CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE

The debate rages on — and it's coming to a head. Does the U.S. military need an independent cyber force? Or should the services retain their own cyber organizations with specialization in the domains in which they operate? Josh Stiefel, vice president of government relations for Second Front Systems and a former professional staffer for the House Armed Services Committe, is one of the prominent voices advocating for studying the prospect of an independent cyber force, recently helping launch the Commission on U.S. Cyber Force Generation at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Stiefel joins CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE to dig into the debate and share what's ahead.

Can venture capital unlock the Pentagon’s innovation problem? Alex Harstrick of J2 Ventures, an Army reservist and former leader of the Defense Innovation Unit's National Security Innovation Capital team, joins CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE to explore how startup speed and private-sector risk-taking could reshape defense. We dig into where VC is making a real impact, where it struggles against DOD bureaucracy, and what it will take for government and investors to actually work together to deliver the next wave of national security technology.

After a more than three year stint in various roles across the Pentagon, Radha Plumb was appointed as Chief Digital and AI Officer in April 2024, a position she served in until the end of the Biden administration. Now on the other side of that service, she joined CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE to reflect on her tenure, the direction of the CDAO, the adoption of AI in the context of the U.S. military, and much more.

Retired Lt. Gen. Clint Hinote, a former Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Air Force, shares his insights on military readiness against modern threats like China and Russia. He critiques the Pentagon's focus on PowerPoint presentations over tangible power, emphasizing the need for urgent strategy reforms. The discussion covers the importance of authentic communication within the government and the adaptation of military leadership to new technologies. Hinote also highlights the role of continuous learning and innovative training in preparing for future conflicts.

Shyam Sankar, the CTO of Palantir and one of its first employees, shares insights on transforming national security through technology. He emphasizes the importance of unplugging from digital distractions to foster deeper connections with the physical world. The discussion highlights innovative partnerships between tech and defense, especially with initiatives like Detachment 201 to integrate tech experts. Sankar also reflects on childhood dreams of space exploration, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking perspective on the future of military capabilities.

As the leader of human capital for the U.S. Space Force, Katharine Kelley is on the frontlines of creating the workforce of the future for the military’s newest service. That effort could serve as a launch pad for modernizing the way the Department of Defense manages its workforce across the entire HR lifecycle, from recrutiment and hiring to retention and retirement. On this energetic episode of CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE, Kelley shares how she’s leading the effort to rethink the role of HR in the U.S. military, how the Space Force Personnel Management Act will serve as a gamechanger on that journey, and why workforce innovation isn’t just about technology.

Gen. James Rainey, the Commanding General of Army Futures Command, dives into the Army's groundbreaking transformation initiative. He emphasizes the merger of key commands to adapt to global changes and technological advancements. Rainey candidly shares his personal military journey and the importance of leadership in caring for soldiers. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches in defense procurement and training, highlighting the necessity for modernization amid bureaucratic challenges and the role of AI in the evolving landscape.

Coming August 4: CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE podcast hosted by Billy Mitchell and Meagan Metzger!  A raw, unfiltered new podcast from DefenseScoop and Dcode, exploring how cutting-edge technology, institutional barriers, and evolving national security priorities collide in today’s defense landscape. CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE features candid conversations with leaders across defense, tech, venture capital, and policy—bringing forward diverse perspectives on the future of defense innovation. From the front lines of government to the forefront of technology, this series examines the challenges and breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s mission-critical decisions—with no spin, no agenda, and no filter. ⁠Stay tuned. ⁠ Follow DefenseScoop on Social Media  • https://www.twitter.com/DefenseScoop • https://www.linkedin.com/company/defensescoop • https://www.facebook.com/DefenseScoop/ • https://www.instagram.com/defensescoop/ • https://www.threads.net/@defensescoop • https://www.youtube.com/@defensescoop • https://bsky.app/profile/defensescoop.bsky.social • https://www.tiktok.com/@defensescoopnews About DefenseScoop  DefenseScoop is the premier community-driven news source dedicated to the U.S. military’s acquisition, development and use of technology as a force for modern defense. As the Department of Defense moves in the direction of Joint All Domain Command and Control and other initiatives to connect the joint force and fight future battles, DefenseScoop will deliver the latest insights, trends and analysis on this pivotal transformation and engage Pentagon and service senior leaders to discuss ways technology can be a central fixture in our nation’s ability to understand threats, make decisions and take action in a rapid manner. ⁠https://defensescoop.com/about/