Podcasts about Warrant officer

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Battle of Hong kong. Japan's rise as a threat to British interests accelerated through the 1920s and intensified after invading China. Britain's response remained contradictory—diplomatically conciliatory yet militarily apprehensive. While Singapore and Malaya received substantial reinforcements, Hong Kong was acknowledged indefensible, yet the 1936 Defence Scheme attempted to fortify it as an island fortress. Governor Northcote urgently advocated evacuation, recognizing the futility of defense. London rejected this, fearing it would demoralize China and forfeit sovereignty claims. Reinforcement requests from commanders like Grasett fell on deaf ears until Grasett independently lobbied Canadian leaders. This persistence finally convinced Churchill to dispatch two additional battalions. On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces attacked across three fronts with overwhelming force. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed on the ground, demolitions proved ineffective, and British units rapidly retreated toward the Gin Drinkers Line, facing an enemy that outnumbered and outmaneuvered them from the opening moments.   #217 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 2: the Island Aflame Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Around 1500 hours on 9 December, Colonel Doi of the 228th Regiment arrived at Needle Hill, just north of the Gin Drinkers Line, ahead of his main force. For two hours he studied the British defensive positions through binoculars, noting trenches and bunkers—and to his surprise, washing lines fluttering with white clothes. The sight spoke volumes about the 2 Royal Scots' lax discipline. Then fog descended, reducing visibility to barely twenty meters, and heavy rain obscured the landscape. Doi sensed a fleeting advantage but lost radio contact with his battalions. Worse still, the Shing Mun Redoubt lay outside his regimental boundary, making an unauthorized attack a serious breach of protocol. When his units finally arrived, supporting artillery remained unavailable, held up by demolished roads. Doi chose to attack anyway. Doi ordered the 2nd Battalion to scout the eastern approach while the 3rd Battalion spearheaded the main assault. Major Nishiyana commanded the 3rd, sending Lieutenant Wakabayashi and Kasugai with 150 volunteers to lead. The Shing Mun Redoubt itself comprised five concrete pillboxes and an artillery observation post, connected by underground tunnels named after London landmarks—Piccadilly, Haymarket, and others. The whole complex sat on small rises above Jubilee Dam, then the British Empire's tallest. Defending the redoubt was A Company, 2 Royal Scots, under Captain Jones—just three officers and 39 men. One platoon of 25 soldiers under 2nd Lieutenant Thompson held the forward positions. Against this stood 150 Japanese attackers, with another 1,500 troops in reserve. Battalion orders forbade using the concrete works as fighting positions; they were meant for the Vickers machine-gun team and artillery protection. No mines could spare the redoubt's perimeter. On the night of the 9th, roughly half the defenders sheltered in the observation post while the remainder manned pillboxes 401b and 402. At 2000 hours, Thompson led a nine-man patrol northward to check Needle Hill and Shing Mun Valley. Despite two and a half hours in the field, the patrol returned at 2220 hours without detecting the Japanese force massing just 500 meters away. By that time, Lieutenant Kasugai's assault group had crossed Jubilee Dam undetected, bypassed unmanned Post X, and assembled below Pillbox 401b. At 2200 hours, Japanese sappers cut through two lines of wire. At 2300—H-Hour—Lance Corporal Laird heard movement in the bushes and opened fire. The Japanese answered with grenades and rushed the pillbox lines. One team entered the tunnel system; another hurled grenades through the air vents. Corporal Campbell swung his Vickers toward Pillbox 401, catching Japanese headquarters personnel in the open. Sergeant Robb mustered a counter-attack force of thirteen men. Five fell as casualties—Laird, Basnett, Coyle, Casey, and Jardine. Casey was killed; only Jardine escaped. The alert triggered gunfire from the observation post's defenders, and Forward Observer Wilcox called down 4.5-inch and 6-inch artillery fire. Without strong reinforcement and leadership, four Royal Scots and an Indian sentry abandoned the northern positions and withdrew to the observation post. Captain Jones received orders from Brigade to counter-attack, but delegated the task to Thompson. As Thompson attempted to leave the observation post, he found the gate locked from outside. This calamity had a backstory: just before the attack, Thompson had admitted a civilian at the request of Force 163 (SOE's sabotage unit in Singapore). Private Wylie had taken the observation post key from Lance Naik Kishan Singh and, upon exit, locked the gate behind him. The three officers were now literally locked out of the battle. Second Lieutenant Mochizuki and his platoon infiltrated through open trenches and began attacking the observation post from above, attempting to breach the hatches. The defenders held for three hours before Japanese sappers forced explosives down the air vents. At 0230 hours, the blast killed two Indian signallers inside. Thompson sustained a severe eye wound from grenade shrapnel; Jones and Warrant Officer Mead were both wounded. The remaining fifteen defenders surrendered; eleven became casualties. Meanwhile, a Rajput patrol engaging Japanese forces in the river valley managed to drive them back toward the redoubt. One final pillbox endured for another eleven hours before suffering the same sapper treatment. By 0400 hours on 10 December, the entire redoubt was lost. For just two killed, the Japanese had achieved a decisive victory—the breakthrough that would shift the entire campaign's trajectory. By dawn, a Japanese flag flew triumphantly from Point 255.   Major-General Maltby's assessment was stark: "This was calamitous, for Shing Mun was the key to the whole of the left position." Yet the Japanese perspective differed sharply. Having achieved a breakthrough, Colonel Doi received astonishing orders to withdraw—his success had transgressed into the 230th Regiment's sector and violated the meticulously prepared war plan. Doi refused. After heated confrontation with Major-General Ito and Lieutenant-General Sakai, his insubordination was later censured, though a divisional staff officer, Oyadomani, bore the scapegoat's burden of rebuke for failing to restrain Doi's initiative. With Shing Mun secured, Doi methodically fed reinforcements into the position. Throughout December 10th, the Japanese remained uncertain of their advantage and adopted a cautious strategy, probing British lines to exploit the evident disorder. Brigadier Wallis ordered the Royal Scots to mount an immediate dawn counterattack supported by the Rajputs and artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel White demurred; his battalion lacked any reasonable prospect of success. The resulting counterattack proved half-hearted at best. At first light on December 11th, the Japanese pressed Golden Hill forcefully, only to be repulsed by Captain Newton's Rajputs and gunfire from HMS Cicala. White positioned D Company in shallow shell scrapes and rusted wire—inadequate defenses against Japanese assault. Captain Pinkerton led a desperate bayonet charge that morning, temporarily clearing the Japanese and enabling the evacuation of wounded. Yet B, C, and D Companies absorbed devastating losses; Captains Rose and Richardson fell commanding their positions. With the Royal Scots collapsing, X Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and armored support rushed westward to seal the widening gap along Castle Peak Road. Meanwhile, Maltby grappled with alarming reports: Japanese landings on Lantau Island southwest of Hong Kong. Heavy artillery drove them back. A second probe at Aberdeen, where Special Naval Landing Forces approached within 300 yards of the naval base, was repelled by Canadian machine-gun fire. In hindsight, these were mere feints—never intended as the primary thrust. The stratagem succeeded. Maltby retained his island reserves—the Middlesex and two Canadian battalions—precisely where they would be needed. Had Wallis executed a forceful counterattack on December 10th with the Royal Scots and brigade reserves, the Rajputs might have retaken Shing Mun while the Japanese remained disorganized. Instead, Colonel Doi faced a furious Sakai, who had flown down from 38th Division headquarters at Taipo for what amounted to a pre-court-martial examination. The moment passed. After only 48 hours of combat, Maltby concluded the mainland was indefensible. The three battalions would withdraw intact to Hong Kong Island to assume their fortress defense roles. The naval commodore objected—demolitions, supply transfers, and troop ferrying required more time. The evacuation order was deferred 24 hours until noon on December 11th. At that hour, the decision was finalized: the mainland would be abandoned under cover of darkness. Further demolitions followed—the China Light and Power Station, the cement works on Tsing Yi Island, the docks. Yet Brigadier Wallis believed this merely a precautionary measure; he anticipated holding the mainland for at least another week. The withdrawal avoided Kowloon's congested streets, where street fighting and fifth columnists might have entrapped the British—a calculation that proved prescient, as an IJA advance column of 350 men from the 3/230th infiltrated Kowloon on the morning of December 12th to cut off the retreating garrison. The Royal Scots and Canadians retired south to Shamshuipo Barracks and Jordan Road Pier in western Kowloon; the Rajputs and supporting gunners withdrew eastward to Ma Lau Tong, which anchored the fortified Devil's Peak Peninsula. Maltby intended to hold this commanding position permanently—it was easily supplied across the narrow Lyemun Strait. The evacuation proceeded largely as planned. The Canadians and Royal Scots embarked on the afternoon and evening of December 11th under Punjabi covering fire. The Punjabis faced a harder journey—a moonlit scramble along steep Kowloon hills laden with supplies but critically short of mules. One group lost its way at a crucial junction, splitting into two columns. One proceeded toward Devil's Peak as planned; Battalion Headquarters descended into Kai Tak Airport, threaded through Kowloon City, and was evacuated by Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, fighting until the final moment as the last man boarded. The Rajputs' commander, unable to reach his Punjabi counterpart, abandoned Ma Lau Tong for the closer Hai Wan line near Devil's Peak. By 0400 hours on December 12th, the Punjabis and one Rajput company, accompanied by the gunners of the 25th Medium Battery, crossed Lyemun Strait to Hong Kong Island. Morning evacuations continued with minimal Japanese interference—a surprising restraint. Naval support proved crucial. The withdrawal completed by the morning of December 13th, though 170 mules were lost to the desertion of Chinese laborers—a deprivation that would haunt the subsequent campaign. During this passage, the IJN attempted shore bombardment. The Japanese cruiser and supporting vessels found themselves outranged by the defenders' 9.2-inch guns. The damage inflicted proved sufficient to discourage future naval adventures; for the remainder of the battle, the IJN maintained a cautious distance and played only a peripheral role. The speed and execution of the withdrawal apparently caught the Japanese unprepared. Their most probable expectation had been a full-scale assault on Devil's Peak accompanied by heavy bombardment—a day earlier, an assault without artillery preparation had been driven back with severe losses. The British appeared stronger than anticipated. The defense of the mainland had lasted only five days. With the mainland secured, the Japanese pivoted toward Hong Kong Island. The first move was diplomatic rather than military. At 0900 hours on December 13th, a small boat bearing a white flag crossed the harbor. It carried Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Mizuno, Mr. Othsu Dak, and two European women—the prominent and heavily pregnant Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. C. R. Lee, wife of the Governor's secretary, accompanied by her two dachshunds. The surrender terms were flatly rejected. Major Boxer delivered the written refusal personally. Mrs. Macdonald remained in Hong Kong to give birth; Mrs. Lee and her dogs returned to Kowloon. The Japanese commenced systematic shelling of selected targets. On December 13th, a 9.2-inch gun on Mt. Davis was silenced; Belcher's Fort sustained damage. The following day, a 3-inch mount on Mt. Davis was hit, killing Chinese gunners and triggering morale collapse; some deserted. On December 15th, the barrage shifted to the northern shoreline, deliberately targeting pillboxes. At 2100 hours that night, approximately three Japanese companies attempted crossing the harbor in rubber rafts toward Pakshawan but were driven off by machine-gun fire. Fifth columnists intensified their operations—signaling with mirrors, sniping from concealed positions, spreading propaganda to encourage Chinese desertion. Their impact might have been catastrophic had not Rear-Admiral Chan and Colonel Yee, armed with tommy guns and grenades, systematically eliminated many of these saboteurs. By December 16th, half the pillboxes between the racecourse and Lyemun Strait lay destroyed. The intended crossing site was unmistakable. On December 17th, the Japanese dispatched a second peace mission—Colonel Toda's team now accompanied by Mrs. Lee with her dachshunds and a pregnant Russian woman. Again, the overtures were rebuffed. On December 18th, the bombardment reached new intensity. Oil storage tanks ignited, sending dense black smoke cascading across the northeast corner of the island—perfect concealment for what was to come. All signs pointed to imminent assault.  I want to note something here, you sometimes hear about how race played a role in the Pacific War and indeed it did. Racist attitudes were found on both the western and Japanese side of the war. There is a fantastic book dedicated to this by the way called, War without Mercy by John Dower, highly recommend it. What is interesting is how these racial attitudes actually affected decision making during the war. Take General Sakai's night amphibious assault for example. Western soldiers such as the Canadians in Hong Kong reported they were told by their commanders that quote "Don't worry about the Japanese, they can't see at night, they all wear glasses" another Canadian soldier wrote in a diary "They don't see well, especially at night we knew this as a matter of fact." Indeed the week before the outbreak of the battle of Hong Kong, Canadian officers attending a briefing by a British officer were informed that "Japan's aircraft were mostly obsolete, its air force had little practice in night flying, and its pilots were myopic and thus unable to carry out dive-bombing attacks". You might be asking yourself, why did they think the Japanese were myopic? The scientific explanation of the day was this "That the Japanese suffered widespread inner-ear damage. What caused this? Japanese motherhood, the practice of strapping babies to their mothers backs, it was explained caused their heads to bounce about, like when they harvested rice and permanently impaired their sense of balance". I particularly love this quote, one of my professors dedicated an entire class to the bizarre racial attitudes before and after the pacific war. There was a belief the Japanese could not see well at night, many western air force commanders actually believed there were times of day like at dawn or dusk where Japanese pilots would not operate because of this hindrance. American military commentator Fletcher Pratt in 1939 analyzed Japan's military strengths and explained it had four major weaknesses. The first was scarcity of resources such as iron, and steel. The second was that the Japanese "can neither make good airplanes nor fly them well" as a result of " the Japanese as a race have defects of the tubes of the inner ear, just as they are generally myopic. This gives them a defective sense of balance, the one physical sense in which an aviator is not permitted to be deficient.". The third was that the Japanese were short-tempered and were inclined to waste men unnecessarily when operations did not go well. The fourth was that the Japanese would simply never date to provoke a war with the US. Again Mr Pratt was an American military commentator whose information came from multiple accounts given by high ranking military officials! The British military maintained that the Japanese avoided night operations on land because they were simply incapable of caring them out well, while they avoided nighttime aerial attacks, as well as dive-bombing for the same reasons Pratt said quote "their pilots were poor and their aircraft inferior.". So take this all to mind when I talk about how certain ranking officers go about making their decisions. By the evening of 14 December, evacuated mainland units had regrouped on Hong Kong Island. The defensive structure was restructured into two brigades: Brigadier Wallis commanded the East Brigade from Taitam Gap, while Brigadier Lawson headed the West Brigade from Wongneichong Gap. This reorganization placed the 5/7 Rajputs across the north-east perimeter, defending over 3,500 metres of coastline with B Company positioned on the hills behind Taikoo Docks. The Royal Rifles of Canada held the north-east corner from Stanley to points south, with reserve positions at Lyemun. Two HKVDC companies supported from Taitam Valley and Pottinger Gap, while the veteran Hughsiliers manned the North Point power station. British and Canadian artillery provided fire support across the northern approaches. The West Brigade held the north-western and south-western shores. The 2/14 Punjab stretched from Causeway Bay to Belcher's Point, protecting Government House and General Maltby's headquarters, with battalion headquarters at Mid-Level. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the south-west from Wanchai Gap, with one company detached to the brigade headquarters at Wongneichong Gap. The 2 Royal Scots, severely mauled at Shing Mun, were held in reserve with fresh replacements from the HKVDC. The Middlesex Regiment's companies were dispersed along 72 pillboxes encircling the entire shoreline, while an improvised Z Company of clerks, musicians and cooks defended battalion headquarters at Leighton Hill. Supporting artillery included 9.2-inch and 6-inch guns on Mt Davis and 4.7-inch guns at Belcher's Point. As darkness fell on 17 December, Japanese reconnaissance swimmers reached Taikoo, confirming the crossing site despite detection. Reinforcements arrived: 18 additional heavy bombers from Guangzhou and 26 fighters from Taiwan joined the aerial assault. The crescendo of artillery fire on the 18th, combined with masses of small craft gathering across the harbour, signalled the imminent invasion. Japanese divisional headquarters shifted to Ma Tau Wei near Kai Tak Airport; the 23rd Army moved to Taipo. The invasion force disposed itself with the right flank embarking from east and west of Kai Tak, the left from Devil's Hill area. At 1800 hours, the invasion order was issued; by 1930 hours Sakai himself arrived in Kowloon to oversee the crossing. At precisely 2000 hours, the 2/228th Regiment silently paddled their collapsible craft toward Taikoo Docks and the nearby sugar factory as artillery support commenced. Colonel Doi embarked with 80 headquarters personnel aboard a large barge, leading the second wave. The conditions favoured the invaders—a moonless night, sporadic showers, and thick black smoke from burning oil tanks obscured their movement. They reached the midpoint undetected before searchlights and machine-gun fire scattered the small boats, separating commanders from their units. Despite this chaos, the assault pressed forward. At 2140 hours the artillery shifted to deeper targets; at 2145 hours the first wave of 3/230th landed at North Point, followed minutes later by 2/228th and then 2/229th. Three red flares signalled a successful landing. All six Japanese battalions were ashore by midnight, though wire fencing delayed their advance and Bren carriers added to the confusion on the beach. General Sano arrived at Taikoo one hour later. The 5/7 Rajputs bore the initial brunt of the assault. Despite days of preliminary shelling, the Rajputs mounted a stubborn defence; Japanese casualties mounted rapidly. The anti-tank company suffered so grievously that only a single gun remained operational. The Japanese plan was tactical rather than frontal—bypass isolated positions for later elimination and push rapidly toward high ground. Overwhelmed by numerical superiority and losing most of their officers, Rajput resistance gradually crumbled. Contradicting all evidence, Maltby remained convinced the main Japanese assault would strike directly at Victoria from Kowloon. He therefore withheld the counter-attack, instead dispatching a platoon of Middlesex troops, Royal Marines, naval personnel, and the Rajputs' reserve company—supported by artillery—to establish a defensive line blocking the Japanese advance toward Central District. Three HKVDC armoured cars were sent to protect East Brigade headquarters; two more reinforced the Middlesex battalion headquarters. It was manifestly inadequate against six Japanese battalions. In post-war dispatches, Maltby conceded his grave miscalculation: he believed he faced at most two battalions, not a full division. As the 3/230th broke through D Company of the 5/7 Rajputs, the 2/230th came ashore nearby and wheeled westward toward Victoria. Their advance halted abruptly at the North Point power station, held by an extraordinary force: four officers and 36 men of the HKVDC Hughsiliers Platoon—alongside 39 civilian volunteers from China Light & Power and Hong Kong Electric, including the station manager Vincent Sorby—plus eight Free French soldiers commanded by Captain Jacques Egal, a Shanghai businessman turned soldier. Without exception, these men were World War I veterans, many aged 55 or older. Some had fought in the Boer War. Major J. J. Patterson, the Hughsiliers' commander, had served with Allenby's Camel Corps and been mentioned in dispatches six times; he was chairman of Jardine Matheson and a legislative councillor. Private Sir Edward Des Voeux, 8th Baronet, a millionaire bullion trader and secretary of the Hong Kong Club, had enlisted as a private when deemed too old for mobilization. Private T. A. Pearce, 67 years old, was chairman of J. D. Hutchison & Company and secretary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Captain Bruch, the second-in-command, aged 60, chaired a major trading house. The list extended through Hong Kong's business elite, each choosing to fight rather than flee. These old men held an entire regiment at bay. When Patterson called for aid, Maltby dispatched an HKVDC armoured car with a platoon from Z Company, 1 Middlesex, but the reinforcement was ambushed before reaching the station; only nine soldiers, including 2nd Lieutenant Caruthers, broke through. Unable to dislodge the defenders by assault, the Japanese resorted to bombardment. By 0145 hours on 19 December, surrounded and ammunition exhausted, the defenders withdrew to King's Road behind a disabled bus. The Japanese deployed three machine guns, killing or mortally wounding all but Private Geoghan. A Japanese officer, believing all dead, cautiously approached—only to have Geoghan, despite his wounds, surge from cover and charge. He killed the officer and four soldiers before collapsing from wounds. Somehow Geoghan survived. Those old men—civilians and reservists, businessmen and veterans—held the entire western Japanese advance for 18 hours, buying Maltby precious time to withdraw forces and establish a new defensive line. Their stand at North Point became one of the campaign's most improbable acts of defiance. As the 2/229th Regiment advanced southward toward Mt Parker, the 3/229th landed at Aldrich Bay and turned eastward toward Lyemun, where they seized an HKVDC 6-inch gun. Major Bishop of the Royal Rifles of Canada, unaware of the landings, dispatched 15 Platoon under Lieutenant Scott to check on A Company of the Rajputs. Unexpectedly, they encountered armed men in civilian clothes at Lyemun's gate—the first indication of the Japanese presence on the island. Yet senior officers dismissed initial reports of landings and lost positions as exaggerated, a critical miscalculation that proved catastrophic. At Lyemun Fort, the 5th Anti-aircraft Battery of the HKVDC was caught completely unaware and surrendered after minimal resistance. The Japanese then committed one of many atrocities that would characterize the battle, bayoneting 29 survivors. Alerted by 15 Platoon's report, Bishop attempted a counter-attack with two platoons to retake the fort, but the defenders could not scale the six-meter wall and withdrew with nine men killed. As the 2/229th pressed southward toward Mt Parker, they overran the Salesian Mission, which had been converted into an Advance Dressing Station. No. 8 Company of the 2/229th systematized a massacre of medical personnel and the wounded—an atrocity that would later become pivotal evidence at Colonel Tanaka's war crimes trial. Yet amid the chaos, several medical staff and wounded survived to testify: Gunners Y. K. Chan and Martin H. C. Tso of the 5th Battery, Captain Osler Thomas of the HKVDC, Captain Martin Banfill of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, and Corporal Norman Leath of the Royal Army Medical Corps. C Company of the Royal Rifles, reinforced with captured Japanese machine guns abandoned by fleeing Rajputs, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with one Japanese company suffering over 65 percent losses. Yet overwhelmed by superior numbers and suffering nearly two platoons worth of casualties themselves, the Canadians were forced to withdraw, leaving only a reinforcement platoon under Lieutenant Blaver on Mt Parker. When Captain Clerke arrived at dawn with 16 Platoon to reinforce the position, he found over 100 Japanese already entrenched. With no artillery support and only two platoons available, Clerke had no choice but to withdraw, abandoning Mt Parker to the enemy. By dawn on the 19th, the East Brigade faced catastrophe. Infantry strength had been halved, and losses of artillery were equally devastating. A series of misunderstandings and misinterpreted orders led coastal gun crews at Capes D'Aguilar and Collinson to destroy their own guns in confusion or lose them to the advancing Japanese. Of the entire artillery complement, only one 18-pounder and two 3.7-inch field guns remained operational. Wongneichong—literally "yellow muddy creek" in Chinese—occupies the center of Hong Kong Island, a valley separating the eastern hills (Mt Parker, Mt Butler, Jardine's Lookout) from the western massif (Mt Nicholson, Mt Cameron, Victoria Peak). This narrow gap formed the critical artery linking northern and southern Hong Kong, making Brigadier Lawson's decision to place West Brigade Headquarters there strategically sound yet tactically vulnerable. Recognizing the exposed position after the landings, Major Lyndon had located an alternative site south of Mt Nicholson, scheduled to open the following day. In response to the Japanese landings, Lawson dispatched three platoons of Winnipeg Grenadiers to block the advance. Lieutenant C. D. French took 18 Platoon to Mt Butler, Lieutenant G. A. Birkett's 17 Platoon moved to Jardine's Lookout, and Lieutenant L. B. Corrigan's platoon took the north-west approach to the Gap. As on Mt Parker, both French and Birkett were killed almost immediately, their small forces overwhelmed by battalion-strength enemy forces with artillery support. By morning on the 19th, two battalions each of the 230th and 228th Regiments were pushing for the high ground. The 2/230th rapidly occupied Jardine's Lookout while the 3/230th moved to Mt Nicholson and the 2/228th advanced toward the Gap itself. No. 3 Company of the HKVDC under Major E. Stewart held pillboxes around Jardine's Lookout, while No. 1 Company under Captain Penn defended Taitam Valley with forward positions at Quarry Gap. The pillboxes, despite heavy bombardment, held longer than anticipated—some for as long as 24 hours. Stewart maintained his company headquarters until the 22nd, four days of continuous fighting without adequate ammunition, food, or water. No. 3 Company suffered 80 percent casualties and ceased to exist as a cohesive unit. Realizing that the enemy had penetrated to Mt Butler, Brigadier Lawson decided counter-attack was essential. Major A. B. Gresham of A Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, was ordered to retake Mt Butler and clear Jardine's Lookout. The Canadians initially succeeded, with Warrant Officer 2 J. R. Osborne leading a bayonet charge, but a strong counter-attack by three Japanese companies drove them back by 2200 hours. The Canadians held firm until 1500 hours, when Gresham attempted surrender despite waving a white flag—the Japanese shot him regardless. In the chaos that followed, a Canadian killed a Japanese officer in response, triggering a grenade barrage. Warrant Officer Osborne caught the grenades and hurled them back as fast as they came, but one landed in an impossible position. Without hesitation, Osborne threw himself on the grenade to save his comrades. This act of supreme self-sacrifice earned him a Victoria Cross—the first Canadian VC of World War II. At dawn on the 19th, Maltby dispatched A Company of the 2 Royal Scots under Captain K. J. Campbell to reinforce the Gap, but they lost all their officers with only 15 men reaching Lawson's headquarters. A group of sailors under Commander A. L. Pears came from the south, but were ambushed en route; only a few reached the Postbridge—a house just south of the Gap—which became an isolated strongpoint. The 3/230th captured the police station perched on a mound at the southern point of the Gap, then swept eastward to seize the anti-aircraft guns of 7th Battery (barely 250 meters from brigade headquarters) and continued uphill toward Taitam Hill to capture additional 6-inch and 3.7-inch guns. Maltby's response was to call down final protective fire from the HKSRA in Happy Valley, inflicting massive casualties on the 3/230th. At 1000 hours on the 19th, Lawson reported that his headquarters was surrounded and he was about to "go outside and shoot it out." Captain H. A. Bush provided covering fire as Lawson and his entire staff, including Middlesex signallers, were cut down by machine-gun fire across the Gap. Lawson's body was discovered two days later halfway up the hill behind his headquarters, dead from a gunshot wound to the thigh. Lieutenant Kerfoot of the 2/14 Punjab with his three Bren carriers arrived minutes too late to save him. IJA who saw the fight made a note stating "he died heroically". At 1330 hours on the 19th, Maltby issued "Operation Order No. 6" calling for a massive counter-attack to commence 90 minutes later. The plan was ambitious: A and D Companies of the 2/14 Punjab were to attack east from Victoria to North Point to relieve the Hughsiliers, while HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the 2 Royal Scots were to attack the Gap and Jardine's Lookout. Eight field guns were promised but never materialized. There was no reconnaissance, no proper orders, and minimal coordination. The Canadians were to rendezvous with the 2 Royal Scots at Middle Gap at 1530 hours, but the Scots were late; the Canadians advanced without them. Captain Pinkerton of D Company, 2 Royal Scots, was ordered at the last minute to attack up Wongneichong Gap Road—the same route A Company had taken only seven hours earlier and been decimated—because it was reported as "lightly held." Captain A. M. S. Slater-Brown led the advance with three Bren carriers and attached engineers, followed by D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Just as the carriers reached the burnt-out trucks of A Company, they too were ambushed. Mortars and machine-gun fire rained down from Jardine's Lookout, where the Japanese occupied captured HKVDC pillboxes. Slater-Brown and 2nd Lieutenant Bell, the battalion intelligence officer, were killed instantly. The Royal Scots waited in the roadside ditches until 0200 hours before launching an attack on the police station, reaching the steps before Pinkerton was severely wounded. Captain Ford's composite company attack at 0300 hours also failed. Simultaneously, C Company under Lieutenant F. L. Stanier attacked Jardine's Lookout—also unsuccessfully. This series of piecemeal assaults cost the Royal Scots eight officers and 68 soldiers. Growing increasingly desperate, Maltby ordered Major Hodkinson, Officer Commanding HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, to attack the Gap and proceed to Mt Parker. Requesting reinforcements from A Company and the Royal Scots, Hodkinson launched his assault with covering fire from Lieutenant Corrigan on Mt Nicholson. The Grenadiers managed to reach Mt Nicholson with only five unwounded men, though Corrigan's group advanced to within 300 meters of the Gap road. Then came an unexpected stroke of fortune: while skirting Mt Nicholson, Hodkinson's group stumbled upon approximately 500 Japanese—probably from the 3/230th—eating lunch without posting sentries. The Winnipeg Grenadiers unleashed devastating fire, inflicting heavy casualties. By 1745 hours, Hodkinson's force was only 100 meters from Repulse Bay Road. With four men and a 2-inch mortar, Hodkinson worked his way to the abandoned brigade headquarters, bringing 20 walking wounded with him. He established a foothold at the Gap, receiving orders to attack the police station at 2200 hours. Two HKVDC armoured cars with Vickers machine guns came in support, but accurate enemy fire disabled both. Like Pinkerton before him, Hodkinson reached near his objective before being severely wounded. For this action of determination and courage, Hodkinson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. By the morning of the 20th, the Japanese had consolidated control of the Gap, but elements of D Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, still held various pillboxes north of the position. Initially, 17 and 18 Platoons occupied forward positions with Company Headquarters and 16 Platoon in reserve, positioned across Wongneichong Road almost directly opposite brigade headquarters. Forward positions were rapidly overrun and cut off from the company. They fought without officers until withdrawal to battalion headquarters became necessary. With Captain A. S. Bowman killed and Captain R. W. Philips wounded, command fell to Lieutenant T. A. Blackwood. An attempt by B Company to relieve D Company on the evening of the 20th failed catastrophically, killing all officers and 29 men. With fewer than 50 men remaining—all wounded—Lieutenant Blackwood continued inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese until 22 December, when exhaustion and the complete absence of ammunition, food, and water forced surrender. D Company killed over 200 Japanese soldiers. Post-war Japanese reports refused to believe that a single company had held the Gap for so long. For their stubborn defense, Philips and Blackwood were awarded the Military Cross, and three enlisted men received the Military Medal. The battle of Wongneichong Gap was characterized by fragmented planning and poor coordination. On the night of the 19th-20th, no fewer than three separate companies attacked the police station, with another company assaulting Jardine's Lookout—all within five hours, all independently organized by local commanders. Had these disparate actions been coordinated into a single simultaneous assault, fortress headquarters' objectives might well have been achieved. By the end of the 20th, the British had lost the vital ground of Wongneichong, though Postbridge House remained as an isolated holdout. For the Japanese, Wongneichong became the single costliest engagement since the invasion began, with over 800 casualties and the regimental commander of the 3/230th seriously wounded. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.   Japanese landings on 18-19 December overwhelmed the East Brigade. Brigadier Lawson died defending the vital Gap. Desperate, uncoordinated counter-attacks by British and Canadian troops failed to dislodge the enemy. D Company Winnipeg Grenadiers held the position for four days against overwhelming odds before surrendering. The Japanese suffered 800 casualties but secured this critical strategic ground.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dale Hunter joins MWI's Charlie Faint on this episode to discuss how a new Army unit—the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)—transformed intelligence collection, targeting, and technology integration to compete against sophisticated antiaccess/area-denial threats in the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on his experience as the 1st MDTF's senior intelligence warrant officer and collection manager, Dale explains the unique role of warrant officers as technical experts who bridge operational gaps, describes how the unit pioneered new approaches to maritime targeting, partner integration, and innovation in the absence of established doctrine, and argues that talent—not technology—is the decisive advantage in modern warfare. The conversation also explores leadership, disciplined initiative, the importance of actively recruiting exceptional people, and the crucible of innovation that shaped the 1st MDTF's early success and continues to influence the Army's transformation for future conflict. Chapters (00:00:02) - Spear of the Story(00:01:24) - Army Veteran on Why He Joined the Army(00:03:37) - What is a Warrant Officer?(00:06:44) - Are Intelligence Officers More Preferred Than Others?(00:08:13) - Immersed in the Multi-Domain Task Force(00:11:00) - What is a Collection Manager's Job?(00:13:13) - Exploring the 2ad(00:23:29) - Multiple Domain Task Force in the Philippines(00:28:28) - The Multi-Domain Task Force's Talent(00:32:56) - The Multi-Domain Task Force(00:34:55) - The MDTF's Talent Hunt(00:42:53) - Multi-Domain Commands(00:50:05) - Intel Architectural Questions(00:53:02) - What Does a Collection Manager's Day Look Like?(00:57:17) - Warrant Officer Career Overview(01:00:16) - Retired Intel Warrant Officer(01:02:26) - McIntosh: The Crucible of Innovation(01:05:37) - Dale Moore on His Next Job(01:07:55) - USFK Commander presents medal to Modern War Institute(01:08:55) - The Spear

COHORT W – Season 5: A Legacy of ServiceWelcome to Season 5 of COHORT W! I am your host, CW3 Marcus Harvey, an Army Warrant Officer, educator, and Warrant Officer Historical Foundation Fellow with a long-standing interest in Army history and the Warrant Officer profession.Across the season, I will chat with historians and today's Warrant Officers to explore how experience, trust, and technical expertise have shaped the Army across branches and generations. The conversations connect past lessons to present-day service and look ahead to the future of the force.Produced in partnership with the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation, A Legacy of Service isn't just about history; it's about understanding where the profession comes from and why it continues to matter, often outside the spotlight.If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about military history, leadership, and the people who keep complex systems running, this season is worth a listen.Episode 1 begins where most Warrant Officers do, the Warrant Officer Career College, with special guest, Army Reserve WOCC Deputy Commandant, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeremy Gula. Join us as he takes us through not only the changes throughout history of WOCC, but also what the future holds.

Hangar 46: Reflecting with Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Force Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, OAM. "I'm really proud of bringing people together, learning alongside each other."Join us in the hangar as we chat to Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, OAM, on his time as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to Chief of Defence Force, his career, and reflections. This episode is hosted by Flight Sergeant Owen Robottom.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Warrant Officer Boy Steve Phakula of the SAPS National Intervention Unit describes a chaotic drug bust scene in Aeroton, Johannesburg. Phakula told the commission multiple police units arrived, scenes were not properly cordoned, and command confusion escalated as senior officers intervened. The inquiry examines alleged mishandling and possible theft of seized cocaine as evidence unfolds in Gauteng at the Madlanga Commission before commissioners.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, SAPS Zonkizizwe CIMAC Commander Warrant Officer Marumo Magane admitted officers made an oversight by allowing a truck suspected of carrying drugs to leave a premises without obtaining a search warrant. Commissioners questioned why police failed to secure the scene despite reasonable suspicion. Magane conceded the decision exposed officers to possible danger and created a risk that the suspected drugs could have been removed before reaching the destination.

In this episode of Phoenix Cast, hosts John and Rich — with Kyle sidelined by what Rich suspects was an AI-orchestrated exploit — welcome CW4 Justin Helphenstine, a U.S. Army cyber warrant officer with 22+ years of service and deep offensive cyber operations experience. The conversation digs into what Army cyber warrant officers actually do versus their Marine Corps counterparts, how the talent pipeline has matured from the early days when there wasn't even a cyber MOS, and the real tension between retaining senior technical talent and losing them to the private sector. Justin makes the case that as cyber tools become commodified on both offense and defense, the warrant officer's true value proposition shifts from technical wizardry to creating shared understanding — and he surprises John by arguing that warrant officers should learn to speak the language of joint warfighting functions and doctrine, not just binary. The episode builds to a spirited exchange on the cyber force debate, force generation versus force employment, and whether agentic AI will fundamentally change what it means to be a cyber professional — with Justin warning that outsourcing communication skills to AI is “skipping leg day” for military professionals.We'd love to hear your thoughts! Tweet us @ThePhoenixCast, and don't forget to join our LinkedIn Group to connect with fellow Phoenix Casters. If you enjoyed the episode, help us out by leaving one of those coveted 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!Links:The death of expertise: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Expertise-Campaign-Established-Knowledge/dp/0190469412

Company Warrant Officer Kumar SPILLS THE TEA: What does it REALLY take to go through Specialist Cadet School (SCS)?!!! The TRUTH About "Stand-by-bed"!!! And how the most unexpected cadets become LEADERS??-Catch Every Singaporean Son IV on @mindefsg YouTube now!www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-BFjlRUm2M&list=PLbOSqJKglMt09H-14afQadvfTaPlz81Sm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I made that decision to live my life in his honor.” In this episode, Army veteran and country music star, Mr. Ryan Weaver, joins us in our virtual studio. He tells us how he followed the family tradition of service and following his brothers' example to transition from analyzing intelligence to piloting helicopters. He also discusses the upside to getting to see the 'big picture' as a young soldier, getting busted for cheating (but not really cheating) as a Warrant Officer candidate, becoming a two-time Gold Star family, and how he went from small karaoke competitions to performing for sold-out arenas.In the Free Fire Area, we discuss what the alternate Tracer Burnout timelines might look like. Theme song by The Mountain via Pixabay.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

Thinking about joining the military? In this episode, I, Dali Rivera, share my unfiltered 10-year military career journey - from enlisting as a mechanic to becoming a drill sergeant and staff sergeant. I break down everything you need to know about military service, including the ASVAB test, MEPS process, enlisted vs. officer paths, ROTC, military academies, and the real challenges of reclassifying your job.I also discuss the hard truths: harassment in the military, toxic barracks culture, mental health struggles, promotion obstacles, and the challenges of attending college while serving. But it's not all negative - I share the incredible leadership opportunities, benefits, and life-changing experiences that made it worth it.Topics covered:✅ ASVAB test tips and how it determines your military job✅ MEPS physical examination process (including uncomfortable experiences for women)✅ Enlisted vs. Officer vs. Warrant Officer career paths✅ ROTC programs and military academy options✅ How to reclassify your military job (and why it's harder than recruiters say)✅ Military promotion system and GT scores✅ Harassment, mental health, and toxic military culture✅ Benefits: free education, TSP/401k, healthcare, housing✅ My experience as a mechanic and drill sergeant✅ Why you should shadow active-duty members before enlistingIf you enjoyed this episode, leave a comment or review. Don't forget to subscribe and share the episode with one more person. For more information about Dali, visit https://www.DaliTalks.com

Send a textThis Daily Drop is all movement, no filler.The Army is doubling down on its auction-style warrant officer retention bonus experiment. Market-driven talent management? Maybe. Hunger Games for CW5s? Also maybe. At the same time, lessons from Ukraine are reshaping armored warfare training, drone integration, and electronic warfare acquisition speed.The Navy installs a new Submarine Force Atlantic commander and rehearses an anti-ship strike with a B-2 off California. Targeting ships at sea isn't the same as dropping bombs on dirt—and that joint integration matters.The Air Force mobility enterprise is waving red flags. Aging tankers and airlift fleets aren't getting replaced fast enough, and timelines stretching into the 2030s aren't comforting. Meanwhile, Reserve and Guard leaders are pushing for equal benefits when serving identical missions.Space Force pauses Vulcan rocket launches over an anomaly—national security missions now in holding.And at the policy level, legal tension continues over military speech and disciplinary authority.A lot moving. A lot worth watching.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Warrant officer retention bonus auction system 04:30 Ukraine armored warfare lessons 06:30 Electronic warfare acquisition overhaul 08:30 New Submarine Force Atlantic commander 10:00 B-2 and Navy anti-ship strike rehearsal 12:30 Mobility fleet modernization concerns 15:00 Equal benefits push for Guard and Reserve 17:30 Space Force Vulcan rocket launch pause 19:00 Legal dispute over military speech limits

Krishnam Thapa Magar, also known as Krishna Thapa or the "Warrior Monk," is a distinguished mountaineer and former SAS Sergeant Major who has achieved international recognition for his pioneering feats in extreme adventure and military leadership. Raised in the Nepal Himalayas, Thapa Magar fuses Buddhist philosophy with military discipline, serving as a motivational speaker and meditation guide focused on holistic wellbeing and modern leadership. He supports team development, mental health, and sustainable adventure, acting as a role model for service, compassion, and personal achievement. Krishnam Thapa Magar is globally respected for blending elite military leadership with world-class mountaineering and inspirational personal development.Thapa Magar was one of only two Gurkhas from the Royal Gurkha Rifles to pass the highly selective entry to the British Special Forces, serving as head of the SAS Mountain Troops. He operated on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating exceptional leadership under pressure, and was the first serving Warrant Officer to summit both Everest and K2. Krishna Thapa holds nine world-first records in mountaineering, including leading the largest summit group ever to Everest, and making pioneering ski descents from peaks such as Dhaulagiri. He has guided and inspired climbers from diverse backgrounds, including amputees, the visually impaired, and Parkinson's disease sufferers, on expeditions around the globe—it's not just about the climbing but about enabling others to overcome adversity. As leader of Gurkha Everest Expeditions, he became the first serving Gurkha soldier to scale the world's highest peak while opening climbing routes and exemplifying teamwork and resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send a textThe crew sits down with Josh Green—active-duty Army Warrant Officer, content creator, voice actor, and father, best known online as @OnexPunchxDad. What starts with military satire and why his humor resonates across every branch turns into a deeper conversation about fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and responsibility. Josh breaks down how accidental virality collided with real-world consequences, why being an active-duty service member shapes what he will and won't post, and how balancing military service, creative work, and family forces hard choices. From raising boys with emotional intelligence, to navigating outrage culture, AI-generated media, and the pressure to perform online, this episode is funny, grounded, and honest. Influence fades. Presence doesn't.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and OTS Alabama plug 05:00 Josh Green background and One Punch Dad origin 08:40 Military tropes, staff culture, and satire 12:30 Editing process and creative burnout 15:40 Music, acting, and rediscovering creativity 19:30 Avoiding outrage content and algorithm traps 23:00 Internet purity tests and cancel culture fatigue 27:00 Generational change and shared reality loss 32:00 AI media, fake images, and Black Mirror vibes 37:00 Dad life, raising kids, and character over comfort 41:00 Teaching boys strength with emotional control 45:00 Parenting humility and growing alongside kids 49:00 Memories that matter more than things 53:00 Advice for joining the military 56:00 Advice for creators: make things that matter 01:00:00 Closing thoughts and where to find Josh

Mandy Wiener speaks to Eastern Cape SAPS , Warrant Officer, Majola Nkohli about the Eastern Cape's police's appeal to the public to donate K9 unit dogs. The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener is 702 and CapeTalk’s flagship news show, your hour of essential news radio. The show is podcasted every weekday, allowing you to catch up with a 60-minute weekday wrap of the day's main news. It's packed with fast-paced interviews with the day’s newsmakers, as well as those who can make sense of the news and explain what's happening in your world. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch up and listen to. Thank you for listening to this podcast of The Midday Report Listen live on weekdays between 12:00 and 13:00 (SA Time) to The Midday Report broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from The Midday Report go to https://buff.ly/BTGmL9H and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/LcbDdFI Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COHORT W – Season 5: A Legacy of ServiceWelcome to Season 5 of COHORT W! I am your host, CW3 Marcus Harvey, an Army Warrant Officer, educator, and Warrant Officer Historical Foundation Fellow with a long-standing interest in Army history and the Warrant Officer profession.Across the season, I will chat with historians and today's Warrant Officers to explore how experience, trust, and technical expertise have shaped the Army across branches and generations. The conversations connect past lessons to present-day service and look ahead to the future of the force.Produced in partnership with the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation, A Legacy of Service isn't just about history; it's about understanding where the profession comes from and why it continues to matter, often outside the spotlight.If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about military history, leadership, and the people who keep complex systems running, this season is worth a listen.

Mike Durant is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Master Black Hawk pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). Inspired by his father, a First Sergeant in the Army National Guard, and a family friend's helicopter flight, Durant enlisted in 1979. After studying Spanish at the Defense Language Institute and serving as a voice intercept operator in Panama, he graduated from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, becoming a Warrant Officer in 1983. He flew over 150 medical evacuation missions in South Korea with the 377th Medical Evacuation Company and later served as an instructor pilot with the 101st Aviation Battalion. Joining the elite 160th SOAR in 1988, Durant flew in Operations Prime Chance, Just Cause, Desert Storm, and Restore Hope. During the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu (Operation Gothic Serpent), his MH-60 Black Hawk was shot down, leaving him severely injured and held captive by Somali militia for 11 days. Despite doctors' doubts, he recovered, ran the 1995 Marine Corps Marathon, and returned to duty, retiring in 2001. Mike's awards include: Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross (second award), Bronze Star w/ Valor device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/ Valor device (third award), Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Arrowhead Device (second award), Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), United Nations Medal, United Nations Medal-Operations in Somalia, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Government of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Government of Kuwait, Master Aviator Badge, and Air Assault Badge. In 2008, Durant founded Pinnacle Solutions in Huntsville, Alabama, a defense contracting firm specializing in military training simulators and veteran employment. He co-authored In the Company of Heroes, focusing on survival and leadership. He also led veterans' efforts for George W. Bush's 2004 and John McCain's 2008 presidential campaigns. He ran in the 2022 Republican primary for Alabama U.S. Senate. Married to Lisa, raising a blended family with six children, Durant enjoys mountain climbing, skiing, hockey, watersports, and running. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Receive 30% off your first subscription order. Go to https://armra.com/SRS or enter SRS to get 30% off your first subscription order. Right now, you can try Aura free for 14 days when you visit http://aura.com/SRS Our listeners get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/SRS. Head to http://DRINKAG1.com/SRS you'll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, and a AG1 Flavor Sampler for free. Mike Durant Links: LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-durant-14a0157 Book - https://a.co/d/9OB6ujI SOWF - https://specialops.org/sowf-home-mobile Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Season 4 finale, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jessie Morlan returns with a unique perspective—as both host and student. After completing the eight-week 420A Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) alongside newly appointed Warrant Officers from across all Army components, CW4 Morlan captures a moment of transformation within Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME).This episode introduces the WOBC Project, a two-phase effort to document and reflect on the experiences of current WO1s—the very generation of Warrant Officers who will be most impacted by PME modernization. You'll hear directly from students in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve as they share candid insights from their early PME journey.

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon Huffman Polson is a former Apache helicopter pilot, speaker, and author of "The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World." She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit and resilience. Guest: Phyllis Wilson Phyllis Wilson is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 with a military career spanning nearly four decades, including deployments to Iraq as a senior intelligence analyst. She is the president of the Military Women's Memorial in Washington, DC, the only national memorial honoring the service of women in all branches and eras of the U.S. military. Description In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Phyllis Wilson about her remarkable journey from a young recruit to a leader in the Military Women's Memorial. Phyllis shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced, and her mission to preserve the stories of America's servicewomen. Summary Phyllis Wilson discusses her military career, the importance of preserving the stories of servicewomen, and her leadership at the Military Women's Memorial. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in the military, the impact of her work, and the lessons learned from her service. Key Highlights 00:00 – Challenge Accepted Phyllis opens by reflecting on moments when people underestimate her: “Sit back and watch, buddy. I'll show you what I'm capable of doing.” She frames underestimation as fuel for proving herself rather than discouragement. 03:17 – Joining the Army for Opportunity Phyllis describes joining the military to afford college — a “four-year plan” that turned into 37 years of service. She was drawn in by education, travel, and a sense of purpose. 05:09 – Motherhood & Warrant Officer Training Phyllis recounts attending the Warrant Officer Candidate Program while raising young children: Describes grueling inspections and “hazing” culture of the time. Brought her kids to training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, with classmates helping out. Reflects on resilience and community support. 09:07 – Climbing to Chief Warrant Officer 5 She breaks down the rarity of her rank: Out of 1 million Army personnel, only ~822 are CW5s. Highlights the tight Warrant Officer network and the importance of relying on collective expertise, not pretending to know everything. 10:22 – Imposter Syndrome Phyllis candidly talks about moments of doubt at senior levels: “You pinch yourself—am I really supposed to be here?” She learned to trust the leaders who believed in her and to “just do the work.” 13:25 – Iraq: Life-or-Death Intel Decisions As a senior intelligence analyst in Special Operations, she was responsible for nightly mission targeting: Describes pressure of ensuring missions aren't sent to “dry holes” or booby-trapped locations. Talks about guilt when missions result in deaths, even if assessments were correct. “Sometimes when they don't come home alive, you kick yourself… Can I keep doing this?” Coping through treadmill running 70–80 miles a week to manage stress. 17:36 – Serving Alongside Her Sons Phyllis' sons were deployed in Iraq simultaneously: Promoted one to Sergeant during Thanksgiving. Mixed pride and deep fear, especially near the end of their tours. 21:43 – Special Operations as a Woman She thrived in Special Ops because the mission came first and gender was irrelevant: “I never even noticed I was the only woman in the room… I count lefties, not women.” She stresses speaking with value, not just to be heard. 25:57 – Leadership & Trust Under Pressure Trust looks different in combat vs. garrison. She highlights how earning trust through competence is essential when lives are on the line. 29:45 – Childhood Foundations Growing up as a tomboy in a strict but loving household shaped her confidence and resilience. She recalls lifeguarding as a teen and learning to develop “thick skin” early. 33:45 – Evolving Sense of Purpose Over decades, her purpose deepened through service and exposure to other cultures. She learned profound lessons on contentment and gratitude from communities abroad. 39:01 – Post-Military Transition After hanging up the uniform, Phyllis felt unexpectedly lost. She founded “Wounded Warriors Have Families Too” to support families of injured service members, restoring her sense of mission. 44:28 – Leading the Military Women's Memorial As president, she discovered how many women's stories remain untold. The Memorial's database has 325,000+ stories but represents only ~10% of all who served. She's passionate about preserving and amplifying these histories. 51:52 – Defending Women's Stories Today In an era where some narratives are being erased, Phyllis emphasizes protecting and elevating military women's stories — including those who died recently. “Our job is to honor and tell the stories… not drag their names through the mud.” 58:01 – Lifelong Mission Phyllis' driving force today: “How could I not have known these stories?” She's committed to making sure America knows the names and deeds of the women who served. 1:01:20 – Closing Shannon thanks Phyllis for her leadership and storytelling. Phyllis' journey is framed as a call to preserve legacy, build resilience, and lead with purpose. Resources & Contact Details The Grit Institute: thegritinstitute.com Military Women's Memorial: womensmemorial.org Book: The Grit Factor Download The Grit Factor Manifesto Contact Phyllis Wilson: info@womensmemorial.org  

In this powerful episode of COHORT W, we spotlight one of the key voices behind the future of 420A Professional Military Education, Chief Warrant Officer Two Josh Ricker.A combat-proven Human Resources Technician with assignments across the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Special Forces Command, and the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), CW2 Ricker brings unmatched experience from both the operational force and the classroom. Currently serving as an instructor at the Adjutant General School at Fort Jackson, he's leading from the front in transforming how the Army trains its HR Warrant Officers.CW2 Ricker has just completed teaching the final WOBC class under the legacy curriculum and is now preparing to launch the new, modernized 420A program of instruction this October. As a contributing member of the Critical Task Site Selection Board (CTSSB), he played a direct role in identifying what needed to change and shaping how the next generation of 420As will be prepared for warfighting and combat-readiness.In this episode, CW2 Ricker shares:What's changing in the new 420A PME—and why it mattersFirsthand insight from the field and how it's influencing doctrineThe importance of systems mastery, data fluency, and digital readinessA candid reflection on teaching today's Warrant Officers for tomorrow's battlefieldHis advice for PME designers, skeptics of change, and future HR leadersWhether you're a new Warrant Officer, PME instructor, AG senior leader, or simply passionate about readiness and transformation, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Army HR education is evolving from one of the AG Corps' most thoughtful and battle-tested instructors.

In the Navy SEALs, no rule is more sacred than this: you never leave your swim buddy. For Dustin “Dusty” Turner, that bond would change the course of his life forever.In 1995, Dusty and his swim buddy Billy Brown went out for what was meant to be a simple night of drinks. By the next morning, a young woman by the name of Jennifer Evans was dead, eight days later Billy and Dusty are arrested and eventually both are convicted of the crime.Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years.The case took a dramatic turn in 1999 when Brown confessed that he alone had killed Jennifer and stated that Dusty had no role in her death. Neither Dusty, the jury that convicted him nor the public learned of this confession until 2002. Shortly thereafter, Dusty filed a petition for a Writ of Innocence. At an evidentiary hearing on the petition in 2008, Brown provided in detail testimony that laid bare his own guilt for Jennifer's murder.Dusty also testified at the hearing. Both men gave the same account of what happened that Dusty gave his Warrant Officer eight days after Jennifer's death.The court would rule the following "this court finally finds that Mr. Brown is credible in his assertion that he acted independently in murdering the victim and that Mr. Turner had no role in the murder or in the restraining of the victim." Based on the findings of Judge Lowe, a 2 to 1 panel of Judges at the Virginia Court of Appeals granted Dusty a Writ of Innocence holding that he was, in fact, “actually innocent” and should be set free.One Minute Remaining LIVE in Melbourne get your tix now Join the One Minute Remaining Jury via Appl + HERE and get OMR early and ad free for as little as $1.69 a week!Become a Jury member on Patreon and find us on Facebook here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Navy SEALs, no rule is more sacred than this: you never leave your swim buddy. For Dustin “Dusty” Turner, that bond would change the course of his life forever.In 1995, Dusty and his swim buddy Billy Brown went out for what was meant to be a simple night of drinks. By the next morning, a young woman by the name of Jennifer Evans was dead, eight days later Billy and Dusty are arrested and eventually both are convicted of the crime.Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years.The case took a dramatic turn in 1999 when Brown confessed that he alone had killed Jennifer and stated that Dusty had no role in her death. Neither Dusty, the jury that convicted him nor the public learned of this confession until 2002. Shortly thereafter, Dusty filed a petition for a Writ of Innocence. At an evidentiary hearing on the petition in 2008, Brown provided in detail testimony that laid bare his own guilt for Jennifer's murder.Dusty also testified at the hearing. Both men gave the same account of what happened that Dusty gave his Warrant Officer eight days after Jennifer's death.The court would rule the following "this court finally finds that Mr. Brown is credible in his assertion that he acted independently in murdering the victim and that Mr. Turner had no role in the murder or in the restraining of the victim." Based on the findings of Judge Lowe, a 2 to 1 panel of Judges at the Virginia Court of Appeals granted Dusty a Writ of Innocence holding that he was, in fact, “actually innocent” and should be set free.One Minute Remaining LIVE in Melbourne get your tix now Join the One Minute Remaining Jury via Appl + HERE and get OMR early and ad free for as little as $1.69 a week!Become a Jury member on Patreon and find us on Facebook here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Navy SEALs, no rule is more sacred than this: you never leave your swim buddy. For Dustin “Dusty” Turner, that bond would change the course of his life forever.In 1995, Dusty and his swim buddy Billy Brown went out for what was meant to be a simple night of drinks. By the next morning, a young woman by the name of Jennifer Evans was dead, eight days later Billy and Dusty are arrested and eventually both are convicted of the crime.Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years.The case took a dramatic turn in 1999 when Brown confessed that he alone had killed Jennifer and stated that Dusty had no role in her death. Neither Dusty, the jury that convicted him nor the public learned of this confession until 2002. Shortly thereafter, Dusty filed a petition for a Writ of Innocence. At an evidentiary hearing on the petition in 2008, Brown provided in detail testimony that laid bare his own guilt for Jennifer's murder.Dusty also testified at the hearing. Both men gave the same account of what happened that Dusty gave his Warrant Officer eight days after Jennifer's death.The court would rule the following "this court finally finds that Mr. Brown is credible in his assertion that he acted independently in murdering the victim and that Mr. Turner had no role in the murder or in the restraining of the victim." Based on the findings of Judge Lowe, a 2 to 1 panel of Judges at the Virginia Court of Appeals granted Dusty a Writ of Innocence holding that he was, in fact, “actually innocent” and should be set free.One Minute Remaining LIVE in Melbourne get your tix now Join the One Minute Remaining Jury via Appl + HERE and get OMR early and ad free for as little as $1.69 a week!Become a Jury member on Patreon and find us on Facebook here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Navy SEALs, no rule is more sacred than this: you never leave your swim buddy. For Dustin “Dusty” Turner, that bond would change the course of his life forever.In 1995, Dusty and his swim buddy Billy Brown went out for what was meant to be a simple night of drinks. By the next morning, a young woman by the name of Jennifer Evans was dead, eight days later Billy and Dusty are arrested and eventually both are convicted of the crime.Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years.The case took a dramatic turn in 1999 when Brown confessed that he alone had killed Jennifer and stated that Dusty had no role in her death. Neither Dusty, the jury that convicted him nor the public learned of this confession until 2002. Shortly thereafter, Dusty filed a petition for a Writ of Innocence. At an evidentiary hearing on the petition in 2008, Brown provided in detail testimony that laid bare his own guilt for Jennifer's murder.Dusty also testified at the hearing. Both men gave the same account of what happened that Dusty gave his Warrant Officer eight days after Jennifer's death.The court would rule the following "this court finally finds that Mr. Brown is credible in his assertion that he acted independently in murdering the victim and that Mr. Turner had no role in the murder or in the restraining of the victim." Based on the findings of Judge Lowe, a 2 to 1 panel of Judges at the Virginia Court of Appeals granted Dusty a Writ of Innocence holding that he was, in fact, “actually innocent” and should be set free.So why after 30 years is Dustin Turner still in prison?One Minute Remaining LIVE in Melbourne get your tix now Join the One Minute Remaining Jury via Appl + HERE and get OMR early and ad free for as little as $1.69 a week!Become a Jury member on Patreon and find us on Facebook here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Navy SEALs, no rule is more sacred than this: you never leave your swim buddy. For Dustin “Dusty” Turner, that bond would change the course of his life forever. In 1995, Dusty and his swim buddy Billy Brown went out for what was meant to be a simple night of drinks. By the next morning, a young woman by the name of Jennifer Evans was dead, eight days later Billy and Dusty are arrested and eventually both are convicted of the crime. Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years. The case took a dramatic turn in 1999 when Brown confessed that he alone had killed Jennifer and stated that Dusty had no role in her death. Neither Dusty, the jury that convicted him nor the public learned of this confession until 2002. Shortly thereafter, Dusty filed a petition for a Writ of Innocence. At an evidentiary hearing on the petition in 2008, Brown provided in detail testimony that laid bare his own guilt for Jennifer's murder. Dusty also testified at the hearing. Both men gave the same account of what happened that Dusty gave his Warrant Officer eight days after Jennifer's death.The court would rule the following "this court finally finds that Mr. Brown is credible in his assertion that he acted independently in murdering the victim and that Mr. Turner had no role in the murder or in the restraining of the victim." Based on the findings of Judge Lowe, a 2 to 1 panel of Judges at the Virginia Court of Appeals granted Dusty a Writ of Innocence holding that he was, in fact, “actually innocent” and should be set free.So why after 30 years is Dustin Turner still in prison?This is his story as told by him from prison. One Minute Remaining LIVE in Melbourne get your tix now Join the One Minute Remaining Jury via Appl + HERE and get OMR early and ad free for as little as $1.69 a week!Become a Jury member on Patreon and find us on Facebook here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring and insightful episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with CW5 Chad Bowen, 9th Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant General (AG) Corps and former Chief Warrant Officer of the AG School, to explore the modernization of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) through the lens of a decorated 420A with over three decades of service.From his early days as a 75F Personnel Information Systems Specialist to his pivotal leadership roles at NATO, V Corps, and the Soldier Support Institute, CW5 Bowen shares stories of growth, leadership, and the lessons PME must carry forward. As a key voice in shaping the AG Corps' PME path, he offers practical insight on what works, what's changing, and what we must preserve.Whether you're a WO1 just starting the journey or a senior WO navigating the strategic fight, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and forward-looking guidance.

In this episode of the Coast To Coasties Podcast, I continue my 2 part discussion with MST1 Gavin Kline about the newest Warrant Officer pathway in the U.S Coast Guard. The intention of the program is to give members in certain enlisted rates earlier opportunity in their career timeline to become Warrant Officers which benefits both the enlisted member with increased pay and responsibilities and benefits the Coast Guard by retaining their skilled specialists they have invested into more years than the old traditional Warrant Officer path. For members who join the Coast Guard as enlisted and prospect to one day become a Warrant Officer in the Marine Inspections field, this episode is a great listen to start planning and making the necessary steps early in your career to building a competitive package in your future. Note* the EMITP program covers Warrant paths to Marine Inspections not all encompassing of every Warrant program. Please enjoy and reach out to me if you have any questions or additional feedback!

In this special Warrant Officer Birthday edition of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan welcomes CW5 LaShon P. White, the 9th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Reserve, to help commemorate the enduring legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort.With a military career spanning nearly four decades, CW5 White brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the conversation. From his enlistment in 1986 as a machinist in the Army Reserve to his transition into the active component and eventual commissioning as a Warrant Officer in 2000, his journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and service excellence. Now serving as the senior Warrant Officer for the Army Reserve, CW5 White leads mentorship, development, and readiness initiatives that shape the future of the Cohort.In this brief but meaningful episode, CW5 White delivers a powerful birthday message to Warrant Officers past, present, and future—highlighting the Cohort's evolution, values, and the critical role Warrant Officers play in the Army's readiness and transformation.Join us as we reflect, honor, and celebrate the professionals who serve as the technical and tactical experts of the force. Happy Birthday to the Warrant Officer Cohort—107 years of excellence and counting.

Welcome to a special Independence Day episode of the COHORT W Podcast. I'm your host, CW4 Jessie Morlan, and today, we celebrate the 4th of July with a message of pride, patriotism, and purpose from one of our most respected senior leaders in the Warrant Officer Cohort.Joining us is CW5 Brian Searcy, the 8th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army National Guard, who brings decades of service and insight shaped by a career spanning intelligence, readiness, and leadership at the highest levels. From his beginnings as a cannon crewmember in the Utah Army National Guard to becoming the senior warrant officer advisor to the Director of the Army National Guard, CW5 Searcy has embodied the strength and resilience of the Citizen-Soldier.In this Independence Day episode, CW5 Searcy reflects on what it means to serve in the world's most capable land force, how the Army National Guard supports our communities and our nation, and the enduring values that unite us on this day of celebration. His words serve as a reminder of the role that each Warrant Officer plays in preserving liberty and leading through service.Whether you're in uniform, a proud veteran, or someone who supports those who serve—this message is for you. Happy Independence Day from the entire COHORT W team.

In this powerful episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with a true legend in the Warrant Officer Cohort—Chief Warrant Officer Four (Ret.) Bob Cooper—to reflect on his 30-year military journey and the timeless lessons of professional military education (PME). From enlisting in 1957 and becoming a dual-rated Master Army Aviator with over 4,000 flight hours—including 1,100+ in combat—to shaping key safety initiatives in Army Aviation, CW4 (Ret.) Cooper's story is both inspiring and instructive.As a former Director of the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation and lifelong advocate for the Warrant Officer Cohort, Mr. Cooper shares candid reflections on what PME looked like in his era, which elements stood the test of time, and what modern leaders should preserve as PME continues to evolve.

Welcome to a historic edition of COHORT W, where we honor 250 years in the making.Today, 14 June 2025, we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army—two and a half centuries of service, sacrifice, and leadership that have shaped the course of our nation and the world.To mark this extraordinary milestone, we're honored to welcome a leader whose career reflects the very spirit of this legacy—CW5 Aaron Anderson, Chief Warrant Officer of the Army.In this special episode, CW5 Anderson delivers a powerful and forward-looking message to the Warrant Officer Cohort and the Total Force—reflecting on 250 years of Army excellence while spotlighting the bold transformation underway to prepare our Army for the next era of warfighting.This message is more than a tribute—it's a challenge to all of us to lead with integrity, adapt with purpose, and carry forward the Army's enduring promise. This We'll Defend.

In this episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with CW4 Kelvie Fore, the Warrant Officer Strength Manager for the Virginia Army National Guard, to discuss his extraordinary 35-year journey in the Army and his perspective on modernizing Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME).From beginning his career in 1989 as a 31U Unit-Level Communications Maintainer to becoming a 915A Automotive Maintenance Technician and now serving as Virginia's Warrant Officer Strength Manager, CW4 Fore brings a lifetime of insights to the mic. Along the way, he has served in many specialties, completed multiple overseas deployments, and shaped the next generation of Warrant Officers as a TAC Officer and Course Director at Fort Novosel.Tune in as CW4 Fore shares what worked in his PME experience, where improvements are needed, and how the Guard's future depends on balancing accessions with relevant, timely education. His story is a powerful reminder of how professional growth, lifelong mentorship, and personal grit form the backbone of our Warrant Officer Cohort.Topics include:Lessons from a multi-decade career in uniformBuilding and managing the Warrant Officer pipelinePME's evolving role in readiness and retentionPractical insight on bridging PME with operational demands

In this episode of COHORT W, we sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steven Finney, the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), to explore how Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) is evolving within the elite world of Army Special Operations.With over three decades of service—from his early days as an infantryman, to earning his Green Beret, to mentoring future leaders—CW5 Finney brings deep insight into how PME must adapt for the future fight. His experience spans operational deployments globally, institutional leadership at the JFK Special Warfare Center and School, and strategic advising at the highest levels of Army SOF.Together, we discuss:The evolution of PME in Special OperationsHow elite Warrant Officers are developed to meet global challengesBalancing tradition and innovation within PMEMentorship, leadership, and lifelong service in the Warrant Officer CohortIf you want to hear how Special Operations Warrant Officers prepare to lead at the tip of the spear, this is the conversation you've been waiting for.

In this follow-up to Season 4, Episode 2, COHORT W continues the conversation on the future of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) with CW5 Carlos Terrones, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center.But this time, we widen the lens.Joining the discussion are CW4 Kent Frye, Commander of the Warrant Officer Recruiting Company (Active Component), and CW5 Aaron Anderson, the Chief Warrant Officer of the Army—bringing their operational and strategic insights to a conversation that connects education, accessions, and Cohort-wide modernization like never before.Together, they explore:Recent PME developments and pilot programsCritical accessions challenges, successes, and MOS shortagesHow modernization is shaping recruiting messagingEnterprise-wide alignment and leadership guidance from the CWAA unified vision for preparing the Warrant Officer Cohort for 2030 and beyondWhether you're leading at the unit level, recruiting tomorrow's Warrant Officers, or sitting in the PME classroom today—this episode brings perspective, clarity, and a clear call to action for shaping the future of our Cohort. Listen now to hear how PME, recruiting, and leadership are coming together to build the bench for the next generation.

In this episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan and CW5 Charmaine Hilliard, Assistant Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Army, share a conversation that traces an extraordinary Army career and powerfully testifies to the impact of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education.From her early days enlisting in Jasper, Texas, to her leadership at the highest levels of the Pentagon, CW5 Hilliard shares the lessons, experiences, and key PME moments that helped shape her into the senior leader she is today. Together, they explore what worked well in her professional military education journey, how PME prepared her for strategic leadership roles, and how the Army can modernize PME for the next generation of Warrant Officers.Topics Covered:The importance of early professional developmentLessons learned from deployments and operational assignmentsHow PME shaped her growth from tactical to strategic leadershipInsights from teaching Warrant Officer coursesPreparation of Warrant Officers for enterprise-level leadershipWhat PME should preserve—and where it must evolve

In this compelling episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with CW4 Ronald Carrion, Adjutant General Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education–Follow On (WOILE-FO) Instructor, to explore the modernization of Professional Military Education through the lens of the Human Resources mission set.With over 20 years of experience supporting warfighter readiness across Iraq, Afghanistan, AFRICOM, and beyond, CW4 Carrion brings a unique blend of operational depth and instructional expertise. As a leader shaping the future of HR Warrant Officers, he discusses the evolving role of the Adjutant General Corps, the critical skills needed for success in large-scale combat operations, and how PME must evolve to remain relevant and impactful.

In this episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan continues the conversation on the modernization of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) with a guest helping lead that transformation from the front lines of institutional training.CW5 Stephen Napoli, Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College, joins the show to share his unique perspective on evolving the education and development of Warrant Officers to meet the demands of tomorrow's battlefield. From his start as an Aeroscout Observer in 1993 to his current role shaping PME for the entire cohort, CW5 Napoli brings operational insight, strategic vision, and decades of leadership experience.In this episode, you'll hear about:How WO PME is aligning with the Army's future operational conceptsThe importance of adaptability in Warrant Officer PMELessons from CW5 Napoli's career—from cockpit to classroomTune in for an in-depth conversation on preparing the next generation of Warrant Officers for success in a dynamic, multi-domain environment.Meet The Harding Project!https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-project A helpful writing guide from CGSC:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/home/Resources/CGSC-Professional-Writing-Guide.pdf Army University Press:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/You can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org Please visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page. Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this. Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=Overview Please also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollege Theme music (intro &  outro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/ Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/  Preserve and educate!https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

In this episode of Cohort W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan continues the deep dive into the modernization of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME), this time through the lens of Military Intelligence.Joining the conversation is CW5 Peter Davis, the 9th Chief Warrant Officer of the Military Intelligence Corps and the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE). As the first-ever Signals Intelligence Technician to hold this position since its inception in 1999, CW5 Davis brings a fresh and critical perspective to shaping the future of MI Warrant Officers.With the battlefield evolving and intelligence playing a pivotal role in future conflicts, how must PME adapt to keep Warrant Officers at the cutting edge? In this episode, CW5 Davis discusses the modernization of MI training, the skills Warrant Officers need to stay ahead, and the challenges of preparing the cohort for the complexities of tomorrow's fight.Tune in for a compelling conversation about leadership, intelligence, and the evolution of PME in the ever-changing operational landscape.Listen now!Meet The Harding Project!https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-projectA helpful writing guide from CGSC:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/home/Resources/CGSC-Professional-Writing-Guide.pdfArmy University Press:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/You can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.orgPlease visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

In this episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with CW5 Carlos Terrones, the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, to discuss tackling one of the most pressing issues in the Warrant Officer Cohort: the modernization of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME).With the battlefield evolving and technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, the Army is shifting toward Multi-Domain Operations. But how do Warrant Officers and institutions ensure that Warrant Officer PME is not only keeping up but also leading the way? CW5 Terrones brings decades of leadership and operational experience, from enlisting as a Light-Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in 1993 to serving as a strategic advisor at one of the Army's premier institutions for military education, to foster the required developments.Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of Warrant Officer PME, the skills Warrant Officers need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment, and how the Army is preparing its technical experts to drive the future fight.Quick-Fire Observation Tool:   https://www.army.mil/article/273050/quick_fire_observations_rapidly_resolving_issues_and_informing_the_force Meet The Harding Project!https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-project A helpful writing guide from CGSC:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/home/Resources/CGSC-Professional-Writing-Guide.pdf Army University Press:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/You can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.orgPlease visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this. Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro & outro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

The Canadian military said it's investigating after a Warrant Officer posted an AI photo of Ontario Premier Doug Ford wearing a 51st state and accused him of selling out Ontario to "fascists.” One component of British Columbia's safe supply program is officially over after the government admitted hard drugs were being diverted for criminal distribution. And sources say that the Liberal government plans on letting the funding for a group dedicated to search for residential school graves expire. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Noah Jarvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 4 of COHORT W, the podcast exploring the Warrant Officer Cohort—past, present, and future. Host CW4 Jessie Morlan kicks off the new season with a familiar voice: CW3 Suzanne Albert.As the FY23-24 Warrant Officer Historical Foundation Fellow, former COHORT W host, and current Department Head of Strategy and Doctrine at the U.S. Warrant Officer Career College, CW3 Albert has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of warrant officers. In this episode, she shares insights from her time behind the mic in Season 3, discusses the evolution of professional military education (PME), and offers her vision for preparing the cohort for the future fight.Join us as CW3 Albert reflects on lessons learned from past guests, the surprises she encountered along the way, and the challenges ahead for Warrant Officer development. Don't miss this engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future modernization of Warrant Officer PME.Meet The Harding Project!https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-projectA helpful writing guide from CGSC:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/home/Resources/CGSC-Professional-Writing-Guide.pdfArmy University Press:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/You can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.orgPlease visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. Nick and Aaron cover his combat history, lengthy recovery journey, and overall life lessons. To engage with Nick, visit https://teammchn.com/ Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com Stay Dirty! **UPDATE** Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year! They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products. Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.

CW5 Fatima Nettles and SFC Leyton Summerlin discuss the role of the Warrant Officer in stewardship, innovation, and subject matter expertise - and present resources such as The Harding Project, professional journals, environmental changes that support idea dissemination. Of note, we also discuss the soon-to-arrive Line of Departure website and Guide to Professional Discourse.Meet The Harding Project! https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-project A helpful writing guide from CGSC:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/home/Resources/CGSC-Professional-Writing-Guide.pdfA great article by SFC Summerlin on Line of Departure and the Muddy Boots Forum; https://www.hardingproject.com/p/throw-archaic-reading-lists-in-theYou can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org . Please visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/ Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

Steve Leonard is a retired O6 and Army Strategist who was shaped by Warrant Officers early in his career. This, along with his upbringing, informed his bold relationship with risk. In Episode 10, we discuss lessons he learned from CW4(Ret) Chuck Hunley, with special emphasis on controlling emotions. And we talk about the use of anger and how it can lead to humor, wisdom, mentorship, and meaningful change.  Doctrine Man Comic:https://www.instagram.com/doctrine_man/?hl=en10 Life Lessons in Leadership from CW4(Ret) Chuck Hunley:https://news.clearancejobs.com/2019/03/26/tools-of-the-trade-10-life-lessons-in-leadership/The article on anger Steve and I discuss:https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/do-this-to-burn-off-anger-or-frustration-neuroscience-says-youre-only-making-a-bad-situation-worse.htmlYou can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org . Please visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/ Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

Calling all Green Berets! This episode looks deep into the critical role of the Special Forces Warrant Officer. Host Fran Racioppi sits down with USAJFKSWCS Command Chief Warrant CW5 Gary Ostrander – a legend in the Regiment – to unpack the history, responsibilities, and the future of this essential position. Get ready for insightful stories, honest discussions about the challenges of recruiting the next generation, and a look ahead at how Special Forces are adapting to a world with peer-to-peer adversaries. Buckle up and get ready to learn why America's unconventional warriors will continue to be a dominant force.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

In Episode 9, WO1 David Hallmark talks about cultural and generational changes in leadership perspectives, navigating disagreements productively, and building values-based cultures. He discusses tools that have assisted him in navigating hard discussions, planning, and overcoming obstacles. We discuss the difference between failure and quitting and the need to distinguish between the two.The Obstacle Is The Way Ryan Holidayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snmh_IJL8M0Iron and the Soul Henry Rollinshttps://www.oldtimestrongman.com/articles/the-iron-by-henry-rollins/You can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org . Please visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/ Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!

Frank Kanauka is a helicopter pilot and former army aviator.  In this conversation, Frank and I will discuss his early training in the Warrant Officer program during the Vietnam War, and the events leading up to his survival of a mid-air collision in Cambodia. 

See full show notes: https://www.airmantomom.com/2024/06/combating-sexism-in-the-military/Connect with Doris:Order her book: Life at CampCheck out her website: https://itsallaboutego.com/bio Resources:Women of the Military Mentorship ProgramGirl's Guide to Military Service available where books are sold. Signed copies of A Girl's Guide to Military ServiceGirl's Guide to the Military Series

A philosophical interview with WO1 Neil Bissonnette on leadership, mentorship, and officership. He considers his NCO experiences,  discusses the transition to Warrant Officership, and has insights for leaders at all levels. Mr. Bissonnette recently  completed his  technical affiliation and is on his way OCONUS.  We would love to hear from you! Email Warrant.Officer.History@gmail.com to get ahold of us with questions or requests.For CW5 Momeny's most recent interview:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cw5-leonard-s-momeny-department-head-of-military/id1633346369?i=1000656668016For doctrine resources, excellent professional writing, research, and other formats to digest doctrine:https://armyuniversity.eduhttps://www.armyupress.army.milhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-doctrine/id1522992251https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog/#/search?current=true&search_terms=audiobookYou can find more information about the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation at https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org . Please visit us on Instagram @WOHF1918, Twitter @WOHF1918, and on the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation LinkedIn page.Visit warrantofficerhistory.org to learn more about how you can help support the foundation and programs like this.Stay current with Warrant Officer ideas! All current Strength in Knowledge Journal Issues are posted at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/ To learn more information about Warrant Officers, visit USAWOCC: https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=OverviewPlease also feel free to connect with the United States Army Warrant Officer Association at https://usawoa.org and visit their Facebook page @UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation or the US Army Warrant Officer Career College @TheU.S.ArmyWarrantOfficerCareerCollegeTheme music (intro &  outtro) composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano. https://joshdistefano.com/ Ceremonial music provided by https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guidehttps://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/Preserve and educate!