Professional Military Education

Visiting Normandy and touring the beaches from D-Day, June 6, 1944, is a powerful experience. It is an experience that all American citizens should plan to do. There are incredible stories of American servicemembers that left their homes to serve and sacrifice for a cause greater than themselves. It is important to remember and honor these heroes. Many people do this every year as there are approximately 1.7 million people who visit the Normandy American Cemetery annually. In this podcast episode, I speak with a tour guide, Yannick Sterke, who gives tours of the Normandy battlefields. In the summer of 2022, I took a three day tour with Yannick. He is a wealth of knowledge. He showed our group significant places including Omaha beach, Utah beach, Point du Hoc, and Saint Lo. At each place, he told us about the history of D-Day and the invasion of Normandy with a lot of powerful stories. Yannick and I kept in touch and he agreed to do an interview to talk about the history of World War II, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and his work showing people (including World War II veterans) the battlefields. Check out Yannick's comapny: HQ Company Tour Visit HQ Company Tour on Facebook, Instagram, or TripAdvisor Check out the Normandy American Cemetery where approximately 1.7 million people visit each year. Additional Books to Read: Operation Jubilee: Dieppe, 1941: The Folly and the Sacrifice The Dead and Those About to Die: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach by John C. McManus Omaha Beach D-Day June 6 1944 by Joseph Balkoski The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the show, subscribe in Apple podcasts, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Visit the website. E-mail: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out our Tours: Alexandria History Tours provides guided tours of Old Town Alexandria with a focus on George Washington, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. Use promo code “PMECOMPLETE” for a 10% discount.  

In the year 1780, South Carolina was in the grip of violence and turmoil. On December 3, 1780, General Nathanael Greene assumed command of the southern department from General Horatio Gates. Gates, the hero of Saratoga, had struggled in the Carolinas most notably at the disastrous battle of Camden. The Continental Congress relented to General Washington's preferred commander: Nathanael Greene. Thus, Greene left his post at West Point and traveled south. General Greene had a series of challenging decisions in front of him. How was he going to rebuild a nearly destroyed army? How was he going to recruit and train his forces to eventually challenge General Cornwallis? The task ahead of him was daunting. In the face of overwhelming odds, he made a militarily unorthodox decision: He split his army in half. In command of the other half of his army was General Daniel Morgan, a brawler from the Virginia backcountry. Morgan was a veteran of the French and Indian War. He was captured and held as a POW after the failed invasion of Quebec. He later distinguished himself as one of the heroes of the Saratoga campaign. In January 1781, Morgan was also faced with improbable odds. As he commanded General Greene's “flying army”, Cornwallis sent Lt. Col. “Bloody Ban” Tarleton to pursue Morgan. On January 17, 1781, General Morgan made a stand in a local cow pasture in northwest South Carolina. We know this location as Cowpens. It was here that Morgan achieved one of the most tactically brilliant victories in American military history. We know Morgan as the “Old Wagoner”, but he could just as easily be called the American Hannibal. Check out part three of the series and learn more about what happened at the Battle of Cowpens! HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the show, subscribe in Apple podcasts, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Visit the website. E-mail: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out our Tours: Alexandria History Tours provides guided tours of Old Town Alexandria with a focus on George Washington, the Revolutionary, and the Civil War. Use promo code “PMECOMPLETE” for a 10% discount.   Further Reading:  A Devil of a Whipping  William Washington, American Light Dragoon: A Continental Cavalry Leader in the War of Independence The Road to Guilford Courthouse Daniel Morgan: A Revolutionary Life Kings Mountain and Cowpens Nathanael Greene: A Biography of the American Revolution South Carolina and the American Revolution To the End of the World: Nathanael Greene, Charles Cornwallis, and the Race to the Dan

General Jason Q. Bohm (Maj. Gen., USMC) is the author of a recently published book entitled Washington's Marines: The Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution, 1775-1777. In this interview, we discuss why and how the Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775. General Bohm explains that General Washington did not initially support the Marines. However, the Marines played a pivotal role during the “Ten Crucial Days.” This was the period from December 25, 1776, through January 3, 1777. It included key battles at Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. The Marines' heroic actions and fighting spirit helped General Washington during one of the lowest points of the Revolutionary War. Furthermore, it firmly established the Marines' reputation as America's premiere fighting force.  In this interview, we discuss the following: The Marines were supposed to be used for a naval campaign against the British in Halifax, Nova Scotia. General Bohm tells us why it never happened.   Samuel Nicholas. We know him as our first commandant. Was he really commandant though? Who was this Philadelphia Quaker? Recruiting and retention. Who were the young men that came to Tun Tavern? And why Tun Tavern? The first Marine Corps deployment was to the Bahamas. Sounds like a nice deployment! But did the Marines know anything about amphibious operations in March 1776? The New York campaign and the events that led to the Continental Armies' low point in December 1776. The “Ten Crucial Days” included the Battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. The Marines played a critical role in helping Washington's army snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  Implications for the current Marine Corps. What lessons can we learn from our Marine forefathers? Washington's Marines can be purchased through  Savas Beatie or Amazon About the Author: General Jason Q. Bohm (Mag. Gen., USMC) is a Marine Corps infantryman with over 30 years of experience. General Bohm has served at every level from platoon commander to commanding general. His past assignments include strategic planner with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Director of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfighting School (EWS). He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing as well as master's degrees in military studies and in national security studies. General Bohm has written award-winning articles for the Marine Corps Gazette. He is also the author of From the Cold War to ISIL: One Marine's Journey (Naval Institute Press, 2019).  General Bohm's first book is available on Amazon. Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com Revolutionary War and George Washington Tours in Alexandria, VA: www.alexandriahistorytours.com use promo code "pmecomplete" to get a 10% discount.  If you like the podcast, please rate and review on iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Don't forget to subscribe and be on the lookout for Part Three of the American Guerillas series. 

The American Guerillas series continues with part two: “The Sword of the Lord and Gideon”. After the British invasion of South Carolina, American forces had their backs to the wall. But many Patriot militia units refused to give up. They fought valiantly using guerilla style tactics. In this episode, we discuss those tactics in depth.  This episode will cover the following:  The Battle of Musgrove's Mill The Battle of Kings Mountain and the legend of the Over Mountain Men The Swamp Fox, Francis Marion's campaign in the low country The Battle of Blackstock's Plantation Key leaders on the American side: Colonel Isaac Shelby, Colonel William Campbell as well as Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion  Key leaders on the British side: Major Patrick Ferguson After listening to this episode, subscribe and stay tuned for American Guerillas Part Three.  Business update: My company, Alexandria History Tours, provides history tours in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We have a George Washington tour, a Revolutionary War tour, plus Civil War stops on our tours! Check out the website and learn more.   Podcast website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com to see maps and pictures.  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the show and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.  Check out the show on Twitter and Facebook To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

This is the first episode in a series on the Revolutionary War in the Carolinas. The series is called “American Guerillas” and part one is titled “War in the Carolinas”. This episode will cover a lot of ground and begin with an overview of the American Revolution up until the British invasion of Charleston in 1780. After a summary of the major milestones of the Revolution, the episode will cover the following:  Why the British shifted their strategy to the Carolinas Key leaders on the British side: Cornwallis and Tarleton Key leaders on the American side: William Moultrie and Horatio Gates Siege warfare tactics that the British used to take Charleston The massacre at the Waxhaws The Battle of Camden Battlefield tactics during the Revolutionary War After listening to this episode, check out “American Guerillas Part Two: The Sword of the Lord and Gideon”. Business Update: Alexandria History Tours is open for business, providing history tours in Alexandria, VA. We have a George Washington tour, a Revolutionary War tour, and Civil War history stops on our tours! Check out the website and learn more.  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com to see maps and pictures.  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the show and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.  Check out the show on Twitter and Facebook To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

Col. Grant Newsham (USMC-Ret.), has a warning for America: China is at war with us. It is time for Americans to understand that China does not believe war starts with the deployment of missiles, tanks, and infantry. From the perspective of the People's Republic of China (PRC), war has already begun. Furthermore, over the last several decades, China has used influence operations, economic policies, political warfare, and lawfare to cripple America. The results have left American communities jobless with rampant drug use, deaths of despair, and social disfunction. As one example, fentanyl related drug overdoses caused 70,000 American deaths in 2021. This number is higher than the number of Americans killed during the Vietnam War. The chemical components of fentanyl are manufactured in China.     After decades of economic growth and political warfare, China has undergone one of the most significant military build-ups during a period of "peace." What are their next moves? As China has trained, mobilized, and built up its army and navy, the obvious question is for what purpose?  In this interview, we discuss these questions and much more.  Interview topics include: China's current military capabilities: Key strengths and weaknesses China has a mission: To defeat the United States and they believe that war is already taking place. Does China believe they can successfully invade Taiwan? If China does attack Taiwan, what would the attack look like? How would the United States respond? Is nuclear war possible? What is military-civilian fusion? How does China think of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) How have American elites both in business and politics helped to facilitate China's rise to power. On the American business class and Wall Street, Grant says, "You can't expect to win if you're funding your enemies."  Check out the book: When China Attacks A Warning to America  Biography: Grant Newsham is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Security Policy. He is also a Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies focusing on Asia-Pacific defense, political, and economic matters. Grant is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and was the first U.S. Marine Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He also served as reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine Attaché, US Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. Check out Grant's work at the Center for Security Policy. Find Grant on Twitter: @NewshamGrant HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com

On December 19, 1777, George Washington led the Continental Army onto a high plateau twenty miles northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After fighting the British at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, Washington entered camp with a little over 12,000 soldiers. By mid-February, that number had dropped in half. Disease ravaged camp. Soldiers starved. Many of them were down to their last shirt. Some walked into camp barefoot. As if the problems couldn't get worse, most soldiers didn't know if or when they would get paid for their service.  Despite the many difficulties, General Washington was determined to pull the army through the winter. He faced multiple threats to his command both from within the army and from Congress. Although Valley Forge did not involve any large battle, the army faced one of its toughest challenges of the Revolutionary War. If it could survive and hold together, then the American fight for independence would continue.   Through a combination of leadership and determination, Washington and his army were able to persevere. By the summer of 1778, the soldiers that survived the winter emerged hardened and ready for a fight. In this podcast episode, we will study what happened at Valley Forge with a focus on Washington's leadership and the many decisions that he had to make.  We will begin the episode by imagining what order Washington might have given prior to occupying camp. Then we will focus on the following topics: How did Washington prevent a mutiny?  What was the Conway Cabal and how did Washington overcome it? Who was the odd Prussian Captain that arrived at Valley Forge in February? How did the experience at Valley Forge shape Washington's political mindset? What personnel decisions did Washington make?  How was morale maintained? What caused death and desertion? Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com to see maps and pictures. The website will also have a list of sources and additional information to study what happened at Valley Forge.  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the show and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.  Check out the show on Twitter and Facebook To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

Wake Island was the site of a famous battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. By December 7, 1941, it was a small (but growing) naval air station (NAS). The construction and development of the island began in January 1941. As Pacific Fleet Commander, Admiral Kimmel, recognized the vulnerability of the island, Marines were brought in to defend it in August 1941. On December 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked Wake Island with a series of aerial bombardments. On December 11, the Japanese attempted their first invasion of the island. But they were soundly defeated. The Marine defenders bloodied a much larger Japanese task force. Additionally, the fighting men of Wake won the first tactical victory of the Pacific and gave America hope that it could fight back and win. This was a much-needed morale boost only a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It would take the Japanese task force another 12 days with two aircraft carriers and 1,000 more landing forces to overwhelm the Marines defending the island and finally take it.  In this solo podcast, I cover the battle from the point of view of the Marine Corps Commanding Officer, Major James P.S. Devereux. I also integrate the writing of Private First Class (PFC) John R. Himelrick. This is the story of how Marines, sailors, soldiers, and even civilians were able to defend the island for 16 days against nearly impossible odds. Without reinforcements, it was only a matter of time before the island fell.  The primary defenders of the island were Marines from First Defense Battalion and VMF 211. This episode explores how the Marines fought and what lessons can still be learned today. With a strong focus on Major Devereux's decision making, this episode tries to challenge the listener to think about “What would you do?” “How would you react amidst the ‘fog of war'”? Wake Island's American defenders did surrender on December 23, 1941. But the deck was stacked against them from day one. There are a lot of “what ifs” that surround its defenses? I cover these counterfactuals in the episode. Furthermore, this battle is good considering what the Marine Corps is hoping to accomplish with Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). Wake Island was meant to be an EABO. Therefore, it can provide relevant lessons for today's operating environment.    Check out the website to see maps, which are helpful to view while listening to the podcast.  Primary Sources: Major Devereux's Book: The Story of Wake Island PFC Himelrick's diary entries. Available through the Marine Corps History Division upon request.  The Defense of Wake by Lt. Col. R.D. Heinl, Jr. published in 1947 “The Battle of Wake Island” article by Gregory J.W. Urwin   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   Check out the show on Twitter and Facebook To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

Is the United States Military weak? The Heritage Foundation has fired a shot across the bow with its “2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength.” The Index concludes that the U.S. military in its current posture is “weak.” The Pentagon might not like the report. But, my guest, Dakota Wood, is calling things as they are rather than the way people would like them to be.  “Nobody likes their baby being called ugly. But the facts are what they are.” -Dakota Wood The 2023 Index starts with an assessment of the operating environment from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. Dakota explains that the Index is looking at American military power within a two major-regional conflict (MRC) framework. The Index analyses enemy threats through the lens of “intent and capability.” The focus is on Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and terrorist groups like ISIS. The Index then shifts to a detailed overview of each U.S. military branch in terms of capacity, capability, and readiness. After grading each branch individually, the Index comes up with an aggregate grade of “weak.” This is not an indictment on any individual service member or unit. Dakota explains that this is a combination of years of underfunding, misuse of resources, and a “profound lack of seriousness.”  Topics of discussion: The purpose behind the Index and its target audience How two major-regional conflicts (MRCs) was developed as the framework for the Index Why the Index assesses the overall operating environment as “favorable” We dive into two specific “competitors”: Russia and China Breaking down U.S. service branches: The Army is “marginal”; the U.S. Navy is “weak”; the Air Force is “very weak”; the Marine Corps is “strong”; the Space Force is “weak”; and nuclear capabilities are “strong” but trending toward “marginal” Find the “2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength” at www.Heritage.org/military  Connect with Dakota on LinkedIn and follow him at The Heritage Foundation About the guest: Dakota Wood is a Senior Research Fellow, Defense Programs, Center for National Defense at The Heritage Foundation. He served America for two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps. His research and writing focuses on programs, capabilities, operational concepts, and strategies of the U.S. Department of Defense and military services to assess their utility in ensuring the United States has the ability to protect and promote its critical national security interests. Mr. Wood originated and currently serves as the editor for Heritage's “Index of U.S. Military Strength.” HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   Check out the show on Twitter and Facebook To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

How did the U.S. recover from the devastation of Pearl Harbor and win one of the most epic battles in naval history? Was war in the Pacific inevitable or were there diplomatic off ramps? Why did Japan attack America on December 7, 1941? Did America really know in advance that an attack was coming? My guest Dale Jenkins helps answer these questions in his book, Diplomats and Admirals. We speak at length about these topics in our interview. I thought our deep dive into the Battle of Midway was especially fun. Additional topics include: Diplomatic breakdowns that led to war between the U.S. and Japan How the Japanese were able to carry out the Pearl Harbor attack with “total surprise” U.S. intelligence that broke Japanese codes and learned about the Japanese plans at Midway How the U.S. won the Battle of Midway and nearly lost it all U.S. heroism at the Battle of Midway Lessons on leadership to include Admiral Nimitz's battle plan  The principles of carrier tactics and how carrier battles were fought and won Dale Jenkins spent five years reading and researching. This book is a culmination of his efforts. I am glad to release this interview as we mark the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and remember the day that will live in infamy on December 7, 1941.  Listen to the interview and then check out Dale's book here and his website.  About the Author: Dale Jenkins is a former US Navy officer who served on a destroyer in the Pacific and for a time was home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan. Pacific Fleet commitments took him to the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. While on active duty, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. His business career was primarily in international banking, and he was also a staff director at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Dale currently serves on the Samuel Eliot Morison Committee of the Naval Order of the United Sates, New York, and as a Regional Director of the Naval War College Foundation. As a result of his active-duty experience and new revelations, Dale provides insight into the diplomacy and strategies of the Pacific region. He has degrees in history and business from Harvard and Columbia. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

Stuart Scheller served in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer for seventeen years. His five deployments included combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When he was a Lieutenant Colonel, Scheller served as a battalion commander at the Marine Corps School of Infantry (SOI). In the summer of 2021, U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan. The withdrawal was poorly planned and hastily executed. The Taliban took over the entire country and surrounded Kabul airport. As Marines scrambled to secure the airport, a suicide attack caused the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers. Frustrated by these events, Stuart Scheller felt compelled to speak out. He made a public video that criticized military leadership. Shortly after releasing the video, he was fired from his job as a battalion commander. He then publicly resigned from the Marine Corps and continued to be critical of both the military and Marine Corps leadership. As a result, he was placed in the brig and court-martialed before leaving the Marine Corps in December 2021. The public nature of his call for accountability stirred a lot of controversy.   In the interview, we discuss his call for accountability as well as the following: What motivated Stuart Scheller to join the Marine Corps How he became disillusioned with the overall strategy in Afghanistan  Moral courage and when it's time to speak up What was going through his head as he prepared to make his first public call for accountability How the actions of General John K. Singlaub in the 1970s influenced his criticism of General McKenzie Stuart Scheller's contrarian views to include his thoughts on General Mattis The movie Black Hawk Dawn, the publication Task & Purpose, and books by Malcolm Gladwell Scheller's current political causes to include his support for Senate candidate Don Bolduc in New Hampshire Check out the videos: Stuart Scheller's first video, second video (from the bus), and third video  Stuart Scheller's website: https://authenticamericans.com/  Follow him on Twitter: @stuartscheller and Facebook Check out his book: Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians Check out my recent article on accountability at The American Mind. Also, my book review of Angelo Codevilla's book, America's Rise and Fall among Nations. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

In this interview, Grant Newsham discusses the state of the Japanese military as well as current events in the Indo-Pacific theater. Grant has first-hand experience helping develop the Japan Self-Defense Force's (JSDF) amphibious capabilities. In this interview, we cover the following: An overview of the JSDF and why it has been underfunded and underappreciated for years. Why the Japanese needed to improve their amphibious capabilities and improve their joint operations.  Shifting attitudes in Japan toward the military How Grant and other American liaison officers worked to improve the JSDF  Differences in American and Japanese approaches to training with a specific focus on Exercises Dawn Blitz and Iron Fist from 2013 The current state of the JSDF and ability to work with U.S. armed forces nearly a decade later We also talk current events including: Analysis of China's 20th Communist Party Congress How China's zero COVID policy is designed to condition the population for hardship and to eliminate resistance to Xi Jinping North Korea's continued belligerence  South Korea's political situation Australia and U.S. relations and ability to deter China Biography: Grant Newsham is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Security Policy. He is also a Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies focusing on Asia-Pacific defense, political, and economic matters. Grant is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and was the first U.S. Marine Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He also served as reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine Attaché, US Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. In March 2023, Grant is planning to publish a book called When China Attacks. Check out Grant's work at the Center for Security Policy. Find Grant on Twitter: @NewshamGrant HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.  To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

On this episode of the PME podcast, I welcome back Ian Easton. Ian recently published a book called The Final Struggle: Inside China's Global Strategy. Topics of discussion include: The prospect of China invading Taiwan and an update from Ian's first book, The Chinese Invasion Threat Is Xi Jinping on drugs? Hard to tell. But Ian does mention that his dad and sister were purged. He also spent seven years living in a cave. We discuss “Xi Jinping Thought” which is Marxism infused with Xi Jinping's worldview and his political philosophy. How China and Xi Jinping use euphemisms to promote dark ideas. For example, the idea of constructing “A Community of Common Destiny for all Mankind.”  U.S. policies toward China and how previous administrations have and have not recognized threats from the PRC How TikTok poses a direct threat to U.S. national security China's social credit system which uses big data analytics and mass surveillance How China uses predatory economic policies to its benefit while hurting the U.S.   Biography: Ian Easton is a Senior Director at the Project 2049 Institute, where he studies defense and security issues involving the People's Republic of China. Previously, he was a visiting fellow at the Japan Institute for International Affairs, a China analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses, and a researcher for the Asia Bureau of Defense News. Ian holds an M.A. in China Studies from National Chengchi University in Taiwan and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He studied Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai and National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei.   Buy the book, The Final Struggle, from Camphor Press or Amazon  Ian's first book: The Chinese Invasion Threat Follow him on Twitter @Ian_M_Easton and at the Project 2049 Institute   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.    I recently started a Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pmecomplete Please consider showing your support for the show by becoming a patron.    To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

Former Navy officer, Thibaut Delloue, has seen firsthand the problems that have plagued the US surface Navy for years. His book, The Wardroom, begins as a memoir. However, it turns into a straightforward assessment of issues that have led to several high-profile accidents, which included the collisions of the USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald. Both warships crashed in 2017 and resulted in the deaths of 17 sailors.  We discuss Thibaut's experience as a surface warfare officer (SWO) to include his training and lack thereof. Thibaut served on the destroyer USS Carney. His experience included tracking Russian submarines and battling ISIS in Libya. Topics of discussion also include:  An overview of the surface Navy and the areas of operations known as “fleets” How a Navy officer becomes a SWO Why the current training and readiness pipeline is insufficient The inability of the surface Navy to be ready for future wars unless changes are made The leadership and command climate within the surface Navy that prioritizes bureaucracy over real leadership The recent spate of high-profile accidents and the many causes that led to them The difference between the US surface Navy and other Navies including the Chinese Navy Thibaut has written about the military for publications like Task & Purpose, the US Naval Institute, War on the Rocks, and The War Horse. He now works in education in Nashville, Tennessee.  Check out his website to see more of his writings and background: https://thibautdelloue.com/ His book can be found on Amazon.    HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.    I recently started a Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pmecomplete Please consider showing your support for the show by becoming a patron.    To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

In this interview with Professor Kerry Gershaneck, we discuss his book, Political Warfare: Strategies for Combating China's Plan to ‘Win without Fighting'. The book was published in 2020 by the Marine Corps University (MCU) press. Topics include: The history of “political warfare” and its roots going back to Vladimir Lenin and the Soviet Union United Front Work and its use as a political warfare tool Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ideology and the character of China's regime China's overall strategy and tactics to “win without fighting” How America used political warfare during the Cold War and then abandoned it in the 1990s China's influence in American business, film, education, and media The origins of “One China” policy and how China is applying it to influence geopolitics  A brief history of Taiwan after the Chinese civil war  America's changing diplomatic relations with China and Taiwan during the Cold War  Current events related to China and Taiwan and the near term prospect for an invasion Political Warfare book ABOUT THE AUTHOR Professor Gershaneck is currently a Visiting Scholar (Taiwan Fellow) at the Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies, College of International Affairs, National Chengchi University, with special focus on the People's Republic of China and their use of political warfare. For a total of seven years, Professor Gershaneck was the Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Royal Thai Naval Academy and the Distinguished Visiting Professor at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Kingdom of Thailand. Professor Gershaneck has extensive regional security and academic experience in the Asia-Pacific Region. He has consulted for the U.S. government, HQ North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations Command (UNC) in the Republic of Korea, the American Bar Association, and various Asia-Pacific-based organizations.  In academia, he has taught at the university level for more than 25 years, primarily in topics related to National Defense & Regional Security, International Relations, Strategic Communication, Crisis Communication, Leadership Development, and Journalism. A "Mustang" Marine Corps officer, Professor Gershaneck's military experience includes Special Warfare, Counterintelligence, Intelligence, Infantry, Armor, and Strategic Communications and Public Affairs assignments during combat and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.  His awards include the Department of Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.    I recently started a Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pmecomplete Please consider showing your support for the show by becoming a patron.    To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

In this episode of the PME Podcast, I interview Wesley Morgan. Wes is a journalist and author, who wrote a book called The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan's Pech Valley. The book draws on hundreds of interviews and firsthand accounts from former commanding officers to the soldiers that spent months in the field. The Hardest Place provides a unique insight into many of the mistakes that drew the American military deeper into eastern Afghanistan as well as the country more broadly. In reflecting on and learning from 20 years of war in Afghanistan, this book is a must read.   Topics of discussion include: How the U.S. got involved in the Pech Valley and how operations grew larger over time The evolution of American strategy from a counterterrorism mission to counterinsurgency The difficulty of obtaining accurate and reliable intelligence How the military got caught in the middle of tribal disputes Challenges with command and control  The U.S. experience in the Pech vs. the Soviet experience The arrival of ISIS in the Pech Valley and how their presence changed operations How the complexity of the operational environment hindered U.S. efforts in the Pech and Afghanistan overall   Follow Wes on Twitter: @wesleymorgan Check out the book The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan's Pech Valley     HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.    I recently started a Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pmecomplete Please consider showing your support for the show by becoming a patron.    To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com

This episode of the PME Podcast focuses on the U.S. Navy. My guest is Dr. Henry “Jerry” Hendrix, and he is the author of a book called To Provide and Maintain a Navy. In this interview, we discuss the many challenges that the U.S. Navy faces. Dr. Hendrix thinks that America needs to get serious about the threats from Russia and China in the maritime domain. He argues U.S. defense policy has been too land focused and neglected maritime strategy.    Additional topics include the following: The link between the concept of the “free sea”, natural law, and individual liberty Current laws of the sea to include the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)  How America's strategic outlook has shifted from being Naval focused to “continental” focused The evolution of both China and Russia's ambitions from territorial to maritime  The development of China's Navy and their goal to become a “blue water” Navy The decline of the U.S. Navy in the post-Cold War era  U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure relative to China's shipbuilding infrastructure  How the U.S. industrial base consolidated in the post-Cold War era and the impact that the shrinking industrial base has had on America's ability to re-build a Navy Dr. Hendrix sees our Naval policy and America's overall national security policy as being fundamentally “unserious”  The tactical and strategic challenge that the Navy faces specifically as it relates to Anti-Access Aerial Denial (A2AD) weapons Dr. Hendrix book is called To Provide and Maintain a Navy and can be found here.  Dr. Hendrix has a Twitter account @jerryhendrixII and can also be found at the Sagamore Institute  Two of his recent articles can be found at National Review and Foreign Policy.  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth.  I recently started a Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pmecomplete Please consider showing your support for the show by becoming a patron.  To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

Michael Gordon is the author of Degrade and Destroy: The Inside Story of the War Against the Islamic State. He is currently a National Security Correspondent with The Wall Street Journal. He has covered wars and conflicts for over 35 years with The Wall Street Journal and previously with The New York Times.  In this interview, we discus the last decade of conflict against the Islamic State in which the United States applied a “by, with and through” strategy. This strategy supported Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces with U.S. advisors in the field as well as multiple intelligence and air assets. Topics covered include the following:  The conditions that allowed ISIS to capture territory in Iraq and Syria The capture of Mosul followed by the U.S. developing a strategy to respond The “By, With and Through” strategy that the U.S. employed based on a Special Forces concept to back local forces in the field of combat Where the term “Degrade and Destroy” came from and the strategic implications of how it shaped into “Operation Inherent Resolve” Michael discusses his frontline view of the conflict while embedded with Iraq's Counterterrorism Service (CTS) and Kurdish Peshmerga forces The early struggle to take back Mosul and how it led to Lieutenant General Townsend's “Tactical Directive One”  The difference between the Battle of Mosul and the Battle of Raqqa  How the U.S. and Russia faced off in Syria The current state of “Operation Inherent Resolve” and the current disposition of the Islamic State Lessons learned from “Operation Inherent Resolve” Michael Gordon Bibliography: Degrade and Destroy: The Inside Story of the War Against the Islamic State The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama COBRA II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq The Generals' War Article: “How the War Against ISIS Was Won”  Follow and contact Michael Gordon:  Twitter: @mgordonwsj  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgordonwsj/  E-mail: Michael.gordon@wsj.com and mgwsj@protonmail.com    HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like the interview and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or Audible. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

In this interview, I speak with Dave Palka. Dave is an artillery officer in the United States Marine Corps. When he was a Captain, he commanded Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines out of Camp Lejeune, NC. In March 2016, Echo Battery was inserted into northern Iraq. They formed Task Force Spartan and were given the mission of providing artillery fires to support Iraqi Security Forces preparing for the Battle of Mosul. Over the course of 67 days, Echo Battery endured indirect fire from enemy rockets as well as complex combined arms attacks. In the process, they fought back and fired over 2,000 artillery rounds that set the initial stages for the battle that would lead to ISIS losing Mosul and eventually all their territorial claims to parts of Iraq and Syria.  Echo Battery was one of the first combat units to fight on the ground in Iraq since U.S. forces left in 2011. Echo Battery fought hard as the enemy rocketed their position with 122mm Katyusha rockets. Due to enemy fire, the unit sustained nine casualties including one Marine KIA. That Marine was the Howitzer Section Chief, Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin from Temecula, CA. This episode is dedicated to Staff Sergeant Cardin's life and legacy. As Palka explains in the interview, SSgt Cardin was a great Marine leader and a great man. Semper Fi! Please check out the website to see pictures of Echo Battery, 2/10 and videos of the pre-deployment training as well as the deployment. www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   

After 20 years of war in Afghanistan, the United States has pulled out all military forces. The pullout was a debacle. Thirteen Americans tragically lost their lives due to improper planning.  There is no proper way to describe the withdrawal from Afghanistan other than one of the worst foreign policy failures in American history. But there were many years of groundwork leading up to the failure. Now lessons must be learned from our experience in Afghanistan. America needs to study them quick. My guest, Mike Nelson, quotes the late, great Charles Krauthammer who said, “Decline is a choice.” We must choose to be better, and we can start by learning from 20 years of war. My interview with Mike is a crucial step to learning from the last 20 years. In doing so, we firmly commit to restoring American national pride and strategic competence.   About the guest. Mike Nelson is a Visiting Fellow at George Mason University's National Security Institute and an Army Special Forces veteran with multiple deployments to Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). Topics Covered:  - The rise of the Taliban in the 1990s after the Soviet Union's defeat - The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda and the influence of the Haqqani Network - How the U.S. got involved in Afghanistan and why the U.S. decided to overthrow the Taliban - Task Force Dagger and how early success was counterproductive - Why some of the democracy efforts failed. Mike says, “We confused democracy with legitimacy.” - How lessons from the Iraq War were misapplied in Afghanistan specifically the “Surge” strategy - Why negotiations with the Taliban were flawed from the start - How Pakistan enabled the Taliban and worked against U.S. interests  - The power dynamics in the region that include Russian and Chinese interests  - The future of Afghanistan to include how terrorist groups might use the country for operations - Strategy at the national level and how it has failed and will continue to fail unless change occurs  Additional Readings and Resources:  Mike's article here “It Was the Best of COIN, It Was the Worst of COIN”  Soldiers of God Soldiers of God: With Islamic Warriors in Afghanistan and Pakistan Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History (Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics Book 45) How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle Blood Year: The Unraveling of Western Counterterrorism Blood Year: The Unraveling of Western Counterterrorism The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One The Looming Tower The Looming Tower Publisher: Vintage

This interview was a discussion with Olivia Garard. Olivia annotated and edited Carl von Clausewitz's Theory of the Combat. This is a lesser-known work by the great Prussian military writer, who is best known for his book On War. In this work, we see where Clausewitz's theories about tactics and combat took shape. Olivia's Annotated Guide is meant to provide military thinkers with a useful tool to work through Clausewitz's theories. She says reading Clausewitz is like a “mental field exercise.”  About Olivia: She served in the Marine Corps for six years as a UAS officer. She finished her service in the Marine Corps as a Captain. Prior to the Marine Corps, she received a BA from Princeton University and an MA from King's College in London. She is a writer at War on the Rocks and at Strategy Bridge. The best way to keep up with her work is by following her on Twitter @teaandtactics.  In the interview, we discuss: Olivia's motivation to join the Marines. How she became interested in Clausewitz Who is Clausewitz and why should anyone care about him? What is war? What does it mean to have a “theory” of combat? The destructive act and the decisive act Clausewitz on the offense and defense Clausewitz on what a “moral” force means Thoughts on leadership Reflections on Clausewitz and current events from cyber threats to China and Taiwan Thoughts on esprit de corps And we briefly touch on the concept of “Trinity of War”. This was a very informative and interesting interview with someone who is extremely knowledgeable on the topic.  Get the book in PDF format here: https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/GuidetoTactics-web.pdf Article on sleep in the Marine Corps Gazette: https://mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Magic-Pill.pdf To get a hardcopy, go to the following website: https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Publishing/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Shopping-Cart/ or email mcu_press@usmcu.edu with name and address and request for copies.  To follow Olivia, check out @teaandtactics on Twitter. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   

My guest today is an infantry Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He has led Marine infantry units on multiple combat deployments. Since he was a young Marine, he has been working on marksmanship and striving for weapons proficiency. We talk about his career from Marine Corps Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Virginia to Infantry Unit Leader’s Course (IULC) in Camp Pendleton, CA. Throughout his time in the operational forces and Marine Corps schoolhouses, MSgt Reilly has provided thousands of hours of instruction on marksmanship and trained thousands of Marine leaders and infantrymen.  Topics we cover include: How MSgt Reilly became interested in Marine Corps marksmanship and his experience in the Marine Corps The fundamentals of marksmanship How the Marine Corps marksmanship program evolved over the last two decades Breaking institutional ways of thinking and training for combat effectiveness We discuss different weapons systems and their evolution Ballistics and the science behind how weapons function Ways to train on a “shoestring budget” Innovation and future changes to the marksmanship program Go to the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  to find several of the references in the podcast.  I consider MSgt Reilly a good friend and met him early in my career at Infantry Officer Course (IOC). He helped me a lot, and I continue to learn from his experience and infantry wisdom.  As he transitions into his civilian career, MSgt Reilly will be working for Battle Site Zero as a marksmanship instructor. Battle Site Zero offers a range of courses in firearms training from pistols to carbines and shotguns. Check them out at: https://battlesitezero.net/   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   

Dr. Victor Davis Hanson joins me to discuss the state of military education. Throughout the interview, we touch on a lot of issues from the current state of military readiness to the lack of military education in colleges and universities. Dr. Hanson is a military historian, classicist, and author of numerous books on military history. It was good to let him speak his mind on a variety of important topics. I appreciate his candor and willingness to share his insight that comes from a lifetime dedicated to studying history.  Key Topics include: How to get people interested in military history The importance of military history to understanding human nature Epaminondas and the downfall of Sparta A discussion of leaders to study including General Ulysses S. Grant and General William T. Sherman A discussion on the causes of war  Why is military history neglected by most colleges and universities? Dr. Hanson’s candid assessment of today’s military and the issues that it faces What the heck is postmodernism?  Books Mentioned: Carnage and Culture Landmark Battles in the Rise to Western Power A War Like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Classical Greece The Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War War As I Knew It Grant and Sherman: Civil War Memoirs (2 Volumes) The Causes of War The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America Follow Dr. Hanson on Twitter: @VDHanson Dr. Hanson’s website Hoover Institute website American Greatness website HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

In this interview, I spoke with The Honorable Juan Zarate. The topic: Money!  Juan was the first-ever assistant secretary of the treasury for terrorist financing and financial crimes. We speak about his work at the Treasury Department in the post-9/11 period. During this time, Juan played a critical role in using the Treasury’s resources to go after terrorist financing. Additionally, the Treasury assisted in tracking down money that Saddam Hussein and his cronies had moved and hid outside of Iraq. Additionally, Treasury’s role became much more expansive beyond the Global War on Terror. In fact, we discuss how the Treasury became a much more formidable influencer of foreign policy against countries like Iran and North Korea. The legacy of these policy shifts continues to this day.  Key Topics include: Juan’s background and his work at the Treasury Department Historical examples of financial leverage being used tactically Treasury’s evolving role after 9/11 Pursuing terrorist financing and making it harder and costlier for terrorist groups to move money around the world How the Treasury Department used its resources to isolate North Korea  How the Treasury Department used a similar tactic against Iran Implications for today and how other countries might employ the same tactics against the United States The impetus for the interview was the book, Treasury’s War, which was published in 2013. The book remains relevant to this day. Juan is currently the global co-managing partner and chief strategy officer of K2 Integrity.  Follow Juan on Twitter: @JCZarate1 Check out the Book: Treasury's War: The Unleashing of a New Era of Financial Warfare Current work: K2 Integrity  Co-Founder and Chairman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD) Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP). Check out the FDD HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   

In this episode of the PME Podcast, I speak with General Robert Spalding (USAF- Ret.). General Spalding wrote a book called Stealth War: How China Took Over While America’s Elite Slept.  General Spalding’s knowledge of China stretches back to his early years as a Major in the Air Force when he lived and studied in China. In recent years, he served in the National Security Council (NSC) where he was the Senior Director for Strategy. His work at the NSC included crafting the 2017 National Security Strategy and initiatives on 5G technology to protect what General Spalding considers America’s most vital resource... data!   In this interview, we discuss a wide range of topics including: The nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and how their ideas of warfare span across the domains of politics, economics, higher education, technology, and communications. A look at the book Unrestricted Warfare published by two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Colonels in the late 1990s  Why China advocates for an “open” economic system and General Spalding’s belief that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is using financial leverage as a key component of their strategy The 5G Revolution and the need to protect data and technology infrastructure The CCP’s influence in U.S. higher education and politics We discuss the role of the military. Can the U.S. military help deter and prevent the CCP’s objectives? Is there a military solution to a stealth war?   Information warfare and COVID-19   Books and Resources: General Spalding’s website: General Spalding | National Security Expert and Patriot Entrepreneur Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept Unrestricted Warfare: China's Master Plan to Destroy America General Spalding’s article on 5G Stealth War Project link 2017 National Security Strategy Follow General Spalding on Twitter: @robert_spalding HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com 

  What are the chances that China invades Taiwan? Do they plan on doing invading soon? If so, how would they do it?  My guest is Ian Easton, the author of The Chinese Invasion Threat. In the interview, we talk at length about the possibility of a Chinese invasion. Ian is well-versed in the issue having spent many years living and studying in Taiwan. He possesses a wealth of knowledge. In his book, he dives deep into the details of what an invasion would look like. Among the many topics we cover are the following: The nature of Taiwan’s democratic government and advanced economy  The Chinese Civil War between the Communists and Nationalists that caused the current day split  How America’s diplomatic relations toward Taiwan evolved throughout the Cold War How equipped and ready is Taiwan to defend itself from an invasion The many domains in which China is seeking to lay the groundwork for an invasion Why an invasion is extremely difficult, and lessons learned from World War II How China under Xi Jinping was able to become militarily more dominant than Taiwan This is an important topic which Ian describes as one of the most consequential foreign policy issues facing the United States. It is a must read for military and defense members wanting to get more familiar with the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific theater.  Check out Ian’s book-  The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan’s Defense and American Strategy in Asia Follow Ian Easton’s work at The Project 2049 Institute. Click here for the website HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon podcasts. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

“Marine, get packed. You’re going to the field,” the Gunny says. The Marine shudders. The last time he went to the field his gear got wet and he spent days soaked and cold. When the rain stopped, the wind picked up, and he spent the night shivering so hard that he thought his teeth would fall out. On the final movement back to civilization, his pack dug into his shoulders and caused him to fall behind and the Company Gunnery Sergeant screamed at him to keep up or else... Back in the barracks, his feet remained blistered and he spent the weekend getting over an illness that he developed toward the tail end of the field op. This Devil Dog needs some guidance.  Going to the field can be daunting if one does not understand fieldcraft. Many infantry schools spend a lot of time in the field, but fieldcraft does not receive a lot of formal training. My guest, Staff Sergeant Skaggs, has spent years taking the best tips and techniques and compiling them into a useful “how-to” guide. He has consulted with dozens of Marine leaders on best practices. Furthermore, he has years of experience on deployments, in training, and from his own time as a Combat Instructor.   We discuss topics such as: Taking care of one’s boots and proper footcare How to properly pack gear and use the issued ruck sack How to survive in the cold and the heat How to use proper hygiene  Considerations for units living in the field The role of discipline in fieldcraft SSgt Skaggs’ book has many outstanding principles on fieldcraft. If any Marine, Soldier, Sailor, or Airman, implements a handful of these principles, they will not only survive but thrive in the field.  SSgt Skaggs’ work on fieldcraft should help people gain the confidence they need to know that they can live and train in the field. Marines like to say, “Embrace the suck” and “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” SSgt Skaggs helps us get there.  Check out his BOOK. Send him an e-mail (he can be found in the GAL) and he will provide a digital copy. A print copy will be available soon. The intention is for people to be able to take it into the field with them as a hard copy.    Other great resources include: Charlies Rangers (Book link below) Charlie Rangers   Marine Rifle Squad (Book link below) MCIP 3-10A.4i w/Change 1 Marine Rifle Squad May 2020   Scouting and Patrolling (Book link below) Map Reading and Land Navigation and Marine Scouting and Patrolling   Ranger Handbook (Book link below) Ranger Handbook: TC 3-21.76, April 2017 Edition   Bushcraft 101 (Book link below) Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes and Spotify. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com    Looking to talk Maneuver Warfare? I have partnered with The Maneuverist to promote thoughtful discussions on maneuver warfare. Check out the themaneuverist.org and get involved with some great people having important conversations. 

In this two-part episode, I speak with LtCol Scott Cuomo (USMC). He is the author of an article that appeared in the Marine Corps Gazette called, Not Yet Openly at War, But Still Mostly at Peace. He wrote the article with a team of Marines that include: Captain Olivia Garard, Major Jeff Cummings, and LtCol Noah Spataro.   The purpose of the article was to re-think what the Marine Corps should be doing in 2019 and beyond. The co-author team suggests that the Marine Corps needs to implement a “new big idea.” The “big idea” looks beyond the Marine Corps’ historical mission of Joint Forcible Entry Operations (JFEO) through traditional amphibious assault.  LtCol Cuomo references a report that came out of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an article called “SASC Seeks Sweeping ‘Roles & Missions’ Report: Wither the Marines?”. This article served as a call to action to the Marine Corps to re-think their role in the modern defense era. We look at the Marine Corps’ mission in the context of the 2017 National Security Strategy  and 2018 National Defense Strategy The National Security Strategy states the following:  “China and Russia want to shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests. China seeks to displace the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, expand the reaches of its state-driven economic model, and reorder the region in its favor.”   A bi-partisan, National Defense Commission Report concluded that the National Security Strategy was accurate in assessing the strategic threat. However, there needed to be clear operational concepts developed too. LtCol Cuomo dives into the weeds of the operational environment as we discuss the “Contact layer, the blunt layer, the surge layer, and the homeland defense layer.”    LtCol Cuomo thinks that Marines need to be focused on operating in the contact layer. Moreover, the Marine Corps has a unique opportunity to do this right now. Bottom line: This is a defining moment in Marine Corps history.    In the second part of the interview, we talk about the Marine Corps Commandants’ Planning Guidance (CPG). The CPG was published in July after General David Berger took over as the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps.   LtCol Cuomo mentions that General Berger was commander of the Marines in Pacific Command prior to becoming Commandant. Thus, the current Commandant has a good outlook on the challenges and problems taking place in the Indo-Pacific region.  We talk about several topics in the Commandant’s Planning Guidance to include: Force design, force modernization, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), distributed operations in partnership with the Navy, and other ways that Marines can conduct distributed naval operations.  It’s a fascinating interview that covers a lot of relevant topics from strategy to tactics.  To connect with the guest, please shoot me an e-mail at the address below.  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes and Spotify. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. To request additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com    Looking to talk Maneuver Warfare? I’ve partnered with The Maneuverist to promote thoughtful discussions on maneuver warfare. Check out the themaneuverist.org and get involved with some great people having important conversations. 

Robert Coram is the author of an excellent biography called American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day. Colonel Day is a larger than life figure. He is one of the most decorated veterans in American military history. This interview with Mr. Coram spans the course of Colonel Day’s life from his small-town upbringing in Iowa to his service as an Air Force pilot and prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam.  Colonel Day is best known for his time during the Vietnam War because he was shot down and imprisoned in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. In fact, he was roommates with the late Senator John McCain. The two men served as POWs for five years until their release in the Spring of 1973. As a result of his steadfast commitment to resisting and upholding the Code of Conduct, Colonel Day was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.  A recurring theme of Colonel Day’s legacy is honor. Colonel Day constantly repeated the phrase “return with honor” while being tortured by his North Vietnamese captors. This interview examines the core value of honor through the life and legacy of Colonel Bud Day. Robert Coram says that he was personally honored to have spent two and a half years with Colonel Day while writing the biography of his life. In talking to Mr. Coram, it was clear that he was greatly influenced by Colonel Day. I have no doubt that many other people will be influenced by the life and legacy of Colonel Bud Day, a great American Patriot.   Check out the book and the other biographies written by Robert Coram: American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak, U.S. Marine Double Ace: The Life of Robert Lee Scott Jr., Pilot, Hero, and Teller of Tall Tales Robert Coram’s website: http://robertcoram.com/ HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes and Spotify. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com   

Today’s guest is Lt. Col Thiele (USMC-Ret.). He is the co-author of 4th Generation Warfare Handbook, which he wrote with William (“Bill”) Lind.  In the interview, Lt. Col Thiele explains that while he was working as an instructor at the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Warfighting School (EWS), he met Bill Lind, who introduced him to some of the ideas of 4th Generation Warfare. Together they began to collaborate on the 4th Generation Warfare Handbook.  Lt. Col Thiele mentions that he was motivated by the question, “What does victory look like?” He had this question after returning from deployment to Iraq where he saw that even though the violence was decreasing, the U.S. still seemed far from victory.  In the interview, Lt. Col Thiele focuses on the evolution of warfare through what he describes as three generations. The bulk of the fighting in the previous three generations occurred between state actors. That is nation state fought nation state. However, his theory is that in 4th Generation of Warfare, states will have to fight non-state actors i.e. any group with a specific cause or ideology.  We had a good conversation, and I challenged Lt. Col Thiele on a few points that are worth discussing. First, what is the difference between 4th Generation Warfare and counterinsurgency? By this, I was trying to figure out if 4th Generation Warfare was simply another name for counterinsurgency.  Second, 4th Generation Warfare presumes that there will not be state versus state hostilities in future generations. I pushed Lt. Col Thiele to explain how and why he believes this to be the case.   The interview covers a lot of ground with issues relevant to the modern-day infantry. Lt. Col Thiele talks about “light infantry” tactics and training. It is good to think about whether the infantry is being properly trained and prepared for the next fight. It is hard to predict what that fight could be. However, these types of discussions and books should get people to think and engage, which is critical to preparing for success on future battlefields.  Check out the book: 4th Generation Warfare Handbook   HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

Today’s guest is Hampton Sides. He is the author of On Desperate Ground: The Marines at the Reservoir, the Korean War’s Greatest Battle.  The topic is the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. This battle took place in the Fall and Winter of 1950 during the Korean War. Marines were surrounded at the Chosin Reservoir by over 100,000 of Mao’s Red Army forces. With their backs to the wall and facing total annihilation, they fought back with tenacity and determination. The fighting took place in sub-zero temperatures on unforgiving terrain. The Chinese attacked the Marines at night with wave after wave of soldiers storming the Marines positions. The fighting became hand to hand quickly. Marines used knives, bayonets, canteens, and helmets to repel the Chinese attackers.  In the end the Marines and Allied forces were able to execute a withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir. They were surrounded by an overwhelming force and against all odds managed to execute a complicate maneuver to avoid destruction.  In the interview, Hampton discusses many topics to include: - How the Korean War was a failure of intelligence - The difference in leadership between Generals MacArthur and General Oliver P Smith - The nature of the fighting and what it was like for the Marines on the ground - How the war ended or didn’t end Finally, in researching his book, Hampton talked to many veterans of the war. He explains how the Korean War became considered the “forgotten war.” However, books like On Desperate Ground help keep the memory of Korean War and those veterans alive.  This episode is dedicated to the brave men and women who served our nation during the Korean War. We should never forget the service and sacrifice of so many great Americans.  Check out Hampton’s book:  On Desperate Ground: The Marines at The Reservoir, the Korean War's Greatest Battle Hampton Sides website: http://www.hamptonsides.com/ HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com  Check out the website: www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com  

My guest is Dr. Leonard Wong a research professor at the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute. In February 2015, he co-authored a paper with Stephen Gerras called “Lying to Ourselves: Dishonesty in the Army Profession.” The interview explores how a culture of “ethical laziness” has spread throughout military branches like the U.S. Army. The essential question is whether the Army system has eroded virtues like integrity. Dr. Wong argues that through overtasking and too many training requirements, military leaders will consciously report inaccuracies. But, is this malicious? Is it a new phenomenon? What can military leaders do now to recover the core values that make the profession of arms so widely respected? This conversation will stir a lot of passionate debates and emotions, but that is a good thing. I applaud Dr. Wong for taking on this topic. It will only challenge military leaders to think and improve our profession.  Be sure to follow Dr. Wong’s current and future work by finding him online. Click on the link below: https://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/people.cfm?authorID=1  

In this interview, I talk to Sebastian Junger. Sebastian wrote Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging. Sebastian is also the author of The Perfect Storm, which was made into a major film. His films include the award-winning documentaries Restrepo and Korengal. Sebastian Junger began his career as a journalist in war town countries such as Bosnia and Afghanistan. Through his own struggles with PTSD and his study of units on the battlefield, Sebastian dives deep into what it is like for someone to return from war. What are the struggles of returning to modern society where life is easy, and people are separated from each other? How has the loss of community hurt veterans returning from battle?   Sebastian takes on difficult topics, and challenges us to think about issues related to the state of American society.   Be sure to check out Sebastian’s website: http://www.sebastianjunger.com/

MCDP1: Warfighting is four chapters, and the total length is around 100 pages. The book is affectionately termed a "two crapper", which means that a person can finish it in two-bathroom trips. Warfighting describes a way of thinking about war. It is not a checklist or a technical manual. It gives a mental framework that provides the basis for the Marine Corps’ conception of war. More importantly it is a launching point for future studies. Warfighting should be the starting point for further scholarship. It is simple to read and enjoyable. The themes and points of discussion in Warfighting could be discussed for many hours. In Part Two of this interview with Major Ian Brown, we dive into the specific chapters in MCDP1: Warfighting that include the nature of war, the theory of war, preparing for war, and the conduct of war. Maj Brown highlights many of the key themes of the book and reflects on the history and evolution of these themes. Check out the interview and share it!   For copies of Maj Brown’s book, A New Conception of War, send advanced requests to mcu_press@usmcu.edu   Link to the development of MCDP-1 from the Marine Corps University (MCU): https://grc-usmcu.libguides.com/pme/qpme/history-of-mcdp-maneuver-warfare   Articles written by Maj Brown: https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2018/3/22/john-boyd-on-clausewitz-dont-fall-in-love-with-your-mental-model   https://www.mcafdn.org/gazette/2016/08/warfighting-30   https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/2016/04/sprinting-fight-last-war

What is “maneuver warfare”? Who is Air Force Colonel John Boyd, who throughout the late 1970s and 1980s found a captive audience in the Marine Corps leadership? In Episode 11, Major Ian Brown discusses the evolution of the Marine Corps' doctrinal publication, MCDP-1: Warfighting. Furthermore, he focuses on the contribution of Air Force Colonel John Boyd, who developed a brief called “Patterns of Conflict.” This brief combined Boyd’s study of military history with his earlier technical development of Energy-Maneuverability (E-M) theory. The result was a transformational concept of warfare by maneuver, which the Marine Corps released in 1989 in a publication called “Fleet Marine Force Manual 1” (FMFM 1). FMFM 1 was later revised and updated under the direction of General Krulak, 31st Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1997, Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1 was published under the name Warfighting. Maj Brown wrote a book entitled, A New Conception of War: John Boyd, the U.S. Marines, and Maneuver Warfare. The book is scheduled for release in the summer of 2018. Maj Brown highlights the context and history of the era in which the Marine Corps began to develop its doctrine of maneuver warfare. Maj Brown talks about the principal authors of FMFM-1 and later MCDP1 to include Captain John Schmitt, who was originally tasked with the writing by General Al Gray Jr., 29th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, Maj Brown focuses on MCDP1: Warfighting as a book that is timeless because it talks about the human nature of warfighting. Furthermore, Maj Brown discusses the history of the post-Vietnam era, and then dives deep into Colonel John Boyd’s work and contribution to maneuver warfare.  In the second part of this interview, Maj Brown goes through the text of MCDP1: Warfighting in more detail.  For copies of Maj Brown’s book, A New Conception of War, send advanced requests to mcu_press@usmcu.edu Find out more at - https://www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com/

In episode 10 of the Professional Military Education podcast, we talk to B.A. Friedman, author of On Tactics: A Theory of Victory in Battle. The conversation focuses on tactics and its relationship to strategy. Mr. Friedman discusses what he calls the three tactical tenets- physical, mental, and moral. He discusses how he developed his theory of tactics, and how that theory can be applied by military thinkers.  Be sure to follow Mr. Friedman on Twitter @BA_Friedman Like On Tactics on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ontactics/  HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com On Tactics: A Theory of Victory in Battle

In the following interview, Dr. Bruce Bechtol discusses the threat of North Korea. North Korea has made headlines for their ICBM tests and nuclear tests. We discuss the threat that they pose as well as dive into the details of their regime, their current leader, past provocations, weapons systems, and options that the U.S. and its allies have to deal with them. Dr. Bechtol is Associate Professor of political science at Angelo State University in Texas. He is a retired U.S. Marine, and wrote the lead article in the December 2016 edition of the Marine Corps Gazette. The article was called "A Marine's Guide to North Korea." North Korea Threat Synopsis We begin the interview discussing the current situation between the U.S. and North Korea. North Korea recently threatened to fire ICBMs at Guam. But, Kim Jong-un backed down... for now. Dr. Bechtol talks about the different types of missiles that the North Koreans have including Musadan, KN-08, and KN-14 missiles. The Washington Post reported North Korea's advancement of miniaturized nuclear warheads. But, Dr. Bechtol says that this is nothing defense officials haven't been aware of for several years. However, what has changed is that they have successfully tested the range of their ICBMs, and have displayed that they are capable of hitting the U.S. or Guam. Dr. Bechtol discusses the current defense capabilities that the U.S. has to bring down a North Korean ICBM.   The North Korean State What type of state is North Korea? North Korea (aka Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK) a “dynastic” system, run by elites with a love for Joseph Stalin. Who is Kim Jong-un? He was educated in Switzerland and grew up loving NBA basketball. Some thought he might be a moderate leader when he came to power. But, as a leader, he has ruled North Korea with an iron fist and carried out many purges. Dr. Bechtol talks about the political institutions in North Korea- the Party, the Military, and the Security Services. In the political system of the DPRK, everyone is watching everyone else. It's a bizarre system of "checks and balances" in which "big brother" is always watching and threatening. Dr. Bechtol talks about how Kim Jong-un may not have the support of the North Korean military. Thus, he has used military tests, provocations, and brinkmanship to solidify his support. What type of cyber technology does North Korea have? They have hacked Sony, hacked NGO's, and hacked South Korean financial institutions.   The North Korean "Play Book" Dr. Bechtol breaks down the tactics of North Korea's violent provocations. They conduct "short" attacks to inflict massive casualties to strike fear in the hearts and minds of South Koreans. But, South Korea has stepped up their defenses to deter and respond to the North's provocations. We discuss the current command and control structure between the U.S. and South Korea (aka Republic of Korea or ROK). The Combined Forces Command (CFC) establishes unity of command between U.S. and ROK forces. In the event of war, the CFC commander, a four-star general, takes his strategic and operational guidance from the U.S. national command authority and the ROK Minister of National Defense.   Contingency Planning? Dr. Bechtol assesses how and why the U.S. and China are working to plan for "contingencies." What would happen if the North Korean regime collapsed? The U.S. and China would need to cooperate. Dr. Bechtol says that the current government of North Korea will implode and states it's a matter of "if not when." At that point, the U.S. will need to work directly with China. On August 16, General Dunford, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Chinese military leaders in China. Dr. Bechtol reiterates the need for the U.S. to develop its ballistic missile defense (BMD) technology. How could the North Korean regime collapse? Dr. Bechtol explains, "Planning is a nightmare." There are hundreds of possible scenarios for a collapse. If North Korea collapses, Dr. Bechtol mentions that forces have been training to recover nuclear and chemical weapons. He says that they could fetch a high price on black markets.   Conclusion What does Dr. Bechtol think the U.S. should do right now? Two things: Update BMD technology. Use economic pressure. For example, the Patriot Act Section 311 goes after banks that do business with rogue regimes. Dr. Bechtol says we need to use this. Bottom Line: Sanctions need to be enforced. The U.S. needs to stand up an inter-agency task force to make it happen.  Be sure to keep an eye out for Dr. Bechtol's next book, Enabling Instability and Violence, which will be published in 2018.   For more information, check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com for links to articles, videos, and additional resources. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com

Dr. Kori Schake co-authored, "Restoring Our National Security", with Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis and James O. Ellis Jr. The chapter appeared in the book, Blueprint for America, which was published by Stanford Universities Hoover Institute. Dr. Schake is a professor of history at Stanford, and is a research fellow at the Hoover Institute. She also co-edited a book with Secretary Mattis called, Warriors and Citizens: American Views of our Military. Key Takeaways: Schake describes working with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. She says, "We are both argumentative." Dr. Schake claims that since meeting Secretary Mattis, they have had many long running debates specifically about the political composition of the Middle East. I asked Dr. Schake about her definition of strategy. She defines it as, "The way you connect political objectives to their execution. How you identify the means and array them so you have the highest likelihood of being able to carry out your objectives." Schake’s nephew Captain Barret Schake, a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, also joined us and talked about his recent deployments to Iraq. We talk about the influence of Iran in Iraq. Dr. Schake claims that Iran is "absolutely a threat" and explains why she considers them to be a major source of instability in the region. On Russia, Dr. Schake offered a scathing rebuke. "This Russian government is genuinely evil. They mean us harm. They will do us harm when they have the opportunity." We talk about North Korea. She describes North Korea's fundamental purpose as regime survival, and, as a result, she does not see North Korea as a state willing to "use military force." She says that North Korea is trying to achieve the objective of "regime preservation." On the question of how America continues to assert a positive influence throughout the world, Dr. Schake claims that our form of government continues to be a magnet for the best talent in the world. Despite America's flaws, the U.S. continues to be a bulwark for hope and a better life for people throughout the globe. Secretary Mattis and Dr. Schake co-authored a book called Warriors and Citizens that looks at the changing nature of America's attitude towards U.S. military leaders. Due to the military being held in high regard, Dr. Schake worries that the "suits can hide behind the uniform." Furthermore, she says that the public wants the military engaged in political life in a way that will harm the public's respect for the military. Dr. Schake is publishing a book called Safe Passage, a history of the transition from British to American dominance in the international order, which will be published in the fall of 2017 by Harvard University Press. Follow Dr. Schake on Twitter @KoriSchake For more information, check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com for links to articles, videos, and additional resources. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com   Warriors and Citizens: American Views of Our Military Blueprint for America

Sir Lawrence Freedman is Professor of War Studies at King’s College and the author of numerous books and publications to include Strategy: A History. In Episode 7 of the PME podcast, we talk about strategy. What is strategy and what it is not? We trace its historical roots, and discuss how traditional views of strategy still apply or do not apply to today’s conflicts and future conflicts. Additionally, Sir Lawrence Freedman was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1995 and awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1996. He was appointed Official Historian of the Falklands Campaign in 1997. He was awarded the KCMG (Knight Commander of St Michael and St George) in 2003. Finally, he was appointed in June 2009 to serve as a member of the official inquiry into Britain and the 2003 Iraq War.   Key Takeaways:  “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” -Mike Tyson •What is strategy? Strategy involves making decisions when faced with “other people with their own plans and interests.” It requires flexibility. Planning is part of strategy, but having a plan is not a strategy. “Problem solving” is a critical component of strategy.  •In late nineteenth century Germany, Field Marshall Helmuth von Moltke the elder was chief of staff of the Prussian Army. He was a student of Carl von Clausewitz. As a military strategist, Von Moltke emphasized the importance of flexibility. He said, “A plan breaks down on first contact.” Additionally, Field Marshall Helmuth von Moltke saw military strategy as a “system of expedients.” •Sir Lawrence Freedman explains that American foreign policy doctrine (i.e. the Nixon Doctrine, Carter Doctrine, Bush Doctrine, Obama Doctrine) is a means of “signaling” to the world America’s priorities or intentions. It is part of strategy, but it is not itself a strategy. •Sun Tzu’s influence on strategy was based on the idea of “cunning and cleverness.” However, the flaw in strategy based on cunning is when both sides attempt to use cunning and cleverness against each other. We talk about whether countries like Russia and China use Sun Tzu’s methods to achieve their strategic aims. What are Russia’s interests? A conversation I had with Steven Lee Myers on his book The New Tsar is worth checking out to discover more on that topic. •Thucydides was the first “realist” historian. He wrote a book about the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens in a book appropriately called The History of the Peloponnesian War. Sir Lawrence Freedman sites a book called Destined for War by Graham Allison. Destined for War describes a theory called the “Thucydides Trap” which is based on the idea that one power becomes fearful of the rise of another power and postulates that this might have ramifications for current and future relations between the United States and China. However, Sir Lawrence Freedman sees some flaws in this theory, and thinks that Thucydides had an interest in trying to preserve the reputation of Pericles. •We discuss whether there is something “elemental” to strategy. Sir Lawrence Freedman looked at chimpanzees and how they form coalitions and act in strategic ways. Winston Churchill (not a chimpanzee rather British Prime Minister) was good at applying the chimp-like principles of creating coalitions to achieve his strategic aims. Churchill sought to partner with President Roosevelt to get the U.S. on the allied side. When Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, Churchill sought to build a coalition with Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union to fight the Nazis.  •We talk about Napoleon and the development of strategy during the Enlightenment. Much like Thucydides rejection of the gods, the enlightenment rejected superstitious beliefs and emphasized what reason and human rationality could do to achieve strategic aims.    •Two critical 19th Century strategic thinkers include the Swiss officer, Antoine Henri Jomini, and the Prussian military theorist, Carl Von Clausewitz. Jomini emphasized the “decisive battle” strategy. Meanwhile, Clausewitz focused on the policy objectives of war. Clausewitz is also famous for developing the term “fog of war,” which refers to the uncertainty and the chaos of war when it involves two competing wills, each one trying to impose itself on the other. •The challenges of military strategy. How do wars end? We talk about “The Clausewitzian Challenge”, and I allude to my previous conversation with Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs, who wrote an excellent book called How Wars End. •Finally, we talk about the strategy of the Cold War and nuclear deterrence. Sir Lawrence Freedman mentions a strategist named Thomas Schelling, who is worth studying for his contributions to strategy based on Game Theory. We discuss the “rationality of irrationality,” which refers to the necessity to use caution based on a fear that one side might act out of irrationality. •Sir Lawrence Freedman has a new book coming out in the Fall of 2017 called, The Future of War: A History. The book focuses on how people in the past have tried to predict changes in warfare and predict the future of war.         For more information: Check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com Be sure to follow Sir Lawrence Freedman on Twitter @LawDavF and check out the book, Strategy: A History   Books and Resources mentioned in the podcast: Strategy: A History The New Tsar The History of the Peloponnesian War Destined for War On War The Art of War     HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview and want to hear others, be sure to subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com   Thanks for listening!

Jay Solomon is a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and the author of The Iran Wars: Spy Games, Bank Battles, and the Secret Deals That Reshaped the Middle East. In Episode 6 of the PME podcast, the history of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is covered along with the events and negotiations that led to the nuclear agreement of July 2015. Mr. Solomon talks about how pressure was exerted on Iran to bring them to negotiate, and observes how the model of economic sanctions might be used against countries like North Korea. The interview also highlights the complexity of foreign policy in the Middle East. Mr. Solomon also talks about Iran’s use of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and their Quds force to achieve their strategic objectives.   Key Takeaways:  The U.S. historically supported Iran as an ally in the region against the Soviet Union. Iran is a Shiite dominated country. They view themselves as the historical great power in the region upholding the legacy of the Persian Empire. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 changed U.S. foreign policy overnight. An ally was swiftly replaced with a foe, whose leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, called America “the great Satan.”  To counter the U.S., Iran allies with enemies of America to include Sunni groups and secular regimes. Their strategic objectives include spreading the Islamic revolution to other countries to include Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestinian territories. On November 4, 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. For the next 444 days, 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran. President Carter authorized Operation Eagle Claw, which was an attempt to free the hostages with a military rescue. However, a vicious sandstorm caused the rescue effort to fail before the helicopters could reach Tehran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was established to protect the revolution at home, but they also use the Quds force to export the revolution abroad. The Quds force, which comes from the word al-Quds meaning “Jerusalem”, is led by Major General Qasem Soleimani The Quds force has mobilized “tens of thousands of fighters in Syria” and continues to actively support Hezbollah and Hamas. Shortly after the Iranian Revolution, Saddam Hussein invaded Iran on September 22, 1980. Saddam saw Iran in a weakened military position, and sought to reclaim disputed territory with oil reserves. What followed was a bloody eight-year war in which Iraq eventually used deadly chemical weapons against Iran.  After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there appeared to be a slight window in which rapprochement between Iran and the U.S. might have happened. However, with fundamentally misaligned strategic interests, this window quickly closed. The U.S. invasion of Iraq evolved quickly into a proxy battle in which Iran sought to use the Quds force to assert their influence. They funded Shiite based militias and supported businesses and politicians that supported their interests. Part of the U.S. rationale for an invasion dated back to the thinking that Iraq might be a Shiite ally used to counter Iran. This thesis was developed in a book by David Wurmser called Tyranny’s Ally. The Quds force under Sulemani continues to aggressively fund Shiite militias. The Quds force is used to serve Iran’s military and political objectives throughout the Middle East. The development of Iran’s nuclear program dated back to the 1950s, and was initially supported by the United States. However, as of 2002, reports surfaced that Iran had covertly worked to develop their nuclear program without UN knowledge. Iran’s nuclear program accelerated under hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after his election 2005.       In 2006, the U.S. responded to Iran’s nuclear program with tough sanctions targeting companies that did business with Iran. The goal was to cut Iran off from the international banking system and by 2012 this goal was largely achieved. Another attempt to counter Iran’s nuclear program included the use of malware (aka the “Stuxnet” virus), which caused Iranian centrifuges to spin out of control. In response, Iran developed their own cyber weapons capabilities. When President Obama took office, he shifted the strategic focus to direct engagement with Iran. He indicated clearly that the U.S. did not want regime change in Iran. However, his policy included many initial hurdles to include Iran’s “Green” movement. Additionally, military action was not used against Syria. Mr. Solomon suggests that restraint against Syria was to prevent Iran from walking away from nuclear negotiations.  In November 2013, an interim agreement was concluded and led to the final nuclear agreement in July 2015. U.S. diplomats scaled back on initial “redlines” to include no enrichment, no missiles, no arms exportation. In ten years after the agreement, Iran will be able to have an industrial scale program to produce as much fissile material as they want. Mr. Solomon says that Iran’s negotiators knew the US political system better than U.S. diplomats understood the Iranian political system. For example, Javad Zarif was a “very smooth, western educated diplomat,” who worked directly with Secretary of State John Kerry.  Twice since the 2015 agreement, Iran has nearly breached the terms of the deal. In one case the U.S. bought heavy water used to create plutonium from Iran. Russia bought the heavy water in the second instance.  As the Middle East continues to be mired in conflict, the IRGC retains significant influence. The U.S. must calculate the IRGC and Iran’s proxies with any action taken in the region. Can the Iran sanctions model work against North Korea? China is the most important decider of North Korea’s economic fate. Can cybertechnology be used against North Korea? Is it possible to disrupt North Korean supply chains that support their missile development?  For more information: Check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com for links to articles, videos, and additional resources. Be sure to follow Mr. Solomon on Twitter @wsjsolomon and check out the book, The Iran Wars: Spy Games, Bank Battles, and the Secret Deals That Reshaped the Middle East HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com   Thanks for listening!

Steven Lee Myers is a columnist for the New York Times and the author of The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin. Myers talks about the life and career of Vladimir Putin from his time as a KGB foreign intelligence officer to his current role as Russian president. The interview covers a wide range of Russian history from World War II to the current conflict in Ukraine.   Key Takeaways: What is a Tsar? Myers explains the historical role of a Tsar in Russia. Vladimir Putin’s upbringing in Leningrad what is called Saint Petersburg today. His early childhood in the Soviet Union. Putin grows up with the legacy of the “Great Patriotic War,” and is exposed to tales of “heroism and suffering.” As he prepares for a career in the KGB, Myers explains that Putin comes of age in the “high water mark” of the Soviet era. Inspired by a movie called The Shield and the Sword, Putin decides to join the KGB. Putin joins the foreign intelligence branch of the KGB in 1975 and is initially stationed in his home town of Leningrad. Later he is sent to Dresden in East Germany. Putin serves in East Germany when the Soviet Union collapses. He watches with “horror” as thousands of protestors overrun the Stasi HQ’s. However, Putin defiantly protects the KGB villa. As Putin returns to Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), he works for a democratic reformer named Anatoly Sobchak, and becomes Sobchak’s deputy. After Sobchak’s electoral defeat in 1996, Putin’s moves to Moscow. Eventually he is appointed by Boris Yeltsin to be head of the FSB, the Russian equivalent of the FBI and the domestic security branch of the former KGB. As Boris Yeltsin looks for a successor, he considers Putin and appoints him as prime minister as a new war in Chechnya begins. Putin becomes Yeltsin’s successor to the presidency. He doesn’t have a strong ideology when he becomes president. Myers characterizes his initial term as “buffet style” politics. However, Putin’s thinking is influenced by silovik thinking, which advocates for strong state security. Terrorism comes to Russia in the form of apartment bombings, metro attacks, the Nord-Ost Theater siege, and Beslan hostage crisis. Myers talks about the way this influenced Putin’s ideas concerning the role of the state. “He sensed weakness and didn’t want to show that weakness.” The Kursk submarine disaster is the first major political setback for Putin. Putin’s disdain for the media is inflamed over this incident. Myers talks about Putin’s growing animosity with America concerning the ABM treaty- https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011213-2.html Putin gives a critical speech at the 2007 Munich Conference in which Putin claims “the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way.” Myers explains that Russia thinks in terms of “spheres of influence.” Was this a warning to the West? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/12/AR2007021200555.html Watching the events of the Arab Spring, Putin eventually decides to intervene to support the Assad government. A discussion of Russia’s actions in Crimea, and the blend of “hard and soft” power to include information operations, irregular forces, and cyber operations to achieve Russian military objectives. Myers explains that the Ukraine is currently a “frozen conflict,” but the violence has not stopped. Myers discusses other issues to pay attention to such as events in Moldova and Georgia as well as disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and current protests in Belarus.   For more information: Check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com for links to articles, videos, and other helpful resources. Be sure to follow Mr. Myers on Twitter @stevenleemyers and check out the book The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others subscribe to the show in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews in iTunes, a share on social media, and through word of mouth. Thanks for listening!

S.C. Gwynne is a New York Times bestselling author, and award-winning Historian. His book, Rebel Yell, focuses on the Civil War general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Jackson was a brilliant leader and was consider a real ‘rock ‘n’ roll star,’ during the era where his bold strategic maneuvers became famous on an international level. Find out more about this fascinating man in this week’s episode!   Key Takeaways: [4:35] What was Gwynne’s inspiration to writing the book? [6:05] Who was Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson? [13:35] Why was Jackson against the Civil War? [21:30] When the war starts, what was Jackson’s role in the army? [26:30] How did the weapon technology change during this time period? [29:20] How did Jackson get to The first Bull Run? [34:40] Jackson became a mini celebrity after the First Battle of Bull Run. [35:25] What’s the difference between First Bull Run vs. First Manassas? [39:25] Jackson’s men marched 700 miles in 28 days and fought 5 major engagements. [43:35] How did Jackson achieve such maneuvers so quickly and so brightly? [52:00] After Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Robert E. Lee and Jackson form a strong bond.[1:01:25] What was The Seven Days battle about? [1:04:55] Gwynne asks Tim about the Marine Corps rulebook. Jackson had the flu and was falling asleep with food in his mouth. He could not effectively lead his men in that state. Would he be court marshaled in today’s time? [1:09:35] After The Seven Days battle, Lee and Jackson are finally on the same page and head right into the jaws of the dragon. [1:14:00] Jackson was famous for being able to move the army quickly and effectively. [1:16:25] Jackson did tell his men to pack extremely light. [1:19:25] How did armies gather intelligence back then? [1:25:30] Jackson would use his own scouts to trick the enemy’s scouts and to throw off the trail of where his army was. [1:26:05] Gwynee sets the scene for The Battle of Chancellorsville. [1:37:45] Jackson liked to do his own reconnaissance, and, as you can imagine, his army hated that idea. [1:42:00] What was the public’s reaction to Jackson’s death? [1:49:00] What would have been the impact of the war if Jackson did not die? [1:54:15] Jackson was a very religious man. [1:59:00] There was nothing to suggest that Jackson was against the liberation of slaves, but at the same time Jackson owned 6 slaves himself. [2:05:50] Gwynne discusses his upcoming book.   Mentioned in This Episode: Scgwynne.com Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S. C. Gwynne Civilwar.org

Patrick K. O’Donnell is a combat historian, bestselling author, and public speaker. O’Donnell has written ten critically acclaimed books that recount epic, and untold, stories of American war. His most recent book, Washington’s Immortals, recounts the story of the forgotten Maryland Heroes who helped push the war onto America’s winning side and defeat the British.   Key Takeaways: [4:00] Much like the rest of O’Donnell’s books, this one found him. [6:35] Green-Wood Cemetery is a fascinating place because it held an epic battle during the Revolution where we could have lost to the British. [9:10] These Marylanders bought the United States precious time during the war. [11:45] O’Donnell became obsessed with uncovering the Marylanders’ story. [14:00] Although it’s hard to confirm these numbers, but up to a 3rd (if not more) of Americans sided with the British. [18:10] Hollywood makes fun of it, but the British army was a very strong and professional force. [19:15] British soldiers were constantly adapting to American tactics. [29:40] By the end of 1776, Washington and his army were in trouble because fewer men wanted to re-enlist. What did Washington do to get more men to join the army? [39:05] The Battle of the Assunpink Creek is one of O’Donnell’s favorite untold stories. [44:50] Washington’s leadership was what was holding everyone together, and improving morale. [49:05] Why did Washington need the support of the French army? [55:00] What kind of role did Thomas Paine play before the Battle of Trenton? [58:35] Although the British had a large army, they struggled to keep control and population protection when broken up into smaller parts. [1:07:10] During the Battle of Stony Point, American troops captured well over 600 British soldiers. In many ways, this battle was a textbook operation. [1:15:15] O’Donnell talks about ‘Over the Mountain’ men and why the British were afraid of them. [1:20:10] Keep in mind, there were not enough farms to feed both the American and British armies fighting in the South. [1:21:40] General Nathanael Greene was in charge of the Washington’s Immortals to take over the South. He split his army up and called a section of them ‘The Flying Army.’ [1:31:00] Charles Cornwallis made the mistake of pursuing Greene’s army. [1:33:30] Greene’s strategy was to basically burn the british out. [1:39:45] Tim does a quick recap about the tactics and strategies Greene used. [1:50:50] Where was Washington during all of this? [2:00:00] Recognize the past is the best guide to the present and the future. Lives depend on this! [2:01:35] Look forward to Pat’s next book about World War l. Mentioned in This Episode: Patrickkodonnell.com Washington’s Immortals by Patrick O’Donnell

Joby Warrick is an American Journalist who has won two Pulitzer Prizes. His work at The Washington Post covers topics on the Middle East, diplomacy, and national security. On today’s discussion, Warrick discusses his book, Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, in greater detail, and gives some history on how ISIS began.   Key Takeaways: [2:55] Even though we’re not under attack, the American people are still affected by ISIS. [6:10] Who is Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, really? [9:25] Warrick discusses Zarqawi and his relationship with his mother. [13:45] How did prison make Zarqawi more radical? [16:10] Prison helped form a brotherhood, a university, for a lot of these men. [21:25] Zarqawi and his associates were disowned by Al-Qaeda because they were almost too brutal. [22:20] ISIS and Al-Qaeda do not like each other. Al-Qaeda views them as ‘crazy heretics.’ [27:55] How was Zarqawi connected to Saddam's regime? [32:30] The U.S. decided to wait until after after the Iraq invasion to go after Zarqawi. [40:05] Zarqawi created a new and more brutal form of terrorism. [47:55] Zarqawi died by the hands of American soldiers. We finally got him! [48:20] The third part of Warrick’s book focuses on ISIS. [48:45] If Zarqawi was neutralized, how did ISIS rise up in Syria? [56:35] Who is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and what was his role in all of this? [1:01:10] When ISIS takes credit for terrorist attacks/acts of violence, is it really them or are they just capitalizing on an opportunity? [1:02:50] What is happening in Iraq right now? [1:09:25] Warrick revisits the Sykes-Picot Agreement, and how it still applies today. [1:12:50] Where does Jordan stand in all of this?   Mentioned in This Episode: Joby Warrick Joby Warrick on Wikipedia Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, by Jody Warrick

Gideon Rose is the editor of Foreign Affairs, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also the author of the book How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle. In this week’s episode, Mr. Rose discusses why, no matter the war, we see the same mistakes occur throughout U.S. history. The truth be told, the end state in war is often too broad. The lack of planning by civilian decision-makers based on these broad and vague terms, leads to a longer-than-necessary war that could have very well been prevented, and had lives spared. However, war is inherently political, and leaving just the violence to military officials, and politics to politicians, is not the realistic balance and conclusion we all crave.   Key Takeaways: [1:55] Who is Carl Van Clausewitzian and why is he relevant to how wars end? [3:30] What is war? Clausewitzian defined it in two different ways. [6:25] The end state, in this case, goes beyond the physical battlefield, and it stretches into the political realm. [6:35] Should military planners be more aware about the political ends of war, or is this a task for policy makers? [14:10] It falls down on the military in the end. For example, the Iraq War and the mission to overthrow Saddam Hussein were well-planned on the lower levels, but incredibly poorly-planned at the higher levels. [15:35] Retired military officials were the ones to speak up about the invasion of Iraq. They wanted to know what the end state was. [17:10] If war is both political and military, then it’s not possible to separate the two completely, especially in times of construction. [18:35] Military operations have their own grammar, but not their own logic. [21:55] According to Mr. Rose’s research, civilians take their wartime responsibilities far less seriously than military officials. [27:00] Saddam Hussein had to torture and dismember those who opposed him, even within his chain of command, and this made everyone too afraid to speak up to him. But in the U.S.? All it took was to be publicly shamed in front of a hearing, in order for military officials to not speak up to their head of command. [30:20] It’s a hard balance to maintain. If people acted on their own accord based on what they thought was right at the time, the entire government and military system would fall apart. However, we’ve seen through World War II history that, “I was just following orders” does not hold much weight, especially when it was towards something truly evil and unethical. [34:30] Why was General Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, absent from key decisions that were outlined in the book? What role was he playing at the time? [42:50] Iraq was the perfect storm, but truth be told, the U.S. Government and military have made similar mistakes in every single war that we’ve fought. [50:00] Mr. Rose understand there are difficult challenges, but why are the same mistakes happening, war after war, after war? It boils down to civilian decision-makers not doing enough serious planning towards the situation. [50:35] It angers Mr. Rose that his civilian counterparts who helped plan some of these wars, simply just didn’t do their jobs. [51:25] It’s imperative to take what you’re doing really, really seriously. Lives were lost and, wars were fought, that didn’t need to be, due to these mistakes. [53:00] What examples do we have of history where policy members, civilians, and military members have worked well together? [1:03:05] Let’s analyze how the George H.W. Bush administration handled the Gulf War. What was done right? What was done wrong? [1:20:25] The first year of the Korean war was very dramatic and terrible, but what people don’t realize is that all those horrible things stopped after the first year. It took two extra years for negotiation, but why did it take so long when policy was already in place, years prior? [1:27:15] When people specify what their war aims are, they often do it in a very broad way, with vague terms. This leaves room for bad planning. [1:27:55] The common saying is, “Measure twice, cut once.” So, you’d think with a subject as important as war, people would be measuring much more than twice. The reality is, people rarely measure at all. [1:30:45] How do you tell whether something was a good idea or not? It’s actually a very hard thing to do in retrospect. [1:50:45] Once you’ve made terrible mistakes upon entering a country on war pretenses, it’s very hard to correct them, after the fact. [1:50:50] The Nixon administration gets a ton of blame for how the Vietnam war was handled, but the fact is Nixon was cleaning up a mess he entered into. [1:52:20] Mr. Rose believes Nixon handled the Vietnam war much more strategically than most would. It wasn’t a success, but Nixon could not have closed it out any better. [1:59:10] How would Mr. Rose do things differently? [2:00:50] Start with the endgame, and reverse-engineer the endgame that they want. [2:03:00] It begins with professional responsibility.   Mentioned in This Episode: Gideon Rose How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle, by Gideon Rose How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything, by Rosa Brooks Supreme Command: Soldiers, Statesmen, and Leadership in Wartime, by Eliot CohenOnce an Eagle by Anton MyrerFredrik Logevall