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Controversy & Clarity

#3--Fred Smith

Mar 29, 2024
55:37

 In this episode, we discuss:

 

*Mr. Smith joining 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, in Vietnam and assuming command of his platoon 

 

*His staff NCOs, especially SSgt Richard Jackson and Gunnery Sergeant Alan Sora, and other Marines and Sailors who deeply influenced him

 

*Coping with the loss of subordinate leaders and advice on dealing with such losses

 

*Combat decision-making

 

*The challenges of returning home from war and transitioning to the civilian sector

 

*The Ken Burns’ documentary series The Vietnam War

 

*The US strategy in Vietnam 

 

*The role veterans played in building and expanding FedEx

 

*The cutting-edge technologies FedEx has used, emerging technologies, and the future of warfare

 

*The central role of logistics in war

 

*Leading FedEx through the Arab Oil Embargo Crisis of 1973 and advice for leaders dealing with crises

 

*How Mr. Smith’s approach to leadership has evolved

 

*The value of reading for leaders

 

Links

The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, Vietnam, 1966-1967 by Father Daniel L. Mode

https://a.co/d/aCfeUeQ

 

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0753XH4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

 

For Country and Corps: The Life of General Oliver P. Smith by Gail B. Shisler

https://a.co/d/7IWlQ8l

 

Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam by H.R. McMaster

https://a.co/d/1xKTIl1

 

Call Sign: Chaos by James Mattis and Bing West

https://a.co/d/08lP0kg


Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari  

https://a.co/d/7rsFs5g

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