Five Questions for a General

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson hosts retired General Joe Votel, who led such units as the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Joint Special Operations Command, US Special Operations Command, and US Central Command.General Votel reflects on a career shaped by trust, adaptability, and disciplined leadership across the full spectrum of modern conflict. Drawing on experiences commanding both special operations and conventional forces, he discusses the enduring importance of decentralized decision-making, strong relationships, and transparent communication in complex, fast-moving environments. General Votel also explores how leaders should balance human judgment with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the evolving role of special operations in great power competition, and the strategic challenges of regions such as the Middle East. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes patience, collaboration, professional curiosity, and commitment to the task at hand as timeless foundations for developing highly effective military leaders.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Justin Rodriguez sits down with Major General Mark Quander to discuss topics ranging from disaster relief to team building to accomplishing what seems impossible.General Quander graduated from West Point and commissioned as an engineer. After service in units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 10th Mountain Division and combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, he returned to West Point as the 79th commandant of the United States Military Academy. He now serves as the Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, US Army Corps of Engineers.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Retired Brigadier General Maureen LeBoeuf graduated from Saint Bonaventure University and received a direct commission into the Women's Army Corps. She served in the logistics, ordnance, and aviation branches during her Army career before being selected to head West Point's Department of Physical Education and earning the title Master of the Sword, becoming the first woman to hold either of those positions.In this episode, Cadet Parker Brown talks to General LeBoeuf about leadership philosophy, mentorship, physical fitness, and setting the standard as a leader. 

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Brigadier General Adam Ake graduated first in his class at West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar before embarking on an Army career that led to his current position as the deputy director for operations, OT-4, on the joint staff. In this episode, he joins Cadet Zach Olson for an in-depth discussion about professional military education, critical thinking, life priorities, and the challenges (and opportunities) inherent in learning and leading in a complex and uncertain environment.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson interviews retired General Paul LaCamera. General LaCamera commanded the 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Pacific, and United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command. He also has extensive experience in the special operations community, with service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operations Command. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, which he earned for his actions during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. This wide-ranging and highly informative discussion focuses on readiness, combat leadership, and the value of simplicity.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Orion van Buskirk interviews retired Major General Malcolm Frost, a career infantryman whose assignments as a general officer include serving as the deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, the chief of public affairs for the Army, and the commanding general of the Army Center for Initial Military Training. In their discussion, the two cover General Frost's decision to join the Army, his experiences leading troops in combat, and the highlights of General Frost's time heading the Army's public affairs effort and commanding the Army's initial military training program.General Frost’s thoughts on relationship building, the importance of leader’s intent, and the necessity of leaders positioning themselves at the decisive point are highly useful insights for anyone interested in honing their own leadership ability or improving the organizations they lead.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode of Five Questions for a General, Cadet Donovan Scott sits down with retired Major General Bill Rapp for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, decision-making, and the challenges of driving change in large organizations. Drawing on more than 30 years of Army service, including combat deployments, his tenure as commandant of West Point, and command of the US Army War College, General Rapp offers candid reflections on the lessons that shaped him as both a soldier and a leader. From steering cultural change in academic and operational settings, to managing seemingly impossible logistical challenges in Afghanistan, to championing humility and courage as the bedrock of leadership, General Rapp provides wisdom that resonates far beyond the military. Whether discussing cadet snowball fights at West Point or the moral courage required to change course when plans fail in combat, his insights blend humility, humor, and hard-earned perspective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical lessons in leadership, resilience, and collaboration.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Keilani Stewart sits down with retired Brigadier General Rich Gross for an in-depth discussion about communication, law, and decision-making in high-risk environments.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson sits down with Major General Pat Work, the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, for a detailed discussion about leader development, partner force operations, and preparing for war.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Mark Miles, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence, about leadership, decision dominance, and cyber operations.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Major General Joseph Hilbert, the commander of the 11th Airborne Division, about ethics, problem solving, and leader development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Sebastian Witt speaks with Major General David Hill, commandant of the US Army War College, about strategic thinking, leadership, military education, and professional development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Brendan Raymond, deputy commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division,  about leader development and taking care of soldiers.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Henry Kaye sits down with retired Major General Mick Ryan of the Australian Army for a discussion about risk management, setting the example, and the future of warfare.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Major General Peter Andrysiak, US European Command's chief of staff, joins Cadet Zach Olson for a discussion about change management, the evolving battlefield, and the tough decisions that leaders must make in combat.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Brigadier General R. J. Garcia, commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point, joins Cadet Sebastian Witt for a discussion about courage, inspiration, and junior leader development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Henry Kaye speaks with Major General Ryan Janovic, the commanding general of US Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower. General Janovic began his Army career as a military intelligence officer before eventually rising to senior levels of command within the cyber community. In his discussion with Cadet Kaye, General Janovic draws from his 32 years of Army experience to provide insights into the complexities of a wide range of topics including cyber operations, junior leader development, and crisis management.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson is joined by retired General Robert Abrams. General Abrams graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1982 and commissioned into the armor branch. After leading a wide variety of units in the US Army, General Abrams completed his time in uniform as the commander of United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forced Command, and US Forces Korea. In his discussion with Cadet Olson, General Abrams draws on his 39 years of military experience to provide insights into leader development, national security, and the importance of mastering one's craft.  

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, the newest podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. The series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson is joined by retired General Paul Nakasone. After commissioning as a military intelligence officer in 1986, General Nakasone held a variety of both command and intelligence positions across Army echelons during his career, ultimately serving as commander of US Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency. Cadet Olson asks him about the future of intelligence, the importance of US military partnerships, and his advice for leaders entering the Army's cyber and military intelligence branches.

Welcome to Five Questions for a General, a new podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. The series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. This inaugural episode features a discussion with retired General Martin Dempsey and retired General Walter Sharp. Both members of the West Point class of 1974, General Dempsey retired from the US Army after serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General Sharp culminated his Army career by serving simultaneously as the commander of United Nations Command, US Forces Korea, and ROK-US Combined Forces Command. Cadet Sebastian Witt hosts this episode and asks them about the military profession, emerging threats on today's strategic landscape, and the changes that have taken place at West Point since their graduation in 1974.