The Operational Arch

Dr. Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, dives into the complexities following the war's opening last year. He discusses Israel's military strategies and the need for long-term deterrence over mere ideological eradication. The conversation explores Israel's multifaceted approach to operations in Gaza and beyond, alongside the rapid evolution of urban warfare tactics, highlighting the integration of drones. Stoil also reflects on crucial lessons learned from the conflict, advocating for adaptability in modern military engagements.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Kevin Benson, former Chief of Plans J-5 for Third Army, shares insights from his extensive military career and his book, Expectation of Valor. He discusses the intricate planning for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, emphasizing the importance of communication between military and civilian sectors. Benson reflects on challenges encountered in aligning military and political objectives and shares humorous anecdotes about the complexities of multinational operations. He also highlights the power of educational networks in shaping careers within military planning.

GEN (retired) Vince Brooks, former Commanding General of US Forces-Korea and US Army Pacific, joins us to discuss the value of SAMS in preparing senior military leaders for strategic engagements across the globe.

Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict and Chair of Applied History at West Point, dives deep into the recent war's inception. He highlights Hamas's strategic plans for chaos and Israeli security challenges during the initial chaos. The discussion uncovers the bravery of military and civilian responses and stresses the significance of adaptability in military strategies. Stoil also touches on the complexities of evacuations and command structures in conflict, offering vital lessons for future U.S. military readiness.

Rear Admiral (RET) Matthew Bell and Dr. Christine Duprow, both with the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, Anchorage, Alaska, discuss the unique security challenges in the Arctic and what considerations operational planners need to take into account when planning and executing Arctic operations.

MG David Doyle, 4ID Commanding General, and Command Sergeant Major Alex Kupratty join the Season 3 podcast team for their season debut to discuss human capital management, organizational culture, and preparing for multi-domain operations. They also discuss 4ID’s upcoming MDO Symposium – for more information go to https://qrcc.io/sjeyouwlcfqa.

COL Andrew Morgado, director of the U.S. School of Advanced Military Studies and career armor officer with 29+ years of service, discusses how SAMS develops joint leaders and stays relevant. He explains SAMS’ learning methods, operational support through student deployments, the role of alumni feedback, and a practical view of operational art. Readers and lifelong learning also get a spotlight.

Dr. Nick Prime, an Associate Professor at the School of Advanced Military Studies, shares insights on maritime strategy and naval theorists like Mahan and Corbett. He discusses the interplay of naval power and operational art, comparing Mahan’s focus on sea power with Corbett’s operational considerations. The conversation dives into cumulative versus sequential strategies, emphasizing historical contexts from World War II. Prime also explores the link between military outcomes and political goals, advocating for clear communication in strategy for better public understanding.

In today's episode we speak with Lt Col Amos Fox about attrition as an effect of war, not as a type of war, and why there doesn't appear to be any "modern" military theorists. Article Discussed: https://warontherocks.com/2024/01/setting-the-record-straight-on-attrition/ Suggestions for Additional Listening/Reading: Thinking In Systems: A Primer: Donella H. Meadows https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3828902-thinking-in-systems The Scientific Way Of Warfare: Order and Chaos on the Battlefields of Modernity: Antoine J. Bousquet https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6576413-the-scientific-way-of-warfare Amos Fox's Upcoming or Recent Writings: Revolution in Military Affairs Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/63ZhWg6UUWUiTNEfSknGzF?si=fe1ef17606c4420d De Gruyter Handbook of Drone Warfare, Book Chapter https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204879648-de-gruyter-handbook-of-drone-warfare https://twitter.com/AmosFox6 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfox/

LTG Jon Jensen, Director of the Army National Guard, discusses the role of a commander in solving complex problems, fostering collaboration, and utilizing military components. Topics include leadership transitions, evolution of military decision-making, networking, book recommendations, analyzing military history, and recruiting new talent.