Revolution in Military Affairs

MG John Rafferty, Commander of the U.S. Army's 56th Artillery Command in Germany, delves into the reactivation of his command amid rising global tensions, especially in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine. He highlights the essential role of long-range fires and the collaborative readiness within NATO exercises. The discussion centers on the resurgence of artillery capabilities and the complexities of multinational military training. Rafferty emphasizes the importance of leadership and rigorous training to maintain excellence in integrated operations.

In this episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs podcast, host Amos Fox welcomes Dr. Jeff Kubiak, a professor of practice at Arizona State University (ASU) and director of future security education. Dr. Kubiak, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with a distinguished career in strategy and military academia, shares insights into his journey from military service to civilian academia and his current work at ASU.Dr. Kubiak discusses the evolution of the Master of Arts in Global Security (MAGS) program at ASU, which he helped establish in 2017. The program is designed to provide a broad understanding of security issues, ranging from armed conflict to global economics and environmental security. With over 400 graduates, the online, practitioner-driven program emphasizes flexibility, academic rigor, and engagement with leading experts like Peter Singer, David Kilcullen, and Candace Rondeaux.The conversation also highlights ASU's Future Security Initiative (FSI), a multidisciplinary effort that focuses on addressing complex security challenges. Dr. Kubiak outlines FSI’s contributions, including partnerships with the Department of Defense and the State Department and its role in revitalizing Small Wars Journal.The episode underscores ASU's inclusive approach to education and its commitment to innovation in the security field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Singer, an award-winning author and thought leader on future warfare, discusses the concept of 'useful fiction.' He emphasizes how storytelling can simplify complex military strategies and technologies, making them more relatable and actionable. Singer shares insights on the importance of grounding narratives in reality and how they've been applied in projects for NATO and U.S. Special Operations Command. The conversation touches on resistance to change within military institutions and the role of logistics in modern warfare, all delivered with humor and depth.

In this episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs Podcast, host Amos Fox welcomes Mike Kofman, Senior Fellow in the Russia Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and its strategic implications. Kofman, a leading expert on Russian and Eurasian military dynamics, provides critical insights into the trajectory of the conflict and the evolving tactics and technologies on both sides.Kofman discusses the challenges Ukraine faces, including the struggle to stabilize the front lines, particularly in the Donetsk region, and the broader implications of manpower and mobilization failures. He highlights Russia’s tactical adjustments, such as its reliance on dispersed infantry and small-scale assaults, rather than large-scale operations, which are constrained by resource and leadership deficiencies. Both sides are innovating in drone warfare and electronic warfare (EW), creating a high-tech “cat-and-mouse” dynamic on the battlefield.The conversation also delves into broader strategic takeaways, emphasizing the importance of force structure, mobilization, and reconstitution in sustained conflict. Kofman critiques common misconceptions about “revolutionary” military advancements, stressing that meaningful change requires adapting force structure and operational concepts. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of modern warfare and the lessons militaries must learn for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Connable, a retired Marine and adjunct professor at Georgetown, discusses the nuances of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, supported by insights from his forthcoming book on ground combat. He challenges conventional military narratives and highlights the psychological effects of nationalism on both sides. The conversation also critiques the fixation on the 'superhuman soldier' narrative and examines military procurement's clash with real combat needs. Connable offers a deep dive into Russian resilience and the historical context shaping current warfare strategies.

Join Amos Fox, a research fellow at Arizona State University and editor at War on the Rocks, as he dives into the world of conflict realism. The conversation explores the importance of historical context in military strategy, challenging futuristic ideals. Amos critiques the reliance on advanced technology in warfare, advocating for a focus on probable outcomes rather than just possibilities. He also discusses the need for adaptable strategies against modern adversaries, emphasizing personal interpretation in military analysis and the evolving complexities of combat today.

Check out the Harding Project's substack here: https://www.hardingproject.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Burgoyne and Albert Marckwardt, "Five Truths of Foreign Area Officers," Joint Forces Quarterly 114 (2024): 108-111. Link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Altman, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University, dives into the nuances of international relations. He explains 'fait accompli' and its implications in the Ukraine conflict. The discussion highlights how assertive actions can shape crises and the complexities of military intervention strategies. Altman also analyzes U.S. and NATO roles, as well as the intricate dynamics of deterrence, particularly concerning Taiwan and China. Insights on historical military strategies and contemporary conflicts reveal the ongoing evolution of international strategy.

Azar Gat, The Clausewitz Myth: Or the Emperor's New Clothes. Link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.