Podcasts about wavell room

Giving our people a platform Here at The Wavell Room, our message has always been loud and consistent: critical thinking and writing is not (and should never be) just an 'officers' sport'. Professional development amongst the serving community must always be encouraged, and given the exceptional intelligence, insight and quality of our people their voices must be heard. To that end, it is an absolute pleasure to be able to announce that the Royal Navy has granted us permission to publish the best placed articles written for this year's edition of the Lt Cdr Hooper essay competition. This annual event is open to Junior Ratings and Other Ranks in all branches of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves; including those holding acting higher rank (i.e. Substantive Leading Hand / Corporal and below). The Challenge Each year, three questions are offered up for analysis and response. This year, the titles on offer were: 1. Memes or Missiles? Should we invest more in Information Operations? 2. It is more than 40 years since the Falklands conflict. Evaluate the challenges the Royal Navy face if it was to engage in a non-UN/NATO supported conflict in the Southern hemisphere. 3. Allyship in the Royal Navy. Why is it important and how is it going? Winners - 2024 It was so tough to judge this year, that some extra prize money was rustled up to allow for a Joint 3rd Place finisher. BZ to all, and we at the Wavell Room very much hope that you enjoy their musings. First Place ET(ME) Joseph Hardiman - Essay 2 Second Place Leading Naval Nurse Esme Clayton - Essay 1 Third Place (Joint) AB David Dulla - Essay 2 LH(EW) Lewis Batch - Essay 2 The Lt Cdr Hooper Prize This annual essay competition commemorating the late Lt Cdr Geoffrey William Winsmore Hooper OBE RN is open to all Junior Ratings across the Royal Navy and aims to broaden current affairs knowledge. Prize money is provided from a trust fund established in 1952 by Lt Cdr Hooper's mother. Aged only 30, Geoffrey Hooper was killed in a motor accident 2nd January 1923 in Hong Kong. Anyone keen to enter the 2025 competition should look out for the relevant RNTM on the RN Intranet.

Pride and Fall tells the story of the British Army and Royal Marines (and more broadly Defence) campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan 2001-2014. It mixes high-level discussions with strategy with tactical vignettes. It offers a highly readable, highly credible history of the period. This book is bloody brilliant. We highly recommend it. From people who served in Afghanistan to warfare experts to those with a casual interest, Pride and Fall will help anyone understand. Miller's clarity coupled with a deep understanding of what happened during the campaign make this highly readable. He does it with an engaging style and sense of wit that few can match. Blow by blow account? In many ways Pride and Fall is a blow by blow account of the land campaign in Afghanistan. Its chapters are chronological, dealing with the campaign as it happened. It offers tactical details with a clear narrative of events. But you would be mistaken if you thought this was a narrative history. Miller brings out the personalities of the commanders and their preparations to show how they impacted the conduct of the war. For example, 'mowing the lawn' of early campaigns and 'clear hold build'. It also charts how the campaign developed - or didn't - and questions why. This analysis alone makes it a useful reference for future study. Miller identifies and explores named individuals to the level of critical analysis that he does, which is something few others have done as effectively. A veteran British reader will recognise many (now senior generals) in their formative years. The title of the book gives away the general argument about the conduct of the war. Miller's text charts the good and the bad of British strategy. Pride and Fall considers that the war lacked a strategy. But he is not entirely dismissive of Britain's efforts. The rise and increasing effectiveness of intelligence is a key success. The conduct of Op HERRICK 13 is a high point of success, one let down by a lack of resources to exploit it before the drawdown. Just because some things were bad, not all of it was. His ability to assess the relative merits and offer a nuanced view of the campaign sets it apart from more traditional 'good or bad' narrative history. Reading it from a doctrine perspective, Pride and Fall adds historical context from which to judge the effectiveness of Britain's new counter-insurgency doctrine. We might conclude, crudely, that Britain had 'all the ideas none of the gear'. But Miller wouldn't quite put it like that. Miller's wider points about how to be better should be grasped by a modern Army facing similar challenges in the future. Strategy and tactics Another theme is the interaction between strategy and tactics. The pressure on resources balanced against the reliance on the US is key throughout. London, Miller shows, struggled to stay relevant despite the commitment of British blood and treasure. Multiple Defence Secretaries, changing generals, the home front. How these big hand themes played out on the ground, and notably the C2 challenges it created, offers new angles to consider. But Pride and Fall doesn't only deal with the science of war. There are long sections detailing the ground reality. These moments offer a glimpse into the human struggles. For example, the role of Company Sergeant Major 'Billy' Roy who straps antlers to his quad bike to deliver Christmas dinners, or the more human details about living outside the wire (or more crudely, taking a **** whilst freezing on a mountain). Not to mention more relevant examples of long insertion tabs, coalition tensions, human relationships that actually win campaigns. Pride and Fall combined these tactical and human moments with a sense of how they contributed to the wider mission. It brilliantly demonstrates the British soldier (and Marines) sense of humour. Who is the author? Sergio Miller is a former Intelligence Corps officer and a regular Wavell Room contributor. His analysis of the war in Ukraine ...

Israel's New Wars is the latest book by Dr. Ehud Eilam. For nearly three decades, Eilam has studied Israel's national security and written widely, including for the Wavell Room, about how the state should protect itself. In Israel's New Wars, Eilam explores how recent conflict with Iran and its partners has differed from Israel's fighting between 1948 and 1982. It contrasts fighting conventionally and fighting non-state actors, bringing historical perspective andmes. As a book, it is focused more on the tactical aspect of military power but verges on identifying the operational thinking. Several of Eilam's arguments standout. How to prepare? Common with contemporary Western military thinking, Israel's New Wars finds a tension between exactly what type of war to prepare for. The day-to-day operations on the border or major conventional operations? This is a tension that the Israeli Defence Force has been struggling with as they veer from conflict to conflict. This is a trend that is apparent when contrasting the periods of history he uses. This tension also carries over into equipment. Looking, for example, Israel's armour, he finds a very good system of upgrades for main battle tanks. However, upgrading to defeat one threat means they are less well prepared against others. This seem more consistent with Israeli naval power or air upgrades. There are similar trends in training and how to prepare soldiers for mobilisation effectively. Whilst Eilam doesn't say it directly, he strongly implies that Israel's inability to prepare for either properly impacted its performance, ultimately leading to multiple draws in recent fighting. Earlier fighting ended in more decisive victory. Ground holding or precision strike? The book also explores the tensions of the different military strategies required. For example, conventional wars require large ground-holding operations and/or air strikes. Fighting non-state actions, however, does not. While air power is important to both, he presents an interesting discussion about the continuing utility of tubed artillery and its importance to effective military operations in both forms of operation. Another theme explored is deterrence. Eilam finds that Israel has a mixed record of deterrence. Israel has been more effective with conventional deterrence, with some success against non-state actors. However, the disparate nature of such actors often means that miscalculation leads to war or splinter groups provoke unneeded responses. Operational - Strategic This is perhaps an area where Eilam would benefit from more analysis. The book is generally tactical in its nature. It struggles to view the problems from the perspective of Israel's opponents when discussing why deterrence hasn't been effective. This theme is common in much security writing, and the baseline assumption seems to be that deterrence rests on destroying lots of the enemy. If, as he identifies, it doesn't work well, what does? Another limitation stems from this: the link between the tactical and operational. Eilam does draw some operational considerations, even some strategic ones. However, they feel underdeveloped. This is unfair; Israel's New Wars did not set out to be a full analysis. Such a task would be near impossible. But focusing on destroying things or holding ground would benefit from a little more strategic thinking. We suggest that there are deeper considerations for Israeli military thinkers out there when contrasting the wars that he seeks to do. In some ways, Eilam's line of thought is a mirror of Mary Kaldor's infamous 'new wars' theory of the 1990s. Perhaps our thinking should now be beyond that now and we wonder if Israel's New Wars was a missed opportunity to consider how balance the competiting demands of conflict. From a NATO perspective, Eilam is right to identify the tension and differences in the type of war faced then and now and how they are consistent. A decade after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the military...

EPISODE 12: The Chimp Paradox with Professor Steve PetersIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to renowned psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. They discuss his famous ‘Chimp Model' and its application in high-stress environments. They explore imposter syndrome and the antecedents of high performance.Guest, Cast & CrewProfessor Steve Peters is a medical doctor specialising in mental health and the functioning of the human mind. His work spans education, the national health service, the corporate world, and elite sports. He helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own unique mind and situation, and develop the skills to optimise individual performance and quality of life.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ ResourcesSteve's company: https://chimpmanagement.com Steve's official website https://profstevepeters.com Steve's Books, including The Chimp Paradox https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters01:47 Steve Peters' Background and Career Journey05:03 The Chimp Model Explained09:29 Imposter Syndrome and Its Implications17:46 The Neuroscience Behind the Chimp Model23:28 Values and Team Cohesion in High-Performance Environments30:32 The Reality of Elite Sports Life31:45 Psychopaths in Boxing: A Unique Perspective33:16 Adapting and Learning in High-Stress Jobs34:42 The Importance of Individualized Training38:56 Preparing for the Unexpected40:36 Dealing with Trauma in Psychiatry46:37 Addressing Moral Injury in Extreme Jobs51:40 Looking to the Future: Legacy and Personal Projects55:59 Steve Sets An Emotional Health ChallengeUp NextThis is the final episode of this first series, but all 12 episodes will remain available for you to listen to. We hope to be bringing you a second series very soon. Thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 11: Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human PerformanceIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Russell Foster, a world-renowned expert on sleep and circadian rhythms. They discuss the importance of sleep and circadian rhythms for human performance, how the circadian system provides the time structure for life, optimising physiology and behavior, and highlight some evidence-based strategies for enhancing sleep quality and quantity. Guest, Cast & CrewRussell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, director of the Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute and the head of The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford. Russell's research interests span visual and circadian neurobiology, focusing on the mechanisms by which light regulates circadian rhythms. Russell has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and books, including his recent book, ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health'. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ ResourcesSir Jules Thorn Sleep & Circadian Neuroscience Institute https://www.scni.ox.ac.ukNuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/russell-foster ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health' by Russell Foster https://www.pemberleybooks.com/product/the-ecology-of-vision/34916/ ‘The Ecology of Vision' by John Lythgoe‘Blitzed' by Norman Ohler If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit wavellroom.com for the latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:28 Journey into Circadian Rhythm Research01:56 Understanding Circadian Rhythms03:43 Consequences of Sleep Deprivation09:25 Mental Health and Sleep15:16 Shift Work and Health Impacts25:45 The Role of Light in Circadian Rhythms36:38 Understanding HPO and Sleep37:22 Strategies for Better Sleep37:46 The Role of Light and Relaxation39:06 Avoiding Sleep Disruptors40:48 The Importance of Routine and Naps43:42 Challenges of Night Shift Work47:17 Impact of Light on Sleep58:55 Food and Circadian RhythmsUp NextNext week, we're delighted to welcome consultant psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters to discuss his work in optimising human performance. From the NHS to elite sport, Steve helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own minds, and develop the skills to optimize individual performance and quality of life. We discuss his famous chimp model, imposter syndrome, and the antecedents of high performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 10: Mastering Sleep for High-Stakes EnvironmentsIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Colin Espie, a world-leading expert on sleep and treating sleep disorders, particularly using cognitive behavioural therapeutics (CBTI) to treat insomnia disorder. They discuss how sleep contributes to physical and mental health, the five principles of sleep health and the treatment options for insomnia. They debunk myths such as a 'sleepless elite' & explore the intricate relationship between sleep, memory consolidation and trauma recovery.Guest, Cast & CrewColin Espie is a professor of sleep medicine in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford, where he founded the Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine Research Program at the Sir Jules Thorne Sleep and Circadian Research Institute. He is also the Clinical Director of the Oxford Online Programme in Sleep Medicine and has published over 300 scientific papers and several important books on the subject of sleep. Colin is also the co-founder of Big Health, which created Sleepio, a digital treatment for insomnia. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesColin's profile & contact info https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/colin-espie Oxford Online Programme in Sleep Medicine https://www.scni.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us Sleepio – a digital treatment for insomnia https://www.bighealth.com/sleepio Colin's books https://colinespie.com/author/ The 5 Principles of Sleep Health https://colinespie.com/sleep-resources/ If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Introducing Professor Colin Espie01:39 The Importance of Sleep in Mental Health04:15 Why Sleep is Crucial: Physiological and Cognitive Perspectives06:07 Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences14:34 The Concept of the Sleepless Elite19:52 The Five Principles of Sleep Health27:16 The Importance of Sleep in Peak Performance28:14 Understanding Insomnia31:12 Treatment Options for Insomnia34:03 The Role of Alcohol in Sleep36:11 Sleep Banking and Deprivation Training43:15 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia49:51 Final Thoughts on Sleep HealthUp NextNext week, we're taking a second deep dive into the science of sleep, this time with Professor Russell Foster, a world-leading expert on the mysterious phenomenon of circadian rhythms, which play a crucial role in optimal human performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 9: Maximizing Mental Fitness with Outdoor Wellbeing CoachingMartin and Jonpaul are joined by Emma Higginson-Smith and Martin Brennan from The Green Room, which provides outdoor well-being coaching, leadership, and organisational development to maximise mental fitness and prevent burnout. They discuss the importance of mental fitness and the role of wellbeing coaching and introduce the concept of the ‘green room'. Guest, Cast & CrewMartin Brennan was a police officer for 30 years and has represented UK Policing at the United Nations as an advisor to UN peacekeeping missions. He has led police teams during high-risk dynamic investigations. Today, he is an international expedition leader and an experienced outdoor wellbeing coach. Emma Higginson-Smith is a high-impact behaviour change coach and consultant. She is committed to personal and organisational wellbeing & is passionate about human performance, health, nutrition and the benefits of the outdoors.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ Resourceshttps://tgrcoaching.co.uk/emma@tgrcoaching.co.ukmartin@tgrcoaching.co.ukIf you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for the latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters02:00 The Importance of Coaching04:48 Inspiration Behind The Green Room13:50 Understanding Mental Fitness15:51 Challenges in Promoting Mental Fitness20:21 Societal Stress and Mental Health25:56 The Fascination with the Outdoors26:31 Rediscovering the Inner Child29:03 The Benefits of Nature on Mental Health31:59 Personalizing Your Green Space38:27 The Importance of Mental Fitness41:28 The Future of The Green Room46:08 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationUp NextNext week, Colin Espie, professor of sleep medicine at the University of Oxford, will join us. Colin is a world-leading expert on sleep and the treatment of sleep disorders, particularly the use of cognitive behavioural therapeutics to treat insomnia disorder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 8: Feeding the Force: A Tactical Dietitian's Guide to Optimal Health & PerformanceIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to tactical dietician Dr. Will Conkright about the role of a dietitian in the military and the challenges he faces. We dive into the basics of optimal nutrition and examine how people working in high-stress, high-stakes environments can leverage good nutritional habits to positively influence physical and cognitive performance, rest, recovery and sleep. Guest, Cast & CrewDr Will Conkright is a registered dietitian and researcher with over 16 years of experience in clinical, academic and research settings. He primarily works with high-reliability populations, focusing on military operational stress, training and recovery. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesOperational Supplement Safety https://www.opss.org/ Will's email wrc16@pitt.edu If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Introducing Dr. Will Conkright01:35 Will's Background and Military Experience04:35 The Role of a Dietitian in the Military12:31 Fundamentals of Good Nutrition21:17 Challenges and Strategies in High-Stress Environments26:49 Holistic Health and Fitness in the U.S. Army30:06 Nutrition's Impact on Cognitive Performance and Sleep33:38 Supplements for Performance and Recovery40:15 Precision Performance Nutrition43:58 Future Trends in NutritionUp NextNext week, we'll be joined by The Green Room, to talk about mental fitness and how wellbeing coaching, leadership and organizational development can help maintain and improve it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 7: Navigating Uncertainty - Insights from Mission Critical TeamsMartin and Jonpaul speak with Dr. Preston Cline, co-founder and principal of the Mission Critical Team Institute. They discuss the characteristics of effective mission-critical teams, how to improve cohesion and facilitate within-career transitions, both into and out of these high-stress roles.Guest, Cast & CrewPreston is the co-founder and principal at the Mission Critical Team Institute, where he also serves as the director of research. He co-founded the Mission Critical Team Institute to support the instructor cadres of small teams that compromise indigenously trained and educated experts who perform in high-pressure environments where the consequences of failure can be catastrophic. He has supported military special operations, emergency medicine, tactical law enforcement, aerospace, and urban and wilderness firefighting organizations.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesMCTI Resources https://missioncti.com/resources/MCTI Teamcast https://teamcast.missioncti.com If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters01:57 Preston Cline's Background and Career Journey04:16 Defining Mission Critical Teams09:44 Characteristics of Successful Teams13:17 The Importance of Hardship and Adversity15:43 The Mission Critical Team Institute18:49 Navigating Uncertainty in High-Stress Environments27:30 Building Cohesion in Tactical Swarms30:14 The Importance of After Action Reviews32:50 Challenges with the Post-COVID Generation34:53 The Role of Introversion and Extroversion36:07 Training Environment and White Space40:01 Data Discipline and Technology Addiction42:50 Onboarding New Team Members46:44 Career Transitions and Mental HealthUp NextNext week, we talk to tactical dietician Dr. Will Conkright about the role of a dietitian in the military. We will dive into the basics of optimal nutrition and examine how people working in high-stress, high-stakes environments can leverage good nutritional habits to positively influence physical and cognitive performance, rest, recovery, and sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Law. Ethics. Morality. Character.What do these words mean, and why are they important in the profession of arms. That is the subject of this week's Midrats.We have just the right person to dig in to this topic, returning to Midrats, Dr. Pauline Shanks-Kaurin.Professor Shanks-Kaurin is the Admiral James B. Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics at the Naval War College. She holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Temple University and specializes in military ethics, “just war theory” and philosophy of law and applied ethics. She is author of “On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Community and Citizenry” and “Achilles Goes Asymmetrical: The Warrior, Military Ethics and Contemporary Warfare.” She served as a contributor for The Strategy Bridge and has published in War on the Rocks, Real Clear Defense, The Wavell Room, Grounded Curiosity, Newsweek and Just Security.Showlinks:Reviewing The Character Gap: 2021 review at The Strategy Bridge of, The Character Gap: How Good Are We?, by Christian B. Miller.The Smartest Guys in the Room.Ethics: Starting at the Beginning: 2018 article in The Wavell Room.High Noon.The Cruel Sea.Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to VietnamFat Leonard: How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. NavyWith the Old BreedMy Helmet for a Pillow

EPISODE 6: Resilience and Mental ToughnessMartin Jones and Jonpaul are joined by human performance expert Professor Daniel Gucciardi to explore resilience as an emergent outcome in high-performance settings. Guest, Cast & CrewDaniel Gucciardi is a professor at Curtin University. He is a distinguished expert on stress, resilience and mental toughness and has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles. His research focuses on personal and contextual factors related to high performance, health behaviours and wellbeing in contexts such as sport, education and the workplace. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.comResourceshttp://www.danielgucciardi.com.au/ https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/daniel-gucciardi-678a620f/If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit WavellRoom.com for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Guest Introduction: Professor Daniel Gucciardi03:42 Defining Resilience07:54 Exploring Mental Toughness13:45 Measuring Resilience24:35 Reflection Techniques30:50 Team Resilience33:12 Future Research and Final ThoughtsUp NextNext week…Dr. Preston Cline, co-founder of the Mission Critical Institute, joins us to discuss the characteristics of effective mission-critical teams, and how to improve cohesion & facilitate career transitions in high-stress roles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 5: Optimising Tactical Physical Training for Peak PerformanceIn this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Professor Rob Orr, director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University. They discuss optimising training for physically demanding tasks as well as sedentary working, the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance, and the value of an individualised approach to training. Guest, Cast & CrewProfessor Rob Orr served in the Australian Army for over 20 years as an infantry soldier, physical training instructor, uniformed physiotherapist and human performance officer. In his role at the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, Rob provides research, consultancy and educational services for law enforcement, military and firefighters across five continents. With more than 300 published research papers and technical reports on tactical populations, Rob focuses on providing pragmatic research evidence to the tactical community.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ Resourceshttps://tru.bond.edu.au tru@bond.edu.au (email)facebook.com/TacticalResearchUnitlinkedin.com/in/rob-orr-41075870If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Rob's Background05:11 Defining the Tactical Athlete07:44 Optimising Load Carriage Performance09:54 Training Strategies for Tactical Personnel13:00 Challenges in Tactical Training Programs18:28 Physical and Cognitive Demands of Tactical Roles24:00 Principles of Effective Training25:34 Specificity and Home Field Advantage26:50 Aging and Fitness Decline29:26 Challenges of Modern Recruits35:33 Biological Differences in Fitness39:44 Body Armor and Equipment Design44:33 Final Thoughts and AdviceUp NextNext week, we welcome eminent scientist Professor Daniel Guicciardi. Dan is a distinguished expert on stress, resilience and mental toughness. In our discussion, we scrutinise resilience - the personal factors that aid it, how it applies to teams and the practical strategies that can help people improve it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 4: The Perfection TrapThis week, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Dr Thomas Curran, a world-leading expert on perfectionism. They break down perfectionism to understand what it really is and challenge some of the myths that link perfectionism with high performance. How we can prevent perfectionism from hindering our health, wellbeing, productivity and performance?Guest, Cast & CrewDr Thomas Curran is an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics. He's a world-leading expert on perfectionism whose work has been featured in Time magazine, the Harvard Business Review, New Scientist, and the Times of London, to mention just a few. In 2018, he gave a Tedmed talk that's well worth a watch, entitled ‘Our Dangerous Obsession With Perfectionism is Getting Worse', and just last year, he published his debut book, ‘The Perfection Trap'. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com ResourcesFind Tom on Linkedin https://uk.linkedin.com/in/thom-curran ‘The Perfection Trap' by Thomas Curran https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1847943861/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr= Tom's TED talkhttps://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_curran_our_dangerous_obsession_with_perfectionism_is_getting_worse?language=en ‘Connected' by John Spencer.If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters 01:25 Introducing Tom04:07 Perfectionism and its Impact08:04 The Influence of Social Media and Secularization11:25 The Experience of Perfectionism12:48 Perfectionism and Mood Disorders20:48 Debunking the Notion of Healthy Perfectionism24:09 Perfectionism in Covert Environments26:00 Different Types of Perfectionism26:42 Other-Oriented Perfectionism33:25 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety37:41 The STOP 5 Model for Reflection and Learning40:01 Perfectionists and Withholding Effort52:25 Reframing Perfectionism as a HindranceUp NextJoin us for an eye-opening discussion with Professor Rob Orr, director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University. We discuss the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance and uncover the value of an individualized approach to training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 3Leadership and Wellbeing: Lessons and Insights from a Policing CareerIn this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Tim Jacques - former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the UK's Counterterrorism Policing HQ. They discuss health and wellbeing in high-stress positions and the role of senior leaders in optimising wellbeing and performance.Guest, Cast & CrewTim Jacques retired in February 2024 after 37 years in policing. He completed his service as a Deputy Assistant Commissioner in UK Counter Terrorism's Policing Headquarters based in New Scotland Yard. Counter Terrorism Policing is an 8,000 people strong collaboration of UK Police Forces who work with the United Kingdom's Intelligence Agencies, His Majesty's Government, the Ministry of Defence and other partners to counter the threat to UK interests from all forms of terrorism. Tim had strategic responsibility for all counterterrorism policing Prevent and Pursue activities. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesTim on Linkedin https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tim-jacques-50104423 The National Police Wellbeing Service https://www.oscarkilo.org.ukViktor Frankl ‘Man's Search for Meaning'Martin Seligman ‘Flourish'Alan Cohen ‘Radical Contentment: The Power of Enough'If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit wavell room for the latest articles, podcasts & newsletters. Chapters00:42 Introducing Tim Jacques: A Policing Career in Review01:09 The Importance of Well-being in High-Stress Roles05:09 Understanding Human Performance in Policing08:02 The Evolution of the Oscar Kilo Program18:35 Strategies for Personal Well-being and Performance29:58 Advice for Leaders on Fostering Wellbeing32:25 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with TimUp NextLook out for our next episode with Dr Thomas Curran, a world-leading expert on perfectionism. We challenge some of the myths that link perfectionism with high performance and discuss how we can prevent perfectionism from hindering our health, wellbeing, productivity and performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Links1. "Mayday in Magellan; Leadership Lessons on Flooded HMS Endurance," by Tom Sharpe, Wavell Room, December 16, 2018. 

Links1. "Mayday in Magellan; Leadership Lessons on Flooded HMS Endurance," by Tom Sharpe, Wavell Room, December 16, 2018. 2. "Sea Control 440 - The Wager with David Grann," CIMSEC, June 29, 2023. 

EPISODE 2: Next Generation Mindfulness: the New Frontier for Peak PerformanceIn this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by social psychologist Dr Jutta Tobias-Mortlock to discuss the role that mindfulness training can play in high-performance settings. Guest, Cast & CrewJutta Tobias-Mortlock is a reader in organisational psychology at City University and is the co-director of its Centre for Excellence in Mindfulness Research. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesJutta's contact https://www.city.ac.uk/about/people/academics/jutta-tobias-mortlock# Centre for Excellence in Mindfulness Research www.mindfulness-science.com Ellen Langer https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/ellen-langer Viktor Frankl ‘Man's Search for Meaning'If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters00:41 Mindfulness in High Performance02:29 The Essence and Evolution of Mindfulness05:44 Mindfulness as a Tool for Engagement and Decision-Making06:32 Challenging Traditional Mindfulness Programs in High-Performance Settings10:24 Practical Applications of Mindfulness in High-Stress Environments17:34 The Limitations of Commercial Mindfulness Programs23:04 The Story of the Honey Badgers26:02 Exploring Team Mindfulness Training28:37 NextGen Mindfulness35:51 Challenges and Strategies in Mindful Organizing39:54 The Journey Towards Mindful Organizations48:58 Closing Thoughts and Future DirectionsUp NextKeep an eye out for our upcoming episode featuring Tim Jacques, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the UK's Counterterrorism Policing HQ. We'll have a fascinating discussion about health and well-being in high-stress positions, and the role of senior leaders in optimising well-being and performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 1: The Role of Psychology in Human Performance OptimizationThis week, Martin & Jonpaul talk to eminent psychologist Professor Michael Matthews. Mike shares insights from his extensive career across a wide-range of topics including the importance of non-cognitive factors such as grit, developing character traits and the role of organisational culture. Guest, Cast & CrewMichael Matthews is professor of engineering psychology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has authored over 250 scientific papers and is the co-editor of several leading texts. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.ukEdited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/Resources· Mike's email Mike.matthews@westpoint.edu· Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb· Human Performance Optimization: The Science and Ethics of Enhancing Human Capabilitieshttps://academic.oup.com/book/1587· Headstrong: How Psychology is Revolutionizing War https://academic.oup.com/book/36963If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit WavellRoom.com for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Introducing Professor Michael Matthews03:29 Prof Matthews' Journey: From Police Officer to leading Psychologist07:33 Exploring Non-Cognitive Factors 10:32 The Grit Factor17:45 Character Development and Organizational Culture22:38 The Crucial Role of Character in Leadership25:24 The Pitfalls of Short-Term Wins Over Long-Term Success27:20 The Multidisciplinary Nature of Human Performance Optimization28:09 The 'Shiny Object Syndrome'31:38 The Psychological Warfare of Modern Conflicts35:43 The Weaponization of Social Media in Warfare39:33 Improving Situational Awareness and Counteracting Misinformation43:23 Closing ThoughtsUp NextOur next episode will be released on 20th May, when our guest is social psychologist Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock. We discuss the role that mindfulness training can play in high-performance settings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aim The aim of this paper is to reflect on some key questions around the problem of seabed infrastructure defence and explore what the ‘Do Nothing' (or at least very little) option would look like.  This is by no means a hit piece on the military policies of any nation;... The post Do Nothing: An Alternative Opinion on Critical national Infrastructure and Seabed Warfare appeared first on Wavell Room.

Britons dismayed by nearly incessant reports regarding the plight of their armed forces understandably have been fretting about the state of their military and whether they have the means to fight a major war of any sort, but especially one that resembles the conflict in Ukraine. Besides the usual debates... The post “Are We Ready for War?” A Book Review appeared first on Wavell Room.

On the night of 16-17 September 2022, a small team of Ukrainian naval personnel and scientists released twelve marine drones into the water at a secret location on the Black Sea coast. Monitoring the mission from a remote location were the head of the Navy Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa; an SBU... The post Navy of Drones appeared first on Wavell Room.

The primary duty of Defence is to fight and win wars. So why does it often feel our organisation is run by its compliance departments? Regulators and policy writers don't win wars. Battlefield entrepreneurs hungry for victory do. This article contends the language of risk mitigation has been used to... The post Risky Business appeared first on Wavell Room.

For the first time in decades, the media is abuzz with talk of National Service. This follows comments by the Defence Secretary, who has described the UK as “….moving from a post-war to pre-war world”, and the Chief of the General Staff, who called for “…an Army designed to expand... The post A call to arms appeared first on Wavell Room.

The British Army began formal conduct after capture training following the Korean War (1950-53).  At the end of the conflict as many as 12,733 allied prisioners were exchanged, including 946 Britons.  Their treatment, and especially the American defections, caused a shock. Fashionable notions of communist ‘brainwashing' were promoted to explain... The post What to expect if you are captured by Russian forces appeared first on Wavell Room.

The violence beamed into our living rooms since 7 October is heartbreaking. On a human level, the high-definition suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians can be overwhelming. It was while watching Members of Parliament leaving the latest screening of the atrocities inflicted by Hamas, some quite visibly shaken by whatever... The post Just War in Gaza appeared first on Wavell Room.

Michael Napier has come up with a bit of a gem here.  This is a highly detailed and fascinating insight into how both Russian and coalition air power sought to influence the wars in Afghanistan over a period of over 30 years.  The entire period is one of under-resourced ground... The post Afghan Air Wars by Michael Napier appeared first on Wavell Room.

Introduction From reading the news over the last 5 years, it is clear that members of the Armed Forces and Civil Service are not always getting it right regarding behaviour.  Coverage has discussed the full range of issues, from the inappropriate behaviours described in the Atherton Report and the recent... The post #WavellReviews Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves appeared first on Wavell Room.

As Stephen Biddle has so presciently stated, we have witnessed both the confirmation and denial of the importance of technology in war over the past two years. Heavy combat assets and indirect firepower matter, but only if used correctly. No amount of drone wizardry seems to mitigate the need for... The post The bane of Western military strategy – Technological Determinism appeared first on Wavell Room.

“I was raised on Russian military doctrine, and I still think that the science of war is all located in Russia.” General Valerri Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces The first article outlined the theory and history of operational art, arguing that Russia failed to demonstrate proficiency in this vital... The post Operational Art Reborn – Part Two appeared first on Wavell Room.

Wars are good for domestic defence industry – or should be. President Putin's ‘special military operation' has reversed this rule. In 2022 it was possible to disguise – to an extent – the effects of sanctions and unpreparedness of Russian defence industry for a major war.  In 2023 the curtain... The post How did Russian defence industry perform in 2023? appeared first on Wavell Room.

War's changed landscape – how modern war has changed. Available here from Howgate Publishing For Defence and Security practitioners, engaging in academic debate about their profession can be challenging.  It is not just that finding the time can be difficult, nor that so much of what has been espoused about... The post War's Changed Landscape – How has War changed? appeared first on Wavell Room.

Japan has a naval deployment in the Indian Ocean. This is a milestone for deeper Naval cooperation. In the last week of July and the first week of August 2023, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sent one of its destroyers, JS Samidare on a deployment into the Indian Ocean... The post Japan sends Naval Deployment to the Indian Ocean. appeared first on Wavell Room.

‘Arms of the Future'. Russia's expanded war against Ukraine has been described as a mash-up between “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Blade Runner”, and with good reason. First person drones attack Russian troops in networks of trenches. Modern fire ships—uncrewed ships guided by Starlink and GPS signals—strike Russian... The post #WavellReviews the Arms of the Future appeared first on Wavell Room.

I grew up in Plymouth, a city with a proud naval tradition. Many of my peers joined the Royal Navy. I pursued a career in law and, eventually, found a way to help the Armed Forces community through my work. I have always admired Service personnel: their honesty, their sense... The post Why I wouldn't want my daughter to join the military appeared first on Wavell Room.

Strategic competition has superseded the Global War on Terrorism as the central organizing principle for America's military. Conflict has returned to the European continent with Russia's expanded invasion of Ukraine.  The accession of Finland to NATO, and hopefully Sweden soon, the Arctic environment has taken on new importance in strategic... The post Into the Cold: Special Operations in the Arctic appeared first on Wavell Room.

In his seminal The Struggle for Mastery in Europe: 1848 -1918, A.J.P. Taylor wrote of the First World War, ‘The machine-gun and the spade changed the course of European history.' Perhaps a future historian of the Russo-Ukrainian War will write the sentence: ‘The tactical drone and spade changed the course... The post Creating a British ‘Army of Drones' appeared first on Wavell Room.

The transformative capacity of artificial intelligence (AI) for defence and security is incontrovertible if it can be exploited. The 2023 Command Paper highlighted that AI is, or will become, a strategic enabler for the UK MOD. One of the more demonstrable impacts AI will have on Defence will be to... The post Trust in AI for Operations appeared first on Wavell Room.

The UK is the Arctic's nearest neighbour, and developments in the Arctic significantly impact the UK's environment, security, and energy supply. While the Arctic matters to the UK, for many years it was not seen as a pressing area of concern for defence and foreign policy planners. After the end... The post The UK must prepare for a rapidly changing Arctic appeared first on Wavell Room.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has spread into many areas of life, and defence is no exception. There is a growing sense that AI will have a major influence on the future of warfare, and armed forces worldwide are investing heavily in AI-enabled capabilities. Despite these advances, fighting is still largely a... The post AI in Weapon Systems: Proceed with Caution appeared first on Wavell Room.

It may seem a long way from the cities and forests of Eastern Europe, but the jungle holds lessons for everyone. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has provided a unique opportunity to observe a peer-on-peer force in Eastern Europe on a scale not seen since the end of the Second World... The post Lessons from the Jungle for War in Europe.   appeared first on Wavell Room.

Almost nobody today remembers Bernhard Rust.  From May 1934 until May 1945, when he committed suicide, he was the Reichsminister of Science, Education and National Culture in Hitler's Third Reich.  Much like the range of characters promoted and favoured by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he was from a low background... The post Learning to Hate: New Russian Nationalism appeared first on Wavell Room.

Russian Reporting.  The modern battlefield is full of reporting from one formation to another.  This is no different in the war in Ukraine.  Intreps and Sitreps that are “over-optimistic”, not to say outright fabrications, and submitted to satisfy the wishes of higher command and politicians, are hardly unknown in any... The post Fake reporting to please the (Russian) boss appeared first on Wavell Room.

The First Sea Lord or 1SL is the Head of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. A role which has never been filled by a Royal Marine. Why?   How can it be that Marines – 21% of the Navy – have such successful Joint and Defence careers and yet the... The post Meritocracy and a Royal Marine Route to First Sea Lord, 1SL. appeared first on Wavell Room.

Six years ago the head of the French armed forces, General Pierre de Villiers, resigned in protest over defence cuts. The trigger was a technical issue and for the Ministère des Armées (Ministry of the Armed Forces) somewhat trivial. To meet EU rules on national budget deficits, the Macron presidency... The post French Defence response to Russia appeared first on Wavell Room.

In this episode, the Wavell Room speaks to Lt Col Gordon Muir about the Army's future Operating Concept. It's been over a decade since the British Army had a new operating concept. In that time, there has been a significant change to the character of war. Lt Col Gordon Muir...

CONTENT Due to the train strikes we were unable to attend the Army v Navy rugby match at Twickenham so decided to record this episode instead.  No guest this month just Colin and Kev discussing the possibility of using Cold War "stay behind" OPs prior to the Russian invasion in the current war in Ukraine.  We also talk about the possible use of STA patrols in future peer on peer conflicts.  For this episode we used two articles published on the Wavell Room website as part of the discussion, and also as a source of quotes, to illustrate our points.  Both were written by a serving Gunner officer Captain Simon Middleton and can be found here Rise of the rocket launcher: The end of the armoured division and here Rise of the rocket launcher 2: Lessons from Ukraine.   SOCIAL MEDIA Check out our blog site on word press Unconventional Soldier Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, share and leave a review. Instagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod. Facebook @lateo82.  Twitter @TheUCS473. Download on these and other platforms via Link Tree. Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com.  This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

In this Podcast, the Wavell Room team interviews Major General Bill Wright, the Military Secretary for the Army and Brigadier James Cooke, Head of Programme Castle. Major General Bill Wright and Brigadier James Cooke talk all things career and talent management. You can download this podcast through iTunes and Spotify....

In this Podcast, the Wavell Room team interviews Minister for Armed Forces, James Heappey MP. MinAF talks about; the upcoming Defence Command Paper, the war in Ukraine including what future operations could look like for Defence, equipment and capability procurement and finally his reflections on Defence from when he served...

In this Podcast the Wavell Room team interviews Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC – The Chief of the Defence Staff – CDS. CDS talks about; His vision for Defence, the war in Ukraine, what life is like at the head of UK defence, why he wants Defence to move...

Invité : Ryan Noordally, sous-officier dans la Royal Artillery britannique, autour d'un article de 2020 sur le site "Wavell Room" : https://wavellroom.com/2020/04/28/on-the-toxicity-of-the-warrior-ethos/