Modern War Institute

Zach Griffiths, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and Leighton Summerlin, a Sergeant First Class, lead the Harding Project to enhance professional writing in the military. They discuss how writing is essential for addressing future battlefield challenges and fostering bottom-up change. The conversation covers the need for revitalizing Army branch journals, the transition from print to digital formats, and creating a culture of communication among soldiers. Their insights emphasize the importance of quality writing for professional discourse and leadership development in the Army.

Colonel Jennifer Gurney, an Army surgeon and Chief of the DoD Joint Trauma System, and Lieutenant Colonel Max Ferguson, an Infantry battalion commander, delve into the evolution of battlefield medical care. They highlight the challenges of prolonged casualty care in large-scale combat operations, emphasizing the need for collaboration between medical and military units. Key topics include innovative solutions like the 'walking blood bank,' the importance of timely interventions, and the role of advanced medical capabilities in enhancing survival rates under high-intensity conflict conditions.

Emmy Probasco, a senior fellow at Georgetown University, and Igor Mikolic-Torreira, director of analysis at the same institution, discuss the futuristic implications of artificial intelligence in warfare. They delve into the Maven Smart System, an innovative AI tool used by the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, and how it contrasts with traditional military processes. The conversation also covers the challenges of integrating technology in defense, the need for adaptable military strategies, and the importance of AI literacy among personnel for effective decision-making.

Join veterans Lee Van Arsdale, Kyle Lamb, and Larry Perino as they recount the chaotic Battle of Mogadishu from their unique perspectives. They delve into the camaraderie and adaptability required in combat, the complexities of urban warfare, and the emotional toll of loss on the battlefield. With insights on leadership, the impact of local rivalries, and the importance of teamwork, these former military leaders reflect on the lessons learned from a harrowing mission that shaped their careers and the future of military operations.

A significant intelligence operation against Hezbollah reveals the intricacies of operational security in militant organizations. Recent events suggest Israeli intelligence's resurgence amid complex tensions with Hamas and Hezbollah. The implications of information operations on narratives during conflict are critically examined, highlighting psychological effects on all parties involved. Additionally, the discussion navigates the evolving alliances and potential shifts in military strategies affecting both regional dynamics and U.S. foreign policy.

Dr. Anthony King, an author exploring modern battlefield commanders, dives into intriguing questions about effective leadership in today's warfare. He examines whether legendary figures like Patton could thrive now and discusses how the traits of successful commanders have evolved. King highlights the shift from individual to collective command structures and emphasizes the roles of adaptability and technology in military operations. He also outlines essential qualities for 21st-century leaders, emphasizing the need for proficient decision-making amidst complex battle dynamics.

For weeks, after an Israeli strike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander and the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran, tensions between Israel and Iran have spiked. So far, Iran has yet to follow through on its threats to retaliate against Israel. But these heightened tensions, like the period earlier this year when Israel killed senior officers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps at a diplomatic facility in Syria and Iran responded by launching hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel, are inflection points in a broader regional rivalry between the two states. Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, joins this episode to examine that rivalry.   The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian government began asking its international supporters to provide it with combat aircraft. By 2023, a number of NATO members had agreed to provide training on the US-made F-16 to Ukrainian pilots, and last summer it was announced that a number of F-16s would be provided to Ukraine. Now, the first batch of aircraft have arrived in the country and, according to reports, have already begun flying operational missions. But what role will they play and what effect might they have on the overall war? In this episode, John Amble is joined by retired US Air Force Colonel Mike Pietrucha, a veteran aviator and airpower scholar who has closely studied the war in Ukraine. He shares his insightful perspective on what the introduction of F-16s means for the war in Ukraine.   The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

The term "cohesion" features prominently in discussions of military effectiveness, especially at the small-unit level. We all know intuitively what it means, but understanding how to develop and nurture it in practice is a challenge. That's even more true as technological advances continue to make constant connectivity with the outside world easier, even from a battlefield. How do soldiers' stresses from home impact cohesion? What about when soldiers no longer process shared traumatic experiences together? John Spencer spent twenty-five years as an infantry soldier and officer, including leading troops in combat. His book Connected Soldiers is based on both his personal experience and deep research. He joins this episode to discuss how unit cohesion affects military performance and how leaders can foster its development.

Join Army officer Maggie Smith, co-director of Project Cyber, and Dr. Erica Lonergan, a Columbia University expert on cyber threats, as they explore the unique challenges of cyber warfare. They discuss how cyberspace differs from traditional battlefields and the implications this has for military strategy and talent management. The conversation delves into the significant role of non-state actors in the Ukraine conflict, the evolution of military doctrines, and the need for specialized training to navigate this complex battlefield. Insights on recruiting and retaining cyber talent are also highlighted.