Podcasts about Naval War College

Ted Johnson's life reads like several careers stitched into one: raised in a mostly white Raleigh suburb while attending a Black church several times a week, a Hampton University graduate, a 20-year Navy officer who became a White House Fellow under President Obama and later a speechwriter for two chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Somewhere along the way, he became a writer — now a Washington Post columnist and author of two books, most recently If We Are Brave: Essays from Black Americana.  In this conversation, Ted joins host Bill Burke to talk about:  Growing up between two worlds — a white suburb and a Black church — and how that shaped his early sense of identity  Why he chose an HBCU (Hampton University), and how a chance encounter led him into the Navy  His path from ship duty in the Arabian Gulf to the NSA, the Naval War College, a White House Fellowship, and ultimately speechwriting for the Joint Chiefs  How the killing of Trayvon Martin redirected his career from cybersecurity toward writing about race and democracy  Why he sees racism as fundamentally a failure of the state, not a failure between individuals — and what that reframe means for how we talk about accountability  His candid take on the shifting language around DEI, affirmative action, and "the soft bigotry of low expectations"  What the military taught him about integration - and its surprisingly short "half-life" once people leave that environment  The story behind his name —  Theodore Roosevelt Johnson III — and what it reveals about three generations of hope in his family  His new book, If We Are Brave, and his work leading New America's US@250 initiative ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ted Johnson 03:06 Upbringing and Path to Service 08:02 A Twenty-Year Naval Career 12:13 Writing About Racism and Optimism 17:34 The Idea of America 22:07 DEI and Structural Reform 28:07 Generational Wealth and Founders 34:21 If We Are Brave  42:10 New America and 250th Anniversary 

How do we define success on the battlefield? While many have labeled America's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan failures, that narrative ignores some of the most remarkable successes ever achieved by U.S. Army Special Forces.In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Green Beret Colonel Frank Sobchak, professor at the U.S. Naval War College and author of Training for Victory, to discuss the principles behind one of Special Forces' most enduring missions: building partner forces capable of securing their own future. Drawing on decades of operational experience and extensive historical research, Frank explains why success is rarely determined by firepower alone, but by trust, relationships, and leaders willing to invest in others.We explore why language, cultural understanding, consistency, and strategic empathy are far more than soft skills - they are combat multipliers that determine whether an advisory mission succeeds or fails. Frank breaks down why partnering alongside allied forces in combat remains the gold standard for developing capable militaries, how advisor continuity builds the trust required for honest conversations, and why empowering local leaders from the very beginning creates lasting success long after American forces have departed.Our conversation also challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan by highlighting overlooked success stories like the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, an organization built through years of patient advising and partnership. Finally, we examine what Frank calls "Cold War 2.0" and how the changing character of warfare—from drones and artificial intelligence to digital surveillance—only reinforces the enduring importance of the human domain. Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast3:54 The Importance of Language9:13 Cultural Astuteness in Special Forces13:26 Training Partner Forces21:45 Host Nation Perspective25:00 Advisor to Partner Ratios30:38 The Importance of Combat Advising33:22 Defining Combat Effectiveness36:52 US Maintaining Global Order41:41 Writing Training for VictoryQuotes:“If you don't speak the language, it really complicates things.”“There were times when I felt like I'm at a disadvantage because I'm speaking through an interpreter.”“You have to understand their perspective.”“It is those personal connections and those relationships that really matter.”“We fought 10 Iraq wars, one year at a time.”“These are risks that commanders and leaders have to look for, identify, recognize, and take action.”“Anytime you're doing FID or security force assistance and you're working with partners, it is two steps forward, one step back.”“The host nation actually really did like when the same people came back because that gave them consistency.”“I would put it at a company to an ODA.”“Combat advising still is the gold standard.”“Our profession is all about risk.”“The character of war is changing, but the nature of war is immortal.”“I firmly believe that the world is a far better place with America leading it.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON AND GET OUR NEXT EPISODE RIGHT NOW! https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys/posts/early-episode-2-166213298 COME SEE US LIVE SEPTEMBER 26TH IN CORK, IRELAND! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lions-led-by-donkeys-podcast-live-in-cork-26th-september-tickets-1993823733459 CAN'T MAKE IT? WE'RE STREAMING IT! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/livestream-lions-led-by-donkeys-podcast-live-in-cork-26th-september-2026-tickets-1993900928351 BUY JOE'S BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Highlands-Burn-Fo%E2%80%A6ok/dp/B0GSG5CNXX/ In 1592 a newly unified Japan, under the control of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, launched an invasion of the Joseon Kingdom with an army numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The war would eventually consist of two different invasions over the course of almost 6 years and suck in most of Asia, killing well over 1 million people in the process, all while Japan accomplished absolutely nothing. SOURCES: Hawley, Samuel (2014). The Imjin War: Japan's Sixteenth Century Invasion of Korea and Attempt to Conquer China (2nd ed.). Conquistador Press. Turnbull, Stephen (2012). The Samurai Invasion of Korea 1592–98. Osprey Publishing. Andrade, Tonio (2016). The Gunpowder Age: China, Military Innovation, and the Rise of the West in World History Brown, Delmer M. (May 1948). "The Impact of Firearms on Japanese Warfare, 1543–1598". The Far Eastern Quarterly Park, Yune-hee (1978). Admiral Yi Sun-shin and His Turtleboat Armada. Hanjin Publishing Company Rockstein, Edward D. (1993). Strategic And Operational Aspects of Japan's Invasions of Korea 1592–1598. Naval War College. Kang, Etsuko Hae-jin (1997). Diplomacy and ideology in Japanese–Korean relations: from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. Palgrave Macmillan Lewis, James B. (2004). "The Book of Corrections: Reflections on the National Crisis during the Japanese Invasion of Korea, 1592–1598. By Sôngnyong Yu. Translated by Choi Byonghyon. Berkeley: Institute of East Asian Studies". The Journal of Asian Studies.

Episode 121. Grant reports from Newport, Rhode Island with a truck full of family heirlooms and a snapped serpentine belt. Jeff checks in from Air University, where the library fire alarm interrupted his midterm and his grandfather Emmett Gatewood may be hiding in the archives. Tres holds down Frisco, Texas and reviews Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.The staff brief features an unpaid battalion, a lobster bake from the new S1, a space domain tasking, the Wednesday pizza buffet, and a chaplain check-in you have to hear to believe. Plus: the Good Idea Cutoff Line (GICOL), broken stair steppers and gym radar at the Naval War College, Clausewitz applied to lifting and fatherhood, the oldest ballpark in America, a Red Sox baserunning debate, and a full coaching segment on bench press pain management.America 250 plate is at the machine shop — pre-buyers ship early. The .75 lb plates are back in stock. The Strength app enters beta next week.Podcast Hosts:Grant Broggi: Marine Veteran, Owner of The Strength Co. and Starting Strength Coach.Jeff Buege: Marine Veteran, Outdoorsman, Football Fan and LifterTres Gottlich: Marine Veteran, Texan, Fisherman, Crazy College Football Fan and LifterJoin the Slack and Use code OKAY:⁠https://buy.stripe.com/dR6dT4aDcfuBdyw5ks⁠Check out BW Tax: ⁠https://www.bwtaxllc.com⁠BUY A FOOTBALL HELMET:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thestrength.co/mrhelmet/?utm_source=The+Okay+Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Okay_Pod⁠Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro07:31 - Staff Brief28:09 - GICL31:32 - Family Heirlooms41:06 - Chevy Snaps A Belt52:05 - Stairstepper Story56:02 - Fire Alarm Madness01:09:45 - The Odyssey Review01:15:39 - Pain During The Bench Press01:29:21 - Gulls Outing01:36:16 - Sliding Into Bases Rule01:39:57 - Big Announcements01:46:15 - MRS. BROGGI PLEASE MAKE TRES A POUND CAKE

Thirty years ago, the People's Republic of China ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Since then, Beijing has frequently invoked UNCLOS to support its maritime claims and legal positions, while advancing interpretations of the Convention that many other states –but not all – reject.  This June the China Institute for Marine Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources marked the 30-year anniversary with an extensive report providing Beijing's interpretation of UNCLOS, including its account of the 2016 arbitral award that found China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea as lacking a legal basis under the Convention.  To examine the PRC's evolving interpretation of UNCLOS and Chinese maritime activities, and how both are being used to advance Chinese interests, I'm joined today by Dr. Peter Dutton. Peter is a Senior Research Scholar in law and senior fellow in the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School. Previously, he held several positions at the U.S. Naval War College, including as director of the China Maritime Studies Institute. He served in the US Navy for more than 40 years in several capacities, including as a Judge Advocate and naval flight officer.   Timestamps:  [00:00] Introduction  [01:45] UNCLOS and China's Approach to International Law   [04:48] Favorable Interpretations of UNCLOS for China  [07:07] Unpacking Wu Shicun's Comments on Future Construction  [10:47] Capitalizing versus Defending Interests  [16:56] Potential Deterrence Options for the US and Allies  [19:14] Renegotiating the Law of the Sea Convention?   [22:45] Updated Arguments to the 2016 Ruling   [25:50] China's Strategy and Relying on Power  [29:03] Indicators and Actions to Watch For   

On Thanksgiving Eve, 1943, off Cape St. George in the Solomon Islands campaign, Captain Arleigh "31-Knot" Burke's Destroyer Squadron 23 ambushed a Japanese resupply convoy in total darkness — sinking the destroyers Onami, Makinami, and Yugiri, killing 647 Japanese sailors and soldiers, without losing a single American life or ship. The U.S. Naval War College would later call it "an almost perfect surface action." This episode traces how eighteen months of costly night-battle failures in the Solomons finally produced a decisive American victory, why this battle ended the Tokyo Express for good, and why Burke's name still sails the seas today aboard the destroyers that bear it.

Knowing is half the battle and fun is the other half! We're recruiting you to listen to this weekly podcast hosted by three lifelong Joe fans.Our mission is to look at every era of GI Joe; from the classic 12” Joes to today's modern Classified Series. From toys to comics to cartoons, the AI Pod is there! Yo Joe!2.27 INTRO Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts - click that “follow” button - and on Instagram at audibleinterludepodcast SHIRTS on TeePublic Needless Things YouTube - Airtight, Overkill, Ambassador of R'Yleh, Legend of the Hidden Force, JoeFest Haul, Classified redoAudible Army FB groupScheduleNext livestream 7/13FOLLOW-UPWhy this week?RANK & FILE CARD - KEEL-HAULADMIRALCode Name: KEEL-HAULFile Name: Colby, Everett P.SN: 672-38-4202Primary Specialty: CommandSecondary Specialty: PilotBirthplace: Charlottesville, VirginiaCommand: U.S.S. FLAGGGraduated Annapolis and Navy Flight school. Flew Phantom F-4's off the Intrepid in late 60's. Attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and the Armed Forces Staff College. Holder of the Navy Cross, DFC and Air Medal. Keel-Haul is a respected military historian, a nationally rated chess player and possibly the world's worst clarinet player."Keel-Haul was always cool. He could set an F-4 down on a carrier deck at night with half his instruments out and walk away whistling. You know what it's like to land on a carrier at night? Try jumping on a moving skate board while blind folded!"LET'S FREAKING GO-RING - JackassAMERICA'S ELITE - Overkill (Kristian)1992 V12003 V2 w/Tunnel Rat2003 V3 w/Shipwreck2003 V4 - BAT Troop Builder set2004 V5 w/General Abernathy2005 V6 w/Duke2005 V7 BAT Attack set2018 V8 - Collector's Club 2026 ClassifiedKNOWING IS HALF THE BABBLESHOW CLOSEMusic is by Chris Lodge of Neon WarlordsFollow us on IG at audibleinterludepodcast

Visit us at Network2020.org.From the Strait of Hormuz to the international monetary system to the semi-conductor supply chain, the world is becoming increasingly aware of how dependence on critical chokepoints is shaping how countries can wield power and leverage. As diplomacy becomes increasingly transactional and technological and energy systems undergo rapid transformation, understanding these visible and invisible chokepoints is essential to any decision maker.Is the weaponization of geography becoming the norm? What strategic gains do states expect from exploiting chokepoints? And which mechanisms can prevent the weaponization of chokepoints by states?Join us for a discussion featuring Edward Fishman, Senior Fellow and Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of “Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare,” Professor Monica Hakimi, the William S. Beinecke Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, and Professor James Holmes, the J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the Naval War College.Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay.

From July 2, 2025: For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviews Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor at the Naval War College and Columbia University, to discuss the Trump administration's handling of the U.S. military. Cohn discusses the firings of senior military officials, military parades, and the U.S. military at the U.S-Mexico border and in Los Angeles. She also assesses which policies are of genuine concern and which are overstated. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year, we ran an essay contest on economic security. We gave entrants two prompts: What are the most important high level KPIs that policy should aim for? What is the analogy of the Fed's '2% inflation and full employment' target for economic security? Where today would you put $10-50bn to get the most for your investment in economic security? Feel free to propose both defensive and offensive ideas, and either a portfolio of ideas or the one large idea you think will deliver the most value. We ended up with a literal four-way tie for first place, with each judge giving a different essay top marks. We heard from Farrell Gregory earlier about how to spend rare earths money, and here, we'll be spotlighting the three others who went into the framework question. Joining us today — ⁠Jahara Matisek⁠, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and fellow at the U.S. Naval War College; ⁠Naveen Krishnan⁠ at the Belfer Center and an intel officer in the Navy Reserve; and ⁠Guy Ward Jackson⁠, senior policy analyst at the Tony Blair Institute in London. No one is speaking for the Air Force, the Navy, Harvard, the Naval War College, the Tony Blair Institute, or the Department of War. I'm speaking for ChinaTalk. Our conversation covers: Why economic security is really an insurance problem — you're paying people to keep factories warm, workers trained, and capacity idle for a war that may never come — and why no democracy likes paying that bill. Why the U.S. can't China-proof its economy alone — the case for a distributed allied industrial base and using allied leverage and counter-coercion as an offensive tool. What $6 billion and four years bought in artillery production, why it still wasn't enough, and how Patriot missile economics expose the danger of having exquisite weapons without industrial depth. Why you can't science your way out of a volume problem — AI, robotics, and frontier R&D are caffeine, but the U.S. is still short on food and water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this year, we ran an essay contest on economic security. We gave entrants two prompts: What are the most important high level KPIs that policy should aim for? What is the analogy of the Fed's '2% inflation and full employment' target for economic security? Where today would you put $10-50bn to get the most for your investment in economic security? Feel free to propose both defensive and offensive ideas, and either a portfolio of ideas or the one large idea you think will deliver the most value. We ended up with a literal four-way tie for first place, with each judge giving a different essay top marks. We heard from Farrell Gregory earlier about how to spend rare earths money, and here, we'll be spotlighting the three others who went into the framework question. Joining us today — ⁠Jahara Matisek⁠, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and fellow at the U.S. Naval War College; ⁠Naveen Krishnan⁠ at the Belfer Center and an intel officer in the Navy Reserve; and ⁠Guy Ward Jackson⁠, senior policy analyst at the Tony Blair Institute in London. No one is speaking for the Air Force, the Navy, Harvard, the Naval War College, the Tony Blair Institute, or the Department of War. I'm speaking for ChinaTalk. Our conversation covers: Why economic security is really an insurance problem — you're paying people to keep factories warm, workers trained, and capacity idle for a war that may never come — and why no democracy likes paying that bill. Why the U.S. can't China-proof its economy alone — the case for a distributed allied industrial base and using allied leverage and counter-coercion as an offensive tool. What $6 billion and four years bought in artillery production, why it still wasn't enough, and how Patriot missile economics expose the danger of having exquisite weapons without industrial depth. Why you can't science your way out of a volume problem — AI, robotics, and frontier R&D are caffeine, but the U.S. is still short on food and water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Admiral Daryl Caudle discusses the future of the Navy and critical warfighting capabilities needed to confront China today. Sean Spicer travels to the Naval War College for an exclusive conversation with Admiral Daryl Caudle. This interview examines the current state of maritime readiness and the strategic adjustments required to maintain superiority in the Pacific theater. If you follow military affairs or defense policy, this discussion provides direct insight into how the Navy warfighting capabilities are evolving to meet modern geopolitical threats. ------------------------------ https://www.seanspicer.com subscribe for an ad free version of this podcast ------------------------------ Chapter - Call (978) 746-2315. It's free and takes under 20 minutes ------------------------------ Beam - ⁠⁠https://www.shopbeam.com/SPICER to receive 40% off your order ------------------------------ https://www.MarketInstitute.org - Check them out today ------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on Thursday, June 4 at 7:00pm ET for a special livestream conversation with historian Nicholas Evan Sarantakes about his acclaimed new book The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War. In February 1945, American and Japanese forces fought one of the most brutal urban battles of World War II: the month-long struggle for Manila. Often overshadowed by Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the Battle of Manila became the third-bloodiest city battle of the war, leaving much of the Philippine capital destroyed and more than 100,000 Filipino civilians dead. Sarantakes' groundbreaking book examines the campaign from American, Japanese, and Filipino perspectives, revealing the chaos of house-to-house fighting, the role of Filipino guerrillas, and the devastating human cost of liberation. Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is a professor at the U.S. Naval War College and an award-winning historian whose work explores the Pacific War, military strategy, and American foreign policy. His new study sheds light on a pivotal but often overlooked campaign that helped determine the final outcome of World War II in the Pacific. #BattleOfManila #WWII #WorldWarII #PacificWar #Philippines #MilitaryHistory #USArmy #DouglasMacArthur #NicholasSarantakes #VeteransBreakfastClub #WW2History #HistoryLivestream #Manila1945 #PacificTheater #WWIIHistory

On this week's episode of the podcast, Samuel Helfont of the Naval War College at the Naval Postgraduate School joins Marc Lynch to discuss his new edited volume, Ba‘thist Iraq through Archives: Reflections, Explorations, and Opportunities (co-edited with Lisa Blaydes). This volume brings together leading scholars to take stock of what we have learned from over a decade of research using the Ba'thist archives, contributing to a new understanding of Iraq's history, with wider implications for understanding authoritarianism in general. They also discuss Helfont's book, The Iraq Wars: A Very Short Introduction.  *Please note that the Samuel Helfont joins the podcast in a personal capacity as an academic and not as a representative for the Navy or the US Government.* Music for this season's podcast was created by Feras Arrabi. You can find more of his work on his website Music and Sound at www.ferasarrabi.com. POMEPS, directed by Marc Lynch, is based at the Institute for Middle East Studies at the George Washington University and is supported by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

How has China transformed into a dominant naval power, and what strategic choices must the U.S. make to protect its interests in the Pacific? Toshi Yoshihara and James Holmes join Ron Granieri to discuss the third edition of Red Star Over the Pacific, which answers those very questions. The authors explain how Beijing synthesizes Western and Eastern strategic ideas to expand its maritime reach. Crucially, the conversation moves beyond simple threat assessments to explore how the United States should respond. Yoshihara and Holmes emphasize that the U.S. must maintain its unrivaled regional alliances, exploit competitive undersea strengths, and enforce strict strategic discipline to counter China's growing naval challenge. China's quest for control in the maritime domain is driven both by a weird combination of both confidence and insecurity. James Holmes, PhD, is the inaugural holder of the J.C. Wiley Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College and previously served on the faculty of the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. A former U.S. Navy surface warfare officer, he also earned a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Toshi Yoshihara, PhD, is a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Previously, he was the inaugural John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies and a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. He holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Photo Credit: Created by Gemini

Ryan Hogan is a Partner & CEO at Talent Harbor, a specialized core leadership search and fractional services firm catering to EOS-powered businesses. Talent Harbor has a unique methodology focusing on the particular needs of EOS-powered companies to provide tailored talent solutions that align with the company culture and growth goals. The Talent Harbor Methodology involves three essential phases: Assess, Search, and Integrate, ensuring a thorough evaluation of organizational dynamics, careful talent screening for cultural fit, and seamless integration processes. Prior to his work at Talent Harbor, Ryan Hogan co-founded Hunt A Killer, a renowned interactive murder mystery experience, recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and the fastest-growing CPG company by Inc Magazine. Ryan's diverse background includes service in the U.S. Navy as both an MH-53E aircrewman and Surface Warfare Officer, as well as founding ventures like WarWear and Run For Your Lives, showcasing strong entrepreneurial skills utilized in his current endeavors. He holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management (Entrepreneurship) from the University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business. Ryan has been associated with various organizations, including being a Host at Confessions of an EOS Implementer, Founder of Creators Combine, Founder of Warwear, Co-Founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer, and more.   Connect with Ryan! https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/ Wilson360 Peer Groups! https://wilson-360.com/peer-groups/

John welcomes back U.S. Naval War College professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols to discuss the Iran war at the eight-week mark—where things stand, what comes next, and whether there's any end in sight. Tom weighs in on Donald Trump's strategic incoherence and tactical flailing; the embarrassing spectacle of Iran jerking J.D. Vance around; Pete Hegseth's holy roller cosplay and ongoing purge of the military's senior ranks; and Tucker Carlson's public apology for his role in Trump's reelection. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

0:30 - The Gormans speak 14:11 - CA Gov race 35:39 - Hasan Piker on NYT's "The Opinions" podcast: pro-piracy, need to get back to committing cool crimes 59:13 - National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative & former Virginia Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, points to four constitutional challenges to Virginia’s redistricting referendum and predicts that it will get tossed out as early as next month 01:16:07 - Clinical Professor of Law at Cornell & founder of LegalInsurrection.com, William Jacobson: I've been covering and calling out the SPLC scam since 2010. Follow Professor Jacobson on X @wajacobson 01:35:29 - MAHA on the Hill 01:52:12 - Former First Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump KT McFarland on the path to victory in Iran: We have all the options we need. KT is also the author of Revolution:Trump,Washington and We the People 02:09:36 - Jason Smith, professor of national security strategy at the National War College and Fleet Seminar Program instructor with the Naval War College on America's Unsettled Grand StrategySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Evan, Nama, and Lauren are joined by Terence Roehrig, a lecturer in the department, to discuss his background as a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and his perspective on the political climate of East and Southeast Asia.

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

The Hoover Institution invites you to a virtual presentation of Wargaming the Pacific: Lessons from the Naval War College's Interwar Games on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 pm PT.  This webinar examines the interwar wargames conducted at the U.S. Naval War College before World War II and their foundational role in shaping U.S. naval doctrine and strategic planning. We explore how these games contributed to America's success in the Pacific Theater, their enduring impact on U.S. military effectiveness, and the remarkable archival materials preserved by the Naval War College.

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/japanese-studies

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-review

Send us Fan MailNikolas Gvosdev, a national security fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and speaking on his own behalf, joins Bill Bartholomew to examine how The Iran War could impact Rhode Island—both in the immediate term and over the long haul.The conversation explores the economic ripple effects of global conflict, including energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and federal spending priorities that could directly influence local economies. Gvosdev highlights how national security decisions made in Washington can cascade down to states like Rhode Island, shaping everything from job markets to infrastructure investment.A key focus is the potential downstream impact on major projects such as the Washington Bridge, where shifts in federal funding and attention could delay or reshape critical repairs and development.The discussion also delves into the psychological dimension—how prolonged geopolitical instability can affect public sentiment, civic life, and the broader sense of security within local communities.In this episode: How global conflict with Iran could affect Rhode Island's economy  The connection between war, federal spending, and infrastructure projects  Why local projects like the Washington Bridge could feel global pressure  The psychological toll of geopolitical instability at the community level Support the show

In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi and Joel talk to Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, about the complexities of the U.S. military actions in Iran, the geopolitical fallout, and the state of American politics amid ongoing conflicts. Nichols brings a sharp, clear-eyed perspective on military strategy, foreign alliances, and domestic political implications. This conversation offers valuable insights into how these military decisions were made, their global consequences, and the internal political ripples they stir.Key moments in this episode:Tom Nichols explains the current state of military operations in Iran and evaluates their strategic effectiveness.He discusses the contradictions in Donald Trump's foreign policy, including our strained alliances and his unpredictable decision-making.Tom and Joel discuss the internal U.S. political landscape, especially the disillusionment settling in among MAGA supporters.Tom explains how decades of U.S. foreign policy regarding the influence of foreign powers, such as China and Russia, in Iran and the Middle East have changed overnight.Resources & Links:Tom Nichols at The AtlanticBooks by Tom Nichols Tom Nichols on BlueskyThe Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction to the Discussion on Iran (01:12) - Operational Success vs. Strategic Goals (06:12) - The Political Fallout and Internal Conflicts (11:14) - The Role of Allies and International Relations (16:10) - Implications for Ukraine and Global Strategy (21:00) - The Future of Iran and Potential Ground Troops (25:33) - The Power Dynamics of Military Strategy (26:14) - Regime Change and Its Implications (28:35) - The Silence of MAGA Supporters (33:00) - The Exhaustion of the MAGA Movement (36:56) - Concerns Over Election Integrity (39:53) - Trump's Approach to Governance and Elections (44:08) - Closing

https://raydeptulaauthor.com Ray Deptula is a native of Wells, Maine, and a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. He spent 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot and a political-military officer. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. A Dog Before a Soldier is the first book Ray has published, having conceived of it while taking a Revolutionary War elective at the Naval War College. A Dog Before a Soldier In A Dog Before a Soldier, the battlefield is only half the story. As gunpowder fills the air and empires clash, Jack Halliday wages his own internal war—against power, identity, and the meaning of freedom. Through him, the chaos of revolution becomes personal, revealing the high cost of both obedience and rebellion in a world desperate to redefine itself. One Man's War, A Nation's Reckoning After 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator and Political-Military Officer serving in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, Ray Deptula has witnessed firsthand how political dysfunction and certain aspects of human nature repeat themselves across eras. His debut historical novel, A Dog Before a Soldier, brings that insight to life through the story of a young man forced into the military and ensuing war out of desperation during the American Revolution.

The first six days of the war with Iran have cost more than $11.3 billion, and 140 US troops have been injured, according to Pentagon officials. Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Russell, Mike and Clarissa to discuss military strategy and the costs of war. Since President Trump's inauguration, border crossings at the US's southern border have slowed. Bri Stensrud from Women of Welcome joins talk about how women are responding to the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Then, CT's Bonnie Kristian stops by to discuss the reordering of the global Anglican church, and how to think about evangelicals' approach to staying in or leaving a church or denomination. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the US Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years, and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School. He has served as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House and the US Senate. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Bri holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children's book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God's Light into the World Around You. Bonnie Kristian is the deputy editor at Christianity Today. She is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. Her writing has been published at outlets including The New York Times, The Week, USA Today, CNN, Politico, and others. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW SCHEDULE2-2-20261719 ROME1.Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal and Husain Haqqani discuss imminent potential US air strikes on Iran, expressing skepticism that air power alone can achieve regime change or lasting results without ground forces or sustained commitment.2.Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani analyze Russia's offer to mediate between the US and Iran, concluding Moscow is not a credible partner and aims to distract Washington while protecting its strategic interests in Tehran.3.Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that Cuban personnel are fleeing Venezuela as oil payments cease, signaling a crisis for Havana following Maduro's detention and the collapse of the socialist alliance that sustained both regimes.4.Alejandro Peña Esclusa explains that while Europeans criticize Maduro's capture, Venezuelans support it, hoping for the release of remaining political prisoners under a new amnesty law restoring democratic governance.5.James Holmes of the Naval War College and Gordon Chang discuss Alfred Thayer Mahan's nineteenth-century view of Hawaii as strategic opportunity, drawing parallels to modern Chinese expansionism and current interest in Greenland.6.James Holmes and Gordon Chang argue Greenland is vital for Arctic defense and mineral access, suggesting the USseeks military bases there to deny access to Russia and China in polar competition.7.Fraser Howie and Gordon Chang assert Xi Jinping's goal of making the renminbi a global reserve currency is impossible without lifting capital controls and accepting trade deficits that Beijing refuses to tolerate.8.Conrad Black criticizes the Prime Minister for labeling Canada a middle power, urging increased defense spending to secure the Northwest Passage and Arctic sovereignty against encroaching rivals.9.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio warn that US-Iran talks ignore the mass killings of protesters, while characterizing Maliki's potential return in Iraq as a hostile act against Western interests and regional stability.10.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio argue Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow airspace use for strikes on Iran is theatrical to avoid Iranian retaliation, noting Riyadh privately remains a dependable US partner.11.David Daoud and Bill Roggio explain Hezbollah is downplaying Gaza ties to avoid dragging Lebanon into war, prioritizing the rehabilitation of its image among the economically weary Shiite population in Lebanon.12.David Daoud and Bill Roggio note Hezbollah is refilling ranks after Israeli strikes, suggesting new leader Naim Qassem's quiet demeanor may help the group lay low and regenerate its capabilities.13.John Hardie and Bill Roggio report Russia is recruiting gamers and specialists for a new military branch, the Unmanned Systems Forces, aiming for 210,000 troops by 2030 to expand drone warfare capabilities.14.John Hardie and Bill Roggio state negotiations are deadlocked as Russia demands territory and a veto on security guarantees, while Putin ultimately seeks domination over Ukraine's geopolitical orientation and sovereignty.15.Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio describe the war as a slow boil, noting Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire is stalling because Hamas refuses to disarm or surrender heavy weapons to Israel.16.Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report a fragile deal where the SDF integrates into the Syrian state to avoid destruction, though tensions remain regarding Turkey and the fate of ISIS prisoners in the northeast.

James Holmes of the Naval War College and Gordon Chang discuss Alfred Thayer Mahan's nineteenth-century view of Hawaii as strategic opportunity, drawing parallels to modern Chinese expansionism and current interest in Greenland.1870 HAWAII, COOK MONUMENT

January 28, 2026 - Join us for a virtual program examining the geopolitical impact of South Korea's development of nuclear submarines. When Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung hosted US President Donald Trump for a State Visit in Gyeongju, South Korea in October of last year, the allies committed to developing the maritime and nuclear relationship. A Fact Sheet published after the summit meeting describes that: "The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines… [and] will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel." Rather than focusing on the engineering processes and logistical challenges of shipbuilding cooperation, which you can learn about here, this discussion explores the strategic and geopolitical consequences of South Korea's emergent nuclear submarine program. Against a backdrop of North Korea's quickly evolving nuclear arsenal as well as revived interest in diplomatic engagement, this program investigates how nuclear submarines impact South Korea's defensive capabilities and strategic posture, its contribution to and coordination with the US-ROK alliance, its regional role, and the balance of power and relations with North Korea. The discussion features Dr. Sang Hyun Lee, Fellow Emeritus of the Sejong Institute, and Dr. James R. Holmes, J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College, and Minkyung Jung, Staff Reporter for The Korea Herald, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Korea Foundation and our individual and corporate members. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/2104-south-koreas-nuclear-submarine-strategy

Colonel Frank Wendling '82 is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and Naval Aviator with a distinguished 29-year career. Commissioned in 1989, he became a CH-53E helicopter pilot in 1992 and served in multiple operational, instructional, and command roles, including deployments with the 26th MEU, combat service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and command of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463. He held senior planning and joint leadership positions across the Pacific and Korea, commanded the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group worldwide, and later served in senior education and training oversight roles. A graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Naval War College, he earned multiple master's degrees and accumulated over 3,675 flight hours. Highly decorated for his service, he retired in 2018, transitioned into private-sector leadership, and now works as a keynote speaker.

This week, President Donald Trump responded to a heckler by using profanity. Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to the Atlantic Daily newsletter, professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School, discusses the recent rise of politicians using profanity when addressing constituents. 

What is the status of expertise in our world? This hour we look at the so called "death of expertise." We talk about the role of experts throughout society. Plus, we learn how to master a skill, and the joy of trying. GUESTS: Tom Nichols: Staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters. He is also a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, and a five-time undefeated Jeopardy champion Alan Dove: Science journalist and co-host of the podcast This Week in Virology Adam Gopnik: Staff writer for The New Yorker. He is the author of The Real Work: On The Mystery of Mastery, among other books Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on May 22, 2025.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode follows Sean Robertson's journey from a junior enlisted soldier in Georgia to a commissioned officer and leader—driven by the Green to Gold program, mentorship, and relentless self-improvement. Sean overcomes barriers including low test scores and a diagnosed heart murmur, leverages mentors and education (University of Hawaii, Columbia, Naval War College), and serves in key assignments from the 173rd Airborne to the NSA and West Point. He shares lessons on leadership, the importance of mentors like Sergeant Snabel, the concept of “camouflage leadership,” and how persistence, humility, and giving back shaped his career. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Fleming, a distinguished military leader and veteran advocate, as we explore his journey from the battlefield to influential roles in business and education. In this episode, Cam and Otis delve into General Fleming's extensive experience in leadership, his dedication to veteran advocacy, and his efforts to bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors."Leadership is about service," General Fleming shares, reflecting on his career spanning over 30 years in the military and his subsequent roles in community relations and veteran support. From founding the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition to his work with the Cohen Veterans Network, General Fleming offers invaluable insights into creating opportunities for veterans and addressing critical issues like veteran suicide.Whether you're a military professional transitioning to civilian life, a business leader seeking to understand veteran perspectives, or someone passionate about community service, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.More About General Fleming:Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Michael “Mike” Fleming is a respected Northeast Florida military and veteran leader with senior experience across the military, business, and higher education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Manager, Community Relations for Cohen Veterans Network. Previously, he held leadership roles with the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Jacksonville University, and Deutsche Bank, where he was a Managing Director and Site Lead in Jacksonville.A career military officer with more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, he retired as a Brigadier General. He holds degrees from Jacksonville State University, the University of North Florida, and the U.S. Naval War College, and completed fellowships at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the U.S. Congress.Gen. Fleming is the founder and chair of multiple veteran-focused coalitions, including the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, and chairs The Fire Watch, a regional initiative to prevent veteran suicide. His honors include the Legion of Merit, the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, and numerous military and civilian leadership awards.#10xyourteam #VeteranLeadership #ServantLeadership #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranAdvocacy #LeadershipWithPurpose #MissionDriven #CommunityLeadership #VeteranSupport #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ImpactThroughServiceChapter Times and Titles:Introduction to General Mike Fleming [00:00 - 10:00]Overview of General Fleming's career and achievementsTransition from military to civilian leadership rolesFounding the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionLeadership Lessons from the Military [10:01 - 20:00]Key leadership principles from military serviceThe importance of adaptability and resilienceInsights from international competitions and fellowshipsVeteran Advocacy and Community Relations [20:01 - 30:00]General Fleming's role in the Cohen Veterans NetworkInitiatives to support veteran employment and mental healthThe impact of public/private partnershipsBridging Military and Civilian Worlds [30:01 - 40:00]Challenges and opportunities in veteran transitionsBuilding relationships with government and business leadersStrategies for effective community engagementCreating Opportunities for Veterans [40:01 - 50:00]Success stories from the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionAddressing veteran suicide through The Fire Watch initiativeFinal thoughts on leadership and serviceClosing Remarks and Resources [50:01 - End]How to connect with General Fleming and his initiativesEncouragement for listeners to get involved in veteran supportFinal reflections on leade

TYPHOONS, KAMIKAZES, AND UNFORGIVING WARFARE Colleague Craig Symonds. Halsey's aggression led to disaster when he twice steered the fleet into typhoons, causing significant loss of life and ships. Despite inquiries recommending Halsey's removal, Nimitz retained him to maintain public morale. The war grew grimmer with the invasion of Iwo Jima, where Marines felt unsupported by naval gunfire, and the emergence of Kamikaze suicide attacks off Okinawa. Nimitz, now based in Guam, observed the terrifying effectiveness of the Kamikazes, which he noted was the only wartime development the Naval War College had failed to anticipate. NUMBER 7 1945 OKINAWA FLAME THROWER DUGOUT

THE ATOMIC BOMB AND POST-WAR LEADERSHIP Colleague Craig Symonds. Nimitz and King believed a naval blockade could force Japan's surrender without a costly invasion, which they feared would result in millions of deaths. Nimitz was informed early about the atomic bomb to ensure it wouldn't interfere with operations. After the war, despite resistance from the aviation community and Secretary Forrestal, Nimitz served a two-year term as Chief of Naval Operations. Spruance, denied a fifth star in favor of Halsey, took the high road by leading the Naval War College, ensuring future officers learned from the Pacific war's lessons. NUMBER 8 1945 OKINAWA TEN YEAR OLD SURRENDERS WITH WHITE FLAG

After a successful career in the U.S. Navy, Wendy Gee now channels her boundless energy into community volunteering, leaving no stone unturned—or unpainted—at the Charleston Fire Department, Friends of the Lewes Public Library Board of Directors, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, University of Arizona, Naval War College, and Old Dominion University, Wendy combines her academic prowess and life experiences into her writing.Residing in Lewes, DE, she is an avid golfer, a diehard Detroit Tigers and Lions fan (even when they're not winning, but so excited when they are), and a pickleball enthusiast who's always ready to serve up some fun. Her work has been shortlisted with Killer Nashville and the Writer's League of Texas. And as a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime, Wendy's passion for the mystery genre is no secret—though she might leave a few clues lying around just for fun. “Fleet Landing” is her first novel. Make sure to connect with Wendy Gee

One of our guests on Episode 3 of Midrats was Bryan McGrath, CDR, USN (Ret.). Over the years he's returned often, and has even graced us with the pleasure of a few guest posts here.As he's let people know for years, he was going to retire for good at 60. True to his word, he hung it up a few weeks ago.Earlier this year before he got too focused on his figs and vines, I asked Bryan to come on for a broad-ranging conversation.What a great hour.A retired Naval Officer, Bryan spent 21 years on active duty including a tour in command of USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), a guided-missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. In command, he received the “Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Inspirational Leadership” from the Surface Navy Association and his ship earned the USS ARIZONA Memorial Trophy signifying its selection as the Fleet's most combat-ready warship. His final duties ashore included serving as Team Lead and Primary Author of the US Navy's 2007 Maritime Strategy “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower”.Bryan was formerly the Deputy Director of the Hudson Institute Center for American Seapower. In this capacity, he helped develop the Surface Navy's “Distributed Lethality” concept and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments' 2017 Navy Alternate Fleet Architecture Study.Bryan earned a BA in History from the University of Virginia in 1987, and an MA in Political Science (Congressional Studies) from The Catholic University of America. He is a graduate of the Naval War College.He retired again in November 2025 after 13 years in defense consulting.Show LinksThe End of the Road, Bryan McGrathIn Praise of the Military-Industrial Complex, Bryan McGrathSummaryIn this episode of Midrats, hosts Sal and Mark welcome back Bryan McGrath to discuss his reflections on retirement, the changes in the naval environment over the years, and the importance of relationships in naval policy. They delve into the challenges facing shipbuilding and naval strategy, the need for diverse naval capabilities, and the influence of Congress on naval development. The conversation also touches on personnel and leadership in the Navy, learning from past naval conflicts, and the impact of historical events on naval leadership. Bryan shares insights on future directions for naval operations, praises recent naval performance, and emphasizes the role of technology in naval warfare. The episode concludes with a discussion on collaboration between industry and military and Bryan's final thoughts on future advocacy in the naval sphere.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Guest Background04:46: Reflections on Retirement and Career Path07:35: Changes in Naval Environment Over the Years11:17: The Importance of Relationships in Naval Policy14:47: Challenges in Shipbuilding and Naval Strategy18:03: The Need for Diverse Naval Capabilities21:25: Congressional Influence on Naval Development24:40: Personnel and Leadership in the Navy28:14: Learning from Past Naval Conflicts32:45: The Impact of Historical Events on Naval Leadership36:08: Future Directions for Naval Operations39:00: Praise for Naval Performance in Recent Operations43:23: The Role of Technology in Naval Warfare46:57: Collaboration Between Industry and Military50:48: Final Thoughts and Future Advocacy

Members of the foreign policy world have talked a lot about great-power competition over the last decade. But no one can entirely agree on the contours of today's competition. Whether it's a battle of autocracies and democracies. Or revisionists and status quo powers. Or whether, as the realists would argue, it's just states doing what states do.  S. C. M. Paine, a longtime professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College, sees something else going on. To her, the great-power competition we talk about today is just the latest example of the centuries-old tension between maritime and continental powers. For maritime powers—such as, for most of its history, the United States—money and trade serve as the basis of influence. And that leads them to promote rules and order. Continental powers—such as Russia most clearly and China in most but not all ways—focus their security objectives on territory, which they seek to defend, and control, and expand. From this divide rises two very different visions of global order. It also, Paine argues in a new essay in Foreign Affairs, explains the basic drivers of today's great-power competition. But as she looks at more recent developments, Paine lays out an additional concern. The United States has long been an exemplar of maritime power. But it is starting to behave in ways that suggest a shift away from the maritime strategies that have served it so well. Paine's focus on the contest between land and sea makes clear the stakes of that shift. You can find sources, transcripts, and more episodes of The Foreign Affairs Interview at https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/foreign-affairs-interview. 

From November 6, 2024: For today's special episode, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson held a series of conversations with contributors to a special series of articles on “The Dangers of Deploying the Military on U.S. Soil” that Lawfare recently published on its website, in coordination with our friends at Protect Democracy.Participants include: Alex Tausanovitch, Policy Advocate at Protect Democracy; Laura Dickinson, a Professor at George Washington University Law School; Joseph Nunn, Counsel in the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center; Chris Mirasola, an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston Law Center; Mark Nevitt, a Professor at Emory University School of Law; Elaine McCusker, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Lindsay P. Cohn, a Professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. Together, they discussed how and why domestic deployments are being used, the complex set of legal authorities allowing presidents and governors to do so, and what the consequences might be, both for U.S. national security and for U.S. civil-military relations more generally.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Tom Nichols—staff writer at the Atlantic, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, and all-around nuclear arms expert—to discuss Kathryn Bigelow's new nuclear war film A House of Dynamite. On this episode, we discuss how his students reacted to previous nuclear panic films like The Day After and Threads, what the new film from Bigelow and writer Noah Oppenheim gets right about the current state of our nuclear preparedness, and what keeps Tom up at night about the current White House's nuclear posture.  You can read Tom's pieces on A House of Dynamite here and here, and he has another up about what the Trump White House doesn't understand about nuclear weapons here. You can read my review of the film here. And if you have thoughts, please sound off in the comments or share this episode with a friend!

7. Kamikazes, Typhoons, and the Unstoppable Halsey AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Admiral Halsey recklessly navigated his fleet through two major typhoons (December 1944 and June 1945), causing severe losses including three ships sunk and 800 lives lost in the first storm. Despite recommendations for dismissal, Nimitz refused to fire Halsey, using calculated risk that removing the popular, iconic commander would negatively impact American morale. Nimitz moved his headquarters to Guam to be closer to the fighting. At Iwo Jima, Marine commanders argued the Navy provided inadequate preparatory gunfire, though the Japanese tactic of fighting to the death was the primary cause of casualties. During the Okinawa campaign, the Japanese introduced the terrifying Kamikaze tactic—the one element Nimitz noted the Naval War College had not anticipated. The Kamikazes inflicted horrific losses, but ultimately failed to force negotiations. 8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

2. Calculated Risk and Critical Intelligence: Setting the Stage for Midway AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Nimitz was urged by King to "Attack, attack, attack," despite inadequate resources. Nimitz applied his concept of calculated risk, developed at the Naval War College, assessing the benefit to be derived against the risk assumed. Nimitz viewed the Doolittle Raid as a "public relations stunt," but chose not to fight the scheme, even though it used 50% of his offensive carrier capability. Crucial to Nimitz's success was intelligence derived from Japanese radio traffic by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's cryptanalysis group, relayed by Eddie Layton. Nimitz deployed forces for the Battle of the Coral Sea (the first battle where ships never sighted each other). For Midway, Nimitz replaced the ill Admiral Halsey with the quiet, non-aviator Raymond Spruance. Nimitz later temporarily relieved aviator Marc Mitscher for disguising a misstep in an after-action report.

For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviews Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor at the Naval War College and Columbia University, to discuss the Trump administration's handling of the U.S. military. Cohn discusses the firings of senior military officials, military parades, and the use of the U.S. military at the U.S-Mexico border and in Los Angeles. She also assesses which policies are of genuine concern and which are overstated. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.