All Quiet on the Second Front

In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler sits down with Cameron McCord, CEO and co-founder of Nominal, to talk about why testing & evaluation is finally getting its moment in the spotlight—and why that matters more than you think. From time at Anduril and Lux Capital to launching Nominal, Cam shares a candid look at the bottlenecks slowing down national security and how the right software (and the right team) can tip the balance.What's happening on the Second FrontWhy test data is the next frontier for advantage in defenseHow government incentives and contracting structures need to evolveWhat it really takes to build a mission-driven team in this spaceThe difference between missionaries and mercenariesConnect with CameronLinkedIn: Cameron McCordConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Samuel Semwangu, CEO of Bazze and former special ops veteran, shares his fascinating journey from military to Silicon Valley. He discusses the pivotal role of commercial data in modern intelligence operations and how Bazze is transforming data access with a federated API that integrates insights from numerous sources. Sammy sheds light on the importance of service partners in achieving software success and navigating regulatory challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration in the evolving defense tech landscape.

Join Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan, a retired Air Force leader with a rich background in AI and defense innovation, and Stephen Rodriguez, a strategist from the Atlantic Council focusing on tech in warfare. They delve into how software is reshaping military operations and the critical nature of the Department of Defense's initiatives. Expect fascinating anecdotes from their careers and insights into how the U.S. military must adapt to embrace software-defined warfare, ensuring readiness for future challenges.

Episode 88. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweat chats with cybersecurity expert Greg Touhill, director of the CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute. With a rich background as the U.S. government's first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a seasoned executive in the U.S. Air Force and Department of Homeland Security, Greg discusses the trajectory of cybersecurity from its foundational days to its current critical role in national security and private sector strategy. Explore how AI and cybersecurity intersect and the essential steps today's leaders must take to safeguard our digital future.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Greg's journey from the U.S. Air Force to leading national cybersecurity initiatives.The impact of AI on cybersecurity—what does the future hold?Cybersecurity in the corporate world: How is it shaping business strategies at the highest levels?Emerging challenges: What are the next big threats, and how are we preparing to tackle them?Connect with GregLinkedIn: Gregory TouhillConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler SweattSEI resources discussed:SEI website: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/AI/AI Security: Artificial Intelligence Security Incident Response Team (AISIRT)Risk and Resilience: Enterprise Risk and Resilience ManagementSEI GitHub: Software Engineering Institute · GitHub

In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Troy Demmer of Gecko Robotics about transforming infrastructure with robotics, AI, and smarter data. They explore Gecko’s origins, its impact on defense and energy, and how better maintenance can drive national security and economic growth. From crawling robots to AI-powered insights, Troy shares how Gecko is tackling critical infrastructure challenges—and why the biggest threat isn’t new technology, but inertia.What's Happening on the Second FrontRobots + AI = Smarter Infrastructure – How Gecko is transforming maintenance and inspection.Data Overload? – Why most organizations collect too much but use too little.Tech vs. Tradition – The real battle is overcoming industry inertia, not innovation.AI’s Hidden Flaw – Great power, terrible results—unless the data is right.The Future is Now – Edge computing, real-time insights, and maximizing what we already have.Connect with TroyLinkedIn: Troy DemmerConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Hon. Martha McSally—former A-10 fighter pilot, U.S. Senator, and now 2F Independent Board Director—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and leading with purpose.Martha shares her journey from being one of the first women to fly a fighter jet in combat to navigating the world of politics and now advising leaders and companies. She discusses how to thrive through major career transitions, why identity isn’t tied to job titles, and how leaders can build trust, stay adaptable, and create high-performing teams.What’s Happening on the Second FrontMartha’s path from fighter pilot to senator to board director.Why trust, clear communication, and self-awareness are critical for leadership.How to navigate career transitions and detach from external identity.Practical leadership tools, from curiosity to balancing work intensity.Why now is the best time to lean in, innovate, and lead.Connect with MarthaLinkedIn: Martha McSallyConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about building elite teams, mission-driven leadership, and the realities of hiring in defense tech. Scott shares his journey from Marine Raider to early Anduril employee to leading a company that’s shaping the future of autonomous ground systems.What’s Happening on the Second FrontWhy so many veterans return to defense tech (even after swearing they wouldn’t)The “deployment test” for hiring and how to spot high-impact operatorsBalancing speed and quality in recruiting without breaking the cultureThe importance of taking time away from work to stay sharpWhy military leaders struggle to let go—and how to fix itConnect with ScottLinkedIn: Scott SandersConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 84. In this episode of All Quiet, Bernard Brantley, CISO at Corelight, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the interplay between rapid technological development and robust security practices. With a rich background at giants like Amazon and Microsoft, where he was instrumental in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other high-value assets, Bernard offers deep insights into how security can coexist with fast-paced innovation. Discover how Bernard’s approaches at Amazon serve as a model for balancing innovation with stringent security, applicable across the tech industry. The conversation also explores the critical role of AI in modern security measures, highlighting real-life success stories and providing practical advice derived from Bernard's extensive experience in the field.What’s Happening on the Second FrontTechniques for embedding security from the start of developmentHow to balance security needs with engineering efforts so both can coexist and thriveBernard’s role in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other Microsoft assetsInsights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping security practices, offering both solutions and new challengesConnect with BernardLinkedIn: Bernard BrantleyConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 83. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ sits down with Ted Reynolds, Chief Revenue Officer at Decision Lens, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of selling software to the federal government. Ted shares insights from his 25+ year career, exploring the unique demands of public sector sales, the shift from "coin-operated" to mission-driven sales teams, and how Decision Lens is helping agencies navigate complex planning and prioritization. Tune in for a conversation about scaling in defense tech, overcoming barriers to entry, and aligning technology with mission impact.What's Happening on the Second FrontWhy hiring mission-oriented salespeople is crucial for success.How Decision Lens helps agencies prioritize resources effectively.Lessons on moving from early contracts to sustainable growth.Key differences between commercial and federal sales.Connect with Ted Ted ReynoldsConnect with TJ TJ Rowe

Dive into a high-octane discussion on defense tech innovation with Justin Fanelli, the Acting CTO of the U.S. Navy, on All Quiet on the Second Front. On this episode, host Tyler Sweatt and Justin dissect the transformative shifts happening within the Department of Navy through dynamic public-private partnerships. Discover how these collaborations are paving the way for more agile, efficient, and impactful defense technologies. From breaking bureaucratic barriers to redefining portfolio management, this episode is a masterclass in driving change within one of the world’s most formidable bureaucracies. What's Happening on the Second Frontenhancing Navy agility and efficiencystreamlining tech development and deploymentembracing change for greater innovation and resultsboosting military capabilities and economic benefitsConnect with JustinLinkedIn: Justin FanelliConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt