
The Operational Arch
The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.
Latest episodes

Nov 1, 2024 • 32min
Arctic Security w/The Ted Stevens Center (E32)
Rear Admiral (RET) Matthew Bell and Dr. Christine Duprow, both with the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, Anchorage, Alaska, discuss the unique security challenges in the Arctic and what considerations operational planners need to take into account when planning and executing Arctic operations.

Oct 15, 2024 • 44min
Human Capital Management & MDO w/4ID (E31)
MG David Doyle, 4ID Commanding General, and Command Sergeant Major Alex Kupratty join the Season 3 podcast team for their season debut to discuss human capital management, organizational culture, and preparing for multi-domain operations. They also discuss 4ID’s upcoming MDO Symposium – for more information go to https://qrcc.io/sjeyouwlcfqa.

Oct 1, 2024 • 31min
SAMS Integration & Season 2 Finale w/COL Morgado (E30)
COL Andrew Morgado, Director of the US School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), joins the Season 2 Operational Arch podcast team on their season finale to discuss how SAMS develops joint leaders, the impacts SAMS has on global security challenges, and operational art.

28 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 50min
Naval Military Theory in Relation to Operational Art, w/ Dr. Nick Prime (E29)
Dr. Nick Prime, an Associate Professor at the School of Advanced Military Studies, shares insights on maritime strategy and naval theorists like Mahan and Corbett. He discusses the interplay of naval power and operational art, comparing Mahan’s focus on sea power with Corbett’s operational considerations. The conversation dives into cumulative versus sequential strategies, emphasizing historical contexts from World War II. Prime also explores the link between military outcomes and political goals, advocating for clear communication in strategy for better public understanding.

Aug 15, 2024 • 37min
Is Attrition A Type of War or Just an Effect, w/ LTC Amos Fox (E28)
In today's episode we speak with Lt Col Amos Fox about attrition as an effect of war, not as a type of war, and why there doesn't appear to be any "modern" military theorists.
Article Discussed: https://warontherocks.com/2024/01/setting-the-record-straight-on-attrition/
Suggestions for Additional Listening/Reading:
Thinking In Systems: A Primer: Donella H. Meadows
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3828902-thinking-in-systems
The Scientific Way Of Warfare: Order and Chaos on the Battlefields of Modernity: Antoine J. Bousquet
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6576413-the-scientific-way-of-warfare
Amos Fox's Upcoming or Recent Writings:
Revolution in Military Affairs Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/63ZhWg6UUWUiTNEfSknGzF?si=fe1ef17606c4420d
De Gruyter Handbook of Drone Warfare, Book Chapter
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204879648-de-gruyter-handbook-of-drone-warfare
https://twitter.com/AmosFox6
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfox/

18 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 48min
The Role of a Commander Integrating Staff, w/ LTG Jon Jensen (E27)
LTG Jon Jensen, Director of the Army National Guard, discusses the role of a commander in solving complex problems, fostering collaboration, and utilizing military components. Topics include leadership transitions, evolution of military decision-making, networking, book recommendations, analyzing military history, and recruiting new talent.

Jun 15, 2024 • 35min
Leading a Division in Training and Multi-Domain Operations, w/ MG David Doyle (E26)
MG David Doyle discusses leading a division in training and multi-domain operations, highlighting proactive leadership, readiness, and partnerships. The podcast covers the importance of sequencing and synchronization, framing the operating environment, challenges of decentralized command, and utilizing young leaders' contributions.

May 15, 2024 • 34min
Narrative, Operational Art, and Museums, w/ Nikki Dean (E25)
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Nikki Dean discusses the intersection of narrative, operational art, and museums in military professional development. They explore the value of museums for enhancing officers' understanding, humanizing historical figures, and shaping historical narratives through diverse perspectives. The discussion also covers the World War I Museum, literature, and various podcasts.

Apr 15, 2024 • 43min
Field Manual 3.0 & MDO, w/ LTG Milford Beagle & Mr. Rich Creed (E24)
LTG Milford Beagle and Mr. Rich Creed discuss US Army doctrine and its application to Multi-Domain Operations. They explore the evolution of military strategies, challenges in modern warfare, the role of history in decision-making, and the importance of human dynamics in military operations.

Mar 15, 2024 • 40min
Urban Warfare, w/ John Spencer (E23)
Professor John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern Warfare Center, discusses the complexities and challenges of urban warfare. Topics include the role of information operations, navigating urban environments, logistics challenges, and the importance of expertise in training for the US Army.