On Tuesday, 21 April 2026 we published our 500th episode. Reaching 500 episodes is no small feat. Given that the average startup podcast fails after just seven episodes, we...
For many, Afghanistan and the lessons that should have been learned have been overshadowed recently by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. And as much as Ukraine deserves the...
When twins Derek and TJ Baird joined the Army in the '90s, neither of them had any idea what lay ahead. But 26 and 30 years later respectively, one...
Has the promise of cost savings due to outsourcing been realized? Or, has the dependence on the private sector caused overall costs to increase?
Editor’s Note: This is our 500th episode. Thank you for being part of this journey, we wouldn’t be here without you. Your loyalty and engagement have turned a project...
Can a democracy pull off grand strategy? George Acree argues why a republic's inability to maintain decades-long plans is actually its secret weapon. Freedom and flexibility to self-correct are...
Jeff Rogg joins Tom Spahr to discuss the "intelligence revolution." Beyond new gadgets, cell phones & AI are transforming the state-citizen relationship & modern warfare, turning digital footprints into...
Victory goes to the side that correctly identifies its strategic problem, masses the right technology and combined arms advantages, and fully resources the will to win. Bernard B. Fall...
CIA officer Sean Wiswesser joins host Tom Spahr to expose the reality of Russian intelligence. Moving past spy myths, they discuss how corruption and "active measures" shape the Kremlin's...
When viewing PRC activities through an ‘allfare’ lens, the polar regions present exposed flanks due to the tyranny of distance and extreme, unpredictable conditions. The People’s Republic of China’s...
Blair Wilcox & Chase Metcalf join host Tom Spahr to discuss AI in planning. Wargames show AI excels in data and control but cannot master the art of command....
John Warden argued that decapitating leadership can trigger regime collapse. Jacob Stoil argues that this will not work in Iran. Success requires dismantling the "arms and fingers" of repression:...
Non-state actors now execute strategic strikes mirroring elite state operations. Craig Whiteside joins host Darrell Driver to discuss the rise of non-state special operations, from the Tet Offensive to...
U.S. servicemembers face a surge in mental health diagnoses, yet many avoid help. Jonathan Kenigson identifies a lack of cultural competence in care as a key barrier. We must...
The Army is evolving its intel to outpace modern threats. Andrew Evans joins Tom Spahr to discuss a permanent Strategy and Transformation Office. To beat 11-yr acquisition cycles, he...
Is wargaming worth the effort? After 4 years at the U.S. Army War College, Keith Burkepile moves from "maybe" to enthusiastic "yes." Wargames bridge the gap between classroom talk...
The Army is shifting from acquiring "widgets" to a holistic "6 plus 1" portfolio structure to deliver tech to the warfighter faster. Amanda Love joins Dan Harris & Bob...
Modern warfare has evolved from raw firepower to absolute information dominance. Benjamin Moseman traces this shift from Linebacker II to Operation Midnight Hammer, proving space is no longer a...
Samuel Helfont joins host Ron Graneri to discuss his book, The Iraq Wars, that makes interesting connections across three decades of conflict.
Wes Daugherty argues that while writing clarifies how a leader thinks, it can’t test how they handle a thinking adversary. Wargaming bridges the gap between theory & execution, transforming...