The Operational Arch

Епизоди

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  Seeing Over the Edge: Operational Planning and Intelligence with MG (R) Spider Marks 01.06.2026 49мин

  In this episode, hosts Major DJ Taylor and Major Evelyn Payne sit down with Major General (Ret.) James "Spider" Marks — decorated Army intelligence officer, Georgetown University professor, and CNN military analyst — for a wide-ranging conversation on operational planning, intelligence, and leadership.General Marks draws on over 30 years of service, including his roles as Senior Intelligence Officer during the 1992 LA Riots and Operation Iraqi Freedom, to share hard-won lessons on anticipating threats, bridging the gap between tactical and strategic objectives, and navigating the complexity of modern military operations. He also tackles the growing role of AI on the battlefield, the challenge of controlling the narrative in an information-saturated environment, and what it truly means to keep it simple as a planner and leader.Whether you're a SAMS student, a field grade officer, or a student of strategy, this episode delivers candid, experience-driven insight into the art of operational thinking.Timestamps0:00 — Producer intro / Episode overview1:01 — Show intro & Guest bio (MG Spider Marks)2:27 — Advising operational leaders in a volatile world5:10 — AI, screens, and staying in the loop8:01 — Managing complex organizations and decision-making10:18 — Linking political objectives to tactical goals15:16 — What he'd do differently as a planner17:43 — Understanding the operational environment with limited time (AI, outside experts)22:09 — Formalizing informal relationships25:50 — DSCA & the LA Riots36:28 — How to see around corners today39:20 — Controlling the narrative in the age of instant media42:50 — Who influenced him most46:18 — Parting advice to SAMS students
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  From Tactical to Operational: Building Army Leaders for the Future Fight — with COL Ethan Diven, Commandant of US Army CGSC 15.05.2026 44мин

  Major Spencer Bates sits down with Colonel Ethan Diven, the US Army Command and General Staff College Commandant, and former Commander of Operations Group at the NationalTraining Center, to explore the evolving challenges facing the operational force. From multi-domain competition to professional military education reform, COL Diven draws on a career spanning NTC, Afghanistan, Operation Octave Quartz,and Operation Allies Refuge to deliver hard-won lessons on planning, leadership, and the responsibility of field-grade officers.Colonel Diven's key take-aways? 1.    Ruthlessly protect your time to think while in PME — it is the point.2.    Leadership is always required in an operational planning team, from any position.3.    Army University exists to accelerate observations from the contemporary environment and reimagine how education is delivered — with war fighting always at the core. Timestamps 0:50 — Introduction & Guest Background2:13 — Current Challenges Facing the Operational Force6:11 — Building Better Divisions: Evolving from Brigade-Centric to Division-Level War Fighting9:19 — Multi-Domain Operations: NTC Initiatives & Incorporating MDO Challenges12:16 — Building Jointness: Initiatives Across the Services14:02 — Army University's Role in Developing Future Leaders16:25 — What the Force Expects from Field Grade Graduates19:40 — Building the Operational Artist: The Transformative Experience of PME21:22 — Humility, Responsibility & Self-Awareness as a Leader23:16 — Value-Added from Day One: What Graduates Must BeUpon Returning to the Force25:43 — How PME Translates to Real-World Campaigning26:47 — Operation Octave Courts: Repositioning fromSomalia Under Constraints30:32 — Bridging Strategy to Execution: Critical Transitions in Joint Operations32:21 — Operation Allies Refuge: Planning in a Contested & Rapidly Evolving Environment35:48 — Planning Across Distributed Teams: Managing Time, Space & Coordination37:39 — The Power of Assumptions in Operational Planning39:53 — Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
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  An Unshakable Bond: Insights into the US-ROK relationship and the threat posed by North Korea with Lt. Gen. (R) Chun In-bum 01.05.2026 44мин

  In this episode of The Operational Arch, hosts Spencer Bates and DJ Taylor sit down with Lieutenant General Chun In-bum (Ret.), former commander of the Republic of Korea Special Warfare Forces and U.S. Army War College graduate, for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring U.S.-ROK alliance. General Chun explores the deep historical, cultural, and security ties that bind the two nations — from Korea's democratic founding under American mentorship to the shared sacrifices of the Vietnam War. The discussion shifts to the operational challenges of the Korean Peninsula, including terrain, deterrence, the importance of adaptive planning, and the combined Second Infantry Division as a model for allied partnership. The episode closes with a sobering look at North Korea's battlefield performance in Ukraine, the growing Russia-DPRK relationship, and General Chun's call for greater focus on civil-military relations and cognitive warfare as the defining challenges of the modern era. 0:00     Guest Introduction & Overview— Introduction of Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Chun In-bum, ROK Armed Forces1:50     The U.S.-ROK "Blood Alliance"7:05     Cultural Ties: Religion, Education & K-Culture10:36    Security Challenges: China, Japan & the North Korean Threat14:13    "Never Underestimate the North Koreans"16:21    Campaigning on the Korean Peninsula19:34    Simple Ops, Detailed Logistics: the key to effective combined operations21:52    The ROK as Partner, Not Competitor31:09    The KPA in Ukraine: Motivation, Indoctrination & Vulnerability41:04    Civil-Military Relations & Cognitive Warfare: the defining challenges of the modern era
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  From Warhammer to War Plans: The IDEA Framework with Stephen Box 15.04.2026 46мин

  In this episode of The Operational Arch, hosts Spencer Bates and DJ Taylor sit down with Steven Box, founder and CEO of Vanguard Tactics and a top-ranked competitive Warhammer coach, alongside SAMS professor Matt Yandura. The conversation explores how Box's "IDEA" framework — developed over years of competitive tabletop wargaming and coaching — maps surprisingly well to military decision-making: gathering the right information under time pressure, making rapid decisions, executing with composure, and assessing outcomes to adapt. The episode also digs into why SAMS invited an outside expert from a non-traditional field and what operational planners can learn from embracing failure, coaching others, and considering future operating environments.Content:0:00 — Intro & episode overview2:31 — Steven Box's background: from Royal Navy aptitude tests to volleyball, bodybuilding, and Warhammer7:42 — What is Warhammer? A layman's explanation9:03 — Why SAMS brings in outside experts: Professor Yandura on SAMS' mandate to experiment11:31 — Introducing the IDEA framework (the "Box Method")12:10 — I — Information: Gathering the right info under time pressure; SWOT analysis on the battlefield15:05 — D — Decision: Translating information into decisive action; identifying priorities and trade-offs18:47 — E — Execution: Resource allocation, composure under pressure, managing variance21:14 — A — Assessment: What went well, what didn't, and when to pivot23:57 — Coaching philosophy: meeting people where they are and building from there25:31 — The value of purposeful failure and learning from losses32:41 — SAMS' Future Operating Environment course: forecasting, futures thinking, and speculative scenarios45:32 — Closing takeaways & acknowledgments (CGSC Foundation shoutout)
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  So You Think You Want to be a SAMS Graduate? Insights on applying to and being successful at AMSP with the leadership team 01.04.2026 1ч 1мин

  In this episode of The Operational Arch, host Major DJ Taylor hands the mic over to three key SAMS leaders: Mr. Kirk Dorr (Deputy Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS)), Dr. Bruce Stanley (Director of the Advanced Military Studies Program (AMSP)), and Colonel Paul Godson (Deputy Director of AMSP). Together, they pull back the curtain on the Advanced Military Studies Program, covering what it is, what it produces, and exactly how officers can go from being curious about the program to becoming a competitive applicant. They dispel myths about AMSP as merely a "planners' school" and show how the program develops leaders to meet the Army's most demanding missions as experts in Army and joint doctrine, leading diverse operational planning teams, and enabling senior leaders. The ten-month program focuses on warfighting, operational art, and the critical and creative thinking required to anticipate and adapt to rapid change on the modern battlefield.0:00 Intro and Guest Introductions4:20 How Has AMSP Changed Over the Years?8:48 What Does the Operational Force Expect from Graduates?10:16 What Attributes Define a Strong AMSP Student?14:25 The Flow of the Academic Year (June–May)19:52 How to Get Competitive / The Application Process23:36 The AMSP Exam and Interview27:19 Selection , the HRC Marketplace, & Recent Process Changes35:22 How to Prepare / Tips for Applicants44:40 "What If I Don't Want to Be a Planner?"46:10 Family Considerations49:57 What Should Every Graduate Take With Them? 52:51 Closing Remarks
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  Mastering Mentorship: Insights from Colonel Retired Dwayne Wagner (Ep 45) 06.02.2026 33мин

  In this episode of the Operational Arch podcast, Major Joanna Van Engel interviews Colonel (Retired) Dwayne Wagner,a seasoned Army planner and educator. They delve into the critical topics of mentorship, coaching, and counseling within military leadership, emphasizing the importance of developing junior leaders for long-term success. COL Wagner discusses the shifting dynamics of mentorship post-9/11, the distinct roles of coaching and mentoring, and the symbiotic relationship between officers and NCOs. He also addresses the challenges leaders face in the modern era, influenced by social media and constant scrutiny. Practical insights into creating effective leader development programs and reflections on personal experiences enrich this compelling conversation. 01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:37 Coaching vs. Mentoring04:28 Challenges in Mentorship07:20  Cross-Gender and Cross-Branch Mentorship09:20 Leadership Development and Self-Improvement12:57 Officer and NCO Relationships18:46  Attributes of a Well-Rounded Officer21:38 Allowing Leaders to Grow and Learn from Mistakes25:39 Effective Leader Development Programs31:05 Final Thoughts and Messages
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  Convergence in Army Doctrine, with Dr. Jim Greer 01.09.2025 41мин

  In this episode of the Operational Arch, Major we welcome Dr. James Greer, an expert in operational art, military design, and leader development with over 30 years of Army service. We discuss the concept of convergence within Army doctrine, as outlined in FM 3-0, emphasizing its differences from past doctrines such as the AirLand Battle. Dr. Greer provides insights into how convergence involves accumulated effects over time against systems, formations, and decision-makers across multiple domains, rather than mere synchronization. He also addresses the need for doctrinal clarity and the importance of understanding the science of warfare. Examples from the Ukraine conflict highlight practical applications of convergence. The discussion concludes with advice for listeners on the importance of continual teaching and learning within the military profession.01:25 Defining Convergence in Army Doctrine02:05 Historical Context of Army Doctrine05:27 Understanding Convergence as an Outcome05:50 Challenges and Misconceptions in Convergence07:14 Examples and Applications of Convergence15:23 Barriers to Achieving Convergence22:15 Future of Convergence in Military Operations35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice in Military Operations35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice
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  MacArthur's Return to the Philippines, w/ Dr. Peter Mansoor (E43) 07.08.2025 41мин

  Dr. Peter Mansoor, retired Army Colonel and professor of military history at the Ohio State University, joins the Operational Arch to discuss his new book, Redemption: MacArthur in the Campaign for the Philippines (Cambridge University Press, August 2025), which covers the arc of MacArthur's controversial return to the Philippines, providing both a master class and cautionary tale on the application of operational art. The group covers a wide variety of topics including theater logistics, the incorporation of friendly guerilla forces, organizational leadership, joint operations, and strategic decision-making.
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  Civ-Mil Relations w/Dr. Scott Gorman (E42) 01.06.2025 34мин

  Dr. Scott Gorman, director of the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program at SAMS, joins the Operational Arch to discuss the complexities of civil-military relations and the nuances of providing best military advice. The conversation touches on the importance of the military being politically informed rather than partisan and the critical nature of maintaining trust and dialogue between military and civilian leaders.
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  China's Counter-Intervention Strategy w/Mr. Pete Wood (E41) 01.05.2025 52мин

  Mr. Peter Wood joins the Operational Arch to deep dive into China's counter-intervention strategy. This episode explores how this strategy fits into China's broader military doctrine as well as examining the nuances of China's approach to regional and global strategic competition.
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  Multinational Operations w/LTG(R) Aguto (E40) 03.04.2025 35мин

  Lieutenant General (Retired) Tony Aguto discusses the US-NATO partnership, the importance of multinational collaboration, and the role of strategic military planning in modern warfare. He highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by national caveats, interoperability issues, and the rapid adaptation required on today’s battlefield, particularly in light of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Aguto emphasizes the changing nature of air superiority, the need for improved command and control systems, and the balance between mass production and modularity in military technology. He underscores the critical thinking skills of SAMS graduates in solving complex problems and urges planners to be adaptable, collaborative, and ready for unforeseen challenges in coalition and joint operations.
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  Crisis Response w/COL Estee Pinchasin (E39) 01.03.2025 48мин

  COL Estee Pinchasin joins the show to share about her time as Commander of the Baltimore District of the Corps of Engineers and the role she played during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024. COL Pinchasin discusses her experience during this crisis and draws out several key lessons from the incident. These lessons include the importance of collaboration, pre-established agreements, and maintaining a collaborative environment to handle complex interagency operations effectively.
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  The Transparent Battlefield w/TRADOC G2 (E38) 15.02.2025 39мин

  Jennifer Dunn and Scott Pettigrew from the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) G2 Operational Environment Integration Directorate join the podcast and delve into the concept of the transparent battlefield—a high-tech environment characterized by ubiquitous multi-domain sensors, deception, jamming, and camouflage in modern warfare. They discuss challenges posed by China’s advanced ISR capabilities and the implications for U.S. military strategies, citing the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict and its lessons on adaptation, electronic warfare, and operational surprise.
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  The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 3 (E37) 15.01.2025 46мин

  Dr. Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, joins the Operational Arch to reflect on the opening of the conflict one year ago. This is the third and final installment of a multi-episode run discussing the start of the war and the lessons that the United States should be learning from it. Check out The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 1 (E33), released on November 15, 2024, and The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 2 (E36), released January 1, 2025, to catch up on the conversation.
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  The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 2 (E36) 01.01.2025 32мин

  Dr. Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, joins the Operational Arch to reflect on the opening of the conflict one year ago. This is the second installment of a multi-episode run discussing the start of the war and the lessons that the United States should be learning from it. Check out The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 1 (E33) released on November 15, 2024 to catch up on the conversation.
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  OIF Planning w/COL Benson 15.12.2024 50мин

  Colonel (retired) Kevin Benson joins us to discuss the campaign planning efforts for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the initial invasion of Iraq in 2002. His experiences are captured in his recently published book Expectation of Valor: Planning for the Iraq War.
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  Strategic Engagement w/GEN Brooks (E34) 02.12.2024 42мин

  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.
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  The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 1 (E33) 15.11.2024 30мин

  Dr. Jacob Stoil, an expert on the Israel/Hamas conflict, joins the Operational Arch to reflect on the opening of the conflict one year ago. This is the first installment of a multi-episode run discussing the start of the war and the lessons that the United States should be learning from it.Dr. Stoil is also the Chair of Applied History at West Point Modern War Institute, an Associate Professor of Military History at the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), Senior Fellow of 40th ID Urban Warfare Center, Assistant Director of the Second World War Research Group (North America), and Trustee of the US Commission on Military History, and a founding member of the International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare. Dr. Stoil received his doctorate in History from the University of Oxford. He holds a BA in War Studies and an MA in History of Warfare from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London.
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  Arctic Security w/The Ted Stevens Center (E32) 01.11.2024 31мин

  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.
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  Human Capital Management & MDO w/4ID (E31) 15.10.2024 44мин

  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.