In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Colonel Garrett Hogan, callsign "Nails," to discuss technology and innovation in supporting the mission of US Central Command (CENTCOM). Colonel Hogan, with 20 years of experience as an electronic warfare officer, currently serves as the Director of Combat Operations for the Air Component Command inside CENTCOM. He explains the role of the Combat Operations Division in organizing and executing air operations, highlighting the importance of leveraging emerging technologies like Digital Falcon to streamline target processing and enhance dynamic targeting capabilities. Through real-world examples and exercises, Colonel Hogan emphasizes the significance of maintaining consistency and muscle memory in digital exercises to adapt rapidly to evolving threats. He underscores the importance of interoperability and collaboration among tech companies to provide tools that work seamlessly together, ultimately strengthening operational capabilities in the digital warfighting domain. Key Takeaways:1. Leveraging emerging technologies like Digital Falcon streamlines target processing and enhances dynamic targeting capabilities.2. Maintaining consistency and muscle memory through digital exercises enables rapid adaptation to evolving threats.3. Interoperability is crucial for operational success, highlighting the need for collaboration among tech companies to provide compatible tools.4. Providing access to technology and encouraging feedback from operators fosters innovation and improvement in operational effectiveness.5. Balancing digital exercises with real-world operations requires careful coordination and prioritization to ensure mission success while maintaining operational readiness.

In this episode of the Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM, co-hosts Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by Colonel Molly Solsbury to delve into the digital side of counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems). Col. Solsbury, Commander of the 513 Military Intelligence Brigade, shares her journey into the Army, the focus of her unit on the Middle East, and the challenges and strategies in countering UAS threats. They discuss fostering a culture of innovation, the importance of collaboration across warfighting functions, and the impact of real-life events on innovation efforts. Col. Solsbury emphasizes the need for data integration and interoperability among industry partners to accelerate capabilities downrange.Key Takeaways:1. Culture of Innovation: Col. Solsbury underscores the significance of empowering operators, analysts, and soldiers to contribute to problem-solving and fostering a culture where solutions are derived from those closest to the problem.2. Multi-Domain Approach: Counter UAS efforts require a multi-domain approach, necessitating collaboration across different warfighting functions, including intelligence, air defense, and electronic warfare.3. Speed and Scale Challenge: The evolving threat landscape of UAS attacks demands innovative solutions that can address the speed and scale of the problem effectively.4. Technical Debt Col. Solsbury highlights the concept of technical debt, emphasizing the need to streamline and modernize existing systems and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.5. Industry Collaboration Industry partners are encouraged to prioritize data integration and interoperability within their solutions to facilitate seamless integration and maximize operational effectiveness.

In this kickoff episode of the Special Four Part Series, "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," our Hosts Lauren and Hondo chat with Schuyler Moore, the Chief Technology Officer of Central Command (CENTCOM). Schuyler puts in context the ongoing digital transformation efforts within CENTCOM as a prelude to the four episodes which follow in this special series. The series highlights how CENTCOM is driving digital transformation innovations across various echelons of the command.  We hear real-world examples and experiences from those in the command driving this transformation day to day as they apply these new tools and approaches to improve the Command’s operational effectiveness in both the crises of today and those they need to be prepared for in the future.Key Takeaways:1. Vision for Digital Transformation: CENTCOM's vision for digital transformation encompasses people, partners, and innovation, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to address complex operational challenges.2. Real-world Testing and Adaptation: Recent events have served as a real-world test for digital tools and processes, highlighting the importance of adaptability and user feedback in refining capabilities.3. Echelons of Focus: The series highlights efforts across different echelons, from base defense operations to multinational coordination, providing a comprehensive view of digital initiatives at CENTCOM.4. Role of Relationships: Success in digital transformation hinges on fostering strong relationships, both within the military and with industry partners, to ensure integration, collaboration, and sustainability.5. Operational Awareness: Understanding the operational problem set is essential for developing effective solutions, bridging the gap between technical expertise and operational needs.

Trae Stephens, Co-founder of Anduril, discusses the importance of government funding for defense startups. He advocates for investing in a small number of companies with high potential and moving away from bespoke solutions to commercial off-the-shelf solutions. The podcast explores the intersection of Silicon Valley and national defense, government procurement challenges in buying software products, and talent recruitment in the defense industry.

I love starting things. I love ideas, I love creating. And America provides the best opportunity for the realization of human potential there is. - Jim Hake .In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Jim Hake, the founder of Spirit of America, a unique nonprofit organization. The podcast delves into Jim's fascinating background as an entrepreneur and the inception of Spirit of America in response to the 9/11 attacks. The conversation explores the organization's role in providing private assistance to support national security objectives and filling gaps that government alone cannot address. Jim shares insights into the evolution of these gaps over two decades and emphasizes the importance of private philanthropy in enhancing national security. The discussion touches on Spirit of America's global impact, focusing on regions like Ukraine, Taiwan, West Africa, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Jim reflects on the challenges of navigating legal frameworks, building trust, and creating a collaborative ecosystem between private citizens and government entities. The episode concludes with a discussion on talent acquisition for nonprofit endeavors and the crucial role of a diverse, values-driven team. Jim also expresses optimism about the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space. Key Takeaways:1. Flexible Mission-Driven Capability: Spirit of America operates as a flexible, mission-driven capability that supports national security objectives through private assistance, emphasizing the relevance of this approach against evolving threats.2. Filling Gaps in National Security: Jim discusses how the organization fills gaps in national security objectives, highlighting the role of private assistance in areas where government efforts fall short.3. Nonprofit Impact in Global Relations:  The episode underscores how nonprofits like Spirit of America contribute to building trust, fostering partnerships, and delivering on commitments, thereby positively influencing global perceptions of American values.4. Talent Acquisition for Nonprofits: Jim emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people for nonprofit endeavors, focusing on values, openness, and a collaborative culture to drive success.5. Evolving Industrial Base: The podcast touches on the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space and the need for a diverse network, combining nonprofit and for-profit entities, to effectively address security challenges.

"The DOD is designed to give responsibility down to the lowest level, and that is the complexity that must be solved for. But we are never going to move with speed if we keep it down at the lowest common denominator." - Dana Deasy In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome special guest Dana Deasy, former DOD Chief Information Officer with extensive experience in both the private and public service sectors. Dana's distinguished career includes roles as the Global CIO of JP Morgan Chase, CIO at BP, Tyco International, Siemens America, and Rockwell Space Systems. The conversation delves into Dana's journey, from his early career to becoming a global CIO, and his unexpected shift to government service as the DOD CIO.Key Takeaways:Diverse Career Trajectory: Dana's career path highlights the evolution of technology from the mainframe era to the current digital age. His willingness to take on roles with increasing scale and complexity led him to diverse sectors, including finance, energy, and defense.Patriotism and Public Service: Dana's unexpected entry into government service revealed a latent patriotic streak. His experience at the DOD ignited a passion for serving the country, emphasizing the rewards and challenges of working in the public sector.Challenges in Government Transformation: The discussion outlines the challenges of digital transformation in government, focusing on the protracted budgeting process and the complexities of the acquisition process. Dana highlights the need for a more agile approach and draws parallels with the private sector.COVID-19 and Government Agility: The COVID-19 pandemic served as a litmus test for the government's ability to adapt quickly. Dana shares the remarkable achievement of transitioning over a million DOD personnel to remote work in a short timeframe, showcasing the government's agility in crisis situations.Legacy Systems and Modernization Challenges: Legacy systems remain a significant hurdle in the modernization journey. Dana emphasizes the need to balance the autonomy given to individual units with the imperative to move swiftly, calling attention to the ongoing complexity of legacy issues.

"It's not de-globalization; it's being really thoughtful about which allies and partners to use, and perhaps even 'friend-shoring'...thinking clearly about which allies and partners to use." - Shelly O'Neill StonemanIn this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin. In the discussion, Shelly shares insights on her diverse career journey spanning government, non-profit, and private sectors. Shelly emphasizes Lockheed Martin's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration with startups, highlighting programs like LM Ventures. She discusses the importance of a diverse workforce and her role as the chair of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Shelly also delves into the evolving defense industrial base, stressing the need for international partnerships, supply chain resilience, and the integration of technology. She underscores the significance of both established primes and emerging startups in addressing the dynamic challenges of the defense sector.Key Takeaways:Shelly highlights the importance of creating a mission-driven environment to attract talent to the defense industrial base, emphasizing the broader scope beyond traditional perceptions.The episode emphasizes the need for strong partnerships with allies and international collaboration, as seen in initiatives like AUKUS, to address supply chain challenges and enhance interoperability.Shelly underscores the role of primes like Lockheed Martin in fostering innovation and solving complex problems, challenging the perception that only startups bring innovation to the defense sector.Mentorship is crucial for career development, and Shelly shares her gratitude for mentors who played significant roles in her career, including James Allen Walden and Debbie James.The conversation touches on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and the Leadership Council on Women in National Security (LC WINS), highlighting the importance of diversity in the defense sector and the need for mentorship at various career stages.

In this episode of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome General Joe Anderson, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-3/5/7, and current President and CEO of Rafael Systems USA, a defense company specializing in advanced defense systems. General Anderson shares his journey into the military, driven by a family tradition of service, and discusses his experiences transitioning from the military to the private sector. He emphasizes the challenges of building trust and fostering partnerships between startups and the Department of Defense (DOD). General Anderson highlights the importance of integrating new technologies into existing systems and the need for a more rapid and agile acquisition process. He also addresses the talent shortage in technical fields, suggesting the necessity of investing in education, training, and talent management. The episode takes a poignant turn as General Anderson discusses the recent conflict in Israel, expressing the personal and business impacts it has had on him and his colleagues at Rafael Systems USA. The episode sheds light on the complexities of defense industry partnerships, emphasizing the need for flexibility, trust, and adaptability in navigating the ever-changing landscape of military and defense technologies.Key Takeaways:Building trust and fostering partnerships between startups and the Department of Defense is essential for the successful integration of new technologies into defense systems.Rapid and agile acquisition processes are necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and prevent analog devices from becoming obsolete.The defense industry faces challenges in talent recruitment, requiring investments in education, training, and talent management to attract skilled professionals.Interoperability and integration are crucial for incorporating new technologies into existing defense systems without adding complexity or compromising functionality.Recent conflicts, such as the one in Israel, have a profound impact on defense companies, necessitating internal reprioritization and adaptability in response to changing circumstances.

In this episode of Building The Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Karen Dahut, the CEO of Google Public Sector, to explore her incredible journey from the Navy to leading Google's public sector business. Karen shares her story, highlighting the influence of her parents' service and her personal dedication to making a difference. She discusses the evolving defense industrial base, emphasizing the need for greater integration and technical program management. Karen delves into the significance of innovation, emphasizing that it is a mindset and culture. Together they address the challenges and importance of transparent communication within organizations, drawing from her experiences at Google. The conversation touches on the power of partnerships, the role of AI in national security, and the global perspective on technology integration.5 Key Takeaways:Innovation is a Mindset: Innovation is not just about doing something; it's about creating a culture where innovation is embraced, empowering individuals to think boldly and make a difference.Transparency is Key: Transparent communication within organizations, especially regarding important decisions, fosters trust and understanding among employees, leading to better collaboration.Empowerment and Responsibility: Empowering individuals at all levels while holding them accountable for their responsibilities can accelerate their careers and help them make informed decisions.Prioritizing Personal and Professional Goals: Clearly defining priorities in personal and professional life and evaluating them regularly empowers individuals to make decisions that align with their values and goals.Networking for Growth: Building a genuine network of connections is crucial for personal and professional growth. Authentic interactions and a willingness to learn from others can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

In this episode of Building the Base Laruen Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with, former Chief Information Officer of the Air Force, Lauren Knausenberger. Lauren shares her journey from the private sector to government service and her experiences in driving innovation and collaboration between the tech industry and the Department of Defense (DOD). She emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector, highlighting historical examples like GPS and the internet that originated from DOD research. Knausenberger stressed the need for a cohesive strategy, shared market awareness, and strong relationships between startups and the government. She also highlighted the challenges of navigating the bureaucratic processes and cultural differences, emphasizing the significance of persistence and differentiation in gaining government contracts. Reflecting on her time in government, she recognized the progress made in understanding technology but emphasized the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap between tech and the DOD.Key Takeaways: Cross-Pollination Between Sectors: The importance of collaboration between the private sector and government, leveraging each other's strengths and innovations.Challenges in Government Partnership: Overcoming cultural and perception barriers between the tech community and the government, addressing issues of trust and collaboration.Government Procurement Dynamics: Understanding that the government buys solutions, not just technology, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions rather than isolated technologies.Building Relationships: The significance of building relationships and understanding the needs of the government agencies, emphasizing the role of hustle, persistence, and a compelling pitch in establishing these connections.Evolving Government Engagement: The changing landscape of government engagement, including the role of venture communities, industry events, and platforms like AF Works, highlighting the need for adaptability and innovation in engaging with government agencies.