSP) celestino.perez@armywarcollege.edu The post IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
It's time to talk about the Harding Project once again. The project is the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA) effort to renew professional publications, strengthen the profession, and ultimately enhance the warfighting capability of the U.S. Army. Jake Larkowich, Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and associate editor for War Room, stepped into the studio to share a senior leader perspective. He joins Editor-in-Chief, JP Clark, to discuss the importance of putting words to your thoughts. Their conversation focuses on sharing experiences and opinions in writing at the senior leader level, where there is value for both junior officers and NCOs, as well as challenges and benefits to writing for one's contemporaries. The post COLONELS WRITING FOR COLONELS appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Alliances are difficult beasts to manage. Priorities don't always align; gains for some are sacrifices for others. Resources aren't equally provided or distributed. It is a difficult dance for leaders to balance participation in alliances for the greater good while maintaining the strategic autonomy of their sovereign nation. Marcus Antonini spent his year at the U.S. Army War College as a member of the Advanced Strategic Art Program (ASAP) examining the concept of strategic autonomy, primarily within the context of NATO. Marcus joins host Darrell Driver to discuss the concepts that he studied in ASAP as well as the Russia-Ukraine Integrated Research Project he participated in. Their conversation covers meetings with French counterparts at École Militaire as part of the program as well as his previous experience leading the Bomber Task Force in U.S. European Command. The post STRATEGIC AUTONOMY: OURS, THEIRS AND THE BALANCE IN BETWEEN appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
The Carlisle Scholars Program at the U.S. Army War College is a unique experience for a select seminar of students each academic year. After completing the majority of the academic requirements in an accelerated 10 weeks of course work, the remainder of the year focuses on research, writing, and advising senior leaders. Bernardo Gonzalez-Lazaro Sueiras, Rick Luce and Luigi Valentini are in the studio to explain the results of their study that investigated the issue of interoperability in NATO. They join guest host Tom Galvin to reveal the issues and successes they found after many hours of interviews and examination of NATO member nations and their military leaders. The post NATO INTEROPERABILITY: A CARLISLE SCHOLARS STUDY appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
Talent management is simple. All that is necessary is to match the many people in any particular rank and specialty who are moving at a given time to the right job that matches talent, enables professional growth, meets personal and family needs, and maximizes unit effectiveness and efficiency. Maybe it is not so simple after all. Sarah Kaiser and Jacy Park join host Lou Yuengert to discuss the results of their research on talent management in the Army and larger Department of Defense (DoD). Sarah researched the DoD Career Intermission Program (CIP), of which she is also a participant. Jacy examined the Army's current talent management efforts. They share their findings with Lou and highlight the successes and shortcomings of both efforts with recommendations for improvement. Listen in to their conversation in the next installment of our How Should the Army Run (HSTAR) series. The post CHASING THE BEST: TALENT MANAGEMENT FOR THE MASSES<br><small>(HOW SHOULD THE ARMY RUN?)</small> appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
It’s time once again to feature some of the smart conversations that occur around the country through the Eisenhower Series College Program. For over 50 years, the Eisenhower Program has reached out to colleges and town halls across the nation to introduce War College students to audiences that are often unfamiliar with members of the U.S. military. This episode features Don Mozer and Luis Peral as they examine the current efforts of the U.S. military support to the ongoing drug interdiction mission of the nation. With the benefit of Don's recent tour in NORTHCOM and Luis's decades of law enforcement and prosecutorial experience between them, they share their perspectives with podcast host Ron Granieri. Their conversation aims to understand the nature of a very real threat to national security as well as consider possible strategies to combat that threat in the present and well into the future. The post THE REAL FOREVER WAR: THE WAR ON DRUGS<br><small>(EISENHOWER SERIES)</small> appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.
The U.S. Army War College continues to support the Army Chief of Staff's (CSA) focus on warfighting. In this episode, podcast editor Ron Granieri sits with Isaac Henderson, Pamela Lovasz, and Rick Luce—three recent graduates of the resident course Carlisle Scholars Program—to discuss their research examining the challenges and possibilities of implementing a warfighting mindset across the force. Whether it's adapting a concept like shoot, move, and communicate to non-combat career fields, folding Department of the Army civilians into the culture, or the overarching concept of trust in mission command, these three professionals share the insights of their study over the last year. The post WHO IS A WARFIGHTER? RESEARCHING THE WARFIGHTING CULTURE appeared first on War Room - U.S. Army War College.