The Realignment

488: Gen. Frank McKenzie: High Command and War in the 21st Century - From the Killing of Soleimani to the Fall of Kabul

Jun 20, 2024

Gen. Frank McKenzie discusses his experiences in high command, targeting Soleimani, Kabul withdrawal, military leadership, combatant commanders' roles, US vs. Russian military expertise, Marine Corps evolution, assessing allies' strengths in decision-making.

40:45

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Episode guests

Gen. Frank McKenzie

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Quick takeaways

Civilian control of the military is crucial in the 21st-century battlefield environment.

Military leaders must present risks and opinions in the decision-making process.

Deep dives

Retired General Frank F. McKenzie's Military Career and Command at CENTCOM

General Frank F. McKenzie discusses his extensive military career, commanding US Central Command (CENTCOM) responsible for 21 nations in the Middle East. He highlights the unique responsibilities and geographic scope of CENTCOM, overseeing critical areas including three major maritime choke points and natural resources. General McKenzie contrasts the distinct role of a combatant commander with other military leaders, emphasizing the execution of US policy under civilian leadership.

Intro

2min

Military Leadership, Decision-Making, and Preparedness

13min

Evolution and Purpose of the Marine Corps

7min

Targeting Soleimani and Kabul Withdrawal: A Critical Analysis

9min

Navigating American Capabilities and Objectives in Global Policy

3min

Structural Dynamics of Command in Afghanistan and Reflections on the US Withdrawal

4min

Assessing Allies and Military Capabilities in Strategic Decision-Making

3min

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Gen. Frank McKenzie, retired Commander of U.S. Central Command and author of The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Frank discuss his time at Central Command, from the strikes on Qassem Soleimani and two leaders of ISIS to deterrence operations against Iran and the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul. They also discuss The Melting Point's three themes: civilian control of the military, the role of the combatant commander, and the centrality of leaders in today's battlefield environment.

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The Realignment

488: Gen. Frank McKenzie: High Command and War in the 21st Century - From the Killing of Soleimani to the Fall of Kabul

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Retired General Frank F. McKenzie's Military Career and Command at CENTCOM

Involvement in Presidential Decision - Making and National Security

Role of the Military Commander in Policy Implementation and Decision - Making

Comparative Analysis of US and Russian Military Capabilities

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts