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Join Mr. Bilal Bilici, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster as they discuss Türkiye's evolving role on the global stage, its central role in the volatile Black Sea and Middle East regions, and its future in NATO. In light of the recent arrest of Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025, Mr. Bilici reflects on the state of Turkish politics today, the country's prospects for democracy, US-Türkiye relations and the most pressing issues both countries should align on, his take on Syria following the collapse of Assad, and the future of the tumultuous Turkish-Israeli relationship. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Bilal Bilici is a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye representing the province of Adana and a former member of the Foreign Policy Committee. Mr. Bilici began his political career in the Good Party, serving as an advisor to the Party Chair. He was the Good Party's representative to the United States before transitioning to the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), in 2024. In addition to his political career, Bilici has been influential in Turkish business. He has held leadership roles in the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye, including as Vice President of the Türkiye-Central American and Caribbean Business Council, and has served as Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Istanbul. Mr. Bilici earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Boston University and a master's degree in global affairs from Bahçeşehir University. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Send us a textIn this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership in complex organizations. Whether you're a paratrooper, a leader managing change, or someone passionate about the future of the force, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the Army balances tradition with transformation.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
Join General Sir Nick Carter, the United Kingdom's former Chief of the Defence Staff, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the future of warfare through the lens of conflicts in Israel, Ukraine, and Africa. Drawing on his extensive military career - serving in Western Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, General Carter provides his thoughts on the Trump administration's approach to the conflict in Ukraine, Putin's ambitions in Europe, and Russia and China's revanchist power in Africa. He discusses how conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Europe are connected to the looming crisis in the Indo-Pacific associated with China's revanchist agenda, as well as the US-UK relationship and whether he is optimistic for the future prospects of the Free World. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS General Sir Nick Carter served as the United Kingdom's Chief of the Defence Staff from 2018 to 2021, where he led the British Armed Forces as the most senior uniformed military advisor to the British Prime Minister. General Carter previously served in Western Germany during the end of the Cold War, Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and in Bosnia and Kosovo during NATO peacekeeping operations. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan, including command of regional command south in Kandahar. He also commanded British forces in Basra, Iraq. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant-General Tom Copinger-Symes, the Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command, to explore his distinguished military career and the evolving landscape of defense and strategy. From his early days with the Royal Green Jackets in 1992 to his leadership roles in the Ministry of Defence and on the front lines in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, Copinger-Symes brings a wealth of experience and insight.As the leader overseeing the UK's joint military capabilities—from cyber and space to special forces—he shares his perspective on modern warfare, strategic planning, and the future of defense. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the critical challenges shaping global security today.
Join Colombia's former Minister of Defense and two-time Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Juan Carlos Pinzón, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss Colombia's evolving security landscape, its relationship with the United States, Venezuela's central role in the issues facing the region, and international politics in the Western Hemisphere. Reflecting on the 2022 election of President Gustavo Petro, Pinzón provides an insight into the consequences of Colombia's political shift to a far-left government, including increased lawlessness, territorial control and weakened security, how public sentiment is shifting ahead of the country's 2026 presidential election, his views on Colombia as the key strategic player in guaranteeing the stability of Latin America, and how Colombia can build a path towards a better future. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Juan Carlos Pinzón is the former Minister of Defense of Colombia and a two-time Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. Pinzón served as Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2015. He was first appointed Ambassador to the United States in 2015 and later returned to Washington for a second term in 2021. Between his diplomatic posts, he served as President of ProBogotá, a private nonprofit dedicated to support economic progress in Bogotá. Pinzón has also held senior government roles, including Chief of Staff to the President of Colombia and Deputy Minister of Defense, and served as a senior adviser to the Executive Director at the World Bank. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in economics from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a master's in public policy from Princeton University, and an honorary degree in defense and national security from the Colombian National War College. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Welcome to the 'Gina Gardiner & Friends Show' - this episode features my guest, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory whose theme was 'Helping people to help themselves'.
Lieutenant General Jack Rives of the United States Air Force and Executive Director of the American Bar Association dives deep into leadership being much more than just a title. You must always hold people accountable and lead by example. There are no good leaders out there who are not good listeners, emerging leaders learn so much more when you take the time to listen to your people. In the words of General George S. Patton, "You are aways on parade."
A conversation with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling
The king's ill-fated attempt to flee the country causes anti-monarchist protests to break out in Paris, which Lafayette responds to with a heavy hand. After the subsequent massacre at the Champ de Mars leaves his reputation in tatters, the general attempts to make his exit from the political stage. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Kramer, Lloyd S. Lafayette in Two Worlds: Public Cultures and Personal Identities in an Age of Revolutions. University of North Carolina Press, 1996. Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier. Memoirs, Correspondence, and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, vols 1-6. Saunders and Otley, 1837. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Join Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, Gilberto Teodoro, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the history of US-Philippine relations, defense cooperation, and security in Southeast Asia. In light of the new US administration, Teodoro reflects on America's long alliance with the Philippines and his expectations for the relationship over the coming years, how the Philippine government has evolved over the last several administrations in countering Chinese coercion, and the connection between Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the impact of the war in the Middle East on the security of the Philippines. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Gilberto Teodoro is Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines. Teodoro has served as Secretary since 2023, after holding the position from 2007 to 2009. Teodoro was previously Congressman of the First District of Tarlac for three consecutive terms, starting in 1998. While in Congress, he authored 106 bills, served as Assistant Majority Leader, and was head of the Nationalist People's Coalition House members. Teodoro holds a bachelor's degree from De La Salle University, studied law at the University of the Philippines, and earned his Master of Laws at Harvard. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Lafayette stages a remarkable display of patriotism at a festival celebrating the one year anniversary of the revolution's beginning. Having reached the ‘zenith of his influence,' his political opponents on both the left and right grow increasingly wary of his ambition. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Kramer, Lloyd S. Lafayette in Two Worlds: Public Cultures and Personal Identities in an Age of Revolutions. University of North Carolina Press, 1996. Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier. Memoirs, Correspondence, and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, vols 1-6. Saunders and Otley, 1837. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Join Lithuania's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis immediately following his departure from government, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the outcome of the 2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election and the opportunities and challenges facing the new coalition governing the country. Amid growing geopolitical tensions, Landsbergis reflects on Russia's sustained campaign against Europe and the Free World, the global threat from China, North Korea and Iran, the importance of sustained support for Ukraine and whether Ukraine can prevail, Lithuania's role in countering authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, and the future of U.S.-Lithuanian relations. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Gabrielius Landsbergis most recently served as Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Landsbergis was elected Chairman of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats in 2015, a role he served in until October of 2024. In 2020, Landsbergis became the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė (see Battlegrounds Episode #42). Landsbergis previously held roles at the Lithuanian Embassies in Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as at the Office of the Government. Landsbergis has been a member of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania since 2016 and is actively involved in the European Council on Foreign Relations. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Bachelor's degree in History from Vilnius University. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
H.R. McMaster shares his extensive experience of strategy-making and strategic leadership as a military officer, academic and former United States' national security advisor. ‘The Iconoclast General', H.R. McMaster has a distinguished record serving his country. Commissioned from West Point into the armoured cavalry, he retired as a Lieutenant General after thirty-four years' service, including operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan. His success in fighting counter-insurgency campaigns saw him involved in the development of the United States' Army and Marine Corps' counter-insurgency field manual (FM3-24). One of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in April 2014, he was described by Lieutenant General (retired) David Barno as ‘the 21st century Army's pre-eminent warrior-thinker'. Appointed by President Trump, H.R. McMaster served as the 25th National Security Advisor between February 2017 to March 2018. His account of his time in the White House is described with typical balance and candour in At War With Ourselves. Consultation, bringing top leaders together and getting them to thrash out what the problem is and what one should do about it, and then to issue directives to a (sometimes) reluctant bureaucracy, that was his recipe. In this episode, he describes how the National Security Strategy of 2017 was negotiated during his time in office, the methodology, some of its main tenets, and how it was translated into policy making. And how an historical perspective offers lessons and consolation today. A historian by training, he has a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the flaws and inadequacies of U.S. strategy in the Vietnam War, and now lectures at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He hosts the podcast series Battlegrounds: Vital Perspectives on Today's Challenges and is a regular on GoodFellows, both of which are produced by the Hoover Institution. He is a Distinguished University Fellow at Arizona State University.
Simon Mayall was commissioned into the British Army in 1979, having graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Modern History. Over the following decades, he served in Germany, Belgium, the UK, and Oman, and he was deployed on operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He commanded soldiers at all levels and held a series of increasingly senior staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence, including Assistant Chief of the General Staff, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Operations), and Defence Senior Adviser Middle East. Between Command and Staff training periods, he undertook a Defence Fellowship at St Antony's College, Oxford, and an MA in International Relations at King's College. He was knighted in 2014 and retired from the Army in 2015.Since retirement, Mayall has sought to combine his academic enthusiasm for history with his personal and professional experience in the Middle East to develop an experience in this complex and volatile region. As a result, he is regularly called upon for commentary or analysis, using his deep knowledge of history and religion to help listeners and readers better understand current events in the wider Middle East.In 2020, he published a book, ‘Soldier in the Sand, a Personal History of the Modern Middle East', which used a three-generational biography of his family to tell the story of the Middle East since the end of World War One. In 2024, he published ‘The House of War, the Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate', which examined the 1,300-year confrontation between the Christian and Islamic world through ten great sieges and battles, stretching from the Crusades and earlier to the collapse of the OWoman Empire in 1918. This book is a prequel to Soldier in the Sand in many ways. Mayall hopes that as ‘Applied History', it will both interest and educate readers and, once again, give them valuable insights into contemporary events. The original proposal was written with a television series in mind, and Mayall still hopes this epic set of stories, set within a grand, sweeping historical narrative, will make it onto the small screen. He is planning to write a biography of Field Marshal Sir Nigel Bagnall, who he worked for as ADC and who is viewed as one of the most significant reformers of the British Army in modern times.Mayall has now contributed twice to the Inspiring Leadership podcast. In his first appearance, his ‘top tip' for leadership focused on purpose, professionalism in execution, and clarity of communication. For ‘respectable' historians, in this current era of ‘battling narratives,' he believes in the critical importance of facts, context, and ‘empathy'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Famine conditions in Paris and fears of counter-revolution prompt thousands of enraged civilians to march on Versailles. With the safety of the royal family threatened, Lafayette is compelled to intervene to avert a catastrophe. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Kramer, Lloyd S. Lafayette in Two Worlds: Public Cultures and Personal Identities in an Age of Revolutions. University of North Carolina Press, 1996. Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier. Memoirs, Correspondence, and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, vols 1-6. Saunders and Otley, 1837. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Join award-winning director, producer and screenwriter, Djo Munga, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster as they discuss Munga's films depicting life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Central African regional challenges, and opportunities for unleashing the potential of this resource rich country in service of its long-suffering population. Having received widespread acclaim for his work, Munga reflects on how the arts, including film, drama and literature can help us understand complex challenges facing the world from a political, economic and social perspective, how he uses film to understand the root causes of conflict in the DRC, why resilience is so important to the Congo, and what he hopes to portray through his future projects. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Djo Tunda Wa Munga is an award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter. Munga was born in the DRC's capital, Kinshasa. He pursued fine arts while attending boarding school in Belgium, and a cinema workshop inspired him to attend the National Film School of Belgium, INSAS. Munga then returned to the Congo and established the first film and television production company in the DRC, Suka! Productions, as well as its first film and television school. His debut film VIVA RIVA! received widespread acclaim. Munga has produced documentary and historical films for the World Bank, BBC, and numerous international development agencies. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
This afternoon, Joe began with a discussion on the recent assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, Russia's top chemical and biological warfare chief, emphasizing that he wasn't just any Lieutenant General. Joe pointed out that a quick look into the information Igor had exposed makes it clear why Ukraine and the deep state felt the need to take him out. Later, Joe is joined by David Clements and guests Jim Shoemaker and David Robb to discuss all things election integrity, breaking news, and more. Following Jim Shoemaker and David Robb's departure, Joe and David welcomed J6 defendant Cindy Young to the show to share her J6 story.
Lieutenant General Robert Ashley was the senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army for all aspects of intelligence, counterintelligence, and security before becoming the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). LTG Ashley joins Adam to share his journey and his best lessons and advice. LTG Ashley and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leadership, career success, relationship building, trust, motivation and persuasion, introversion, and much more.
What's up, dudes? It's a Barry Levinson passion project, and it's next level nuts! Yes, it's the Robin Williams vehicle “Toys!” I've got Jeremy Phelps the Alamo City Santa and Sean Sotka from the Christmas Podcasts Podcast with me to talk all about the bonkers film.Eccentric toymaker Kenneth Zevo passes away, and his last wish is that his brother the Lieutenant General take over the running of the business. Leland is a military man through and through, and sees little point in toy making. The business should really have been given to Kenneth's son Leslie. Controversially, the General begins making war toys against the company's longstanding tradition and philosophy. Eventually, he begins making toys with live weaponry behind Leslie's back, and recruiting children to pilot his army. Leslie, his new girlfriend, and his family—including his robot sister—have to band together to put an end to Leland's tyranny. Oh, they do. Elephant conveyor belt? Yep. Robin Wright? Uh huh. Mayonnaise sandwich? Ugh… So grab your wind up toys, put on a bowler hat, and fight the Ender's Game scenario with this episode!Christmas Podcasts PodcastFB: @christmaspods IG: @christmaspods Twitter: @ChristmasPods Alamo City SantaIG: @alamocitysanta Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!
As the early stages of the French Revolution unfold on the streets of Paris, Lafayette's new role as the commander of the National Guard forces him to maintain a delicate balancing act between the preservation of liberty and the restoration of public order. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Kramer, Lloyd S. Lafayette in Two Worlds: Public Cultures and Personal Identities in an Age of Revolutions. University of North Carolina Press, 1996. Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier. Memoirs, Correspondence, and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, vols 1-6. Saunders and Otley, 1837. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
In true Christmas spirit, we decided to deliver what many have been asking for….in this episode we cross examine Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator. As the Coordinator, she leads national cyber security policy, the coordination of responses to major cyber incidents, whole of government cyber incident preparedness efforts, and the strengthening of Commonwealth cyber security capability. If you experience a major cyber incident, you will invariably meet Michelle. She has served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years and has a deep passion for learning and educating. This comes through in spades throughout the podcast. I am also joined by Magda Blanch-de Wilt, our cyber risk advisory lead. Together we tackle a broad set of issues without interruption. This is a single episode…your bumper Christmas special. I hope you enjoy the discussion. Cross examining Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness. Thanks for listening. Here we go….
In Episode 10 of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field '79, now president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, discusses his leadership philosophy, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, family, and the five core values by which he lives. Listen now! SUMMARY Burt Field, a retired Lieutenant General and CEO of the Air and Space Forces Association, discussed his career and leadership philosophy. He highlighted his upbringing as an Air Force brat, his academic journey at the Air Force Academy, and his early leadership roles. Field emphasized the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and avoiding being an "asshole" in leadership. He shared impactful experiences, such as leading during the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and the significance of family support. Field also discussed the Air and Space Forces Association's efforts in advocacy, education, and family resilience, stressing the need for strong national security and defense. LEADERSHIP BITES Values-Driven Leadership: Burt shared his 5 core leadership values - integrity, fortitude, excellence, teamwork, and service. Defining your values and using them to guide your decisions and actions is crucial. Continuous Learning: Burt emphasized that as a leader, you can never stop learning, whether it's about your organization, industry, or even topics outside your expertise. Staying curious and open to growth is key. Empowering Others: Burt stressed that a leader's job is to empower and inspire their team, not try to do everything themselves. Recognizing and rewarding excellence in others is vital. Effective Communication: Burt noted that leaders can never communicate too much or well enough. Repeatedly delivering clear, consistent messages is essential for alignment and buy-in. Humility and Inclusivity: True leadership requires humility, giving credit to others, and making the organization successful. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK TAKEAWAYS Never stop learning. As a leader, you must continuously learn and expand your knowledge, even in areas outside your expertise. Define your leadership philosophy and values. Burt shared his 5 core values of integrity, fortitude, excellence, teamwork, and service. Having a clear set of guiding principles is crucial. Recognize and reward excellence. Identify and empower those who have put in the hard work to become experts in their fields. This builds a strong, capable team. Communicate effectively, repeatedly. Effective communication is critical, but leaders often underestimate how many times a message needs to be delivered clearly. Burt emphasized the importance of being inclusive, giving credit, and making the organization successful rather than yourself. Avoid toxic, self-serving leadership. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to General Burt Field 01:52 Growing Up as an Air Force Brat 05:40 Choosing the Air Force Academy 10:26 Life as a Cadet at the Academy 19:09 Leadership Development During Cadet Years 23:15 The Integration of Women at the Academy 24:12 Influential Leaders in General Field's Career 28:28 Learning from Subordinates 34:15 Career Path and Leadership Philosophy 37:54 A Chance Encounter: Love and Military Life 41:13 Building Resilient Families in the Military 42:12 The Journey to Leadership: From Air Force to AFA 45:57 Empowering the Next Generation: Education and STEM 49:46 Leadership Lessons: Insights from Experience 5 FRANK KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS "You can never stop learning. You have to learn. And whether it's leadership or anything else, you have to always learn." "Everything comes from your values. When I make leadership decisions, or when I look at how we're going to move forward, or what, how we're going to accomplish the mission, it should reflect those values in my decisions, how I act, how I from the biggest thing of creating a here's the strategy, or in objectives on on what we're going to accomplish, to the smallest things, like how I conduct a meeting." "If you want to be a really good leader, you need to be really good at something. So you got to put in the work when you're young to be really good and understand how hard it is to be really good at something." "You cannot communicate enough, and you cannot communicate well enough. So I use this example all the time. I come up with a message. I craft it, I think about it, I write it down, I practice it, and then I deliver it, and it's awesome. I was perfect. I nobody could have misunderstood me when I'm done with that, and I really think that I have hit the mark with maybe 20% I probably got to say that again, that way or differently, about another 10 or 15 times when I can barely stand to hear myself talk anymore, and I'm still not going to get everybody." "I'm going to give the credit and I'm going to take the blame. That's how you become a good leader." - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field '79, October 2024 ABOUT GEN. FIELD BIO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Air & Space Forces Association, leading the Association's professional staff in its mission to advocate, educate, and support the Air & Space Forces. As CEO, he oversees operations and resourcing for AFA and its 113,000 members, including events, publications, and the Mitchell Institue for Aerospace Studies, the nation's only think tank dedicated to air and space power. A veteran of 35 years of Air Force service, Field retired from active duty in 2015 following his final tour, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Requirements. Throughout his career, Field commanded a squadron, the Air Force Weapons School, three wings, a numbered Air Force, and a sub-unified command. A command pilot with over 3,400 flying hours in the F-16 and F-22, he served twice on the Joint Staff and completed a tour in the State Department as the military assistant to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. In his last assignment, he led policy and requirements decision-making for air, space, irregular warfare, counter-proliferation, homeland security, and cyber operations. Prior to that assignment, he served as the Commander of United States Forces, Japan, and Commander of 5th Air Force from 2010-2012 where he led the U.S. military response to support Japan during the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011. Following his retirement, he served as the Vice President of Strategic Planning for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, developing strategies that guided and contributed to over $5 billion in growth in a five-year period. He also managed a $500 million New Business Funds portfolio for independent research and development. Since 2020, he has been an independent defense consultant, served as a subject matter expert working with and mentoring Airmen at all levels, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation. Field graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1979 and earned a master's degree in business administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, both officers in the USAF. - Bio image and copy credit: AFA.org CONNECT WITH GEN. FIELD LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK | AIR & SPACE FORCES ASSOCIATION ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates! TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS GUEST: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field '79 | Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Naviere Walkewicz 00:00 My guest today is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field USAFA Class of '79, president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association. He spent 35 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2015 as deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements. Gen. Field has held many positions of leadership throughout his career, including squadron command, the Air Force Weapons School and three wings. He has served as a command pilot with over 3,400 hours in the F-16 and F-22. He completed a tour in the State Department as the military assistant to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. He has also served as the commander of United States Forces, Japan, and commander of the 5th Air Force from 2010 to 2012. In his post military career, he served as vice president of strategic planning for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He has been an independent defense consultant and has served as a subject matter expert, working with and mentoring airmen. He is also a member of the board of trustees for the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation. Today, we'll talk with Gen. Field about his life before, during and after the Academy. We'll discuss his role in leading the Air & Space Forces Association. And finally, we'll ask the general to share advice in leadership development. Gen. Field, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Burt Field 01:23 Thank you, Naviere. Please call me Burt. Naviere Walkewicz 01:24 OK, yes, sir, Burt. Will do. And I will say that was quite an introduction. You have had an incredible and ongoing career. Burt Field 01:30 Well, frankly, and no false modesty, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and take advantage of the opportunities presented to me. Naviere Walkewicz 01:39 Well, I appreciate you saying that, and I think our listeners are really going to enjoy hearing about what some of those right places at the right time kind of look like. But here's what we do at Long Blue Leadership: We like to rewind the clock a little bit and start with Burt as a child. What were you like growing up? Where was home? Burt Field 01:56 Well, I'm an Air Force brat. My dad was a fighter pilot. I like to say his first assignment was the Korean War, flying F-86s and his last flight was in an F-4 over Hanoi. Now, didn't get shot down, but that was his last flight. So, I grew up traveling around both country and the world and went to a bunch of different elementary schools and then three high schools before I ended up at the Air Force Academy. Naviere Walkewicz 02:27 Wow. I can imagine some of our listeners have also been some kind of service brat. As I always say, I was an Air Force brat as well. Are you an only child? Do you have siblings? Burt Field 02:37 I have three sisters. I have one older sister and two younger sisters, which irritated me to no end when I was a kid, but now we couldn't be closer. Naviere Walkewicz 02:49 So did you get special benefits because you were the only boy of all the girls? Burt Field 02:53 Of course not. Now, their stories are a little different, but of course not. Naviere Walkewicz 02:57 Understood. And did they also serve as well. Burt Field 03:01 They did not. None of them did. My older sister's a doctor. My next down is an accountant and CFO, and the one below that is a bunch of different medical community things and a nutritionist. Naviere Walkewicz 03:15 Wow. So, you are the one who followed in the military family footsteps. Burt Field 03:18 I was, but interestingly enough, I never really thought about it growing up. My dad just happened to be in the Air Force. He just happened to fly airplanes. And you know, whoever you were, your dad was a doctor, lawyer, plumber, dentist, truck driver, whatever, and now let's go play ball. And that's pretty much the extent of it. But when I was in high school, I knew that I needed to start figuring out what I was going to do, because I'm pretty sure my dad wasn't going to let me just lay around the house after I graduated. And I was definitely afraid of being bored, and nothing really sounded good — doctor, lawyer, dentist, plumber, truck driver — none of it was good. So, I came into the house one day in my junior year, and I attribute this to the Air Force Association: The magazine was laying on our coffee table, and it was face down, and on the back was a picture of the F-15, which was one of the brand new airplanes that was coming out. And I looked down at it, and for whatever reason, it clicked, and I said, “That does not look boring.” And I went and talked to my dad, because I figured he might know how to do this. So, he did some research for me, and he said, “Well, to go to pilot training…" And this was 1974 and that's the wind down of the Vietnam War and letting a lot of people out of the Air Force, “…to go to pilot training, you have to be an Air Force Academy graduate, or distinguished graduate from ROTC.” Well, my dad had retired, or was about to retire, and we were going to move to Florida for my senior year, and I was going to go to the University of Florida, like everybody in my family did, except for two, and so I knew that the Air Force Academy would provide me an avenue, and the University of Florida would provide me an avenue to be a bellboy down in a Key West hotel when I graduated. Naviere Walkewicz 05:18 So you chose the Air Force Academy, of course. So, that's interesting. Forty-five years later, you are now the president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, which was what kind of caught your eye in high school. Burt Field 05:34 It's really kind of amazing. And the editor of the magazine — they have a bunch of back issues at our headquarters building, and he found that magazine. Naviere Walkewicz 05:47 Oh my goodness, I hope that's framed in your office now. Burt Field It is. Naviere Walkewicz Oh, that's amazing. What a story. And we're going to talk more about that. I really want to hear more about that role, but let's stay in the childhood range a little bit. So you were going to go to the Air Force Academy. Were you already involved in sports? Was that something— Burt Field 06:06 Yeah, so, I played baseball growing up. We moved around a lot, so it was hard to play a lot of other sports. I did Pop Warner football, played basketball, you know, on teams growing up. And I was a good athlete but not a great athlete, and so I wasn't recruited for going to come here to the Academy. But I played football, I wrestled and played baseball until my sophomore year, when I blew up my shoulder and couldn't throw anymore. Then I just wrestled and played football for the rest of my high school career, and then when I came here, I just played intramurals until a friend of mine that was a couple years older was on the rugby team, and so he kind of said, “Hey, come on out, you'll like this.” And so it was the rugby club back then, and it was a way to get out of stuff in the afternoons when you're a freshman. So I came down and I played on the rugby team for a few years. Naviere Walkewicz 07:10 I have a lot of rugby friends, and it definitely is, it's a family, for sure. Burt Field 07:15 It is. And it was really that way back then. It was all local Colorado sports teams. You know, the guys who were 45 and over down to other colleges around the state. Naviere Walkewicz 07:28 Your extended family. Burt Field Right. Naviere Walkewicz So, speaking of family, how did your — I think I know how your dad felt about you wanting to come to the Air Force Academy. How about your mom? Burt Field 07:37 She was pretty proud of me. Both of them were mad because I only applied to one place. Naviere Walkewicz 07:44 So, it was here or a bellboy. Burt Field 07:48 It was here or a bellboy somewhere. But they were pretty proud of me, and they were really proud, obviously, when I graduated. Naviere Walkewicz So, you came into the Academy. You had a little bit of an idea of what to expect, because your dad had been the military, right? Burt Field 10:06 Well, no, nobody is prepared for the Academy. Naviere Walkewicz That's true. Burt Field I mean, your dad went to the Academy and… Naviere Walkewicz They were classmates. Burt Field And you were not prepared. Naviere Walkewicz That's true. Burt Field Because you are immediately thrown into the deep end of a very cold, murky pool and told to start swimming. But the interesting thing: I came out with a few guys from my local area, and the way we did it back then is, you told the Academy what hotel you were gonna stay at, and they came and picked you up in a bus and they drove you onto the Academy and dropped you off at the base of the ramp, and you jumped off the bus, and all your newfound friends started telling you all the things that were wrong with you personally, with your family, your genetics, your upbringing, and how you would never amount to anything ever in your entire life. And then they take you — I wasn't really good with authoritarian figures. Naviere Walkewicz 11:10 Well, I can imagine, with three sisters, you probably chose your own path, right? Burt Field 11:15 So, you can imagine — as we're most of my classmates. We all are kind of like that. So, I wasn't sure that this was for me, but it was 1975 and everybody had long hair. So as soon as I got my head shaved, I said, “Well, I'm staying here at least until I get my hair back.” Naviere Walkewicz 11:37 That was a good thing then. Burt Field 11:39 That kept me here. And so then I kept staying. But that first day was a bit of a shock, as it is with everybody around here. But, I have a great memory. I was standing in line getting something issued to me, and the guy behind me and I started talking, and he actually graduated from the high school that I spent my ninth and 10th grade in in Las Vegas, Nevada. His name's John Pickitt. And so we became friends, and he's the godfather of our oldest child, along with Tom McCarthy, who you met earlier today. Naviere Walkewicz 12:16 Wow. I mean, it really is… We talk about family a lot in our podcast, and family spans way beyond blood. Burt Field 12:26 Yep, it sure does, especially with graduates of the Air Force Academy. Naviere Walkewicz 12:31 Yes, 100%. Wow. So you jumped into that murky pool and making friends along the way. What was life like for you as a cadet? Were you really strong in your academics? I mean, obviously you were an athlete, because you were doing everything. Burt Field 12:45 I mean, everybody did that kind of stuff. So, I got good grades in high school, and I got good grades here, except for one semester. So, I was on the supt's list every semester except for one. That's just the way it was. Naviere Walkewicz That's amazing. Burt Field I would do it different now, if I had it to do over again, because I got on the dean's list by cramming instead of doing my homework. And so every young person that goes to the Air Force Academy, I tell them, “There's one way to success and happiness at the Air Force Academy…” I don't tell them this, not that they're going to be happy, because they're not. But I tell them, “Do your homework every night.” Naviere Walkewicz 13:32 That's right. I think there was a saying: “If you wait to the last minute, it only takes a minute, but then you get to see… Burt Field You really reap the results. Naviere Walkewicz 13:42 Exactly, exactly. Burt Field So, that's no different than a lot of my friends. And back then, you're pretty restricted to the Academy, especially your first year, and then gradually you get out more and more. So, it wasn't like we were out and about very much. Naviere Walkewicz Right. Burt Field We stayed around here. We worked out a lot. We played games, sports on the weekends, and that was it. Naviere Walkewicz 14:07 And were you 1 and 3? What was the squadron change like? Was it 2 and 2 back then? Burt Field 14:13 And so 1 and 3. So, I was in 35 as of Doolie, and the only squadron— 35 and 38, they're still together, but it was carpeted, and we had carpeting, and so we took a lot of heat from people just because of that. Naviere Walkewicz Because you had it nicer? Burt Field Yeah, then I went into 27 and graduated from 27. Naviere Walkewicz 14:38 OK, and your son is also a graduate from your legacy squadron, 27. Burt Field 14:42 He is. He graduated in 2008. Naviere Walkewicz 14:43 Love that legacy. Great. What a wonderful legacy. So your cadet time sounds like it was pretty pleasant, or… Burt Field 14:50 Oh yes, just like everybody's. Everybody leaves here with a love-hate relationship with the Air Force Academy and it changes over time from mostly hate to mostly love. So, that was no different with us. I had a group of great friends, both in my squadron and outside my squadron, from the rugby team and a couple other places. And so it was like — I tell everybody, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th grade. Naviere Walkewicz 15:24 I love that. That's a great way to put that into an analogy, yes, because you're still developing. Burt Field 15:31 Classes, you know, five or six classes a day. I play sports after school. I go home and do homework or avoid homework and go to bed so I can't go out during the weeknights. Can't go out very often on the weekends. And, there you go. Naviere Walkewicz 15:45 That's right. That's very much like high school, absolutely. So we like to talk about how you developed as a leader, even early on. And so we're getting to know you a little bit better. While you were cadet, did you hold any leadership positions in particular? Burt Field 16:02 Well, I was the — what did I do? I did something as a third-classman. Oh yeah, chief of training? Or whatever. Naviere Walkewicz 16:11 Sounds like it could be accurate. Burt Field 16:12 Back in the day, the the guy that was in charge of training for the freshman. I was an ops officer when I was the, I mean, op sergeant when I was a junior, squadron commander when I was a senior. So nothing hugely out of the ordinary. I like that kind of role and that kind of challenge, but I wanted to stay inside my squadron. So, when I got offered a chance to, “Hey, do you want to be on a group staff or wing staff?” I declined. Naviere Walkewicz Tell me more. Why? Burt Field Because my brothers were my squadron. Naviere Walkewicz OK, I love that, yes. Burt Field So, I didn't want to leave that for six months or four months, or whatever the time period was back then. Naviere Walkewicz 17:05 So, leadership in your squadron, and this is interesting, and this is a good topic, because some of our listeners, some of the challenges that they experience in leadership is on a peer level, or maybe, you know, how do you lead someone that you're really close with? How do you earn that trust? So maybe you can share some lessons that you have learned about yourself during that time. Burt Field 17:24 Well, I always tell people that the hardest leadership challenge that we face is when you have no authority and you still need to lead, and regardless of what we say about cadet squadron commanders, you know, we can all think we're in charge, but we're not that in charge. And so what you had to do is you had to lead by influence and by doing the right thing. And so whether we agree with that, it's the right thing, because I don't want to do it, because it's no fun, because I'd rather do something else. Everybody knows what you have to do at the Air Force Academy on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, on the way through the week. And so we just went and did it. And I encouraged people to come and do it all with me, whether it's doing drill, whether it's playing intramural sports, whether, “Hey, it's your turn to be the referee for this season,” whether we want to go to these whatever it was. So you just encourage people to do that, and then you talk to people and try to empower them so that they can figure that out on their own, and then later pass that on as leaders themselves. Naviere Walkewicz 18:44 No, those are really great examples. And I think just leadership tidbits that some of our listeners can take, and it really is some of the best ways, just leading by example and then inviting them to join you on that, absolutely. OK, so your cadet career was, I think, really important to you, because it formed you, and it formed you like you said your brothers, because you were the last class of all men cadets together. So how did that translate? And if I may be so bold, you started having women cadets there while you're at the Academy as well. Can you share some of the dynamics of that then at the Academy, and maybe some of the stories that you saw of how that really evolved into a stronger Academy that we have today? Burt Field 19:26 Yeah, let me put some of this in perspective, and I'll start with a story. I get a large ration of crap from my friends that are in '80 and '81 that I'm really close with because of my role in terrorizing the women of the Class of '80, which I said, “Exactly, what role was that?” Basically, these guys considered us the source of all evil. My perspective was different, and it's just my perspective. When I talked to my classmates, most of them — I'm talking about most of them, not all of them — we were children that grew up and came of age in the late '60s and early '70s, which was basically that whole protest movement, grow your hair long, protest the Vietnam War, and we really didn't care that much that women were coming into the Air Force Academy, because most of us were smart enough to know that the only reason that women were not in my class and they were in that class was an accident of birth and the accident of when the legislation passed to do the right thing in the United States of America. So there's nothing special about being the last all-male class. There's nothing special about being the first class that had women in it, other than, you know, it was the end of one way of doing business and the beginning of another way of doing business. To your point, I think it makes the Air Force stronger. It certainly makes our Academy better. While they were here, the first semester, all the women were in one part of the state, in one part of the Academy over in Fairchild Hall. And they were only in 20 squadrons, so 1 through 20. Naviere Walkewicz In Vandenberg? Burt Field In Vandenberg, I'm sorry. So we're they were only in 1 through 20 the first semester, for whatever reason. Then they came the next semester to our squadron, and you know, well, one of them I'm still friends with, so, to me, it was a no brainer. I wish I was more profound on this. This is one of the things that my friends from later classes yell at me about. But I didn't consider it to be that big of a deal. I didn't, at the time, think that this is some big historical event and change in the Air Force or the military, or anything else that we could all maybe talk about better today than I could back then. So for me and my friends that I knew, it was not an issue. I don't think I treated women any different than I treated men, and I don't think I treated women or men badly, regardless of my role and their role at the Academy. Naviere Walkewicz I really appreciate that perspective. Burt Field Yeah, so, you know, bluntly, most of us just didn't care. Naviere Walkewicz 22:50 You were there just trying to get through the Academy, right? Burt Field 22:53 That sounds terrible, but, I mean, I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about social implications of race, sex, gender, however you want to put it. I was just trying to get through the day without getting yelled at, like everybody else. Naviere Walkewicz 23:12 Thank you for sharing that, because I think it's sometimes a question that people have, and it's really helpful to hear a perspective that really is, “We're all just trying to get through the Air Force Academy, we all come in, and we hope that we all graduate.” Burt Field 23:23 Yeah, and some of them, very impressive, had huge careers. You know, Susan Helms, just one of my heroes, frankly, as a person, as an officer, that have nothing to do with her role in space. That just makes me more in awe of her. But, you know, there's a lot of great, great people out there, and a lot of them are women. Naviere Walkewicz 23:49 Yes, thank you. Thank you for sharing that, and I appreciate that you said that. You know, Gen. Holmes is one of your heroes as well. Let's talk about some of those that maybe inspired you in leadership roles. It could be while you're a cadet, or maybe early in your career as an officer after you graduated. Maybe talk about some of those influencers. Burt Field 24:09 Well, I had some great AOCs. My freshman AOC was a guy that was a Fast FAC in Vietnam, and actually was the guy that gave me a ride in a T-37, which was fantastic and really solidified what I wanted to do. My sophomore and junior year, my AOC was not that guy. Naviere Walkewicz We learned from those leaders too. Burt Field We'll probably talk about leadership philosophy later, and if you'll remind me, my last bullet on my leadership philosophy partly came from him. And then my senior year, we had a great guy named Ken Lawrence that came in that several of us are still in touch with. And he was both a welcome relief and a great role model for us as we spent that last year here at the Academy, before we went off. I went out in the Air Force and my first two squadron commanders, the first one was a guy named Tiny West, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, barely fit into an F-16, and taught me how to fly fighters. Naviere Walkewicz 25:21 I totally understand his call sign then. Burt Field 25:24 Just a great guy. A second squadron commander was a guy named John Jumper, who ended up being the chief of staff of the Air Force and is still kind of like a second father to me. Naviere Walkewicz Oh, wow. Burt Field Let's see. And then multiple people along the way that you know, from crusty old majors and young captains that taught me how to fly the F-16 and in what we called RTU at the time, now, FTU in how we kind of learn together. Because when my class showed up at Hill in the B course, we went into the 34th at the time, tactical training fighter squadron. We were their first class, and the high-time guy in that squadron with F-16 time had 30 hours. So they were teaching all of us second lieutenants how to do this. Went from there down to Nellis and served under Tiny and John Jumper. So, that was how I started. And there's lots of great people in that time frame that obviously I'm still in touch with, and taught us how to fly. There's my squadron commander in Korea, which was my second assignment, another great role model. And then just on and on. When I came back to Nellis on my third assignment, I worked for a guy named Sandy Sandstrom. Sandy was one of my RTU instructors, also, and we became really lifelong friends. And he and his wife, Jeannie, have sadly passed away, but we, Lisa and I keep in touch with both their children to this day. Yeah. But anyway, there's a lot of great leaders, both above us in squadron commander roles, and then you watch your fellow officers and brothers and sisters, and see and you learn stuff, watching them, how they develop relationships, how they train, how they identify what's important, how they communicate, how they focus, how they connect. All of those things are important, and you can learn something from everybody around you. And if you don't, you're probably missing out. Naviere Walkewicz 27:48 I appreciate that perspective. I think, especially as someone who is more experienced in leadership, the fact that you are looking to continue to learn and see what you can kind of pick up from those even that support you and serve under you. Can you share an example? Is there one that sticks out in your memory of someone that you're like, “Wow, that's something I really took back”? Burt Field 28:08 Are you talking about somebody that served under me? Naviere Walkewicz Mmm-hmm Burt Field Oh, yeah, so, there's thousands of these. I'll tell you two stories. So I'm a squander commander, and I had a friend, a very close friend of mine, who was a squadron commander, and one of his guys was coming to our squadron, and he said, “This is a great guy. You're going to love him. Really good pilot…,” blah, blah, blah. It's his second assignment. And so he shows up in the squadron and we have about four or five guys about that that time in their career, and they're ready to become flight leads, which is leading flights in the fighter community. And so I put him in without really thinking this through, and one of the other guys came up and said, “Hey, I need to talk to you.” And he came in my office, and he explained to me how I wasn't looking at everybody through the same lens and was probably missing some of the things other people were seeing. And I mean, pretty blunt, pretty focused, not yelling, and just a straightforward conversation. And I sat back and thought for about five seconds, and I said, “Holy cow, Bruce Fisher is totally correct. I have missed the boat on this, and I'm never going to do that again.” Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Burt Field And so that was one guy. The second example I have is in Japan when I was a 3-star general. I was there during the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, and it was a wild time. It started on a Friday. On Monday, so Friday was the earthquake and the tsunami. Saturday was the first explosion in one of the nuclear reactors. Monday was the second explosion in another nuclear reactor. On Monday, I also went up with the Japanese minister of defense and the head of their military to a place up near the epicenter, or the center of where the disaster area was, and they stood up, for the first time, a joint task force in Japan to take to take on the role of trying to work through all the things they had to work through. So we tried to land at the airport and could not. We tried to land at one of the air bases and barely could in a helicopter, in a helicopter. So I flew over Sendai Airport, where we couldn't land, and it was totally flooded, and it looked like when you tell your 5-year-old son to pick up his room and he shoves everything over into the corner, so there's trucks and cars and toys and giraffes and boxes over in the corner of the room and he says, “I'm good.” That is exactly what this airport looked like, except those were real cars, those were real cranes, those were real age equipment that was working on airlines, all swept away into the corner. So came back, and that night, met a guy named Rob Toth. Now we were getting a lot of people in to help, and Rob Toth had actually, he was the commander of the special ops group that was down at Kadena that we had brought up to Yakota. And he said to me, “Sir, my name is Rob Toth.” He's a colonel. And he said, “My guys have been up to Sendai, and I think we can open Sendai in about two weeks.” And I looked at Rob, and I said, “Rob, no way,” except I added a word in between “no” and “way.” And he said, “Sir, I know how you feel, like, I knew you'd feel like that, but just listen to me.” And I said, “No, that thing's not gonna be open until the summer.” And he said, “Sir, hold on. Let me tell you something.” Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm starting listening to him, I'm thinking, “OK, here's a special ops guy telling me how his experts think that they can go up and solve an enormous problem for us. They know how to do this. And I am telling him no, because I flew over it in a helicopter and it was flooded. Why don't you just ignore your opinion and say yes to a good idea?” Because all I have to do is say yes, and the worst that can happen is I'm going to be right. The best that can happen is he's going to be right and they're going to open the airport. Well, guess who was right? Not me. Naviere Walkewicz He was right. Oh, wow. Burt Field So, three weeks later, the first airplane, well, two weeks, a week later, the first airplane landed on it, and three weeks later, the first commercial airplane landed there. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Burt Field Just say yes to good ideas. Naviere Walkewicz 33:14 I think that's a leadership nugget right there. Burt Field 33:16 And it's all from somebody that, you know, he had never met me before. I'm a 3-star general. He's a colonel. Took a lot of courage to tell me that, and keep persisting when I said, “Forget it,” because I was busy and didn't believe it, and I had just been there, so if you're not listening to people, you're probably not gonna make the best decisions. Naviere Walkewicz 33:38 That's an incredible story. Thank you for sharing that. Burt Field You bet. Naviere Walkewicz Oh, that's fantastic. So, your career was outstanding. I mean, I think you had the opportunity to really lead and impact a lot of lives by the time you put on your third star. Had you known that was your destiny? When you graduate the Academy you want to be pilot. We knew you went into the Academy to fly. Burt Field 34:01 To fly fighters. Naviere Walkewicz To fly fighters. Burt Field Actually, to fly F-15s. Naviere Walkewicz 34:07 OK, OK, so very specific. Burt Field 34:08 Yeah. So I ended up going to third lieutenant to Langley Air Force Base. And I kind of, I was fortunate enough, because I traded with a guy that was from California. I was going to George. He was from California. He had the Langley slot, so we switched, and I went out there because I wanted to fly in an F-15 to make sure I liked it, because it was after sophomore year, before junior year. And I knew that I wasn't all that fired up about the Air Force Academy at the time. It was not the most fun place I'd ever been. And so I wanted to ensure that this was something I really wanted to do. Fortunately, I went to a great squadron, great people. They welcomed us with open arms, and I flew three or four times, five times during that third lieutenant and just loved every second of it. Now, of course, I didn't fly the F-15, except in the back seat a couple times later on. But I was lucky enough to get an F-16 out of pilot training. So 1980, F-16, go through that RTU with those guys, and we're all learning this together and into a squadron where we're all learning this together. Cool part about the first squadron I was in is we had… there was a squadron, which means that we had 25 people in the squadron. So squadron commander, an ops officer, and 23 other folks. And when I went in there, 12 of us were lieutenants and classmates. Naviere Walkewicz Oh, my goodness. Burt Field And so it was really cool to go through that experience with people like that. But it's 1980, the Cold War is in full swing. We're pretty sure that we're going to be in a fight with the Soviet Union, and basically I didn't want to die in that fight. And so I figure what you need to do to not die is be the best there is. And I was went to work with a bunch of other guys that felt the same way, and so we helped each other. We competed with each other. We pulled people along. We got pulled along. And we all became really good at what we did. And it was just that drive to be really good at what was important — which was flying — that drove me, and that's what drove me to try to go to the Weapons School. That's what drove me to go back as an instructor. That's what drove me to train people to be the best that they could be, so that when we went to combat, we would all come back, because anybody can lead men and women into combat. I want people that lead them home. Naviere Walkewicz I'm so glad that— Burt Field Anyway, so that's what drove me. That's what drove me. You know, because I had friends that didn't come home. Naviere Walkewicz 37:27 So part of what you've shared with us today, and I think we're really appreciative of how much you're sharing, because I think it gives us a sense of really who you are, and the family aspect with your brothers, the family aspect with your extended family at the Academy, on your teams. When did your family come into play? Because I had the opportunity to meet your wife, Lisa, and she's lovely. When did she come into your life? Burt Field 37:54 Well, I like to tell everybody that I met her at a bachelor party, which I did. But, we were in pilot training at Willie Air Force Base in Phoenix, and somebody was getting married, and we're going to have a bachelor party, but it already required way too much planning, and somebody had to host it, and that meant somebody had to go buy stuff for it. And basically we just went down to where we went every Friday night, and that was the bachelor party. And I met her that night, and then we just started talking on the phone, and we started dating, and then we got married. And so we got married in 1981 and she's still putting up with me. Naviere Walkewicz 38:48 Wow. She's literally been part of your life since the Academy. Burt Field 38:53 Oh, yeah, so I married her a year and a half after I graduated, and so we have two sons, and both of those boys are in the military. My oldest son is a University of Florida grad. Naviere Walkewicz 39:06 So he did follow the family footsteps. Burt Field 39:09 But he's smart. He graduated with a high GPA, and anyway, he's a maintenance officer in the Air Force. And my youngest son is a C-130 pilot in the Air Force, and he's the 2008 grad from the Academy, and he's married to our daughter-in-law, Natasha. And right now, both David and Natasha fly C-130s for the Alaska Air Guard up in Anchorage in Elmendorf. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 That's amazing. Burt Field So, it's the family business. Naviere Walkewicz So, dad, you and your son? Burt Field 39:39 Not only that, well, one of the reasons, when we bring up Lisa, when I met her, she said, we started talking, and I have short hair, because most people, have long hair. She goes, “Obviously, you're in the Air Force.” And she had told that to her roommate, and I said, “Yeah.” And she said, “Oh, my dad was in the Air Force.” And we said, “Where'd you all live, and what'd your dad do?” Well, her and my dad flew together and so stationed in the same places, sometimes at the same time. And when we went home and called our parents and said, “Hey, do you know this guy or this guy?” Without hesitation, both of them said, “Oh yeah, I know Dave.” “I know Burt,” and so they were in the other squadron. They didn't really hang out together, but they knew each other. So both my dad and my father-in-law were F-100 pilots and fighter pilots. And so Lisa is also an Air Force brat. So both of us are — we call ourselves nomads because we've never really lived anywhere longer than five years. Naviere Walkewicz 40:44 I used to say that, and now I actually can. But can you claim anywhere longer than five years now? Burt Field 40:52 No, getting close though. So I've been in five years, five years in a couple places, but never longer. Naviere Walkewicz 40:58 Oh my goodness, what an incredible story. Burt Field 41:00 Yeah. So anyway, this is one of the things we're doing in AFA now. And I think the Air Force is Air Force and Space Force are recognizing that if you want strong and resilient airmen and guardians, you need strong and resilient families behind them. And you need to have that kind of family dynamic that's supportive of what you do with your life and what the country is asking of you and your family to be all in and if we can work with the families to change that dynamic, to make sure that we're focused on building strong and resilient families, then the strong and resilient guardian and airmen will come out of that effort. So both the Air Force and the Air & Space Forces Association, that's part of what we're doing these days. Naviere Walkewicz Before I get into the last couple of questions I want to ask you, what is the best way that anyone that's listening can learn more about the Air & Space Forces Association? Burt Field Well, we can go to afa.org, simple as that, and do that. That shows you how to contact us. For another thing, you can join, which is what I would like you to do, and become a member, and then you get access to all of that information. And you can find out how to do that again, on that website. But joining gives you access to that information. It gives you access to what we do. It tells you where the chapters are that are close to you, that are similar-minded people doing similar things. And we have about 120,000 members right now. We have about 230 chapters in every state except Maine, and in several foreign countries where we have airmen and guardians stationed. Those chapters can do a lot of this work, whether it's working with your local government officials, with your state officials, like your congressmen or your senators, and it arms you with the things that you can deliver these messages with. It also arms you with how can I get access to these kind of programs that help with my family, my friends' family, the people I work with, their family. Where can I direct an airman when she needs some help? Where can I put a guardian in touch with somebody that can help him get through something that he's got a problem with? So, you have a lot of resources at your disposal that can help both you and your brothers and sisters you work with Naviere Walkewicz That is outstanding. So I mentioned two questions. I'll start with the first and then we'll come back after a short break. The first one is, some of our listeners aspire, at some point to be a C-suite executive. What's the coolest thing that you've done, or that's happened for you since being CEO? Burt Field Oh, man, that's a hard question. Naviere Walkewicz Well, take a minute to think about that. But first we're going to take a moment and thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. The podcast publishes Tuesdays in both video and audio, and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Watch or listen to all episodes of Long Blue Leadership at longblueleadership.org. So have you had a chance to think about something cool that's happened since you've been CEO? Burt Field I would say that the coolest thing about this job is that you get some pretty good access. Because of what we try to do in support of the Space Force and the Air Force, I've been able to spend some time with the chief, the CSO and the secretary. And you know, the vice chief, the vice CSO, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, chief master sergeant the Space Force. So that part has been really interesting to me. Next week, I'm going to something with Secretary Austin, and so that that's kind of interesting. And then we do some work up on the Hill. And so I've been able to go up there and meet a few of the members up at the Hill. The good news, though, is that I knew a lot of those guys already, so, you know, because I'm old and. But it's still good to be able to listen directly from a leader on what he or she really is trying to communicate, as opposed to get it interpreted by somebody else or through some rumor or, “Here's why their vision doesn't match up with what I know we should be doing.” So, it helps us in our mission to kind of advocate for those strong forces when you know exactly what the leadership is thinking and what they're driving at. Naviere Walkewicz No, that's powerful, and that's transparency that you're able to bring to the members of your organization and all of their families. So, we like to leave our listeners with kind of leadership lessons, and I wanted to go back earlier in our conversation. You said, “Remind me to tell you about a leader that's shaped one of my bullets, maybe on how not to lead.” Or something to that effect. So what are your lessons of leadership that you want our leaders to take away today from you? Burt Field Well, so first off, you can never stop learning. You have to learn. And whether it's leadership or anything else— when I was in Japan during that disaster, I didn't know the first thing about nuclear power plants. Virtually nothing. I knew that there's some kind of nuclear reaction. They put something in water. It made steam power to turbine. Viola, you have electricity, period. There's a chance I might not even know that. So, I found a couple books that in the three or four hours a day that I didn't have work, I read so I could learn about nuclear power plants, the effect of nuclear radiation on the human body. What we can with withstand, what makes you sick and what kills you. So you have to always learn. And that goes double for being a leader, and you can never rest on your laurels. And so, I have been fortunate to be in a lot of different leadership positions and work for a lot of great leaders, most of them military, but some of them civilian as well, like Richard Holbrooke, a completely different leadership style than most military people. In fact, when I was working for Richard, my direct report was the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Mike Mullen. And I talked with Adm. Mullen virtually daily, and my other virtual three-times-a-week conversation was with Dave Petraeus, who was running Afghanistan at the time, because of what a Richard's job was and they always want to know what he was thinking. So, it was interesting to watch all three of those who have three distinct leadership styles and learn from take the best from all of that. It was a learning experience. But the upshot of it is, having been exposed to people like that and being able to ask them questions about leadership, why they did things, helped shape my leadership philosophy. So, one of the things that I think everybody should do is kind of define what they think leadership is and have a leadership philosophy. And so, the way I look at leadership, it's, how how do you empower people? How do you inspire people? How do you get people to get the job done? Because you can't do it yourself. You're not going to win the war, you're not going to make all the sales, you're not going to get all the gross profit, you're not going to reduce all the expenses, you're not going to fight all the fights. You're going to be part of a team if you're going to be successful. So, how do you inspire that to happen? And how do you ensure that that team that you're building has the resources that they need? And resources come in all shapes and sizes. Some of it is equipment, some of it is money, some of it is the people that are in those roles? Do they have the education, the training, the experience and access to what they need to be successful? So that's what your job is, in my opinion, as a leader. And then how you go about doing that? You need to have a list of things that you do. So I start with values. You should have a set of values. For the cadets listening, and you're going to go into the Air Force, the Space Force, and if you cross commission into something else, every one of our services has a set of values, which are your values. Now you can have more, but your values include those. But at my stage of life, I have about five, and it's integrity, which everybody knows, and most people say, “Hey, that's when you do the right thing when no one is looking.” In the last four or five years, I added a second one to that, and I call it “fortitude.” Fortitude is when you do the right thing when everybody is looking. Then excellence. You know, from Excellence in All You Do. Teamwork and service. So those are my five values. And so when I make leadership decisions, or when I look at how we're going to move forward, or how we're going to accomplish the mission, it should reflect those values in my decisions, how I act, how I from the biggest thing of creating a here's the strategy, or in objectives on what we're going to accomplish, to the smallest things, like how I conduct a meeting. So, that that's the second thing. So everything comes from that. I think you need to be really good at something. If you want to be a really good leader, you need to be really good at something. So, you got to put in the work when you're young to be really good and understand how hard it is to be really good at something. Normally, when we “grow up,” in quotes, and become leaders of large organizations, there's a whole bunch going on in that organization that you will have little or no expertise in, but you know how to recognize excellence, and you know how to recognize effort that it takes to become excellent. And so you can look for those because you've seen it in yourself. So, that's the other thing. The next one is communication. You cannot communicate enough, and you cannot communicate well enough. So I use this example all the time. I come up with a message, I craft it, I think about it, I write it down, I practice it, and then I deliver it, and it's awesome. I was perfect. Nobody could have misunderstood me. When I'm done with that, and I really think that I have hit the mark with maybe 20%. I probably got to say that again that way or differently, about another 10 or 15 times when I can barely stand to hear myself talk anymore, and I'm still not going to get everybody. So, one of the things that you have to recognize as a leader is you're probably miscommunicating. So, you have to check and recheck to make sure that the message is going out the way you think it should be heard. So, communication is really important, and probably one of the biggest things that infects an organization is somebody misperceiving what somebody else is communicating, and then they get mad, and everybody's feelings get hurt, and on it goes. And we've all seen that. I told you about the “say yes to good ideas.” Naviere Walkewicz That was fantastic. Burt, is there anything that I didn't ask you that you would really like to leave with our listeners today? Burt Field I think we pretty much covered it, and I appreciate the opportunity to come on and chat with you and watch your act, because you're very comfortable doing this, and I need to take some lessons from you. Naviere Walkewicz Thank you so much for that compliment. And I must just say it has been a pleasure being on Long Blue Leadershipwith you. I can't wait for our listeners to hear more about your story and the way that you will, I think, affect great change for our Air and Space Force leaders. Burt Field Thank you, Naviere, it's really an honor to be on here and I appreciate the opportunity to share some of the lessons that I've been able to learn throughout my career, and also what the Air & Space Forces Association brings to the table, and why our cadets and our grads and all those out there who care about strong Air Forces, strong Space Forces, a strong national security and defense in the future. Naviere Walkewicz Thank you so much. KEYWORDS Air Force brat, leadership philosophy, Air Force Academy, rugby team, squadron commander, family dynamics, career progression, leadership challenges, communication importance, resilience, Space Force, education programs, family support, military service, leadership lessons Long Blue Leadership is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network and presented by the United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates and Foundation
Kevin Hymel joins me again to continue Patton's story in the war. In this episode, Kevin starts around the Knutsford incident and takes us to about 1 August 1944 when Patton finally get's Third Army on the Continent. Links Patton's War: An American General's Combat Leadership Volume I - NOV 1942 to JUL 1944 by Kevin Hymel (Amazon) Patton's War: An American General's Combat Leadership Volume II - AUG to DEC 1944 by Kevin Hymel (Amazon) Marshall and the Knutsford Affair (https://www.marshallfoundation.org/articles-and-features/marshall-and-the-knutsford-affair-2/) US Army Central Timeline (https://www.usarcent.army.mil/About/History/Timeline/) Mother of Tanks website (http://www.motheroftanks.com/podcast/) Bonus Content (https://www.patreon.com/c/motheroftanks)
When King Louis XVI is forced to take drastic measures to stave off financial collapse, Lafayette and other liberal-minded nobles hope to use the opportunity to push for much-needed reforms to France's decrepit political structure. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the crisis facing the regime is more severe than previously thought. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Summary Lieutenant General Anthony Crutchfield (Ret.) (LinkedIn, Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his time as the Deputy Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command. PACOM covers 52% of the globe. What You'll Learn Intelligence The role of intelligence in military operations Ethical dilemmas in command decisions Reflections on the impact of mentorship and outreach The importance of remaining aware in today's pervasive world Reflections The challenges of leadership Hard work, determination, and resilience And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “I worked hard at everything I did. If somebody asked me to do a job, I didn't say, ‘That's not my job,' I didn't complain. There were places that I was sent that I didn't want to go, but I went – And I didn't complain about it…I did the best that I could and it was recognized.” – Anthony Crutchfield. Resources SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Leading United States Central Command with General Frank McKenzie (2024) CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024) David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023) DEEPER DIVE Books The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, K. F. McKenzie (Naval Institute Press, 2024) Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, D. Petraeus & A. Roberts (Harper, 2023) Strategy in Crisis: The Pacific War, J. T. Kuehn (Naval Institute Press, 2023) Fire on the Water: China, America, and the Future of the Pacific, R. J. Haddick (Naval Institute Press, 2014) Primary Sources U.S. Defense Infrastructure in the IndoPacific: Background and Issues for Congress (2023) Pacific Partnership Strategy (2022) Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States (2022) *Wildcard Resource* PACOM is, by far, the largest geographical combatant command. The smallest, on the other hand, is the U.S. Central Command. Listen to our interview with General Frank McKenzie, 14th commander of CENTCOM, here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Returning home after the war's conclusion, Lafayette continues to work for the betterment of his adoptive country. A few years later, he embarks on a grand tour of the United States, revisiting old friends and weighing in on some of the political issues that beset the fledgling nation. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Join Bethany Coates, founder and CEO of BreakLine, an education and employment company helping outstanding veterans, women, people of color, and people with disabilities accelerate into their next careers, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss BreakLine's crucial role in preparing veterans for civilian careers and educating employers on the tremendous value veterans bring to American businesses and civil society. Former Assistant Dean at Stanford Graduate School of Business leading social impact education, Coates reflects on how veterans are often misrepresented in popular culture, the rewards of service, and values such as honor, duty, courage, loyalty and serving others that veterans bring to a workforce. Coates provides insight on what employers should know on hiring and retaining veterans and advice for servicemembers, veterans and military spouses as they approach a transition to civilian employment. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Bethany Coates is the founder and CEO of BreakLine, a social venture that helps outstanding veterans, women, people of color, and people with disabilities accelerate into their next careers. Ms. Coates was previously an Assistant Dean at Stanford Graduate School of Business leading social impact education. She also worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Co. Ms. Coates earned her BA from Princeton and her MBA from Stanford. She has served on the advisory boards of a number of nonprofits and social ventures. In 2018, Ms. Coates was honored to receive the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service on behalf of the BreakLine team. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Episode 118. HOT TOPIC! Listen in for a strategic overview of global politics in the new Trump era. Joining us from Dorset in the south of England is my old friend and colleague, Nick Borton. We served together as Army officers in the Royal Highland Fusiliers many, many years ago. Our careers diverged considerably after that. Nick recently finished his last role as the General in command of the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. After a stellar career he recently retired and is still an advisor to NATO. I feel quite privileged to be able to speak with people close to the levers of power and learn what is actually going on in the world of geopolitics. We discuss Ukraine, North Korea, China, Iran and Israel. Literally top level chat. Enjoy...Follow Sir Nick on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickborton/Follow Mister Kindness:Twitter/X https://twitter.com/MisterKindnessInstagram https://www.instagram.com/misterkindness_podYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@misterkindnessFacebook https://www.facebook.com/njohn.kindness.9on#ukraine #russia #iran #northkorea #china #misterkindnesspodcast #geopolitics #strategic #army #war #military #nato #1RHF #britisharmy #
Former Naval Flight Officer and Naval Physician Dr. Alta DeRoo and Vietnam War infrantryman Dr. Don Elverd from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation join Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster to discuss substance use disorder, ways to prevent and treat addiction, and its implications for national security. As experts in treating substance use disorders and supporting service members through recovery, Drs. DeRoo and Elverd share insights on the addiction crisis affecting Americans, mental healthcare and addiction treatment for veterans, and how communities can support individuals undergoing substance use disorder treatment. They emphasize a focus on resilience, growth, and emerging stronger from overcoming a substance use disorder. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Dr. Alta DeRoo is medical director of the Betty Ford Center's three California facilities. She served 24 years in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer and Naval Physician and was among the first cohort of women to fly in combat. Dr. DeRoo is board-certified in OB-GYN and addiction medicine and is a leading expert on maternal and fetal health implications of substance use disorder treatment. She currently serves on the American Society of Addiction Medicine's board. Dr. Don Elverd served as an Army combat infantryman in the Vietnam War, where he received three purple hearts, a bronze star of valor, and the combat infantry badge. He then earned his doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Elverd is an expert on multicultural approaches to healing and speaks on healing and recovery from psychological trauma. Dr. Elverd's clinical focus is supporting active duty and veteran service members. He has worked with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for thirty-three years. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
We were honored to have Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen, as he joined host, Brandon Smith on a recent edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. During the conversation, Ken highlights what it means to be a leader in the Armed Forces, the importance of earning your title and the responsibility that accompanies it, which includes developing and leading others. He also highlights the newly launched Masters in Business for Veterans program at Emory University. Take a moment of reflection as we revisit Episode 62: “Three Components to Become a Leader of Leaders” on this special Veterans Day edition of the podcast.
What is the role of the Army in an era shaped by strategic competition?How is the Army adapting for wars of the future?Why is it important to build trust between the Army and Australian society? In this episode, Simon Stuart joins Rory Medcalf discuss the changing nature of warfare, and how the Australian Army is positioned to succeed in facing future challenges. Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC is Chief of the Australian Army.Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC). His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.TRANSCRIPT Show notes · Listener survey: The Nation Security Podcast · NSC academic programs – find out more · Defence Strategic Review 2023 · National Defence Strategy 2024· A2/AD systemsWe'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu,edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rejoining the American war effort in 1780, Lafayette is sent south to bring a traitorous general to heel. Unbeknownst to him, his actions were setting the stage for the dramatic final act of the War of Independence: the Battle of Yorktown. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Tim and Russ attended the annual "Saluting Our Heroes" fundraising dinner at the National Ability Center and sat down with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling to talk about his life in the military and involvement with the NAC in Park City.
We wrap up our conversation recorded live in Park City with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling who was the keynote speaker at this years "Saluting Our Heroes" dinner at the National Ability Center.
After the formalization of an alliance between France and the United States, Lafayette is dispatched to facilitate cooperation between allied forces- a task that would prove more difficult than he'd hoped. Returning temporarily to his home country in 1779, the marquis continued to work tirelessly to advance the American cause abroad. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
Lafayette accompanies Washington and the Continental Army at their winter encampment at Valley Forge. During this time, he finds himself entangled in a series of political intrigues and inconclusive military actions that threaten to shake his faith in the American cause. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution.
In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Leopoldo López discuss ongoing protests in Venezuela, the Maduro regime's tactics of repression, and prospects for the restoration of the Venezuelan constitution and the end of Maduro's despotic rule. Join former mayor of Caracas and Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster as they examine Venezuela's authoritarian socialist regime and prospects for the restoration of the Venezuelan constitution. Reflecting on the country's stolen presidential election in July 2024, López shares his insights on the Maduro regime's mechanisms of internal control, how the axis of authoritarians are using Venezuela against the US and the rest of the free world, the next steps for the Venezuelan opposition movement, and what can be done within Venezuela and internationally to help support the Venezuelan people and end Maduro's despotic rule. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Leopoldo López is a Venezuelan political leader, pro-democracy activist and Sakharov prize laureate. He is the founder and national coordinator of the Voluntad Popular political party and the former mayor of the municipality of Chacao in Caracas. In 2014 López was unjustly detained by the Maduro regime and sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. He spent four years in a military prison, a year and a half in house arrest and another year and a half in the Spanish embassy in Caracas under political asylum. In October 2020, López escaped from Venezuela through Colombia to join his family in Spain. López holds a Bachelor's degree cum laude in sociology and economics from Kenyon College, and a Master´s degree in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was awarded a honoris causa doctorate in Law from Kenyon College in 2007. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Upon arriving in America, the Marquis de Lafayette is granted a commission in the Continental Army, serving directly under George Washington. Most expected this to be nothing more than a ceremonial appointment, but Lafayette remained determined to prove his worth to the American cause and to win glory on the battlefield. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution
In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Adela Raz discuss the humanitarian catastrophe and systemic human rights abuses under Taliban rule, the lessons and consequences of the collapse of the Afghanistan Republic, and the future of Afghanistan and its diaspora. Join former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United States, Adela Raz, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster as they reflect on the geostrategic consequences of the 2021 collapse of Afghanistan. Ambassador Raz shares her insights on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the humanitarian catastrophe and systemic human rights abuses currently facing the country, the Taliban's repressive control over women, and her hope for the future of Afghanistan and its diaspora. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Adela Raz served as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United States from July 2021 to February 2022. Ambassador Raz was first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief of Staff for an Afghan president's administrative office. She served in this post both in President Hamid Karzai's Administration and in President Ashraf Ghani's. She was the Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation at Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2018. From 2018 to July of 2021, Raz served as Afghanistan's first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where she was the Vice President of the 75th session of the General Assembly. Since 2022, Raz has served as the director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Ambassador Raz has a Master's degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!Life is not always going to be convenient. Embrace the challenge to be better even though you may suffer some discomfort in the short run. Meaningful growth rarely happens by accident, one must be intentional to move forward. A U.S. Army base in the state of Virginia has been renamed Fort Greg-Adams to honor two pioneers who persevered to serve the nation honorably, oftentimes under less than honorable social conditions mandated by culture and law. The honorees, Lt. General James Greg was the first black military officer to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General; while Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley was the first black woman to become a commissioned officer in the Army's Womens Auxiliary Corps and given the ground breaking task of leading a specialized unit of women on a special project overseas during World War II.The emergence of a new class of employees has been created. Those known as digital nomads are employed worldwide outside of a traditional office. Instead, they work from disparate locations from a personal computer. In general these oftentimes, highly skilled workers have no fixed position. Some work from home or other domestic location, while others may be found anywhere in the world. The primary requirement is a suitable environment and employer who allows remote work and a good internet connection.Young adults are still trying to mature in many cases, years after they technically become adult. Conflicts with parents in adulthood need to be handled differently than in an earlier environment where one is clearly the parent while the other is a minor.Meet a wingman to an entire school system who quietly contributed to the upward growth of her school family during her life and beyond.
Born into a noble family in the small French town of Chavaniac, Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette would lose both of his parents at a young age. Left as an orphan and sent to live with relatives in Paris, he would inherit a massive fortune that altered the course of his life. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Auricchio, Laura. The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered. Vintage Books, 2015. Babeau, Emile and Maurice de la Fuye. The Apostle of Liberty: A Life of Lafayette. Thames and Hudson, 1956. Duncan, Mike. Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Hachette Book Group, 2021. Israel, Jonathan. The Expanding Blaze: How the American Revolution Ignited the World, 1775-1848. Princeton University Press, 2011. Schama, Simon. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002. Woodward, W.E. Lafayette. Farrar & Rinehart, 1938. Cover Image: Portrait of Gilbert Motier the Marquis De Lafayette as a Lieutenant General, 1791. Painting by Joseph-Désiré Court, 1834. Closing theme: "Ça Ira" (It will be fine)- popular song from the French Revolution
Send us a textJoin us for a candid interview with Active Duty Army Lieutenant General Heidi Hoyle as we continue to spotlight outstanding Leaders in EOD! In this interview Heidi shares stories about her upbringing and how she went from a successful swimmer and gymnast with no interest in the military to graduating from the United States Military Academy. She also shares what she thinks makes the EOD Family so strong and some fantastic career advice for those wishing to be the best Tech they can be! Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354
Part 2 of this history of Air Force Global Strike Command features former Commander Jim Kowalski. He discusses the challenges and accomplishments of standing up the Global Strike Command. The conversation covers topics such as basing decisions, culture change, resourcing, and the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear force. Lt. Gen. Kowalski emphasizes the need for a public awakening to the dangers posed by peer and near-peer adversaries and the importance of recognizing and honoring the mission of the nuclear force. He also shares a story about General LeMay's focus on excellence in the job. Overall, the episode provides insights into the early years of the Global Strike Command and the ongoing challenges it faces.General Kowalski was commissioned in 1979 through the ROTC program at the University of Cincinnati. He held a variety of operational commands, including a bomb squadron, an operations group, a bomb wing, and an air control wing over his 35-year career. Kowalski retired from active duty on 1 September 2015.Kowalski's experience includes command of the 405th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia where he led a combined wing of B-1Bs, E-3s and KC-135s for operation Iraqi Freedom. His previous staff assignments include Headquarters Air Combat Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In January 2009 he led the organization and activation of the Air Force's first new major command in 27 years and subsequently served as the second Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. In that position he oversaw the modernization of the Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber and missile systems and developed the strategic forces five-year plan. His last assignment was Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. A command pilot, he has over 4,600 flight hours, including 127 combat hours, in the B-1, B-52, and E-3. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.Following military service, Kowalski was a vice-president for the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He supported the company's portfolio of defense systems including the B-2, B-21, and the Minuteman III and Sentinel ballistic missile systems. In 2023, he retired from Northrop Grumman and now advises on management and defense issuesChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap00:49 Stand-up of the Global Strike Command03:20 Basing Decisions and Location06:29 Challenges of Activation and Moving Personnel09:24 Structure, Authorities, and Culture Change16:24 Resourcing: Personnel and Funding Challenges19:29 Reemphasizing Nuclear Competencies and Strengths25:32 Budget Constraints and Future Challenges32:00 Wish for a Public Awakening to the DangersSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org
In this Legacy Series, Lt. Gen. James Kowalski discusses the creation of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in response to incidents that highlighted the need for improved nuclear enterprise management. The incidents included the accidental shipment of warheads and fuses, which raised concerns about operational oversight and surety processes. The stand-up of AFGSC aimed to consolidate the Air Force's nuclear enterprise and ensure a dedicated focus on nuclear deterrence. General Kowalski emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear mission and integrating nuclear planning with conventional operations. The conversation will continue in a second episode.General Kowalski was commissioned in 1979 through the ROTC program at the University of Cincinnati. He held a variety of operational commands, including a bomb squadron, an operations group, a bomb wing, and an air control wing over his 35-year career. Kowalski retired from active duty on 1 September 2015.Kowalski's experience includes command of the 405th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia where he led a combined wing of B-1Bs, E-3s and KC-135s for operation Iraqi Freedom. His previous staff assignments include Headquarters Air Combat Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In January 2009 he led the organization and activation of the Air Force's first new major command in 27 years and subsequently served as the second Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. In that position he oversaw the modernization of the Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber and missile systems and developed the strategic forces five-year plan. His last assignment was Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. A command pilot, he has over 4,600 flight hours, including 127 combat hours, in the B-1, B-52, and E-3. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.Following military service, Kowalski was a vice-president for the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He supported the company's portfolio of defense systems including the B-2, B-21, and the Minuteman III and Sentinel ballistic missile systems. In 2023, he retired from Northrop Grumman and now advises on management and defense issues. Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org
This week on the 'OPE: One Year Later' series, we are continuing our extended conversation on the collapse of Afghanistan and where we go from here. I'm reaching out to you and connecting with the prominent voices involved in the long war in Afghanistan as well as its future. Afghan voices, in many cases, have been muzzled and their voices are not heard. Our focus is to give them a platform to speak truth to power so that you can hear the stories not told and how it affects not only you and your family but the world for the future. In this episode, Lieutenant General Haibatullah Alizai, the former Commander of all Afghan Special Operations Forces and leader of the Afghan military in its final days gives a riveting description of what led to the collapse, what we can learn from it, and what we must do for the future in order to protect ourselves at home. CONTEXT ON THIS SERIESIn August of 2021, the United States Government officially withdrew from Afghanistan leaving hundreds of thousands of at-risk Afghans vulnerable to Taliban brutality. Immediately, the impact of this moral injury was apparent on out Afghan allies and veteran populations with many of them left behind to deal with the aftermath that no one was coming. Scott and a team of combat veterans began to leverage their network of relationships to provide safe passage and ultimately relocation of hundreds of at-risk Afghans. Scott now has the opportunity to share the story of those Afghan Allies who made it out and of those who are still fighting their way to safety today, alongside many of the extraordinary men and women who made this possible. In this podcast series, Scott sits down with some of the members of Pineapple Express to share their stories and reflect on where we are one year later after the collapse of Afghanistan. PREVIOUS EPISODES ON AFGHANISTAN:“Finding Meaning in the Madness of War”“Saving Space Monkey: Storytelling in Real Time”“Chaos in Kabul”“Operation Pineapple: Deadline”“Afghan Bombing” Operation Pineapple Continues”“Punching Above Your Weight”Operation Pineapple Express: https://operationpineappleexpress.com/Operation Pineapple Express Relief: https://operelief.orgOwn Every Room - https://rooftopleadership.com/owneveryroom/ Nobody is Coming to Save You - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/scott-mann/nobody-is-coming-to-save-you/9781546008286/?lens=center-street Scottmann.com Join Rooftop Nation! Website: https://www.rooftopleadership.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMannAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmannauthor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooftop-leadership Twitter: https://twitter.com/RooftopLeader Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYOQ7CDJ6uSaGvmfxYC_skQ
This week on the 'OPE: Three Years Later' series, Scott had the opportunity to sit down with another incredible and experienced individual, Lieutenant General Sami Sadat. Over the last year, many of our veterans and citizens have asked "what was the point?" in reference to Afghanistan. It has been very hard to process the loss and impact under the shadow of the withdrawal and abandonment. But as a former member of the Afghan National Army, Sami points out - the end is not written. The men and women of Afghanistan who grew up under relative freedom and other opportunities may just take back their country and carve out their future - with or without us. The future of Afghanistan and the U.S are inextricably linked. Join Scott and Sami to learn why. CONTEXT ON THIS SERIESIn August of 2021, the United States Government officially withdrew from Afghanistan leaving hundreds of thousands of at-risk Afghans vulnerable to Taliban brutality. Immediately, the impact of this moral injury was apparent on out Afghan allies and veteran populations with many of them left behind to deal with the aftermath that no one was coming. Scott and a team of combat veterans began to leverage their network of relationships to provide safe passage and ultimately relocation of hundreds of at-risk Afghans. Scott now has the opportunity to share the story of those Afghan Allies who made it out and of those who are still fighting their way to safety today, alongside many of the extraordinary men and women who made this possible. In this podcast series, Scott sits down with some of the members of Pineapple Express to share their stories and reflect on where we are one year later after the collapse of Afghanistan. PREVIOUS EPISODES ON AFGHANISTAN:“Finding Meaning in the Madness of War”“Saving Space Monkey: Storytelling in Real Time”“Chaos in Kabul”“Operation Pineapple: Deadline”“Afghan Bombing” Operation Pineapple Continues” “Punching Above Your Weight”Operation Pineapple Express: https://operationpineappleexpress.com/Operation Pineapple Express Relief: https://operelief.orgOwn Every Room - https://rooftopleadership.com/owneveryroom/ Nobody is Coming to Save You - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/scott-mann/nobody-is-coming-to-save-you/9781546008286/?lens=center-street Scottmann.com Join Rooftop Nation! Website: https://www.rooftopleadership.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMannAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmannauthor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooftop-leadership Twitter: https://twitter.com/RooftopLeader Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYOQ7CDJ6uSaGvmfxYC_skQ
Lieutenant General Mary O'Brien is in a rare group of women who have ascended to the highest levels of leadership within the military, most recently leading one of the Defense Department's most important modernization initiatives. Lieutenant General O'Brien joins Adam to share her journey and her best lessons and advice. Lieutenant General O'Brien and Adam discuss a wide range of topics, including leadership, building and managing high-performance teams, overcoming obstacles and blind spots, and much more.
Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation! Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content!#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices"Unity of Effort: It doesn't matter who is in charge. How can you lend a hand and help?"This is just one of the many pearls of wisdom shared in this week's episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast by LTG Jeffrey Buchanan (Ret). As a retired Lieutenant General in the Army after 37 years of service, Jeff brings a unique perspective on effective response efforts and leadership in times of crisis.Jeff and host, John Scardena both responded to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and in this episode share their perspectives and lessons learned during that tragic weather event. In this episode, they also discuss how effective leaders look to unify those of which they are in command.Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.Learn more about this amazing product here:www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals:www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com
In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Lobsang Sangay discuss China's repression of the Tibetan people, Tibet's efforts to advocate for freedom and rule of law, and prospects for the future in Tibet and in East Asia, on Wednesday July 31, 2024. Join former prime minister in exile of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay and Hoover senior fellow H.R. McMaster as they discuss China's repression of the Tibetan people, Tibet's efforts to advocate for freedom and rule of law, and prospects for the future in Tibet and in East Asia. Prime Minister Sangay shares his insights on how the Chinese Community Party subjugates the Tibetan people, how to foster unity and strengthen a movement in exile, his assessment of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, recently signed by President Biden, and what Americans can do to advocate for the rights of the Tibetan people. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Lobsang Sangay served as the sikyong, or prime minister in exile, of the Central Tibetan Administration from 2011 to 2021. Prior to taking this role, Sangay was an academic at Harvard Law School, where he organized multiple conferences between Tibetan, Western, and Chinese scholars, including the Dalai Lama. He was selected as one of the Asia Society's Asia 21 Fellows in 2007. Sangay holds doctor of juridical science and master of laws degrees from Harvard Law School and a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Delhi. He served as a senior visiting fellow at Harvard Law School's East Asian Legal Studies Program in Fall 2023. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.
Bill and Will Selber are joined by Lieutenant General Sami Sadat who among many other roles served as deputy commander of the Afghan ground forces and later the deputy chief of staff of the Afghan National Army. Now, he leads the Afghan United Front. They discuss America's role in giving the Taliban the upper-hand that ultimately led to the collapse of Kabul; the vital role of morale during war; just how established Al Qaeda is inside Afghanistan and whether the Taliban-Al Qaeda relationship got stronger after U.S. withdrawal; and more.