The Operational Arch

Dr. Scott Gorman, director of the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program at SAMS, joins the Operational Arch to discuss the complexities of civil-military relations and the nuances of providing best military advice. The conversation touches on the importance of the military being politically informed rather than partisan and the critical nature of maintaining trust and dialogue between military and civilian leaders.

Mr. Peter Wood joins the Operational Arch to deep dive into China's counter-intervention strategy. This episode explores how this strategy fits into China's broader military doctrine as well as examining the nuances of China's approach to regional and global strategic competition.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Tony Aguto discusses the US-NATO partnership, the importance of multinational collaboration, and the role of strategic military planning in modern warfare. He highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by national caveats, interoperability issues, and the rapid adaptation required on today’s battlefield, particularly in light of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Aguto emphasizes the changing nature of air superiority, the need for improved command and control systems, and the balance between mass production and modularity in military technology. He underscores the critical thinking skills of SAMS graduates in solving complex problems and urges planners to be adaptable, collaborative, and ready for unforeseen challenges in coalition and joint operations.

COL Estee Pinchasin joins the show to share about her time as Commander of the Baltimore District of the Corps of Engineers and the role she played during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024. COL Pinchasin discusses her experience during this crisis and draws out several key lessons from the incident. These lessons include the importance of collaboration, pre-established agreements, and maintaining a collaborative environment to handle complex interagency operations effectively.

Jennifer Dunn, a senior analyst at TRADOC G2, joins Scott Pettigrew to explore the concept of the transparent battlefield, where advanced ISR capabilities transform modern warfare. They discuss the challenges posed by China’s tech advancements and draw lessons from the Russo-Ukraine conflict on adaptation and electronic warfare. The conversation highlights the constant tug-of-war between visibility and deception, the necessity of creative tactics, and TRADOC G2's pivotal role in shaping military strategy through comprehensive intelligence.

Dr. Jacob Stoil, an associate professor of military history and expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, dives deep into critical military strategies in urban and subterranean warfare. He examines the unique challenges posed by fighting in complex environments, stressing the need for innovative tactics. Stoil discusses Israel's intricate security dynamics, especially its resource allocation between threats from Hezbollah and Hamas. He also tackles the concept of lawfare, exploring how legal strategies influence military operations in modern conflicts.

Dr. Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, dives into the complexities following the war's opening last year. He discusses Israel's military strategies and the need for long-term deterrence over mere ideological eradication. The conversation explores Israel's multifaceted approach to operations in Gaza and beyond, alongside the rapid evolution of urban warfare tactics, highlighting the integration of drones. Stoil also reflects on crucial lessons learned from the conflict, advocating for adaptability in modern military engagements.

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.

GEN (retired) Vince Brooks, former Commanding General of US Forces-Korea and US Army Pacific, joins us to discuss the value of SAMS in preparing senior military leaders for strategic engagements across the globe.

Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict and Chair of Applied History at West Point, dives deep into the recent war's inception. He highlights Hamas's strategic plans for chaos and Israeli security challenges during the initial chaos. The discussion uncovers the bravery of military and civilian responses and stresses the significance of adaptability in military strategies. Stoil also touches on the complexities of evacuations and command structures in conflict, offering vital lessons for future U.S. military readiness.