War on the Rocks

The discussion dives into the shifting military landscape in Ukraine, with a focus on territorial losses in Donbass and the implications for key cities. The hosts analyze the manpower challenges faced by both sides and how innovations in drone technology are influencing the conflict. They also explore Russia's financial sustainability and the contrasting perspectives on the war's trajectory. As winter looms, the political and economic dimensions of the war add layers to the ongoing struggle, highlighting challenges and actions in critical regions.

Ryan, an expert in shipbuilding and the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, discusses the trilateral ICE Pact among the U.S., Canada, and Finland aimed at enhancing American icebreaker capabilities. He highlights the strategic necessity of icebreakers for Arctic access and the inadequacies of the current U.S. fleet compared to Russia and China. The conversation touches on funding challenges for the Coast Guard and the urgency of revitalizing domestic shipbuilding through international partnerships. Ryan also emphasizes the role of innovation and bipartisan support in strengthening U.S. maritime power.

Mike Kofman, a military operations expert focusing on Ukraine, shares critical insights into the dynamic battlefield. He discusses Ukraine's ongoing offensive into Russian territory and the significant political fallout. Kofman highlights manpower issues, fortifications, and how the integration of F-16s could reshape aerial combat. The conversation also touches on the strategic implications of recent territorial losses and the evolving tactics of both Ukrainian and Russian forces in this complex conflict.

Join Sgt. 1st Class Leyton Summerlin, Maj. Emily Lopez, and Lt. Col. Zachary Griffiths as they dive into the critical role of writing in the U.S. Army. They discuss the Harding Project and efforts to revitalize military publication standards. Personal stories reveal the deep impact of family legacy and career paths in shaping their views. They explore cultural barriers to military writing and upcoming initiatives to foster discourse. Discover how writing cultivates professional growth and innovative collaboration within the Army.

Michael Kofman, an expert on Russian military affairs, and Dara Massicot from the Carnegie Endowment delve into Ukraine's recent incursion into Kursk. They assess Ukrainian territorial gains and the complexities of urban warfare dynamics. The discussion highlights logistical challenges and the implications of Russian POWs' unexpected surrender behaviors. They analyze how these factors could shift the conflict's landscape, emphasizing the evolving nature of military operations as objectives become more fluid.

Melissa Griffith, an expert from SAIS-Johns Hopkins, Anne Marie Schumann from the Department of the Navy, Alexis Bonnell of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Tyler Sweatt from Second Front engage in a captivating discussion on the intricacies of cybersecurity within the Defense Department. They explore the evolution of technology in national security and emphasize the need for agile strategies that adapt to contemporary threats. Insights into Ukraine's cyber resilience reveal the critical role of collaboration, while a cultural shift towards proactive cybersecurity engagement is passionately advocated.

Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Mike Waltz discuss reviving American shipbuilding and maritime strategy. They highlight the need for legislation, regulatory reform, and appointing a maritime czar. The podcast covers challenges in expanding shipyard infrastructure, icebreakers in the Arctic, and the importance of strengthening naval capabilities against China's military expansion.

Military analyst Mike Kofman discusses the state of the war in Ukraine, China's role in supplying Russia, Ukraine considering US weapons for deep strikes on Russia, and tough choices facing Kyiv. The podcast covers the importance of proper reconnaissance and coordination, Russian offensive in Ukraine, adaptations in Russian military supply chain with Chinese assistance, Russia's targeting capabilities, and analysis of trends and concerns in the Ukraine conflict.

Adm. Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO's Military Committee, discusses Ukraine, military industrial capacity, and NATO's role. He reflects on his naval career, working with Three-Star Admiral, and surprises as Chief of Defense Staff. Bauer emphasizes adding value, building relationships, and recent events like NATO's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Retired Polish General, Rajmund Andrzejczak discusses European security, Polish defense, Ukraine, and his post-retirement podcast 'Ground Zero'. Topics include leadership insights, military strategy differences between the US and Poland, Russian aggression, and the importance of building a strategic culture.