Season 1 episode 11 of the Operational Arch is part one of our conversation with guest Dr. Ben Zweibelson where he talks all things Center of Gravity. Ben offers a deconstruction of COGs by taking a look at the models the concept is born from, and why those models might explain why COG analysis may be becoming less relevant as the systems around us become increasingly complex. Dr. Zweibelson is the Director for the U.S. Space Command’s (USSPACECOM) Strategic Initiatives Group (SIG). Previously, Ben was the lead design educator/facilitator for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) through the Joint Special Operations University. A retired U.S. Army Infantry officer and veteran of multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ben has an undergraduate degree (BA in Fine Arts) in Graphic Design from the University of Connecticut, three different master’s degrees (Louisiana State University, Air Command and Staff College, US Army School of Advanced Military Studies) and a doctorate in Philosophy from Lancaster University (UK). Ben is also the author of the recently released book "Understanding the Military Design Movement: War, Change, and Innovation." Links to Dr. Zweibelson's Publications: - Understanding the Military Design Movement: War, Change, and Innovation https://a.co/d/eotFjmb - "Rhizomes: In Paradox to ‘Centers of Gravity’ and Centralized Hierarchies in War" https://aodnetwork.ca/rhizomes-in-paradox-to-centers-of-gravity-and-centralized-hierarchies-in-war/ - Part 1 and Part 2 of the "Looking to the Future" section in JAMS Vol 13, no. 2 https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/MCU-Journal/JAMS-vol-14-no-1/ MAJs Josh Bedingfield, Kesley Kurtz, and Dan Warner are the hosts for this episode. You can contact them at operationalarch@gmail.com with any questions you may have. School of Advanced Military Studies: https://armyuniversity.edu/CGSC/SAMS/SAMS Twitter: https://twitter.com/us_sams Intro and Outro Music: "On and On" by Christian Bedingfield

Dr. Jim Greer dives into John Boyd and John Warden's theories on warfare, highlighting their systems approach. They explore Boyd's Patterns of Conflict, Warden's Five Rings theory, and the impact of these theorists on modern military strategies. The podcast discusses the application of Boyd's theories in ongoing operations, evolution of military strategy, and leadership development. Emphasis is placed on system thinking, adaptation, and innovation.

Dr. Jim Greer, an expert in John Boyd's Patterns of Conflict, discusses moving beyond the OODA loop to understand conflict fully, emphasizing Boyd's holistic approach to warfare. Topics include the correlation of tactics and strategy in warfare, the impact of Boyd's work on operational art, the importance of visualization skills in a military context, unleashing cognitive leadership in strategy, and the strategic importance of attacking the enemy's morale.

COL Andrew Morgado and Dr. Bruce Stanley discuss the role of practice in operational art, highlighting the importance of history, doctrine, and theory, and how these elements shape practitioners. They provide insights into the future of the School of Advanced Military Studies and discuss the qualities they look for in potential students.

COL (Ret.) Rich Creed discusses the role of doctrine in operational art, the key theorists and history behind 'Multi-Domain Operations,' and the importance of a common language in handling complex issues. The podcast explores the evolution of military doctrine, expertise in decision making, and the significance of cyber space operations in military strategy.

LTC Nate Finney, a military strategist and founder, discusses the human dimension of warfare and multi-domain operations. Topics include understanding adversaries' intentions, operational art, jointness in the Pacific Theater, and personal development through networking and academic opportunities.

Retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer COL (Ret.) Derek Jones discusses irregular warfare and operational art. Topics include framing irregular operations, defining irregular warfare, enhancing partner forces, building resistance forces, and historical anecdotes in strategic adaptation.

Dr. Scott Gorman discusses the role of theory in operational art, focusing on how planners can leverage theory to frame options. The conversation explores Russian history, cognitive gaps, and the significance of theory in guiding action for achieving outcomes in military contexts. It also delves into the complexities of leadership in operational art and emphasizes the balance between art and science in warfighting.

Dr. Dean Nowowiejski discusses the U.S. Army's historical perspective in operational art, training leaders to be historically minded, and the value of history in planning current and future operations. The episode explores the Art of War Scholars Program at CGSC and emphasizes integrating historical resources for strategic success. It also delves into the use of literature in leadership development and discussions on the operational level of war in antiquity.

Australian Army Major General (Ret.) Mick Ryan discusses operational art, strategy of corrosion in warfare, preparing for intangible aspects of war, and the influence of design on execution. Exploring multinational collaboration, Ukrainian warfare strategies, combined arms obstacle breaches, and the vital role of morality in military operations.