The Operational Arch cover image

The Operational Arch

OIF Planning w/COL Benson

Dec 15, 2024
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Kevin Benson, former Chief of Plans J-5 for Third Army, shares insights from his extensive military career and his book, Expectation of Valor. He discusses the intricate planning for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, emphasizing the importance of communication between military and civilian sectors. Benson reflects on challenges encountered in aligning military and political objectives and shares humorous anecdotes about the complexities of multinational operations. He also highlights the power of educational networks in shaping careers within military planning.
50:09

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Colonel Benson emphasizes the critical need to align military operations with diplomatic objectives, illustrating the complexity of war as an extension of policy.
  • He highlights the importance of effective civil-military communication to bridge the gap between military capabilities and the understanding of civilian policymakers.

Deep dives

Colonel Benson's Role and Motivation for Writing

Colonel Kevin Benson reflects on his experience as the J-5 Plans lead during the invasion of Iraq, highlighting the intensity of planning amidst the pressures of war. He emphasizes the challenges faced upon his arrival in 2002, as his team dealt with exhaustion from extended hours of preparation. Benson's motivation for writing his book, 'Expectation of Valor,' stems from a desire to correct misconceptions about military planning, especially regarding post-Baghdad operations. He passionately defends the efforts of his team, conveying their commitment to contingency planning despite criticism that the Army neglected this critical aspect.

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