Tesseract Podcast

We're back after a short seasonal break, and we are kicking things off with an exciting conversation! This episode features host Master Sergeant Dakota Belcher, AFWERX Western Region Spark Cell Coordinator, and Tesseract LNO, sitting down with Maintenance Commander Major Sean Freitag. We talk about Major Freitag's background, and his passion for innovation in the Air Force, and dive into the health of the force metrics—what it means, why it matters, and how we can all play a role in ensuring readiness and sustainability. From leadership lessons to practical insights, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways and fresh perspectives. Thanks for tuning in—we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation!

Join us as we chat with Master Sergeant Michael Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii. Michael recounts his path from joining the Air Force in 2010 as a Security Forces member to becoming the Commandant at the Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School in Spangdahlem, Germany. Michael shares stories from his career across bases like Osan, Kadena, and Spangdahlem, focusing on his efforts to drive innovation through simple yet effective process improvements. He emphasizes that innovation isn't just about technology but also about making everyday tasks more efficiently. We explore the unique Heritage Hall at Pitsenbarger, filled with historical memorabilia, and hear about students' reactions to seeing their legacy. Michael discusses his current projects to enhance leadership training and integrate new tech in the schoolhouse. Tune in for a conversation that highlights the importance of honoring our past while pushing for a better future in the Air Force.

Our host Nate had an insightful chat with Chris Anderson, the European Spark Sale Coordinator. Here are the highlights: Chris shared his journey from aircraft maintenance to innovation leader. He discussed the challenges and successes in continuous process improvement (CPI). We learned about his impactful projects, like the bone conduction initiative. Chris's story is a true eye-opening episode of dedication and hard lessons faced by innovators. Catch the full conversation to get inspired! #TesseractLNO #Innovation #AirForce #ChrisAnderson #FiresideChat #CPI

Join us for another episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, featuring Lt Col Kevin Walton from the 52nd Maintenance Squadron. Stationed in the scenic Eifel region of Germany, Kevin discusses his role as a leader and his efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force while improving the quality of life and effectiveness of our airmen. From his early days working on F-16s to leading strategic innovations at Air Mobility Command, Col Walton's journey highlights the critical impact of embracing change and fostering a culture where every airman's voice can lead to transformative improvements. This episode showcases the importance of innovation in today's unprecedented times.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Tesseract Podcast, where host Dan learns the story of Tyler Jones, an airman who championed innovation against all odds. Faced with the 'frozen middle,' Tyler's relentless pursuit to implement significant policy changes exemplifies the spirit of determination. Discover how his collaboration with the Tesseract team finally brought his visionary policy change to fruition, marking a significant milestone in fostering a culture of innovation within the Air Force. This episode is a tribute to the airmen who dare to challenge the status quo and the transformative power of persistence and teamwork.

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Dan interviewed Mr. Dean Blake, technical director of the Headquarters Air Force A4L Directorate of Logistics. Mr. Blake brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with a 21-year career as an aircraft maintenance officer and significant experience in logistics information technology. He shared insights into his journey through the Air Force, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and technology in enhancing Air Force logistics and readiness in the face of great power competition. Mr. Blake talked about the strategic importance of data-driven decision-making and the pivotal shift from focusing solely on efficiency to achieving effectiveness in logistics operations. Highlighting his work with the Basic Logistics Analytic Data Environment (BLADE) and the challenges of transitioning innovative pilot projects into sustained enterprise solutions, he offers a glimpse into the future of logistics IT in the Air Force. The conversation also touches on the power of airmen-driven innovation, the potential of modern software tools, and the importance of embracing a culture of continuous improvement. Mr. Blake's passion for fostering innovation and leveraging the tech-savviness of Air Force personnel across all ranks and roles shines through, making it clear that the path to maintaining agility and readiness in a rapidly evolving security environment lies in the hands of its most valuable asset: its airmen. #TesseractPodcast #AirForceInnovation #MilitaryLogistics #AirmenDriven #DataAnalytics #BLADE #TechInDefense #Adaptability #StrategicReadiness #FutureOfLogistics #EmpowermentInUniform

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Retired General Larry Spencer shares his journey from a young man, uncertain about an Air Force career, to becoming the vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His story begins in Washington D.C., where a chance encounter with an Air Force recruiter dramatically changed the trajectory of his life. Spencer recounts how he transitioned from playing football to joining the Air Force, fueled by a recruiter's promise of a future that combined his passion for sports with military service. His candid reflection on the lack of mentors during his early years, his initial confusion about his career path, and his eventual decision to enlist paint a picture of a young man searching for a purpose.

Join us on the latest LNO Fireside Chat as we dive into the world of innovation with our special guest, Matthew D Connelly! In this episode, we cover everything from the importance of clear and respectful communication to overcoming technical hiccups. Matthew, a part-time innovator in PACAF and a full-time munitions specialist, shares insights from his rich experience in innovation and continuous process improvement. Hear about Matthew's unconventional career journey, from a rocky start in the Air Force to becoming a thought leader in innovation, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing big ideas to life within the military framework. From Osan Air Base to leading Spark Tank competitions, Matthew's story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the drive to make a difference. Tune in to learn, be inspired, and get a behind-the-scenes look at innovation within the Air Force. Whether you're interested in personal growth, professional development, or the mechanics of making big ideas happen, this episode is packed with insights, challenges, and the unyielding spirit of innovation. Don't miss this journey through the highs and lows of transforming vision into reality, right here on the LNO Fireside Chat!

In the recent LNO fireside chat hosted by Amanda and Jackson, the discussion centered on the innovative strategies and challenges faced by the military in adapting to the changing strategic landscape. Mary Lou Moore, from the AFMC CDX office, shared insights into her work, emphasizing a human-centered approach to implementing change. During this episode, she highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and innovation through training in methodologies like green belts and black belts, agile design thinking, and the Spark Tank campaign. The conversation goes deep into the Air Force's need for adaptation to remain competitive and capable in the current strategic environment. She stressed the significance of focusing on people, understanding resistance to change, and fostering cross-collaboration to achieve success. Amanda and Jackson dive into tools like Microsoft Office apps and platforms for sharing innovations as critical resources for facilitating this change. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a call to action for airmen and guardians alike to explore, engage, and excel in their roles, armed with the knowledge and support to make a difference. Mary's message is clear: Change may be hard, but with the right approach and a focus on people, the sky's the limit.

In this fresh installment of our Fireside Chat series, we sit down with MSgt Heikell Perez, Supply troop from Biddle Air National Guard Base, who brings a unique perspective to the innovation ecosystem. Hosted by Nate, this episode dives into MSgt Perez's journey, capturing his innate drive to push boundaries, innovate, and streamline processes. With a career marked by a relentless pursuit of improvement, he shares how his "spark" to innovate has ignited significant changes. Listen in as MSgt Perez discusses the challenges and triumphs of integrating innovation into military operations, providing valuable insights and inspiration for others looking to make a difference through innovation. This conversation is not just about the successes but the mindset and motivation behind transforming everyday tasks into opportunities for progress.

Welcome to the new season of the Tesseract Podcast. This year, we're thrilled to introduce our new hosts, Chloe and Dan. To kick off this exciting new season, Chloe sits down with two remarkable guests: MSgt Benjamin Johnis and Retired MSgt Bon Strout, both SERE specialists in the US Air Force. Join us for an inspiring journey as MSgt Johnis shares his story, from his work as a Ph.D. graduate student at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to his groundbreaking contributions at the Goddard Space Flight Center. From writing papers to presenting revolutionary ideas for lunar space equipment, MSgt Johnis and Mr. Bon discuss the power of innovation, Spark cells, SBIR, and their contributions shaping the future of space exploration. Together, Chloe and MSgt Johnis explore the importance of setting oneself up for success and the transformative impact of looking deep within to achieve one's goals. Gain insights into overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries. Join us and get inspired to innovate in Season 3 of the Tesseract Podcast. Get ready as we unlock the power of innovation together! For mentorship or questions please reach out via Linkedin to : https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-johnis/ If you want to learn more about Lunar Search Equipment: https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aj0GKtgK3-8pl8EoA40pi_puC5kdOg?e=KpH98J

During this episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, we spoke with Dakota Belcher and Joshua Nash, distinguished innovators and driving forces behind the AFWERX programs and PACAF SPARK cells, respectively. Through their perspectives, we explored the transformative impact of Tesseract on their initiatives, shedding light on the ways it has supported and refined their innovative efforts. Throughout our discussion, Dakota and Joshua shared their insights into the challenges they have faced, the milestones they have achieved, and the goals they have set for the future within the innovation ecosystem. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes challenges and aspirations driving the evolution of military innovation, pushing the boundaries!

This is the last fireside chat episode of the seven Aether Sprint semi-finalists! Project R2JP (Rays to Jet Power) introduces a decentralized, green, and sustainable energy source! This system is not only environmentally friendly but also operationally efficient, offering significant savings in fuel consumption and logistics. By replacing traditional generators, R2JP halves pallet requirements and can fully pay for itself in less than five months. Additionally, the system is easy to deploy, requiring minimal manpower and maintenance. Our host Nathan has a deep conversation with Raymond Hill and Jet Nesle on about the effectiveness of Rays to Jet Power in various trials by the USAF, showing potential to entirely eliminate fuel use in moderate climates and achieve significant reductions in extreme temperatures. These intelligent systems can self-diagnose, providing warnings to Airmen, and are designed to be corrosion and EMP resistant. The system's flexibility allows it to be prepositioned for extended periods with minimal power loss, further enhancing its practicality for sustained operations. R2JP has proven its utility in diverse applications, from powering medical tents and water purification systems to supporting mission control towers, thereby showcasing its potential as a transformative solution in military operations!

In this gripping Fireside Chat, Ryan Amador kicks things off by sharing the origin of their idea and the trials encountered when building the initial prototype of his team project. From bureaucratic roadblocks to the intricate web of vendor interactions, they reveal the untold story behind their relentless pursuit of innovation. Tune in and discover the project's ultimate mission: streamlining equipment logistics and reducing the logistical footprint. Plus, gain insight into the challenges they've faced while navigating bureaucratic channels and securing approvals for integrating cutting-edge components into nuclear-certified machinery. This Fireside Chat is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Don't miss your chance to be inspired and informed by these remarkable individuals who are changing the game one innovative idea at a time.

In this episode of LNO Fireside Chat, host Amanda Dennis delves into an engaging conversation with the innovative minds behind CLAWS - the Compact Loading Adapter Winch System designed for C-130 aircraft. Joshua Rogers, Taylor Mogford, and their team, currently semi-finalists in the Aether Sprint competition, share insights into their groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing loading efficiency and operational safety for the Air Force. They explore the challenges of streamlining the loading process, the journey of their project towards Air Force-wide scalability, and the critical role of storytelling, mentorship, and innovation in driving team engagement and project adoption. Discover how CLAWS is set to transform aircraft loading practices, promising significant time savings and operational improvements, and learn about the team's vision for the future of Air Force loading operations.

Get ready for an electrifying LNO Fireside Chat with Dr. Ethan Eagle and Dan Ward! Join us as these dynamic guests take center stage to unravel the in a deep conversation about project management and innovation.

Embark on the latest Fireside Chat journey with Philip as he talks to all Aether Sprint Semi-finalists.  Introducing Cayla Larson and Harris Hamburg as they explain how traditional munitions production is cumbersome and slow, posing a mismatch with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environment. After encountering inefficiencies during an ACE exercise, the team identified a significant opportunity for improvement. Encouraged by positive feedback and strong momentum, they submitted their innovative idea to Aether Sprint. They are now actively working on actualizing it into an MVP (Minimal Viable Product), a move set to revolutionize munitions production. Anticipated benefits include significant manpower reduction and streamlined field operations, showcasing a leap forward in munitions.  

In this episode, we talked to the third team competing for the Aether sprint. Tyler and Andrew explained their game-changing initiative—consolidating multiple pieces of equipment into a robust, portable kit for rapid and agile deployment. The discussion centers around the benefits of using this kit in an ACE environment deployment, significantly reducing space requirements and creating a smaller footprint. The team discusses the ambitious goal of enterprise-wide implementation and how larger units can leverage their budgets for efficient kit adoption. Hosted by MSgt Barry, the chat emphasizes the importance of advocacy, and identifying key contacts for project success. Tune in for practical insights on navigating challenges and applauding dedicated efforts. Streamline your deployment knowledge today! #LNOFiresideChat #EfficiencyInnovation

During this installment of the LNO Fireside Chat, our host Nate embarks on another journey from grassroots to success with the F-35 WMS Cover project. Technical Sergeants Emil Wodicka takes us behind the scenes to discuss the current status of their groundbreaking product manufacturing and validation process. In this engaging conversation, the team shares their progress, highlighting the successful completion of multiple prototypes. The next phase on the horizon is the validation process, scheduled to kick off at the end of January. TSgt Emil underscores the importance of understanding user needs and prioritizing user-friendliness, emphasizing their commitment to creating a product that truly serves its purpose. This discussion is a testament to their motivation for creating tangible, positive change.

In this episode of the Tesseract podcast, James sits down with (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria to explore the profound transformations that shaped the U.S. Air Force, particularly in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Lt. Gen. Silveria offers invaluable perspectives on the rapid and sustained organizational change that unfolded before and after 9/11, shedding light on how the Air Force evolved strategically, tactically, and operationally in response to this pivotal event. Gen. Silveria talks about his experiences and as the conversation unfolds, he shares about his critical role in strengthening organic security capabilities. Beyond airpower, this role expanded his purview into broader security cooperation efforts. The episode also highlights his insights into inter-agency cooperation, demonstrating the importance of collaboration among various government entities. Discover the logistical intricacies of change and gain a deeper understanding of how (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria's remarkable journey has contributed to the Air Force's adaptability and success in navigating an ever-evolving landscape, from pre-9/11 to the era of Great Power Competition.

Join us on this exciting Tesseract Podcast Episode where we talk about aerospace innovation with two remarkable women, Amanda Whalen and Diana Prenoveau, leading the charge in the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) Plan Qulliq initiative. Amanda and Diana are instrumental figures in the RCAF's mission to transform its operations through cutting-edge innovation. In this episode, they share their inspiring journey and insights into how Plan Qulliq is shaping the future of the RCAF. Tune in as we explore their experiences, successes, and the collaborative spirit that drives Plan Qulliq's mission to elevate the RCAF's capabilities to new heights. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest episodes and explore more fascinating stories of innovation across various industries.

In this episode “Enabling Exceptional Software Solutions with Matthew Nelson” your host James dove into the world of cutting-edge software solutions for the Air Force. Throughout this engaging conversation, James and Matthew explore the intricacies of developing software that powers the Air Force. Matthew's remarkable journey, from his EWI fellowship to his current roles as an Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel and his notable contributions to Kessel Run and BESPIN, offers invaluable insights into the challenges and innovations of his career. Tune in to uncover the vital role of exceptional mobile and web software solutions in enhancing Air Force operations and maintaining a technological edge. Join us and gain a deeper understanding of the driving forces behind the evolution of military software solutions.

In this episode, James talked with Technical Sergeant Dan Kosty, a Tesseract Core Member and Program Manager with our Concept Integrations Branch. They discussed his experience as a C-17 Maintainer, Co-Founder of Tron, and working within the Innovation Ecosystem.

In this episode, James talked with Colonel Bary Flack, commander of the 436th Mission Generation Group at Dover AFB. We talked about how the new organizational structure - the MGG - intends to unite work centers under the common mission of power projection.

In this episode, James talked with Ms. Brown, HAF/A4L Deputy, Col. Hartle, HAF/A4L Associate Director, and Mr. Malby, HAF/A4PA IT Specialist and Innovator. We talked about the unique set of circumstances that innovation brings to the traditional hierarchy of a military staff and their experiences with overcoming hurdles and scaling to the enterprise.

In this episode, James talked with grassroots innovators SrA Jackson Wynn, TSgt Aaron Garcia, and TSgt Adam Funderburgh. We discussed their idea, Project Madagascar, and how it supports the Air Force's next-generation warehouse. We also talked about being an innovator at the field level and prototyping with almost zero cost. Team Email: 7LRS.spark.hydra@us.af.mil Application Link: https://bmswens.github.io/Inventory-Management/ *Note: This podcast was recorded at LOA '23, we apologize for any background noise.*

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Shaheen, a Contracting Officer at Air Force Material Command. Chris talks about the duties and responsibilities of his position as well as roadblocks faced by an Airforce contracting/acquisition specialist. He discusses Small Business Innovation Research (SBIRs) and the plethora of systems and tools that exist for different organizations to fund innovation. *Note: This podcast was processed through an AI tool to help remove background noise. Some may still remain.*

In this episode, James talked with Major Kyle “Gouge” McAlpin, C-17 pilot and ML Project Manager at the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator. We talked about the difficulty in transitioning solutions from one domain to another in the Air Force and the broader DoD, especially when AI/ML is involved, and how operators have extremely nuanced requirements for the tools they use.

In this episode, James talked with Brigadier General Drew, Commander of the 82nd Training Wing and Installation Commander at Sheppard AFB. We talked about how to invest in your people and empower them to meet their full potential, whether they be seasoned managers or bright-eyed young airmen fresh out of BMT.

In this episode, Matt talked with Dr Heather Venable, Course Director of Airpower Strategy and Operations, Department of Airpower at the Air Command and Staff College. In this episode we talked about the importance of history and how it influences the future, and the roots of innovation of the United States Air Force. While we are focused on the future, we must take the time to understand the past.

In this episode, SSgt Matt Miranda sat down with Lt Gen David Barno, Ret. and Dr. Nora Bensahel, authors of Adaptation Under Fire: How Militaries Change in Wartime. In this episode, we discuss their book, the difference between adaptation and innovation, and case studies highlighting the importance of adaptability in conflict. Lt. Gen. David W. Barno, USA (Ret.) is a Visiting Professor of Strategic Studies and Senior Fellow at the Merrill Center in The Johns Hopkins University - Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. He was the senior American commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan from 2003–2005. Lt. Gen. Barno was a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and writes the Strategic Outpost column with Dr. Nora Bensahel. Dr. Nora Bensahel is a Visiting Professor of Strategic Studies, a Senior Fellow of the Merrill Center at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a Contributing Editor and Columnist for War on the Rocks. She is also an Adjunct Research Staff Member at the Institute for Defense Analyses. Her work focuses on the future of warfare and military strategy and operations. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS). Don't miss this fascinating conversation with two experts in the field of military strategy, adaptation, and innovation. Listen to the episode now, and check out their book for a deeper dive into the topic of adaptability in the military.

If you're an Airman in maintenance, logistics readiness, civil engineering, or force protection, you can't miss this episode! We sat down with Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection. We talked about mentorship between officers and enlisted, the Basing and Logistics Enterprise Strategy, and how we must prepare for the future. Lt. Gen. Miller is responsible to the Chief of Staff for leadership, management and integration of Air Force logistics readiness, aircraft, munitions and missile maintenance, civil engineering and security forces. He is also responsible for setting policy and preparing budget estimates that reflect enhancements to productivity, combat readiness and quality of life for Airmen. He has served in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded maintenance squadrons in the United States and Iraq, a maintenance group in Afghanistan, a nuclear wing, an air logistics complex, and has served on the Air Staff and the Joint Staff. Before his current position, he was the Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

In this episode, SSgt Matt Miranda talked with Major General Kenneth Privratsky, Ret., author of Logistics in the Falklands War: A Case Study in Expeditionary Warfare. 

In this episode, SSgt Matt Miranda had the opportunity to sit down with SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López to talk about leadership and the Joint Force. SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the United States Armed Forces, and the principal military advisor to the Chairman on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel. SEAC Colón-López enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1990. He has held assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and Air Forces Central Command. He has deployed numerous times in support of operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and to several other classified locations. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Africa Command.

In this episode, SSgt Matt Miranda sat down with Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mike Dana. We took a deep dive into the future of conflict. We discussed a variety of topics spanning from strategic-level planning, evolving domains of warfare, all the way to the importance of reading. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mike Dana retired in 2019 after thirty-seven years of service in the United States Marine Corps, having last served as the Director of the Marine Corps Staff. During his decades of service, he was the head logistician for the Marine Corps, deployed ten times, and served on joint duty three times, including in the Indo-Pacific. He has developed particular expertise in autonomous systems and additive manufacturing. 

In this episode, Jobie Turner and Matt take a deep dive into the history of military logistics. Jobie is the author of Feeding Victory, Innovative Military Logistics from Lake George to Khe Sanh. Jobie Turner is a retired Colonel who served in the United States Air Force from 1996 to 2020. He received his commission and Bachelor of Science as a distinguished graduate from the United States Air Force Academy in 1996. He has served in a variety of operational and staff assignments at Air Mobility Command, United States Air Forces in Europe, United States Transportation Command, and the Headquarters United States Air Force at the Pentagon. These tours included participation in Operations NOBLE EAGLE, JOINT FORGE, IRAQI FREEDOM, ATLANTIC RESOLVE, and UNITED ASSISTANCE. ‍ He served as the commander of the 37th Airlift Squadron and the 314th Operations Group, leading those C-130 flying units to numerous awards including a finalist selection for the best flying unit in the United States Air Force.

In this episode, we take at a look at Theory of Constraints in action with Lt Col Joe Perez! He was a commander on the ground during TOC initiatives, and shares his insights into what it takes to make your projects successful.  

In this episode we take a deep dive into the Indo-Pacific region and what logistics Airmen should be aware of from a strategic and tactical perspective. If you are in PACAF, you absolutely do not want to miss this episode! David S. Maxwell is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He is a 30-year veteran of the US Army, retiring as a Special Forces Colonel. He served over 20 years in Asia, primarily in Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Colonel Maxwell served on the United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command / United States Forces Korea CJ3 staff where he was a planner for UNC/CFC OPLAN 5027-98 and ROK JCS – UNC/CFC CONPLAN 5029-99; he later served as the Director of Plans, Policy, and Strategy and then Chief of Staff for the Special Operations Command Korea. Following retirement, he served as the Associate Director of the Center for Security Studies and the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Colonel Maxwell is a fellow at the Institute of Corean-American Studies, and on the Board of Directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, the International Council of Korean Studies, the Council on Korean-US Security Studies, the Special Operations Research Association, the OSS Society, and the Small Wars Journal. He earned a B.A. in political science from Miami University, and an M.A. in Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and an M.S. in National Security Studies from the National War College. Colonel Maxwell teaches Unconventional Warfare and Special Operations for Policy Makers and Strategists.

In this episode, we sat down with Dr Will Roper. He is the prior Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. As the Air Force's Service Acquisition Executive, Dr. Roper was responsible for Air Force research, development and acquisition activities totaling an annual budget in excess of $60 billion for more than 550 acquisition programs. In this position, Dr. Roper served as the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force for research and development, test, production and modernization efforts within the Air Force. Prior to that position, Dr. Roper was the founding Director of the Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office. Established in 2012, the SCO imagines new—often unexpected and game-changing—uses of existing government and commercial systems: extending their shelf-life and restoring surprise to the military's playbook. Since 2012, SCO has grown from an annual budget of $50 million to the current $1.5 billion request in the President's 2018 budget with projects spanning new concepts such as hypervelocity artillery, multi-purpose missiles, autonomous fast-boats, smartphone-navigating weapons, big-data-enabled sensing, 3D-printed systems, standoff arsenal planes, fighter avatars and fighter-dispersed swarming micro-drones which formed the world's then-largest swarm of 103 systems. During his tenure as SCO Director, Dr. Roper served on the Department's 2018 National Defense Strategy Steering Group, Cloud Executive Steering Group and Defense Modernization Team. Previously, Dr. Roper served as the Acting Chief Architect at the Missile Defense Agency where he developed 11 new systems, including the current European Defense architecture, advanced drones, and classified programs. Before this, he worked at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and served as a missile defense advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

In this episode we sat down with one of our team members, MSgt Phillip Barry. He is the program manager responsible for the Aether Sprint competition! This is a low key conversation just to get more Airmen up to speed on Aether Sprint, some of our recent successes, and how you can get involved. Visit our website at www.tesseract.af.mil or check out our LinkedIn page for more details.

Tesseract is the Air Force Office of Logistics Innovation. We exist to accelerate Airman innovation and we trust that Airmen know what it takes to win the future fight. Our mission is to accelerate combat-focused Logistics innovation by empowering Airmen and connecting them to a network of ideas and resources in order to improve the Agile Combat Support and Mission Generation capabilities of the United States Air Force. Our vision is to rapidly actualize change through the voices of Airmen to strengthen Airpower. Through Tesseract Podcast, our goal is to connect you to ideas to advance your innovative solutions. Whether it is a conversation with a senior leader at the Pentagon, an innovative organization, or Airmen in the field, we do our best to provide a variety of perspectives across the Department of Defense and industry.

In this episode, SSgt Matt Miranda sat down with Col. James Hartle, and they talked about the new logistics strategy. The Basing and Logistics Enterprise Strategy (BLES) is the framework our Air Force logistics enterprise will follow and execute, in order to posture logistics as a strategic deterrent and provide persistent mission generation. More importantly, we talk about how this strategy is relevant and important to frontline leaders and warfighters. Col. James Hartle is the Associate Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. He assists the directorate's efforts for organizing, training and equipping more than 180,000 logisticians who maintain and support mission generation and the aerospace weapons system inventory. He ensures strategic guidance for materiel management, fuels, vehicle operations and management, deployment and distribution, personal property, traffic management and logistics plans. He also promotes the development of policy and oversees force development for logistics readiness, maintenance and munitions, ensuring the readiness of the single largest element of manpower supporting Air Force combat forces globally. Col. Hartle received his commission in 1996 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia. During his military career, Col Hartle has held positions as an aircraft maintenance unit officer-in-charge, maintenance operations officer, aide-de-camp, officer-in-charge of a base honor guard, action officer on the Pentagon's air staff, squadron commander, deputy maintenance group commander, and maintenance group commander. Prior to his current position, the Colonel was the Wargames and Analysis Division Chief, Joint Staff Directorate of Logistics, Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Pentagon.

We had an amazing opportunity to sit down with Major Ian Brown, who is the operations officer for the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare at Marine Corps University. Major Brown is a helicopter pilot by trade. He is the author of A New Conception of War and is a contributing author to Foraging Wargamers. Both titles can be found at Marine Corps University Press in hard copy or online! We talked about what the Krulak Center does, and took a deep dive into wargaming. There is a lot both the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps can learn from one another. You can find Tesseract Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, we take a deep dive with Major Chip Litchfield about the policy update with MICAP Prime and how YOU can dent the universe. For over three years, our MICAP Prime pathfinder has been tested, championed, and supported by many change agents throughout the logistics enterprise. Major Chip Litchfield, a Logistics Readiness Officer and the thought leader who first conceptualized MICAP Prime, hypothesized “What if we could guarantee next-day delivery on EVERY in-stock, aircraft-grounding MICAP in the continental united states by borrowing a page from the #Amazon Prime playbook?” With Tesseract's partnership, Major Litchfield had an opportunity to collaborate with mission partners at the Supply Chain Operations Wing, IMSC, and DLA, ultimately earning the chance to brief the Logistics Board and gain approval to start Tesseract's first pathfinder named MICAP Prime. During the initial testing at only a handful of bases, we fulfilled over 500 lateral 1A MICAPs with a 20% faster response time on C-5, KC-135, and F-16 weapon systems. Tesseract partnered with Headquarters Air Force/A4LR Cargo Distribution Policy Owners, AFIMSC, and Supply Chain Operations Wing Airmen to implement a policy change to AFI 24-602 Volume II and to inbound cargo procedures. Notably, “to the maximum extent possible N1A MICAPs should be moved by next day air or the fastest most reliable method” and “N1A MICAPS will be processed before all other shipments”. In other words, Airmen are empowered to make decisions by evaluating the effectiveness – rather than just efficiency in cost – when shipping aircraft grounding MICAPs.

In this episode we sat down with Major General Linda Hurry, the Director of Logistics of the United States Air Force. In this episode we don't just talk about logistics: we talk about human capital, innovation, and the Chicago Cubs!  She is responsible for organizing, training and equipping more than 180,000 logisticians who maintain and support mission generation and the aerospace weapons system inventory. She provides strategic guidance for materiel management, fuels, vehicle operations and management, deployment and distribution, personal property, traffic management, and logistics plans. She also develops policy and oversees force development for logistics readiness, maintenance and munitions, ensuring the readiness of the single largest element of manpower supporting Air Force combat forces globally.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Conditioned Based Maintenance with the RSO. If you are interested in learning more about the RSO, you can check out their website here.  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Rapid Sustainment Office and talk about their Lighthouse initiative. If you are interested in learning more about the RSO, you can check out their website here.  

Have you ever wondered who was responsible for all your personal equipment, gear, and uniforms? In this episode we sat down with Taylor Harrison with the Combat Ready Airman program. She discusses how CRA equips the force, and partners with Joint services to make their mission possible. 

So where can you learn about the Theory of Constraints for FREE if you have a CAC? Check out AFIT's courses on the Theory of Constraints! In this quick episode, we talked with Major Steven Riedl about how you and your Airmen can dig into coursework offered by the Air Force Institute of Technology. There are tools we can leverage, all we need to do is make the time.   You can find TOC Fundamentals, 101, and 201 on AFIT's website. Check out AFIT's Logistics courses here: https://www.afit.edu/LS/  

In this episode, we talked with the Senior Enlisted Leader of Tesseract, CMSgt Tim Jordan about Tesseract's Theory of Constraints sustainment strategy. Change is hard, but we have a strategy to help the operational Air Force meet mission requirements all while giving more time back to Airmen by using TOC.  Want to learn more or connect to our Theory of Constraint efforts? Check out our website at www.Tesseract.AF.mil.

In this episode, we talked to Major Vince McLean about taking MICAP Prime overseas, and what the data has shown to support its viability. He expanded upon Major Chip Litchfield's work for his thesis "Accelerate Logistics or Lose" and talked through his research methodology while at school. This is a conversation pulled from our archives! Recorded in the summer of last year after Vince's graduation from ASAM, it is still relevant context to help our logistics leaders learn about our supply chain capabilities.