A Position of Influence: Adm. Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO's Military Committee
Jul 7, 2024
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Adm. Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO's Military Committee, discusses Ukraine, military industrial capacity, and NATO's role. He reflects on his naval career, working with Three-Star Admiral, and surprises as Chief of Defense Staff. Bauer emphasizes adding value, building relationships, and recent events like NATO's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Adm. Rob Bauer emphasizes influence over power in military leadership.
European nations need to enhance defense capabilities to counter Russian threats in Ukraine.
Deep dives
Military Career Journey and First Experiences at Sea
Admiral Rob Bauer discusses his entry into the Navy, initially unsure of his path before choosing the Navy due to its mix of studying and practical training. Starting in the early 80s, he progressed through the Naval Academy, serving as a watchkeeping officer on a ship that voyaged to the Caribbean, experiencing both enjoyable and challenging crew dynamics.
Transition and Global Experiences
Admiral Bauer recalls his tours to the Caribbean and Far East, highlighting shifts in European threats from the Soviet Union to Russia. He reflects on his early motivations to explore the world while gradually engaging in operational missions and the evolving perspectives of new sailors joining the Navy.
Leadership Reflections and Career Progression
Discussing his journey to becoming the Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Bauer shares insights into relationships with bosses, including a memorable encounter with a three-star admiral. He emphasizes the importance of influence over power and the unexpected career paths to higher military roles.
Security Concerns and Evolution of NATO's Role
Admiral Bauer addresses the urgency for European nations to bolster defense capabilities amid Russia's actions in Ukraine. He advocates for broad societal involvement in defense, urging corporations and individuals to recognize their role in safeguarding peace and shaping a collective defense strategy.
Ryan met with Adm. Rob Bauer of the Royal Netherlands Navy for a conversation in Washington, DC. As chair of the NATO Military Committee, he is the senior-most military officer in the alliance. They discussed many things from Ukraine to why military industrial capacity has become such a defining issue for his tenure. On the eve of the NATO summit in Washington, this is a must-listen episode.
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