Podcasts about urban warfare studies

A missile strike by Houthi terrorist hit Israeli soil near Tel Aviv's largest airport on Sunday, surprisingly evading air defense systems causing multiple international flights. In the wake of the missile attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation in Gaza will be expanded. The Prime Minister has ordered that Israeli reservists be called up and the population of Gaza be displaced to the south while they continue their goal to root out the Hamas terror group. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, Chairman of Urban Warfare Studies and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', who says this is a direct change of Israeli plans for post war Gaza. Click Here⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A missile strike by Houthi terrorist hit Israeli soil near Tel Aviv's largest airport on Sunday, surprisingly evading air defense systems causing multiple international flights. In the wake of the missile attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation in Gaza will be expanded. The Prime Minister has ordered that Israeli reservists be called up and the population of Gaza be displaced to the south while they continue their goal to root out the Hamas terror group. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, Chairman of Urban Warfare Studies and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', who says this is a direct change of Israeli plans for post war Gaza. Click Here⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A missile strike by Houthi terrorist hit Israeli soil near Tel Aviv's largest airport on Sunday, surprisingly evading air defense systems causing multiple international flights. In the wake of the missile attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation in Gaza will be expanded. The Prime Minister has ordered that Israeli reservists be called up and the population of Gaza be displaced to the south while they continue their goal to root out the Hamas terror group. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, Chairman of Urban Warfare Studies and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', who says this is a direct change of Israeli plans for post war Gaza. Click Here⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed speak with Colonel John Spencer—Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point and a globally recognized expert on modern combat—to unpack the complexities of Israel's war against Hamas. Colonel Spencer offers a clear-eyed analysis of urban warfare, the ethical challenges faced by democratic militaries, and the rigorous standards of international law. Together, they address the widespread misinformation fueling anti-Israel sentiment and explain why much of the global criticism ignores the realities of combat and the legal obligations Israel upholds on the battlefield.

John Spencer is the Chief of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point's Modern Warfare Institute, and the Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. Spencer also has over 25 years of active military service as an infantry soldier, achieving the rank of Major.  He sat down with Nadav Tikochinsky, Pinsker Centre Policy Fellow, to reflect on his own experience in combat, how non-state actors are changing urban warfare, and how he sees the rules of war being misunderstood and manipulated. 

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Philip Moskowitz and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Colonel John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point.In this compelling conversation, John Spencer provides profound insights into the complexities of urban warfare, sharing his expertise and experiences from the battlefield. The discussion delves into the themes of moral clarity in warfare, the challenges faced by Israel in its ongoing conflicts, and the broader implications for Western military strategies.Plus: all about Rabbi Broide's move to Israel.All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Send us a textDive into an in‑depth conversation with John Spencer as he delivers an inside look at Israel's government communication strategy and its evolving approach to urban warfare. In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, John—chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point and a renowned military analyst—breaks down the shifting battlefield dynamics, the double standards of international law, and the challenging questions about hostages, ceasefires, and the future of Gaza.Key Topics Discussed: • How Hamas' tactics and the “moral trap” shape modern urban warfare • The political stakes and international pressures influencing Israel's strategy • The role of advanced IDF tactics—including tanks, drones, and infantry innovations—in fighting an enemy entrenched in tunnels • The hostage crisis, failed ceasefire negotiations, and the dilemma of international aid • Lessons from historical battles and how they inform today's conflictIf you're looking to understand the complex interplay between military strategy, international law, and government messaging during wartime, this episode is a must‑listen.0:00 - Introduction: The War Israel Must Win5:06 - Hamas's Strategy: Sacrificing Civilians for Victory14:05 - The Double Standard: Why Israel Can't Win By Playing By the Rules27:51 - Occupation or Anarchy: Israel's Impossible Choice34:38 - Israel's Approach to Fighting in Unimaginable TerrainCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarInside GenevaInside Geneva is a podcast about global politics, humanitarian issues, & international aidListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-a-nation

This episode of the podcast features my conversation with none other than John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, in front of a live Atlanta audience. Our organization recently hosted a series of MirYam Institute campus presentations featuring John as the keynote speaker. That campus tour included lectures at Columbia Law School, The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts. John's initial comments were followed by audience questions from the pro., the anti and the undecided elements of the graduate student community.  That lecture series culminated with a presentation to the Atlanta Jewish community and it's that conversation that I'm pleased to share with you here. So with that, enjoy!Don't forget that you can catch nearly all of this audio content in video format on The MirYam Institute's YouTube channel, so if you'd like to ensure that you never miss any of our programming, go ahead and subscribe to that channel as well via the link below. https://www.youtube.com/@TheMirYamInstituteSupport the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

The character of war is constantly evolving. Those changes are happening not just on land, at sea, and in air – but also in the subterranean realm. The combatant that best understands these ongoing changes and adapts the most effectively is more likely to be successful in future wars.Few modern militaries know subterranean warfare better than Israel. That's because terrorist groups such has Hamas and Hezbollah have for years attempted to use tunnels to infiltrate Israel and conduct attacks there. Following the October 7 terror attack on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah used tunnels in Gaza and Lebanon, respectively, to protect terrorist forces and their arsenals from counterattack, imprison hostages, extend the conflicts, and further political warfare strategies. In response, Israel has developed world-class technologies, capabilities, and tactics to detect and destroy tunnels.What is the nature of subterranean warfare, how was it used in Gaza and Lebanon, and was this an anomaly peculiar to those wars and places or rather a sign of things to come elsewhere? What lessons should be learned, and how should Israel, the United States, and its allies respond?To discuss these questions and more, FDD hosts MAJ (Ret.) John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Daphné Richemond-Barak, Assistant Professor in the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy at Reichman University in Israel, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Senior Fellow at FDD. The conversation is moderated by Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power with introductory remarks by FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/01/13/tunnel-vision-us-israel-cooperation-and-thefuture-of-underground-warfare/

John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to explore the historical evolution of urban combat and analyze modern strategies for conquering and defending cities. John discusses how urban warfare is playing out in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine. And he envisions the most likely scenarios for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, along with potential U.S.-Mexico counterinsurgency efforts against the cartels. •    The evolution of urban warfare •    Regime change and chaos in Syria •    Why willpower often trumps raw numbers •    Hezbollah's decimation and its implications •    Israeli airstrikes in post-Assad Syria •    “The way you take a city is psychologically.” •    Russia's miscalculation in Kiev and Ukraine's resistance •    How Gaza's conflict was unlike any other •    Why banning missiles could result in more civilian casualties •    Debunking the “Zero Dark Thirty” Fallacy •    “Is that Batman??” •    Why the pager operation wouldn't have worked in Gaza •    More common misconceptions: The Abacus, Vampire, and Peace Table Fallacies •    Taiwan's defenses and civilian preparation for invasion •    U.S.-Mexico counterinsurgency strategies to combat cartels John Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum, a New York based think-tank. He is a founding member of the International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare. He is the author of three books: Understanding Urban Warfare, (Howgate Publishing, 2022), Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War (Potomac Books, 2022; Winner of the 2023 Gold Medal Award, Best Military History Memoir, Military Writers Society of America), The Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender (John Spencer, 2022). Follow him on X at @SpencerGuard.

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John Spencer, chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, co-director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast, discusses Israel's ongoing war against Hamas, including the unique challenges presented by the extensive tunnel network in Gaza and its unprecedented and misunderstood efforts to minimize civilian harm.The Hub Dialogues features The Hub's editor-at-large, Sean Speer, in conversation with leading entrepreneurs, policymakers, scholars, and thinkers on the issues and challenges that will shape Canada's future at home and abroad.If you like what you are hearing on Hub Dialogues consider subscribing to The Hub's free weekly email newsletter featuring our insights and analysis on key public policy issues. Sign up here: https://thehub.ca/join/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Following the brutal Hamas 'October 7th' attack that killed more than twelve hundred Israelis, Israel has vowed to rid Gaza of the terrorist group's control. But to ensure another 'October 7th' event won't happen again, a post-war plan for Gaza needs to be put in place for both reconstruction and new governance. What could that that plan look like? Meanwhile, in a daring rescue mission, Israeli commandos rescued a 52-year-old Bedouin man from Hamas captivity. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, who says the key to the future of Gaza is making sure Hamas has no control over the Palestinian people. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the brutal Hamas 'October 7th' attack that killed more than twelve hundred Israelis, Israel has vowed to rid Gaza of the terrorist group's control. But to ensure another 'October 7th' event won't happen again, a post-war plan for Gaza needs to be put in place for both reconstruction and new governance. What could that that plan look like? Meanwhile, in a daring rescue mission, Israeli commandos rescued a 52-year-old Bedouin man from Hamas captivity. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, who says the key to the future of Gaza is making sure Hamas has no control over the Palestinian people. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the brutal Hamas 'October 7th' attack that killed more than twelve hundred Israelis, Israel has vowed to rid Gaza of the terrorist group's control. But to ensure another 'October 7th' event won't happen again, a post-war plan for Gaza needs to be put in place for both reconstruction and new governance. What could that that plan look like? Meanwhile, in a daring rescue mission, Israeli commandos rescued a 52-year-old Bedouin man from Hamas captivity. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, who says the key to the future of Gaza is making sure Hamas has no control over the Palestinian people. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#GAZA: Urban warfare Italy 1943-44:  Gaza 2023-24. 2:15 PM - John Spencer is a retired United States Army officer, researcher of urban warfare, and author. He currently serves as the chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute, co-director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, at West Point. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/israel-winning 1910 Jerusalem

This is The Zone of Disruption! This is the I AM RAPAPORT: STEREO PODCAST! His name is Michael Rapaport aka The Gringo Mandingo aka  The Charles Oakley of The Jews, The Monster of Mucous aka Captain Colitis aka The Disruptive Warrior aka Mr. NY aka The Inflamed Ashkenazi aka The Smiling Sultan of Sniff aka The Flat Footed Phenom aka Mitzvah Mike is here from New York to discuss: Being in Khan Yunis, 400 Miles of Tunnels & the information IDF had, finding & recovering hostage bodies from Gaza, casualty numbers being reported, misinformation & differences in Urban Warfare, where is Sinwar?, Hamas using human shields, what does winning the war look like for both sides?, Iran, why must Israel exist? & a whole lotta mo'. This episode is not to be missed! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Send questions & concerns to: iamrapaportpodcast@gmail.com Subscribe to Rapaport's Reality Feeds:  iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/867-rapaports-reality-with-keb-171162927/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaport/id1744160673 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3a9ArixCtWRhfpfo1Tz7MR Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaport/PC:1001087456 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a776919e-ad8c-4b4b-90c6-f28e41fe1d40/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaport Stand Up Comedy Tickets on sale at: MichaelRapaportComedy.com If you are interested in NCAA, MLB, NBA, NFL & UFC Picks/Parlays Follow @TheCaptainPicks on Instagram & subscribe to packages at www.CaptainPicks.com www.dbpodcasts.com   Produced by DBPodcasts.com Follow @dbpodcasts, @iamrapaport, @michaelrapaport on TikTok, Twitter & Instagram Music by Jansport J (Follow @JansportJ) www.JansportJMusic.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of my conversation with John Spencer, I ask him whether he believes that the global criticism against the actions of the IDF is the result of an anti-Israel, anti-Semitic bias and he compares and contrasts the strategic implications of Israel's casualty-averse approach to warfare vs. Hamas's readiness to sacrifice Gazan civilians in pursuit of their terror agenda. I also ask him how confident he would be if one of his children was drafted to the IDF in the post October 7th era and John marvels at the ingenuity and adaptability of Israel's campaign inside the Gaza Strip.We finish with me challenging his description of himself as the Forrest Gump of the U.S. military! Enjoy and remember to subscribe to the show.To learn more about I-SAP and to invest in the I-SAP tour, click on the link below.https://www.miryaminstitute.org/isapSupport the Show.The MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

This episode features my in-person conversation with John Spencer, the Chair Of Urban Warfare Studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point.Recorded on July 28th, 2024, this in-person discussion was recorded just a few days after John's work was referenced by Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, as the Israel premier pressed the case for Israel in the most important legislative body in the world. In this segment, I ask John to reflect on the fact that his scholarship is regularly referenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in order to debunk media falsehoods against Israel's prosecution of the war inside Gaza against Hamas and his feelings about his work being one of the only sources Israelis can echo and invoke at this time. Given that his department is at West Point, I ask him for his thoughts on the importance of the annual Israel Strategy and Policy Tour (I-SAP) that The MirYam Institute arranges for cadets and future officers enrolled at the academy and I also ask John whether he agrees with my belief that a military victory against Hamas is achievable. He also tells me why he believes himself to be a real-life Forrest Gump and asserts that events beyond his control have consistently placed him in the right place at the right moment. Enjoy and remember to subscribe to the show!To learn more about I-SAP and to invest in the I-SAP tour, click on the link below. https://www.miryaminstitute.org/isapSupport the Show.The MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

John W. Spencer is a retired United States Army officer, researcher of urban warfare, and author. He currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point. John also hosts the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, at West Point. His research, spanning over a decade, focuses on military operations in dense urban areas, megacities, urban and subterranean warfare and includes cutting-edge field research into ongoing or recently concluded wars and battles from Nagorno-Karabakh, Ukraine, Israel, to Gaza. Connect with John Spencer https://www.johnspenceronline.com/ https://x.com/SpencerGuard https://www.instagram.com/spencerguard/ https://www.johnspenceronline.com/podcasts John Spencer interview with Jordan Peterson: https://youtu.be/a4nbPsPia_g?si=SKz6lISnUtHql-Ek *** Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cryforzion #podcast #breakingnews #israel #specialforces #usforeignaid #usa #doronkeidar #thedoronkeidarpodcast #Israel #HamasISIS #israelatwar #BringThemHomeNOW #JohnSpencer #WestPoint #urbanwarfare

Why war isn't as simple as two armies fighting, the obsession with "2,000 pound bombs", Hamas's non-battlefield strategy (which the media helps it achieve) and so much more with John Spencer.No one understands the intricacies of modern warfare like John Spencer. As a retired US Army Major and chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, not only has he studied war for years, he also put his boots on the ground as a soldier and researcher (including several visits to Gaza over the last year). So of course, we asked him the important questions - are we all going to die? Is he single? And why is he so obsessed with concrete?The After Action Review:How did he learn about Israel?Global world orderRemember when Iran attacked Israel?? What was up with that.There are worse things than warA Just War? Yes (here's what the author of the Just War theory, Michael Walzer, had to say last year)Drones! Here is Yael's thread about battlefield innovation)Wait what is going on in Ukraine again?Dead chinese military generals that don't existAppeasement never worksSpeaking up for Ukraine vs speaking up for IsraelThe dangerously dumbJohn is a normal person — what do normal people think?The myth of the 2,000 pound bombWar has never been two militaries just trying to defeat each other - there are politicians and populations involved.Hamas's goal is not to win on the battlefieldHow the US lost a battle of Fallujah because of media pressureOh guess what Hamas is stealing (and bombing) humanitarian aid.Start digging!Sorry ladies, his heart belongs to concrete…Everyone should have a friend in the militaryFollow John on X/TwitterIsrael Has Created a New Standard for Urban Warfare. Why Will No One Admit It? - Newsweek, March 2024. Joing the AAJ conversation on Susbtack! askajew.substack.comEmail us your questions askajewpod@gmail.com ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Want to help us grow? Rate and review us 5 stars on Apple podcasts and Spotify ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The facts are as undeniable as they are unreported by the news media: that Israel has done more to protect civilians in war, particularly in an urban warfare setting, than any other military in the history of warfare. Despite a widespread and well-funded disinformation campaign, from actors ranging from South Africa to the Islamic Republic of Iran to professional protesters, Israel is not only definitively not guilty of the crimes it is accused of, but it has taken extraordinary steps to protect civilians in Gaza, going far beyond what is required by international law. Israel has paid for this care dearly, losing more than 270 soldiers fighting Hamas terrorists in close combat, rather than - doing as virtually any other country would do - minimizing risk to soldiers and simply using overwhelming aerial firepower. To help us understand Israel's extensive protections of civilians in Gaza, we are joined by John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, and one of the world's top experts in urban warfare. Welcome to The Honest Report podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thehonestreport/message

Share this episode: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/366-urban-warfare-2-0 Sam Harris speaks with John Spencer about the reality of urban warfare and Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza. They discuss the nature of the Hamas attacks on October 7th, what was most surprising about the Hamas videos, the difficulty in distinguishing Hamas from the rest of the population, combatants as a reflection of a society's values, how many people have been killed in Gaza, the proportion of combatants and noncombatants, the double standards to which the IDF is held, the worst criticism that can be made of Israel and the IDF, intentions vs results, what is unique about the war in Gaza, Hamas's use of human shields, what it would mean to defeat Hamas, what the IDF has accomplished so far, the destruction of the Gaza tunnel system, the details of underground warfare, the rescue of hostages, how noncombatants become combatants, how difficult it is to interpret videos of combat, what victory would look like, the likely aftermath of the war, war with Hezbollah, Iran's attack on Israel, what to do about Iran, and other topics. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, and combat veteran. He currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He is also a founding member of the International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare. John served 25 years in the U.S. Army, having held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. He was an active duty Army officer during two combat tours in Iraq. His research focuses on military operations in dense urban areas, megacities, and urban and subterranean warfare. Spencer holds a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University, and his writings have appeared in the Time magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other publications. He is considered one of the world’s leading experts on urban warfare and has served as an advisor to everyone from top four-star generals to world leaders. He is the coauthor of Understanding Urban Warfare. Website: www.johnspenceronline.com Twitter: @SpencerGuard Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

In this episode of TAG Talks, The Adjutant General of the Army, Brig. Gen. Gregory Johnson ("TAG 63") had a conversation with Mr. John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies for the Modern War Institute at West Point. This episode delves into Mr. Spencer's book, "Connected Soldiers" and how Soldiers and their connections on the Battlefield continue to change.

This episode, which should be seen as a spin-off of the last, discusses the patterns of mistakes made in the coverage of Israel's war in Gaza, and examines the consequences of those mistakes. Views my own. As mentioned in the episode, linked here is a piece by Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point John Spencer: https://www.newsweek.com/israel-has-created-new-standard-urban-warfare-why-will-no-one-admit-it-opinion-1883286 And here is The Atlantic piece by a former AP journalist describing the complex relationship between the press and NGOs in the Israel-Palestine conflict: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/11/how-the-media-makes-the-israel-story/383262/

Israel is facing growing criticisms from allies, including President Biden, of not doing enough to protect Gaza's civilians from harm as they conduct military operations against Hamas. The criticisms have increased following an Israeli drone strike that killed seven aid workers, a mistake the IDF quickly admitted to and apologized for. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the offensive into Rafah 'will happen and there is a date' for the operation. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum, who says Israeli Defense Forces are doing better job keeping innocent civilians safe than the world thinks. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel is facing growing criticisms from allies, including President Biden, of not doing enough to protect Gaza's civilians from harm as they conduct military operations against Hamas. The criticisms have increased following an Israeli drone strike that killed seven aid workers, a mistake the IDF quickly admitted to and apologized for. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the offensive into Rafah 'will happen and there is a date' for the operation. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum, who says Israeli Defense Forces are doing better job keeping innocent civilians safe than the world thinks. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel is facing growing criticisms from allies, including President Biden, of not doing enough to protect Gaza's civilians from harm as they conduct military operations against Hamas. The criticisms have increased following an Israeli drone strike that killed seven aid workers, a mistake the IDF quickly admitted to and apologized for. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the offensive into Rafah 'will happen and there is a date' for the operation. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum, who says Israeli Defense Forces are doing better job keeping innocent civilians safe than the world thinks. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode the team discusses urban warfare with Professor John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern Warfare Center. If you liked Professor Spencer's points and want to learn more about Urban Warfare check out his podcast or book below, along with some other books he suggests. John Spencer's Podcast: Urban Warfare Project Podcast https://mwi.westpoint.edu/category/podcasts/urban-warfare-project-podcasts/ Book Recommendations: Understanding Urban Warfare: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63133593-understanding-urban-warfare Block by Block: The Challenges of Urban Operations https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14611374-block-by-block Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83814899-conflict

Caroline Glick speaks with the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute John Spencer about, in his analysis, the wrongful comparisons between the Israel/Gaza war and other urban warfare conflicts. Spencer first made waves when he posited in several Newsweek articles that the civilian casualty number is quite low, that Israel was in full compliance with international law and that any comparison to urban warfare in Afghanistan and Iraq is entirely incorrect.Spencer breaks down his arguments and explains that despite what the international community thinks Israel is winning the war "spectacularly".Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-caroline-glick-show--5545596/support.

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, to discuss Hamas's tunnel networks in Gaza.Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point. If he is not the world's leading authority on Urban Warfare....he is on the short list. John has been writing extensively about the Israeli Defense Force's operation in Gaza in response to Oct. 7th as it is a never-before-seen urban combat mission against an entrenched enemy with 400 miles of tunnels, ensconced within the civilian infrastructure of roughly 8 cities. John explains to us why the IDF's accomplishments over the last 10 weeks out-strip anything he ever envisioned possible in urban warfare. We also get into international law, the morals/ethics of combat, hostage rescue, and John's experiences as an urban combat veteran in Iraq. Truly an incredible discussion that I think you'll learn a lot from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Throughout the last couple of years, we've stayed on top of all the domestic and international security threats facing us all from Putin to Hamas to domestic extremists. And our guest in this episode is going to take us through all of it with a very unique, powerful and authentic perspective. He's an expert on urban combat, which is going to dominate the combat landscape for the next generation and maybe more. It's what we've seen in Iraq. It's what we've seen in Syria. It's what we've seen in Ukraine. It's what we're seeing in Gaza.  He's been there and done that. He started out in the Army as a Private and went all the way up through the ranks from Ranger instructor to Platoon Leader in Iraq and multiple tours to teaching at West Point. He's chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. He's the author of Understanding Urban Warfare. He's a host of his own podcast, becoming much more regular in the media and is extremely prolific on social media, including a breakout moment when the invasion of Ukraine began. He's also a humble, thoughtful, experienced father of three kids who came back from Ukraine just two weeks ago. He's a leader meeting the moment who will help us understand what's happening now and what could happen next. From the battlefields of Ukraine to the streets of Gaza to the tree lighting ceremony here in New York City at Rockefeller Center. The threats are everywhere. We're going to break it down with authenticity, without the spin and with real facts and experience. It's the kind of conversation you can't have on cable news, but you can have on a podcast. Here it is, Paul Rieckhoff's (@PaulRieckhoff) high impact conversation with one of the world's leading authorities on urban warfare, Major John Spencer. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  -Watch Paul and John's conversion on YouTube. - Check out https://www.johnspenceronline.com/ for more on John and his work. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America's next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day 571. Today, we bring you updates from the battlefront, discuss the state of Ukrainian football in the full scale invasion. Plus Dom Nicholls interviews friend of the podcast John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare studies at the Modern War Institute, about hope in war. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on Twitter.With thanks to:Romann Tymotsko @KarpatyLvivFC on TwitterAndrew Todos from Zorya Londonsk, Ukrainian football expert. @zoryalondonsk on Twitter.Jez Myers @jezmyers on Twitter.John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. @SpencerGuard on Twitter.Find out more: Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Week on Ukraine 2 4 2: Urban Warfare and other Battle Knowledge – US Major John SpencerTRT: 29 minutesUS Major John Spencer is considered the world's leading expert on urban warfare. In February 2022, he wrote The Mini-Manuel for The Urban Defender, a guidebook for everyday people to defend their territory against military aggressors. The manual was posted online by the Ukrainian military and went viral, enabling Ukrainians to help their military to defeat the February 24 attack by Russia on Kyiv and other major cities.Spencer discusses the concepts in his booklet and answers many questions about the war in Ukraine from the point of view of a military expert. He discusses why Russians bomb civilian targets, the purpose of F-16 planes that have just been granted to Ukraine, NATO, threats to Poland, nuclear weapons, the current character of this war and how warfare has changed, and more. He speculates about possible outcomes for Ukraine and Russia. Above all, he reminds us that war is ultimately a matter of politics, not weaponry.  Major John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics to four-star generals and other senior leaders in the U.S. He currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with an assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training.Music: Hey Hey Rise Up by Pink Floyd featuring Andriy Khlyvnyuk of BoomboxUkraine 2 4 2 features interviews with experts, key people on the ground in Ukraine and many others affected, who can give direct and personal accounts of the unfolding of the war in Ukraine, how people of diverse backgrounds and professional skills rally in the fight for freedom and the historical context of Russia's invasion.  

Day 512.Today, we bring you updates from the battlefront, analyse the reported arrest of Igor Girkin in Russia, and speak to friend of the podcast John Spencer - Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute - about his recent research trip to Ukraine. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on Twitter. John Spencer (Chair of Urban Warfare Studies). @SpencerGuard on Twitter. Maria Romanenko (Ukrainian journalist). @rommari on Twitter. Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D) Pennsylvania, Maj. John Spencer (Ret.), Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Madison Policy Forum, Imara Jones, Founder, TransLash Media, Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D) U.S.V.I., Noga Tarnopolsky, Independent Journalist, Nancy Northup, President & CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights, and Rep. Adam Schiff (D) California.

John Spencer is considered one of the leading experts in military operations in an urban context. As winter sets in with a vengeance life is becoming harder in Ukrainian cities and the supply of power and heat become unreliable from Russian missile strikes. Russia's campaign to cripple Ukraine's power infrastructure could therefore trigger a new wave of emigration to Europe, and there is still the threat of a new offensive against Kyiv. As Russia's position on the battlefield becomes more precarious, Putin may resort to terroristic threats, against nuclear facilities, or other irresponsible actions. Ukraine is on a path to victory, but how long will it take, and what will be the eventual cost? John Spencer is chair of Urban Warfare Studies at Modern War Institute at West Point, Major, US Army (ret). He is an award-winning College Assistant Professor and a widely published author in the many of the world's top news sources. John Spencer is considered one of the leading experts in military operations in an urban context. He is currently serving as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as Director of Urban Warfare Training.

On November 9, 1989, the Cold War began to thaw with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  Then on February 24, 2022, Russia once again invaded Ukraine. Assuming things would go the same way it did in February and March 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea from Ukraine. But it didn't go that way. Many worry about the implications of that war and whether we should just butt out. Is this war different than what we've seen before? If so, why?  According to our guest, a good part of the answer is "Urban Warfare" and "meaning." He believes that Urban Warfare can teach us much about modern leadership.  John Spencer is considered by many to be the world's leading expert on urban warfare. He is also a radical thought leader, experienced war veteran, team builder, and creative mind. John is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military-related topics. He currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. John recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He is the author of several books, Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War and Understanding Urban Warfare. The second was written for Ukraine civilians. That book went viral and has helped hundreds of thousands of civilians defeat the world's second-biggest military. Website https://www.johnspenceronline.com Social Media https://www.facebook.com/JohnSpencerOnline https://twitter.com/SpencerGuard https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwspencer2018 https://www.instagram.com/spencerguard Part 2) Soulless Orcs vs. Soulful Warriors Who Will Win and Why Fact Not Opinions of What's Really Happening Exposing The Truth about The Butchers of Bucha Excuse Me, China, Can You Lend Us Some Supplies Taking Out 80% of The Attack Weapons The Impact of Russian and Ukrainian Conscription Soulless Orcs Vs Soulful Warriors Why Leadership is Urban Warfare What Truly Defines Winning and Losing Why Ukraine Already Won the War Back in April 2022 Curious to discover how tapping into the Anatomy of Meaning can #actualize your #business, #culture, #Leadership and #tribe DovBaron.com  "Those Who Control Meaning for The Tribe, Also Control The Movement of That Tribe" #videopodcast #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #emotionsourcecode #neuroscience #emotional #meaning #emotional #logic #culture #curiosity #humanbehavior #purpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 9, 1989, the Cold War began to thaw with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  Then on February 24, 2022, Russia once again invaded Ukraine. Assuming things would go the same way it did in February and March 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea from Ukraine. But it didn't go that way. Many worry about the implications of that war and whether we should just butt out. Is this war different than what we've seen before? If so, why?  According to our guest, a good part of the answer is "Urban Warfare" and "meaning." He believes that Urban Warfare can teach us much about modern leadership.  John Spencer is considered by many to be the world's leading expert on urban warfare. He is also a radical thought leader, experienced war veteran, team builder, and creative mind. John is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military-related topics. He currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. John recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He is the author of several books, Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War and Understanding Urban Warfare. The second was written for Ukraine civilians. That book went viral and has helped hundreds of thousands of civilians defeat the world's second-biggest military. Website https://www.johnspenceronline.com Social Media https://www.facebook.com/JohnSpencerOnline https://twitter.com/SpencerGuard https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwspencer2018 https://www.instagram.com/spencerguard Part 1) Winning the War for Meaning Who Are You and What Will You Stand For Why the 2022 invasion of Ukraine is so Different than the 2014 invasion When Grandfather, Young Men, Bankers, and Builders Stand Together Answering The Question: Should the US be Backing Ukraine Is Ukraine Really Russian #Putin, Changing the Rules of #War Re-establishing in The Soviet Union Putin's Emotional Source Code What Beat POWER Every Single Time! When Defence Becomes Offence Curious to discover how tapping into the Anatomy of Meaning can #actualize your #business, #culture, #Leadership and #tribe DovBaron.com  "Those Who Control Meaning for The Tribe, Also Control The Movement of That Tribe" #videopodcast #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #emotionsourcecode #neuroscience #emotional #meaning #emotional #logic #culture #curiosity #humanbehavior #purpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Mike are honored to welcome John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, U.S. Military Academy at West Point into the G Base to discuss the future of warfare and the impact an increasingly urban environment has on military training.  

With the growing urbanization of the world's population, it also follows that much of contemporary military operations would also be conducted within such urban centers. The challenges faced by military forces when engaging in operations in urban environments are considerable yet oddly are often neglected or ignored in official military training and doctrine. This despite the fact that urban battlefields have been consistent throughout military history, and seem to dominate the contemporary military landscape. These critical issues are addressed in Understanding Urban Warfare (Howgate Publishing Limited, 2022) co-edited by John Spencer and Liam Collins. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Stephen Satkiewicz is independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Analysis, Big History, Historical Sociology, War studies, as well as Russian and East European history. 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

With the growing urbanization of the world's population, it also follows that much of contemporary military operations would also be conducted within such urban centers. The challenges faced by military forces when engaging in operations in urban environments are considerable yet oddly are often neglected or ignored in official military training and doctrine. This despite the fact that urban battlefields have been consistent throughout military history, and seem to dominate the contemporary military landscape. These critical issues are addressed in Understanding Urban Warfare (Howgate Publishing Limited, 2022) co-edited by John Spencer and Liam Collins. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Stephen Satkiewicz is independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Analysis, Big History, Historical Sociology, War studies, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

With the growing urbanization of the world's population, it also follows that much of contemporary military operations would also be conducted within such urban centers. The challenges faced by military forces when engaging in operations in urban environments are considerable yet oddly are often neglected or ignored in official military training and doctrine. This despite the fact that urban battlefields have been consistent throughout military history, and seem to dominate the contemporary military landscape. These critical issues are addressed in Understanding Urban Warfare (Howgate Publishing Limited, 2022) co-edited by John Spencer and Liam Collins. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Stephen Satkiewicz is independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Analysis, Big History, Historical Sociology, War studies, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

With the growing urbanization of the world's population, it also follows that much of contemporary military operations would also be conducted within such urban centers. The challenges faced by military forces when engaging in operations in urban environments are considerable yet oddly are often neglected or ignored in official military training and doctrine. This despite the fact that urban battlefields have been consistent throughout military history, and seem to dominate the contemporary military landscape. These critical issues are addressed in Understanding Urban Warfare (Howgate Publishing Limited, 2022) co-edited by John Spencer and Liam Collins. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Stephen Satkiewicz is independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Analysis, Big History, Historical Sociology, War studies, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

With the growing urbanization of the world's population, it also follows that much of contemporary military operations would also be conducted within such urban centers. The challenges faced by military forces when engaging in operations in urban environments are considerable yet oddly are often neglected or ignored in official military training and doctrine. This despite the fact that urban battlefields have been consistent throughout military history, and seem to dominate the contemporary military landscape. These critical issues are addressed in Understanding Urban Warfare (Howgate Publishing Limited, 2022) co-edited by John Spencer and Liam Collins. John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Stephen Satkiewicz is independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Analysis, Big History, Historical Sociology, War studies, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military-related topics. Considered one of the world's leading experts on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with an assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Serving over twenty-five years in the active Army as an infantry soldier, Spencer has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. His assignments as an Army officer included two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, a Ranger Instructor with the Army's Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, a fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Strategic Studies Group, and Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point. Spencer holds a Master's of Policy Management from Georgetown University. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, LA Times, NY Daily News, Wired Magazine, Politico, The Hill, Foreign Policy Magazine, Defense One, Army Magazine, and many other publications. Spencer is also a regular military analyst and commentator for CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and numerous news and media organizations. He currently lives in Colorado Springs, CO, with his wife and three children.

John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognised expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Considered one of the world's leading expert on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to four-star generals and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy.We talk about:LeadershipCultureSocial CohesionCommunityTribeTeam DynamicGroup IdentityShared AdversityLiving up to historyCreating the narrativeProximity leadershipArtifactsPrideSpencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also served as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training.Serving over twenty-five years in the active Army as an infantry soldier, Spencer has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. His assignments as an Army officer included two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, a Ranger Instructor with the Army's Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Strategic Studies Group, and Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point.

John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies and a 25-year veteran of the US military having served two combat tours. He is also the author of ‘Connected Soldiers.' John joined the US military at age of 17 as a Private, working his way through to the senior ranks which allowed him to explore the ‘burden of command.'When the bullets were flying, instinct and training kicked in. However, it's during the downtime and when the mission is not clear that leadership skills became even more important to inspire, communicate and create an environment of trust, sacrifice and true connection. John remembers taking over a dysfunctional team of soldiers where he realised that the WHY was even more important than the WHAT of any mission or task as he slowly crafted them into an elite team. War requires a group response made up of complex individuals and leaders must set the standard and communicate clearly to all. John reinforces that shared understanding is at the foundation for success for all teams. For John the highest form of power was not rank but reverent power where he had the respect of the team, based on his ability to speak from a position of strength of having risen through the ranks himself. No one starts as the CEO, we move from individual contributor to team player to leader of others. John understands the power of connection for all teams. The bonds between individuals is a powerful mechanism for high performance. How well do you actually know the people on your team? As the world changes, new connections now exist that did not exist in the past, for example the digital social connections and tribe that most people have. Leaders must understand what connective functions or activities need to be done organisationally that complement the countless connective mechanisms that people have and require on a personal level. John talks about the importance of his team eating together as an important function of simply creating connections that were leveraged when the bullets started to fly. Everyone wants a leader that they WANT to follow. Your leader's shadow has a ripple impact and is representative of your entire team and organisation. John also outlines a powerful story of how some recruits found Covid restrictions disastrous for their ability to bond and connect. This is an inspiring episode full of humility, courage, human centred focus, and dep insight created from operating in life and death combat missions. www.johnspenceronline.com

How do you rise up to become a thought leader? Today's guest has risen to the top of thought leadership in his field and he's here to tell you what it takes. John Spencer is a 25 year Veteran of the US Armed Forces. He joined the army when he was 16 and worked his way up from Private to Sergeant 1st Class, then to Officer. He did two tours in Iraq; parachuting with the Airborn during the invasion and returning in 2008 as an Officer. This experience, and a willingness to do the hard work that comes with opportunity, kept him on the rise to become an advisor to Generals, to the Pentagon, and at West-Point Military Academy. He also formed and is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum in NYC. Since discovering a passion for writing and sharing his knowledge, he's written extensively for and appeared on all major media channels, such as Fox News, CNN, BBC, MSNBC, ABC, etc. John has written two books and inspired by a desire to help the Ukrainians, he wrote an Urban Warfare Manual which he published and distributed for free and which has been translate in to 11 languages. Connected Soldiers is a deeply personal memoir telling the story of John's combat experience with the Airborn unit, covering topics like leadership, purpose, and the meaning of life. Understanding Urban Warfare is a study and guide to urban warfare. Download or read the Urban Warfare Manual at https://www.johnspenceronline.com/urban-warfare. To learn more about John Spencer, go to JohnSpencerOnline.com. You can also find him on all social media but Twitter is his main feed @SpencerGuard. Also in this episode: Battle of Mariupol - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mariupol_(2014) Book: Stephen Mansfield - Men On Fire https://stephenmansfield.tv/author/men-on-fire/ Movie: A Knights Tale https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183790/ Visit eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

Ali Velshi is joined by Maj. (Ret.) John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at Madison Policy Forum, Charlie Crist, Democratic nominee for Florida Governor, Lara Setrakian, Co-Founder & CEO of News Deeply, Thelma Pannell-Dantzler, Mother of Phillip Pannell, Natacha Pannell, Sister of Phillip Pannell, Terrell Jermaine Starr, Host of ‘Black Diplomats' podcast, Anne Applebaum, Staff Writer at The Atlantic, Sen. Patrick Leahy, (D) Vermont, and Secretary Katie Hobbs , Arizona Secretary of State

John Spencer is the chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Modern War Institute, United States Military Academy. He is the author of Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership and Social Connections in Modern Warfare. This book has been endorsed by Generals David Petraeus, Stanley McChrystal and HR McMaster. John also serves as a colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, as the director of Urban Warfare Training. John served twenty-five years on active duty in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier and is a highly decorated combat veteran. https://www.johnspenceronline.com

Today, I spoke with John Spencer who is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognised expert and advisor on Urban Warfare and other military related topics. John currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and was until recently the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies  at the Modern War Institute at West Point. He is also the Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. John is also the author of the ‘Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender', which is a short compilation of John's vast experience and there are currently over 100,000 copies of the manual in Ukraine, where it's being used daily by the defenders. Some of the topics we discussed are: John's background in Urban Warfare Why Urban Warfare is the hardest Explanation of a possible shift in initiative The strategic importance of Kherson Likelihood of Putin seeking a ‘frozen' conflict The ‘Battle of Kyiv' and why Ukraine succeeded Why understanding the ‘human domain' is critical Information and connectivity as weapons of war Birth of ‘The Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender' and its ongoing usage in Ukraine Conditions necessary for success of ‘Total Defence' Reminder why Urban Warfare is critical and here to stay Why training for the conduct of area defence is essential Reminder of why terrain is important The ‘rule book' of a nuclear-armed state Importance of a Ukrainian victor to broader geopolitical tensions During the chat, I made reference to my conversation with Carl Miller about Russian influence operations in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. You can find that interview here. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee page on the links below: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thevoicesofwar

US ARMY Major John Spencer (ret.) is the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and a leading expert on Urban Warfare. In his new book, Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War (July 1, 2022, Potomac Books), John delivers effective methods for building teams that overcome the distractions of home and the outside world, without reducing the benefits gained from connections to family and friends. His active-duty career spans more than 25 years and includes two combat deployments to Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He discusses being a military spouse and what he's learned from watching and traveling to Ukraine. John talks to host Jim Fausone about how social media has dissolved the barrier between home and the front line.

During a battle, the side with more chances of getting out of it victorious isn't always the best equipped, experienced, or brave; generally, it is the one with the most cohesive team. Our guest, Colonel John Spencer, divides cohesion into two groups, social and task cohesion. In his over 25 years of experience in the military, he learned that leadership is critical to guaranteeing a team's cohesion, success, and survival.Colonel John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, is a veteran, a widely published author, considered one of the leading experts in military operations in cities, a teacher, and a leader with a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University. In his over 25 years in the military, John has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major.As an Army officer, he was deployed twice in Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. Colonel John Spencer is also the Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point.In this episode, we delve into Colonel John's journey in the military and how serving his country and traveling the world changed his perspective on life, purpose, and vision. He describes his realization of how writing can change lives, his passion for studying, researching, and teaching about war and its intimate connection with leadership.We also have a closer look at his family life and the experience of staying home with his children while his wife, whom he met in Iraq, was deployed for combat. Tune in to Episode 338 to discover a world where leadership and survival go hand in hand.Some Questions I Ask: How did you end up in the military? (4:44) If there's a young person that ranges 16 or 17, what advice do you have for them as they consider joining the military? (9:23) If you look back and think about the things that bring you satisfaction, what would those things be? (19:43)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Colonel John's dream job and the opportunities he got thanks to his military career (6:13) Colonel John describes the experience of staying at home with his children while his wife was deployed for combat (11:10) The importance of forming cohesive teams (12:13) The differences between the two forms of cohesion (18:43) Colonel John talks about the search for identity and purpose (22:01) The two ways in which people form strong bonds (27:29)Resources: Colonel John Spencer's website Colonel John Spencer's booksConnect with Colonel John Spencer: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube FacebookBecoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best WebsiteEmail: support@becomingyourbest.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We connect inspiring leader John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, and aspiring leader Ryan Spoors  to explore creating a cohesive team of shared identity, by connecting through shared hardship and identifying what matters most. They also discuss the influence that technology has in staying connected in war, with both its consequential threats and benefits. Episode links:Defeat Into Victory by William Slim Invictus – Clint Eastwood Huberman Lab Connected Soldiers by John Spencer Urban Warfare Project Black Hearts by Jim Frederick Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E Frankl Lord of the Flies by William Golding Saving Private Ryan – Steven SpielbergConnect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

MAJ John Spencer (USA-Ret.) is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He served over twenty-five years in the U.S. Army as an infantry Soldier, with two combat tours in Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He has also served as a Ranger Instructor with the Army’s Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group, and Strategic Planner and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute, where he was instrumental in the design and formation of the institute. In today’s interview, MAJ Spencer returns to discuss what we’ve learned about LSCO, urban conflict, and the changing character of warfare from the last four plus months of Russia’s “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine. The following bullet points highlight key insights from our interview: Modern technology forces our societies, and those of our adversaries, to be more connected to the battlefield. As the Ukrainian “Tik-Tok” war demonstrates, such connectedness can allow actors outside of the war to leverage open-source intelligence to influence the conflict by providing either side with logistical support and operational advice. It is important to study wars firsthand to understand how they are evolving to the modern context; the U.S. military used to employ appointed observers for this mission. Given that the battle for Kyiv is a truly urban fight, there is much the Army can learn from the conflict. The battle for Kyiv demonstrates that, especially in an urban environment, terrain still matters. Ukrainians flooded rivers and destroyed bridges to canalize Russian invaders into chokepoints and kill zones, demonstrating an understanding of their environment unthinkable to non-natives. The Russian invasion also demonstrates the importance of civilian involvement in urban conflict, as volunteers collaborated to establish defenses in depth, targeting and ambushing their attackers. Here, too, technology played an important role. Images and messages from the Ukrainian government and their fellow citizens helped strengthen citizens’ resolve to defend their country. Today, Soldiers and their families are more connected by technology than ever, allowing them to live with a foot in each world. This feature of modern warfare is important as it prevents Soldiers from feeling isolated, but also gives civilian families a clearer understanding of the realities of warfare. What are we missing? The Army

Russia's failure to quickly take Kyiv and crush Ukraine's government will be seen as a historic military defeat. Putin's loss in Kyiv and fierce Ukrainian resistance forced him to shift his focus to the Donbas region. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', about the significance of Ukrainian soldiers stopping Russia from taking their capital and how it was done. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: War On Ukraine' https://listen.foxaud.io/rundown?sid=fnr.podeve  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia's failure to quickly take Kyiv and crush Ukraine's government will be seen as a historic military defeat. Putin's loss in Kyiv and fierce Ukrainian resistance forced him to shift his focus to the Donbas region. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', about the significance of Ukrainian soldiers stopping Russia from taking their capital and how it was done. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: War On Ukraine' https://listen.foxaud.io/rundown?sid=fnr.podeve  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia's failure to quickly take Kyiv and crush Ukraine's government will be seen as a historic military defeat. Putin's loss in Kyiv and fierce Ukrainian resistance forced him to shift his focus to the Donbas region. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and author of 'Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War', about the significance of Ukrainian soldiers stopping Russia from taking their capital and how it was done. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: War On Ukraine' https://listen.foxaud.io/rundown?sid=fnr.podeve  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building cohesion can be difficult, but it's even more arduous under distressing circumstances like that of urban warfare. Our guest today writes in a forthcoming book about the benefits of primary group cohesion on performance and how it can be applied throughout the non-military world. Col. John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. Spencer has served over 25 years in the Army and has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. He's also the author of the upcoming book Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War. He joinedthe podcast to talk about his book and creating and managing a cohesive team. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group

Right now, Russia is learning a lesson as old as combat, morale is at the center of any fighting force. How does it change things when you can pick up your cell phone and call your mom to share your experiences, or even complain about your commander?How do you build a band of brothers when home is just a phone call away? Colonel John Spencer asked himself these questions and wrote a book about it called Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War. Spencer is the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the modern war institute at West Point.Angry Planet has a substack! Join the Information War to get weekly insights into our angry planet and hear more conversations about a world in conflict.https://angryplanet.substack.com/subscribeYou can listen to Angry Planet on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or follow our RSS directly. Our website is angryplanetpod.com. You can reach us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/angryplanetpodcast/; and on Twitter: @angryplanetpod.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

John Spencer is a writer, thinker, speaker scholar who currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the US Military Academy. He brings the experience of a veteran who has led in combat to his work, and in his latest book, Connected Soldiers, also provides insights from his time as a stay at home parent as his wife deployed. His analysis of connectivity and ints impact from multiple angles makes his book a very well rounded examination of how the Internet age is transforming how nations go to war. In this OODAcast we discuss the book as well as John's career and insights he has for leaders, including leaders in business. We examine: The US Army Rangers, their mission and spirit and ability to focus How lessons in leadership from John's early career informed his leadership in combat Boredom in war and how soldiers fill down time and how connectivity and new technology is used in down time Ways connectivity and gaming impacted soldiers under John's command in combat What it was like for John to be a stay at home dad when his wife deployed and how connectivity impacted that experience Unit cohesion and unit motivation and lessons relevant beyond the military Lessons from history being repeated in the Ukraine situation. John Boyd and the OODA Loop as an example of studying our own way of thinking and seeking to learn better and optimize decision making For more see: John Spencer Online Connected Soldiers The Modern War Institute

Preston and Sayre are joined today with John Spencer–one of the world's leading scholars and experts in the field of urban warfare. He has studied, taught, and written about urban warfare for over a decade. John is the creator of The Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender and currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. This was a great conversation coming from a scholar and warrior with first hand experiences on both fronts as Spencer has one of the most infantry resumes possible. Serving over twenty-five years in the active Army as an infantry soldier, Spencer has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. His assignments as an Army officer included two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, a Ranger Instructor with the Army's Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Strategic Studies Group, and Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point. We hope you enjoy.

Ali Velshi is joined by NBC's Molly Hunter in Kyiv, NBC's Raf Sanchez from Lviv, Fmr. Director for European Affairs, National Security Council retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, Editor, Geopolitical Intelligence Services and former Chief Editor & Executive Director of the Kyiv Post Brian Bonner, Member of Ukrainian Parliament Dmytro Gurin, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, Emergency Coordinator,Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors without Borders Alex Wade, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, former Representative of Jordan to the United Nations & former Ambassador of Jordan to the United States, and Professor, Practice of Law and Human Rights, The University of Pennsylvania Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, Political Editor and COO of the Kyiv Independent Oleksiy Sorokin, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and Russian American Historian and author of “Blowing Up Russia” Yuri Felshtinsky. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor, founder and host of ‘Black Diplomats' podcast Terrell Jermaine Starr in Ukraine, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine Lesia Vasylenko, UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum Major (ret.) John Spencer, Head of Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign William Browder, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, Eurasia Director at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and author of “Putinomics” Chris Miller, and Ukrainian Refugee Nastya Shpot.

A live audience interviews John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, on urban warfare⁠—from ancient times through today.Order John Spencer's new book, Connected Soldiers, here: https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Soldiers-Leadership-Social-Connections/dp/1640125124/Find more (including how to join us live) at PM101.live or on Twitter at @PoliticsNMedia.Subscribe, rate, and review if you like what you hear.Join our e-mail list for "best of" delivered directly to your inbox, twice per month, at PM101.live

John Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Considered the world's leading expert on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and as host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also serves as a Colonel in the California State Guard with assignment to the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard as the Director of Urban Warfare Training. Serving over twenty-five years in the active Army as an infantry soldier, Spencer has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. His assignments as an Army officer included two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, a Ranger Instructor with the Army's Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Strategic Studies Group, and Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point.In his new book, Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War (July 1, 2022, Potomac Books), Col. Spencer delivers lessons learned about effective methods for building teams in a way that overcomes the distractions of home and the outside world, without reducing the benefits gained from connections to family. Spencer holds a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, LA Times, NY Daily News, Wired Magazine, Politico, The Hill, Foreign Policy Magazine, Defense One, Army Magazine, and many other publications. Spencer is also a regular military analyst and commentator for CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and numerous news and media organizations. He currently lives in Colorado Springs, CO, with his wife and three children. He looks forward to connecting via Twitter@SpencerGuard.

Russia wanted a quick victory in Ukraine, but it hasn't succeeded. Instead, it's withdrawing its troops from key cities, leaving in their wake shocking evidence of torture and war crimes. It's not the end of the war: It's widely thought the Kremlin will now focus on taking control of other parts of the country. Today, former US Army Major John Spencer, who was part of the advance group that captured Baghdad from Saddam Hussein in 2003, on why Russia has failed so far, and what comes next for Ukraine's terrified civilians. Featured:  John Spencer, retired US Army major and former Chair, Urban Warfare Studies, Modern War Institute, US Military Academy, West Point, New York

Russia wanted a quick victory in Ukraine, but it hasn't succeeded. Instead, it's withdrawing its troops from key cities, leaving in their wake shocking evidence of torture and war crimes. It's not the end of the war: It's widely thought the Kremlin will now focus on taking control of other parts of the country. Today, former US Army Major John Spencer, who was part of the advance group that captured Baghdad from Saddam Hussein in 2003, on why Russia has failed so far, and what comes next for Ukraine's terrified civilians. Featured:  John Spencer, retired US Army major and former Chair, Urban Warfare Studies, Modern War Institute, US Military Academy, West Point, New York

Ali Velshi is joined by Andrei Kozyrev, Former Foreign Minister of Russia, Toomas Ilves, Former President of the Republic of Estonia, Isabelle Khurshudyan, Washington Post Foreign Correspondent, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D- Vermont, Inna Sovsun, Ukrainian Parliament Member, Lt. Col. (Ret) Alexander Vindman, Former Director for European Affairs at National Security Council, Kristina Kvien, U.S. Charge D'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Nataliya Gumenyuk, Ukrainian Journalist, and Major (Ret.) John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Madison Policy Forum

The Russian-Ukraine war had raged for over a month now. I asked urban warfare expert, John Spencer, to come on the show to tell us how he would defend a city from a hostile force. If you are not familiar with John, here are some highlights of his bio: -Award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran -Internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics -Considered the world's leading expert on urban warfare -Advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy -Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum -Recently served as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point -Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast -Served over twenty-five years in the active Army as an infantry soldier, Spencer has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major -His assignments as an Army officer included two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, a Ranger Instructor with the Army's Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Strategic Studies Group, and Co-Founder, Strategic Planner, and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute at West Point. -Spencer holds a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University -Spencer is also a regular military analyst and commentator for CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and numerous news and media organizations -Connect via Twitter @SpencerGuard In this episode, he will talk about :  -The power of small groups -Making yourself invisible -Closing the castle gates -Looking down and digging tunnels -How to keep the enemy out -Using surprise to your advantage as the defender -What is more likely to kill you (it's not bombs or bullets) -And much more… Listen to his Urban Warfare Project podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-warfare-project/id1490714950   As you know, we are focused on the topic of Leadership in the Russian-Ukrainian war. I wrote a book focused on Zelenskyy' leadership and you can find it here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Need-Ammunition-Not-Ride-Volodymyr-ebook/dp/B09VVW3NSV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6YHOEVZ983NQ&keywords=i+need+ammunition%2C+not+a+ride&qid=1647625321&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C4098&sr=1-1 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and tell others who might benefit from this podcast. I would like to hear from you. You can leave a comment below.  I would like to hear if this was useful. Contact me on Twitter or Gettr @daringerdes or leave a video message: https://flipgrid.com/leadersmith  Join our FACEBOOK COMMUNITY and continue the discussion there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnleadership/ or Join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13966891/ WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR? Reach out with a comment or question: https://forms.gle/fJP6ym4LDxJrKX2c8  

Ali Velshi is joined by NBC's Jacob Soboroff from Lviv, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor, founder and host of ‘Black Diplomats' podcast Terrell Jermaine Starr in Ukraine, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine Lesia Vasylenko, UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum Major (ret.) John Spencer, Head of Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign William Browder, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, Eurasia Director at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and author of “Putinomics” Chris Miller, and Ukrainian Refugee Nastya Shpot.

Ali Velshi, reporting live from the Nyugati rail station in Budapest, Hungary, is joined by NBC's Molly Hunter and Gabe Gutierrez in Lviv, Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's Oleksiy Sorokin, Ukrainian members of parliament Lisa Yasko and Sviatoslav Yurash, retired U.S. Army Major and chair of Urban Warfare Studies for the Madison Policy Forum John Spencer, NYU history professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Yale Law School's Oona Hathaway, founding director of Columbia's Center for Disaster Preparedness Dr. Irwin Redlener, and UNICEF's Joe English. 

MAJ John Spencer (USA-Ret.) is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. He served over twenty-five years in the U.S. Army as an infantry Soldier, with two combat tours in Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He has also served as a Ranger Instructor with the Army’s Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group, and Strategic Planner and Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute where he was instrumental in the design and formation of the institute. In today’s interview, MAJ John Spencer (USA-ret.) discusses the on-going war in Ukraine, urban warfare strategies employed by both Russian and Ukrainian military forces, the changing character of warfare, and what this portends for the future of conflict. The following bullet points highlight key insights from our interview: Both with respect to the current Russia/Ukraine conflict and with modern conflict in general, urban warfare strategies are critical.This is true whether the objective requires getting past urban terrain or involves an objective that is urban in nature. Despite Russia’s initial plans falling in line with traditional invasions, characterized by a large mass of forces that are then rapidly deployed in a “shock and awe” campaign, Ukraine’s combined arms approach to defense has prevented Russia from quickly gaining control of critical areas. Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) have been very effective in this conflict due to Russia trading combined arms operations for speed. Russia’s rush to seize ground objectives in convoy without effectively utilizing their air superiority has led to many of their ground assets being destroyed. It is tough to find a recent battle where an urban area was not the strategic or decisive objective.As Antony Beevor once stated, “The age of combined arms maneuver on the open plain is over.” The conflict in Ukraine is challenging the idea that urban fighting can be bypassed. The Russia/Ukraine conflict is sending a clear reminder to the U.S. and allied forces that many of the lessons we’ve learned in the past— using combined arms in urban warfare, the dangers of emitting large Electronic Warfare (EW) signatures, and the importance of Command and Control — are all still relevant on the battlefield today. Information from around the world can be received in the combat zone and directly influence on-going kinetic operations.When Mr. Spencer observed the call for Ukrainian civilians to be added to the military force structure, he wrote a series of tweets on the most basic things civilian auxiliary forces could do to help in defending their nation (i.e., installing barricades at choke points along probable axes of advance to deter/halt Russian forces). He received videos proving that Ukrainian civilians had put his advice to good use, demonstrating that the information age is changing the character of war. Ukraine is capable of winning in urban warfare, because they do not have to actually defeat the enemy’s military power. In this

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has seen warfare return to the streets of Europe for the first time in decades, with Putin's troops launching major offensives to take key cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa. Both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians continue to mount fierce resistance against the occupiers throughout their country's urban terrain.But what is the history of urban warfare and what can it tell us about the future of this horrific new war? In this episode James is joined by John Spencer, a decorated American war veteran and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the West Point US Military Academy, to find out more.Don't forget to leave us a rating and review while you're here!For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to the Android or Apple store. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A week into the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian army seems broken and Ukrainians are holding their own. Geraldo talks to Major John Spencer from Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum about what the Ukrainian people can do to keep up the fight. Also, Congresswoman Shontel Brown joins the program.

The character of warfare has consistently changed over time, with technology evolving from edged weapons, bows and arrows, gunpowder, and battlefield mechanization, to more advanced technologies today, including long-range precision weapons, robotics, and autonomy. However, warfare remains an intrinsic human endeavor, with varied and profound effects felt by Soldiers on the ground. To explore this experience with those engaged in the tactical fight, we spoke with the following combat veterans, frontline reporters, and military training experts for this episode of The Convergence: Denys Antipov is a Ukrainian war veteran who served as a platoon leader and reconnaissance drone operator with the 81st Airborne Brigade in the Ukrainian Army, defending his homeland and fighting Russian paramilitary groups and anti-government separatists in the Donbas in 2015-2016. Heydar Mirza spent 36 days on the frontline as a war reporter in Terter and Agdere during the 44-day Second Nagorno-Karabakh war during the Fall of 2020. He is currently the program author and host of the weekly RADIUS military analysis program on Azerbaijan Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company – ICTIMAI TV and Caliber.az YouTube channel. Nolan Peterson is Senior Editor at Coffee or Die Magazine and The Daily Signal‘s Ukraine-based foreign correspondent. A former U.S. Air Force special operations pilot and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, he was among the first journalists to embed with Ukrainian forces in combat in eastern Ukraine. In Iraq, he embedded with Kurdish peshmerga forces in operations around Mosul and Sinjar. He has reported from throughout Eastern Europe, France, the U.K., and was onboard the USS George H.W. Bush off the Syrian coast to cover the air war against ISIS. John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He served over twenty-five years in the U.S. Army as an infantry Soldier, with two combat tours in Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He has also served as a Ranger Instructor with the Army’s Ranger School, a Joint Chief of Staff and Army Staff intern, fellow with the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group, Strategic Planner and then Deputy Director of the Modern War Institute where he was instrumental in the design and formation of the institute. He has just returned from walking the battlefields of Nagorno-Karabakh, gleaning les

Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: info@dobermanemg.com.We are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.FS Global in partnership with Tiger Tech has created the first reusable, electronic, FDA approved, COVID-19 test. Strap it to your arm, get a reading - it's that simple. Sterilize and reuse. Amazing technology! For more information on the COVID PLUS TEST, click here: https://www.fsglobalsolutions.comUrban Warfare Project Podcast is hosted by John Spencer, Chair of the Urban Warfare Studies for the Modern War Institute at West Point. Check out his show here.

It's been 20 years since the September 11 attacks which killed nearly three thousand people in New York. The US responded by launching the controversial War on Terror, which killed hundreds of thousands more. Did the US get its response to 9/11 wrong? And what have been the consequences of that foreign policy since? Guests: Khaled Beydoun Law professor and scholar on the War on Terror, national security and civil liberties Brian Glyn Williams Professor of Islamic History and former CIA operative John Spencer Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute

The US-led invasion of Afghanistan is over with the last foreign forces leaving the country today. The Taliban is celebrating taking control as a victory against foreign occupiers. The group's leaders claim they will govern Afghanistan as a new, more moderate regime. Will the Taliban build a government worthy of international recognition? Guests: John Spencer Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute and Senior Fellow at the Madison Policy Forum Emran Feroz Journalist and the Founder of Drone Memorial Yvonne Ridley Journalist and author of 'In the Hands of the Taliban'

Urban warfare continued. Joining us today are experts in subterranean operations and urban operations, and of recent U.S. and Israeli urban combat experience. They focus on specific tactical challenges and best practices in urban operations.     Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.   Guests:  MAJ(R) John W. Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Co-Director, Urban Warfare Project, & Host, Urban Warfare Project podcast, Modern War Institute at West Point Dr. Daphné Richemond-Barak, Assistant Professor, Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, IDC Herzliya and Senior Researcher and Head of the International Law Desk, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT)  Dr. Jeremiah Rozman, National Security Analyst, Association of the United States Army and Israel Defense Forces veteran   Host: COL(Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA's Director of National Security Studies   Resources:   Modern War Institute Web: https://mwi.usma.edu/ Facebook: @ModernWarInstitute Twitter: @WarInstitute LinkedIn: @Modern War Institute at West Point Podcast: Urban Warfare Project   Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, IDC Herzliya Web: https://www.idc.ac.il/en/schools/government Facebook: @IDC.Herzliya Twitter: @Idc LinkedIn: @IDC Herzliya   International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT)  Web: https://www.ict.org.il/Home Facbook: @ICT.org.il Twitter: @ICT_org LinkedIn: @International Institute for Counter Terrorism

Urban warfare. What should the U.S. Army prepare for? Today we welcome thought leaders on urban operations from the DoD and Army to discuss the strategic importance of urban environments and how the U.S. Army trains, organizes and equips the force for this complex operating environment. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. Guests:  MAJ(R) John W. Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Co-Director, Urban Warfare Project, & Host, Urban Warfare Project podcast, Modern War Institute at West Point Dr. Russell W. Glenn, Director, Plans and Policy, G-2, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command COL(R) Patrick J. Mahaney, Jr., Senior Advisor, DoD National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), co-founder and Director, National Center for Urban Operations, & Senior Mentor, Army Dense Urban Studies Strategic Broadening Seminar  Host: COL(Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA's Director of National Security Studies   Resources:   Modern War Institute Web: https://mwi.usma.edu/ Facebook: @ModernWarInstitute Twitter: @WarInstitute LinkedIn: @Modern War Institute at West Point Podcast: Urban Warfare Project   U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Web: https://www.tradoc.army.mil/ Facebook: @USArmyTRADOC Twitter: @TRADOC LinkedIn: @US Army TRADOC   National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Web: https://www.nsin.us/ Facebook: @NSINus Twitter: @NSIN_us LinkedIn: @NSIN – National Security Innovation Network   National Center for Urban Operations Web: https://ncuo.net/ LinkedIn: @National Center for Urban Operations

Maj. (ret) John W. Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, NY and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project. He's instrumental in the design and formation of the institute and a prolific writer specializing in how increased urbanization affects military operations, planning, and... thinking. Find him on Twitter @SpencerGuard. Get bonus content on Patreon Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.