Radio Stockdale

In this episode of RadioStockdale, host Michael Sears recounts his transformative journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps, civilian life, and back to the Yard at the Stockdale Center. He highlights the enduring lessons of integrity, leadership, and ethical decision-making learned throughout his career. Through personal reflections and professional insights, he emphasizes the importance of character development and mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders. In retirement, he is still reachable via email at michael@searsgroup.net.Michael Sears was the Director of Leadership Innovation at the Boeing Leadership Innovation Laboratory, Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy. He spent 30 years in Silicon Valley's technology sector. Rising from various roles in both large corporations and startups, he eventually became a CEO and founded an Internet media company. Sears holds three U.S. patents for his innovative work and spent a decade as a Venture Capitalist. Prior to his tech career, he served as a Marine Officer, specializing in intelligence and reconnaissance. Sears holds a Bachelor's degree from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA and JD degree from Stanford University. His diverse background spans military service, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the tech industry.

Our guest is the Commandant of Midshipman, Col James Mcdonough, USMC. We discuss how the principles of character and resilience influenced the evolution of his leadership style, from Midshipman to Marine Colonel. We go on to talk about the changing landscape of technology in modern warfare, the evolving role of women in leadership positions, and the increasing emphasis on mental health at the Academy and in the military. We conclude with some final words from Col Mcdonough, looking towards the future, and how he envisions what his legacy will be at the Naval Academy.Colonel “J.P.” McDonough is the 89th Commandant of Midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. He is a career artillery officer and has held operational assignments in every level of command including Commander, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He has numerous deployments under his belt in the War on Terror as commanding officer of artillery units, and embedded training with the Afghan National Army. Besides Staff and Joint tours, he served as a modeling and simulation analyst for multiple simulation programs at the USMC Training and Education Command.Colonel McDonough graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering in 1994. He earned a master's degree in virtual environments, modeling and simulation from the Naval Postgraduate School, and graduated with distinction from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at National Defense University.

How does the Naval Academy balance the potential educational benefits of generative AI with the need to maintain educational integrity and the development of critical thinking skills in Midshipmen? Given the nuanced approach to AI in classroom settings, what challenges have you faced in implementing and enforcing policies on the use of generative AI, and how have these been addressed? How has the introduction of generative AI impacted the pedagogical approaches within the Academy, especially concerning the emphasis on the writing process over the final product? Finally, with generative AI technologies evolving rapidly, what future plans does the Naval Academy have to continuously adapt its educational strategies to ensure that Midshipmen remain competitive and ethically grounded leaders in the age of AI?Doctor Samara Firebaugh is the Academic Dean and Provost at the United States Naval Academy. In that role, she is responsible for the entire academic program for the 4,400-member Brigade of Midshipmen, oversees nearly 600 faculty members, and serves as the primary source of information and advice for the Superintendent regarding the education of midshipmen. Professor Firebaugh graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1995.  She received her Masters and PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1997 and 2001, respectively, both also in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Firebaugh's area of scholarship is microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and particularly in integrated sensors and micro robotics. She is the 2014 recipient of the Class of 1951 Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the 2012 recipient of the Raouf Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching. 

How might the philosophies of the classical Greeks apply to today's AI technologies? Does the concept of a virtuous life translate into the development and use of artificial intelligence? Given their belief in the value of seeking knowledge as a pathway to virtue, how might this principle apply to the creation of AI systems that learn and evolve? Plato introduces the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, justice and temperance in Book 4 of "The Republic" and Aristotle expands them and explains how to make them practical in "The Nicomachean Ethics. How can these virtues be integrated into the design and operational principles of AI systems to ensure they contribute positively to society? The Greeks faced numerous ethical dilemmas that tested their principles. Can you discuss a modern ethical dilemma in AI that may involve a young Naval Officer's leadership and decision making, and how applying a classical Greek approach to ethics might offer a path to resolving it?  Dr. Joe Thomas serves as the Director, VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the US Naval Academy.  A retired Marine, he served previously as the Class of 1961 Professor of Leadership Education at USNA and as Director, MajGen John A. Lejeune Leadership Institute at Marine Corps University. In addition, he's taught at the University of Notre Dame, University of Maryland, George Washington University and the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has published five books on the topics of leadership and ethics, along with numerous articles, book chapters, and research reports.  Joe supported student research that led to the award of Rhodes, Mitchell, and Fulbright scholarships. Joe holds masters' degrees from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and the US Army War College, a PhD from George Mason University, and a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Brookings Institute.

We are at an inflection point in warfare, just as significant as the introduction of gunpowder or the airplane. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) is transforming U.S. Joint warfighting and departmental processes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence. Does the JAIC work in the data center, or at the tip of the spear? How does it work with service components, and with civilian tech companies to get the job done? What are the ethical implications of AI in the DOD? What can a junior officer do today, to make sure she is ready to use AI assets?

What is the role of AI in modern targeting processes. We explore the delicate balance between human and machine functions, unravel the essence of 'meaningful human control' in AI targeting, and dissect the crucial steps of target development. Delve into how target system analysis enhances our understanding of enemy vulnerabilities and interdependencies. Plus, we examine the ethical dimensions of maintaining human control in an air interdiction mission. This is an insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, strategy, and ethics in warfare.Mitt Regan, the McDevitt Professor of Jurisprudence at Georgetown University Law Center, excels in international law, national security, human rights, military and legal ethics, and AI ethics. He is the Director of the Center on Ethics and the Legal Profession and Co-Director of the Center on National Security. Additionally, Regan is a Senior Fellow at the U.S. Naval Academy's Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. He's been integral in key projects on national security and ethical leadership. He has authored impactful books on Asymmetric Conflict and National Security Intelligence, including 'Drone Strike,' Professor Regan has served as law clerk to Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. on the U.S. Supreme Court and then-Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Responsible AI Governance involves ongoing monitoring and evaluation of AI systems to identify and address potential risks. This proactive approach helps organizations manage risks related to bias, security, and unintended consequences. But why is RAI Governance important and why does it matter? How can one get started when you want to build RAI Governance control functions and mechanisms in your organization? And what are the best-practices and tips for RAI governance? Dr. Ben Lange is a Research Group Lead in the Ethics of AI at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and Munich Center for Machine Learning. He holds an Associate Researcher Position at the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford and a Visiting Research Fellowship at the Zentrum für Ethik und Philosophie in der Praxis. In the past, he was a Visiting Researcher at Google's Responsible Innovation team. Ben received his PhD in Moral Philosophy from the University of Oxford. In his capacity as an ethics advisor and as a Senior Advisor at BABLAI, Ben has deep expertise in the whole suite of organizational ethics consulting, including AI ethics and digital ethics, corporate social and digital responsibility (CSR & CDR), and ethics and compliance.

We dive deep into the intricacies and ethical considerations of AI development, specifically focusing on OpenAI's Chat-GPT and GPT-4. Join us as we discuss how OpenAI approached the alignment problem, the impact of Human Aligned Reinforcement Learning, and the role of human raters in shaping Chat-GPT. We'll also revisit past AI mishaps like Microsoft's Tay and explore their influence on current AI models. The episode delves into OpenAI's efforts to address ethical concerns, the debate over universal human values in AI, and the diverse perspectives of users, developers, and society on AI technology. Lastly, we tackle the critical issue of employing workers from the global south for AI alignment, examining the ethical implications and the need for support. Tune in to uncover the complexities and breakthroughs in the evolving world of AI!Dr. Joel Esposito. He is a Professor in the Robotics and Control Engineering Department at the Naval Academy. He teaches courses in Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He is the recipient of the Naval Academy's Rauoff Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, and the 2015 Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award. He received both a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

We demystify the technology behind Chat GPT and other generative AI like Google's Bard. Starting from the basics, we explore how Chat GPT functions as an app, generating near-human quality responses. We delve into the mechanics of Large Language Models (LLMs) and how they predict text. The episode also covers the massive scale of training data, computing time, and energy consumption involved in creating such models. We then transition into discussing the AI components, addressing complex issues like word embeddings, attention mechanisms, and the challenges of creating versatile, context-aware responses. Finally, we touch upon ethical considerations and the crucial role of Human Aligned Reinforcement Feedback in refining AI outputs, ensuring they are helpful, appropriate, and devoid of harmful content.Dr. Joel Esposito is a Professor in the Robotics and Control Engineering Department at the Naval Academy. He teaches courses in Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He is the recipient of the Naval Academy's Rauoff Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, and the 2015 Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award. He received both a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Artificial Intelligence enhances deterrence capabilities in various ways, contributing to the overall effectiveness of military strategies and national security. Deterrence aims to dissuade adversaries from taking certain actions by convincing them that the costs or risks outweigh the potential benefits. So, how does AI, particularly machine learning, serve as a force multiplier in the development and application of deterrence? Considering the role of AI in intelligence and military deterrence operations, how do algorithms enhance real-time human-machine interfacing and contribute to the overall deterrent effect against potential threats? And finally, what are some thoughts on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in deterrence, especially in non-kinetic operations. Dr. James Giordano is Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program, and Chair of the Sub-Program in Military Medical Ethics at Georgetown University Medical Center. He is a Senior Bioethicist of the Department of Defense Medical Ethics Center; Science Advisory Fellow of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment Branch, of the Joint Staff of the Pentagon; a Senior Fellow of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic, United States Military Academy, West Point, and Distinguished Fellow at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. He was a designated Naval Aerospace Physiologist, and served with the US Navy and Marine Corps.

When we think of AI, the "elephant in the room" for educators is Plagiarism. This is the third installment from Dr. Jovana Davidovic on AI & Education, this time, addressing Plagiarism. Does the use of AI tools mean plagiarism across the board? What is the connection between Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, where the machine can write an entire paragraph, a page, or even a book just at one prompt? What are some ways to address GAI, LLM, etc. with regard to plagiarism in education?Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We continue our discussion of AI & Education. Data Analytics can inform a teacher as to the relative quality of a student's work. AI can analyze large volumes of educational data to identify trends and patterns related to student performance and engagement. Educators can use this information to make data-driven decisions, such as identifying struggling students early, implementing interventions, and improving curriculum design. But there are also "downsides" to AI. We discuss bias, opacity, privacy and other issues.Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We talk about AI in general, and then get specific on several fronts. What does Personalized Learning mean, and how does AI assist in its application? Are intelligent tutoring systems different from personalized learning? Are there ways to fairly integrate automated grading and feedback into a teacher's workflow?Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We continue our conversation with CAPT Franky, the senior Naval Special Warfare Officer on the Yard. He breaks down the elements of the exercises that lead to Strength, Speed, Stamina and Stoicism. How do the Wisdom workouts help you know your limits? What does Courage have to do with pushing yourself? How can a Temperance workout lead to patience, moderation, and attention to detail? And finally, how does the Justice workout build teamwork and leadership knowledge as you burn calories?CAPT Frank Franky, USN is the Senior Naval Special Warfare Representative at the USNA. He is also currently serving as the Deputy Director for Ethics at the Stockdale Center. Most recently he served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula, responsible for the execution of the full spectrum, multi-domain, joint special operations, actions, and investments on the Arabian Peninsula. He participated in joint combined special operations around the world. He deployed extensively on contingencies and named operations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Yemen, and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Central and South America). He was recently honored with the title "Knighted Commander of the Government of Columbia".

The Naval Academy's mission begins with the statement: To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically. On this podcast, we talk about one of the ways we combine all of these aspects of the mission into a single set of events. How does mental toughness contribute to physical toughness? Where do the cardinal virtues inform the manner and type of exercises one can do? And how does Accountability in the Execution, Situational Awareness, Readiness/Safety and Communications inform the mind and body to make you stronger, faster and more resilient?CAPT Frank Franky, USN is the Senior Naval Special Warfare Representative at the USNA. He is also currently serving as the Deputy Director for Ethics at the Stockdale Center. Most recently he served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula, responsible for the execution of the full spectrum, multi-domain, joint special operations, actions, and investments on the Arabian Peninsula. He participated in joint combined special operations around the world. He deployed extensively on contingencies and named operations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Yemen, and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Central and South America). He was recently honored with the title "Knighted Commander of the Government of Columbia".

Roger Mosby is now the former President and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. Roger has had a long career in servant leadership. It all began as a sailor, serving in a squadron on the USS Ranger. We talk about Trustworthiness and Loyalty - what it means in the Navy, and what it means to Boy Scouts. How can you trust your co-workers in one of the most dangerous work environments on the planet.

With the rapid pace of technological change today, it's appropriate that we revisit an earlier podcast: Disruptive Technologies. These technologies such as autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence are changing the world, and the way militaries operate. These technologies present both risks and opportunities. We address the definition of disruptive technologies, what makes a technology disruptive, and how do you measure disruption. And then, of course, the ethical implications of fielding (or not fielding) those technologies.

Is Coaching different from Mentorship, and if so, where do they both "fit"? What is the Skill/Will matrix, and how does it work? What makes coaching a powerful tactic to employ within the Skill/Will framework? How does a person's location on the Skill/Will matrix change, and how does one as the leader know to shift between tactics within a conversation? How does coaching, as part of the Skill/Will Matrix lead to culture change?

We're talking with the director of rugby at Navy, overseeing the Men's and Women's Rugby programs where both the Men and Women are 2023 National Champions. Rugby is a game of grit, determination and resilience. We talk about the 2023 season, with a special emphasis on the final Men's match against perennial powerhouse the University of California, Berkeley. Navy won, to cap off an 18-0 record in their first season as a D1 varsity program. 

Chaplaincy in the Navy is almost as old as the Navy. But what is chaplaincy, and what do Chaplains do? How does a Navy Chaplain work within the leadership structure of a ship or unit, to support the Commanding Officer and her responsibility in the moral, mental and physical mission? Where does the concept of confidential communication come from, and why is it so critical and necessary for a Sailor or Marine. Finally, how does a Navy Chaplain add to the readiness of the Navy's mission?

Consistent communication, from the highest level, to all levels of the nearly 1-million-person Department of the Navy is rare. Why is that so unique, and why did our guest think it was so important. These communications were called Vectors. What is a Vector? How were they produced, and what was the process of producing them? With all of the other activity going on at the same time, how did these weekly notes compete with the constant drum beat of messaging encompassing social media, texts and 24-hour news? Did the Vectors accomplish their intended goal?

Dark Waters is an interactive scenario case study about a collision at sea between a US Navy Destroyer and a tanker. Sailors are trapped in spaces that are quickly flooding, and the protagonist must make the recommendation to close the hatch, and thereby save the ship. In so doing, those sailors would perish. It is used in Plebe Leadership, and Youngster Ethics classes. It is part of the Stockdale Interactive group of digital case studies, available at:https://stockdaleinteractive.com/Professor Doug Rau discusses the learning objectives of this case study, and presents to instructors and students alike the best way to use, teach, and learn from "playing" these simulations in the classroom, and as an individual.

Maritime Security is a complex case study, where a junior officer must decide among several different outcomes, none of which are optimal from a mission and moral standing. This case is not an outlier, but a representation of what young sailors face in the fleet daily. How does one balance the accomplishment of the mission, with the fact that lives are at stake, both innocents and those who have taken the oath to serve? This case study addresses the responsibilities as a leader, and the ethical implications of leadership.

Allyship is a series of case studies that follows the interactions of Midshipmen in various scenarios. After witnessing an event or comment by a third part friend and colleague, the protagonist is put into a situation where she must decide why and how to support a different friend who has been assailed by that inappropriate ugly event. This case study addresses your responsibilities as an Ally, when living in everyday situations that challenge friendships and respect.

Test Depth is a case study that follows the experiences of a young Junior Officer on his first role in the engineering department on a US Navy nuclear submarine. When he discovers a leak in the sea water system, he is challenged to do something about it. This case study addresses his responsibilities as a JO in working with a tight-knit team, where he may be the one who must speak truth to power.

Looming Storm is a case study that follows the early experiences of a young Junior Officer aboard ship. In a flashback, we see a poorly led ship, its wardroom and its crew. Slovenly sailors and messy quarters, rust and unaddressed leaks. Bad morale. The JO is challenged to do something about it, and he must consider who and how he deals with senior officers, and his sailors. This case study addresses your responsibilities as a JO when working in a poor command climate.

Tactical Interrogation is a case study where we consider balancing the rights and interests of three stake-holding groups: service members, their clients (i.e. inhabitants of the US), and non-clients (foreign enemy combatants and foreign non-combatants). Torture is grossly immoral when considered from any of these perspectives. Torturers tend to sustain moral and psychological injury. They are often found out and prosecuted, or at least, treated as pariahs by their fellow service or intelligence personnel.

This is a different kind of case study in that it is a primer on Artificial Intelligence, and how it can be understood by naval officers. We go through several situations where a young naval officer is challenged by a fact set, and she has to deal with what information she is being given, her understanding of the current situation, and bounce that against her underlying sense of ethics and the law. On top of that, she needs to assess what the AI is doing, and how it may bias the options that are available to the decision makers. Pretty cool.Find the interactive case study at https://stockdaleinteractive.com/Professor Jovana Davidovic is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She discusses the learning objectives of this and other case studies, and presents to instructors and students alike the best way to use, teach, and learn from "playing" these simulations in the classroom, and as an individual.

This is a case study where a group of Midshipmen on a semester abroad run into trouble. You're the protagonist in a fictitious eastern European country. You're out with your buddies. A local guide has been showing you around, and he bids adieu, after calling for a taxi. So far so good. You have a group of students, different ethnicities, genders, generally different outlooks and experiences. And there's a decision to make. Do you go into a bar, without your guide. The first decision point here is the group dynamic. Not everyone in the party sees this the same way you do.

Leave No One Behind is a classic case that we have used for years at the Naval Academy. An interactive version of this case is available for individual and classroom use online. You are the OIC of a helicopter detachment that has already lost an airplane during a search and rescue mission, in bad weather and a bad sea state. The question asked is - should you launch your next, and final helicopter asset and crew to find the first?https://stockdaleinteractive.com/Professor Mike Norton discusses the learning objectives of this and other case studies, and presents to instructors and students alike the best way to use, teach, and learn from "playing" these simulations in the classroom, and as an individual.

While thousands of climbers have successfully scaled Mount Everest, less than a handful of people have descended to the planet's deepest point, the Mariana Trench. The sea is the Navy's domain. Dr. Joseph Dituri, Ph.D., DMT, CDR - US Navy (ret) enlisted in the Navy. He made his way up through the ranks after earning his B.S. in Computer Science and received his commissioned. Among various billets, he served at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard as a Nuclear Project Superintendent, Project Manager, Docking Officer, Diving Officer and Business Operations Officer. He earned a Master's Degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School. His final position in the US Navy was at Special Operations Command as Special Operations Research Development and Acquisition Center Program Executive Officer - Maritime Systems where he served as the Chief Engineer, Program Manager for Undersea Systems Technical & Certification Program as well as deputy Program Manager for Combat Craft. Upon retirement, he earned a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Florida.He is currently underwater, literally, where he is doing research on the long-term implications of diving and living under water - the Navy's domain. See Project Neptune.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXr0Inc4nok

One could ask, what makes the US Naval Academy a special place? Isn't it just a college with a lot of rules and uniforms? We talk with Jeff Webb, the new President and CEO of the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation, about what makes USNA a special place. He likens USNA as a unique incubator that shapes motivated young men and women into leaders, not just at the Academy or in the Navy, but throughout their entire life. That is, leaders that exemplify the expectation of trust, honor, and ethical behavior in all facets of their lives. Listen as Jeff Webb expresses what he describes as the mission of the Alumni Association, which is to expand what can be delivered with impact and meaning to USNA.

For Aristotle, wisdom was not just an abstract idea. Aristotle called this different kind of wisdom, “prudence”, and we discuss another translation, “practical wisdom.” Practical wisdom is knowing what is good, right, or best, given a particular set of circumstances. It is not about book smarts, or knowing general rules. Thomas Aquinas helps us better understand practical wisdom. Finally, how can we improve our practical wisdom?

Perseverance is a strength within the virtue category of courage. Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The story of the USS Quail is a story of perseverance and grit. The crew evaded capture by the Japanese during World War II. What extent did formal training play in the Quail crew's successful escape? How could the CO, Lieutenant Commander Morrill, serve as an example to leaders today? What lessons does the saga of USS Quail have for today's Navy?Howard R. Simkin has more than 40 years of combined military, law enforcement, defense contractor, and government experience. He is a retired Special Forces officer and holds a Master of Administrative Science from the Johns Hopkins University. His book, Home Run, tells several stories of Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.

What does leadership have to do with your gut, and taking risks? What goes through your head (and gut) when you need to get back to task, after you had a major failure. What can you learn about yourself after a flat spin? Can you be a leader if you don't take risks? RADM Mike Manazir, USN (ret) is a leader, and he has had a distinguished career in the Navy. He has been a fighter pilot, the Commanding Officer of several Navy ships, and he commanded Carrier Strike Group 8. We speak with RADM Manazir about the many lessons in his book, “Lead to Win”, and how he got back "on the horse", after exiting an F-14 in an unexpected way.

The Returned with Honor program recognizes the sacrifice of the Vietnam Era POWs and their families. We've been celebrating these men and women on the Yard in several ways this academic year. We start our podcast with VADM Sean Buck, the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, joined by his wife, Mrs. Joanne Buck. We then talk with CAPT Tasya Lacy about the programs she is leading around the Yard this year, from the Honor, Courage, Commitment Luncheon, to the Passing on Wisdom public TV documentary, to the Dole Institute League of Wives Exhibit displayed in Mahan Hall, and the Nixon Presidential Library event for POWs. Finally, Senior Fellow Alvin Townley talks about the important ideas we can all better understand by paying attention to the stories of the POWs. The POW Challenge is a high-tech scavenger hunt that goes live on February 12, 2023. Midshipmen, Faculty, Staff, Coaches and guests on the Yard can "play" the challenge. Go to: https://returnedwithhonor.com/ to see more.

What is obedience and is it a virtue or a good thing? Is compliance different from obedience? Why is it necessary to involve a group in the practice of obedience? Pauline Shanks Kaurin is professor and Admiral James B. Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics. She holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and specializes in military ethics, “just war theory” and philosophy of law and applied ethics. She is author of “On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Community and Citizenry”.

The Honorable Paul Dabbar is a graduate of the Naval Academy. He served as a nuclear submarine officer, including a deployment to the North Pole, where he conducted environmental research. He has been a lecturer at the Naval Academy and he conducted research at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Following his naval service, and graduate school at Columbia Business School, among other things he worked at J.P. Morgan & Co. as an investment banker and managing director for mergers & acquisitions. Back in government service, he served as Under Secretary of Energy for Science. He also served on the Department of Energy's Environmental Management Advisory Board.

Part 4 of 4. Dr. Shaun Baker and Senior Fellow Alvin Townley wrap up their discussion of the use of the US POWs as propaganda tools during the Vietnam conflict. In this final episode, Shaun and Alvin reminisce about the personal stories of the POWs and their wives. Their private experiences, and how they and their families were able to withstand the pressures and separations they all endured during the war, and how they have lived their lives since.

Part 3 of 4. Dr. Shaun Baker and Senior Fellow Alvin Townley continue to discuss the use of the US POWs as propaganda tools during the Vietnam conflict. How did the US Code of Conduct apply to the American POWs? How did captivity, cooperation, and leadership lend itself to a reinterpretation of the code? What does BACKUS mean, and how did it impact the actions of the POWs? And what is the significance of the statement "Return with Honor"?

Colonel “J.P.” McDonough is the 89th Commandant of Midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. He is a career artillery officer and has held operational assignments in every level of command including Commander, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He has numerous deployments under his belt in the War on Terror as commanding officer of artillery units, and embedded training with the Afghan National Army. Besides Staff and Joint tours, he served as a modeling and simulation analyst for multiple simulation programs at the USMC Training and Education Command.Colonel McDonough graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering in 1994. He earned a master's degree in virtual environments, modeling and simulation from the Naval Postgraduate School, and graduated with distinction from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at National Defense University.

Part 2 of 4. Dr. Shaun Baker and Senior Fellow Alvin Townley talk about the use of the US POWs as propaganda tools during the Vietnam conflict. What did the North Vietnamese try to accomplish, and how did they go about it? The propaganda/media war, how it had worked in the 1st Indochina War with France, and how they used the same strategy during the US War. How the US government responded during the Johnson administration and then the Nixon administration. Finally, how the responses of the POWs and their wives contrasted and compared.

Dr. Baker earned his B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. Aside from teaching philosophy at the University and College levels, he also spent 3 years teaching writing and computer skills at the Methodist Children's Home Society group home in Detroit, Michigan. Beyond teaching at Navy, he coaches the Ethics Bowl team, and is a member of the team that produces our interactive ethics simulations, and interactive electronic ethics and leadership volumes such as Ethics for the Junior Officer.Alvin Townley is a best-selling New York Times-reviewed author and Emmy-winning storyteller. Alvin graduated from Washington & Lee University, where he served on the university's student government and honor council. He studied politics and economics in Europe before working in Congress, managing global strategy for an 85,000-person firm, and leading external affairs for a Grammy and Tony winning national arts center. He is a former Senior Fellow at the Naval Academy's Stockdale Center.

Douglas Rau is the Professor of Leadership Education within the Division of Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) at USNA. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1974 and received a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.  He qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and later transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer community. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University. His research is in the field of public service motivation. He has served as a member of the VADM Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and supports Capstone Character Seminars at the Academy.

Douglas Rau is the Professor of Leadership Education within the Division of Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) at USNA. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1974 and received a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.  He qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and later transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer community. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University. His research is in the field of public service motivation. He has served as a member of the VADM Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and supports Capstone Character Seminars at the Academy.

CAPT Franky serves as the Deputy Director for Ethics at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and is the Senior Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Representative at USNA. Most recently he served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula // Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Unit THREE, responsible for the execution of the full spectrum, multi-domain, joint special operations, actions, and investments on the Arabian Peninsula. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and raised in Colombia, South America. He was commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral program and later attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a BS in Computer Science and conducting Master studies in Defense Analysis.

Mitt Regan is McDevitt Professor of Jurisprudence and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of the Legal Profession at Georgetown University Law Center. He is a Senior Fellow at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. He is also Adjunct Faculty Member at the Center for Military and Security Law at the Australian National University College of Law, and an International Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Centre for Professional Service Firms. He is the author of Eat What You Kill: The Fall of a Wall Street Lawyer, and co-author of Confidence Games: Lawyers, Accountants, and the Tax Shelter Industry and Legal Ethics in Corporate Practice. Professor Regan served as law clerk to Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. on the U.S. Supreme Court, and then-Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Marc LiVecche is the McDonald Distinguished Scholar of Ethics, War, and Public Life at Providence. He is also a non-resident research fellow at the US Naval War College, in the College of Leadership and Ethics. His first book, The Good Kill: Just War & Moral Injury, was published in 2021 by Oxford University Press. He can be followed, or stalked, on twitter @mlivecche.Ryan Bernacchi is a former TOPGUN instructor who served as a naval aviator and leader for 25 years. He has flown more than 4,000 hours in FA-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, as well as the F-16 Viper. He had made multiple deployments flying real world missions from the decks of our Navy's aircraft carriers. Notably, CAPT Bernacchi served as the commanding officer for a Super Hornet Squadron, and was the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader (#1) of the Blue Angels. We met Ryan when he was the Deputy Commandant for Leadership and Character Development at the Naval Academy.

Alvin Townley is a Senior Fellow at the Stockdale Center. He is a best-selling New York Times-reviewed author and Emmy-winning storyteller. His stories are about leadership, legacy, and purpose. He is a graduate of Washington & Lee University, and has studied economics in Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, and London before working in Congress, managing global strategy for a Fortune 100 firm, and leading external affairs for a national arts center.