The Operational Arch
The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.
Episodes
Seeing Over the Edge: Operational Planning and Intelligence with MG (R) Spider Marks
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 Intellig
From Tactical to Operational: Building Army Leaders for the Future Fight — with COL Ethan Diven, Commandant of US Army CGSC
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 Qua
An Unshakable Bond: Insights into the US-ROK relationship and the threat posed by North Korea with Lt. Gen. (R) Chun In-bum
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
From Warhammer to War Plans: The IDEA Framework with Stephen Box
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 deci
So You Think You Want to be a SAMS Graduate? Insights on applying to and being successful at AMSP with the leadership team
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, c
Mastering Mentorship: Insights from Colonel Retired Dwayne Wagner (Ep 45)
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/
Convergence in Army Doctrine, with Dr. Jim Greer
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 ac
MacArthur's Return to the Philippines, w/ Dr. Peter Mansoor (E43)
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 applicati
Civ-Mil Relations w/Dr. Scott Gorman (E42)
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 mili
China's Counter-Intervention Strategy w/Mr. Pete Wood (E41)
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.
Multinational Operations w/LTG(R) Aguto (E40)
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-Ukrai
Crisis Response w/COL Estee Pinchasin (E39)
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
The Transparent Battlefield w/TRADOC G2 (E38)
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 capabiliti
The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 3 (E37)
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,
The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 2 (E36)
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 u
OIF Planning w/COL Benson
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.
Strategic Engagement w/GEN Brooks (E34)
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.
The Israel & Hamas Conflict w/Dr. Stoil Part 1 (E33)
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
Arctic Security w/The Ted Stevens Center (E32)
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.
Human Capital Management & MDO w/4ID (E31)
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.
SAMS Integration & Season 2 Finale w/COL Morgado (E30)
COL Andrew Morgado, Director of the US School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), joins the Season 2 Operational Arch podcast team on their season finale to discuss how SAMS develops joint leaders, the impacts SAMS has on global security challenges, and operational art.
Naval Military Theory in Relation to Operational Art, w/ Dr. Nick Prime (E29)
Dr. Nick Prime, Associate Professor at the School of Advanced Military Studies focuses on the maritime domain and the impacts of Naval theorists such as Alfred Mahan, Julian Corbett, JC Wylie, and Bernard Brodie as they relate to strategy and operational art.
Henry Eccles: Logistics in the National Defense
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2927937-logistics-in-the-national-defense
Hew Stracha
Is Attrition A Type of War or Just an Effect, w/ LTC Amos Fox (E28)
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/
The Role of a Commander Integrating Staff, w/ LTG Jon Jensen (E27)
In this episode we discuss the role of a commander integrating the staff solving
complex problems, fostering collaborative organizations, and utilizing
components two and three with Lieutenant General Jon Jensen, director of the Army
National Guard.
Book Recommendations:
If You Survive: From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II, One American Officer's Riveting True Stor
Leading a Division in Training and Multi-Domain Operations, w/ MG David Doyle (E26)
In this Episode we have a discussion with Major General David Doyle, US Army, Discuss challenges and opportunities in leading a division emphasizing training, multi-domain operations, and operational art.
This Kind of War: A Study in Unpreparedness, T.R. Fehrenbach
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/118690.This_Kind_of_War
Causality: Models, Reasoning, and Inference, Judea Pearl
https://www.go
Narrative, Operational Art, and Museums, w/ Nikki Dean (E25)
In this episode, the team discusses the importance of narrative, operational art, and the role of museums in military professional development with Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Nikki Dean. Ms. Dean is a military history interpreter at the World War I Museum located in Kansas City, MO.
Reading Suggestions
Wayne Sandholtz: Prohibiting Plunder
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2901356-prohibitin
Field Manual 3.0 & MDO, w/ LTG Milford Beagle & Mr. Rich Creed (E24)
In this Episode we have a Discussion with Lt Gen Milford H. Beagle, US Army, and Mr. Creed about US Army doctrine, specifically FM 3-0 and trace its concepts and applications to MDO.
Book Recommendations:
Full-Spectrum Thinking: How to Escape Boxes in a Post-Categorical Future: Bob Johansen
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49918684-full-spectrum-thinking
The Liberation Trilogy Boxed Set:
Urban Warfare, w/ John Spencer (E23)
In this episode the team discusses urban warfare with Professor John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern Warfare Center.
If you liked Professor Spencer's points and want to learn more about Urban Warfare check out his podcast or book below, along with some other books he suggests.
John Spencer's Podcast: Urban Warfare Project Podcast
https://mwi.westpoint.edu/category/podc
Space Operations, w/ LTC Jerry Drew (E22)
In this episode we discuss Space Operations with LTC Jerry Drew one of the principal authors on a new book titled "The Battle Beyond: Fighting and Winning the Coming War in Space"
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199444232-the-battle-beyond?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=fAQSRO9bAC&rank=1
Deterrence w/ Dr. James Platte (E21)
The team speaks with Dr. James Platte about Deterrence Theory.
Counter-Punch Theory, w/ LTC Craig Broyles (E20)
LTC Broyles discusses his "Counter-Punch" Theory of warfare and how we can use it as a offensively minded, but defensively postured military force.
The subject of this episode was published in the November to December issue of Military Review. Check it out at the following link. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/November-December-2023/Coun
Napoleon, Military versus Movies, w/ Dr. Jonathan Abel, Part 2 (E19)
We continue to explore the topic of Napoleon as a historical figure as well as our thoughts on the upcoming movie. If you have not listened to episode 18, we encourage you to do so before listening to this one.
In this episode we discuss the movie and what we hope to see visualized for audiences. We also discuss the influences that Napoleon has had on modern operational thought, as well as the d
Napoleon, Man & Myth, w/ Dr. Jonathan Abel, Part 1 (E18)
In today's episode we start our first of two episodes discussing Napoleon and some myths and beliefs about him as a military genius.
We discuss the rise of Napoleon and his actions as the leader of the French Military and the changes Napoleon implemented on the military.
Check out Dr. Abel's Podcast @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4umHPpMClIU6Oi6eGIKPMv
The views and expressions heard
Future of Warfare with Dr. Daniel Cox (e17)
Today we have Doctor Dan Cox of SAMS, focused on the future of warfare, including future information warfare adaptations, the role of cost and emerging trends and capabilities, reemerging trends like trench warfare and implications for our future force.
Dr. Cox's Books:
Terrorism, Instability, and Democracy in Asia and Africa (Northeastern Series on Democratization and Political Development)
Huma
Leading a Division into the Future Fight - MG Costanza (E16)
On Episode 16 of the Operational Arch, Major General Costanza provides insight and perspective for future division planners and discusses what he learned from his time leading the Third Infantry Division. When we discussed operational art, Major General Costanza highlighted the utility of time and space and
future operations. We hope you enjoy the conversation
Book Recommendations
Paris, 1919:
Security Assistance and Foreign Military Sales with BG Nicholson (E15)
Security Assistance is a big topic to cover in 30 minutes. BG Nicholson provides comments on how the US does it, and how it applies to Operational Art. Covering topics from Foreign Military Sales to how do we recruit and retain talent.
Links to Book Recommendations:
Lakota America: A New History of Indigenous Power Pekka Hämäläinen
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44310208-lakota-america?ac
Passing the Torch: Season 2 Introduction
In this episode we say goodbye to last year's hosts, and introduce our new hosts. We also briefly go over what you as our listener can expect for content over the next year.
New Hosts:
J.D. Corless, Active Duty Air Force
Tom Haydock, Army National Guard
Sheila Holder. Active duty Army Military
Brian Lander. active-duty Marine Officer
Jesse Valles, Army National Guard
Aaron Warren, Active-
Integrating Wargaming into Military Training w Mr. Sebastian Bae (S1.E14)
Season 1, Episode 14 of the Operational Arch. This is part two of our conversation with guest Mr. Sebastian Bae where he talks about Wargaming and its utility to military planning and training. In this episode, Sebastian explains how to integrate board games into your units training. He also talks about the processes of incorporating moral, ethical, and diverse decision making into board game desi
Wargaming’s Utility in Military Planning w Mr. Sebastian Bae (S1.E13)
Season 1, Episode 13 of the Operational Arch. This is part one
of our conversation with guest Mr. Sebastian Bae where he talks about Wargaming and its utility to military planning and training. Sebastian argues that Wargaming is useful as an educational tool, not necessarily as an outcome generator or simulator. Sebastian also talks about where and how he believes wargaming should be used in the m
A Departure from Centers of Gravity w Dr. Ben Zweibelson
Season 1 episode 12 of the Operational Arch is part two of our conversation with guest Dr. Ben Zweibelson where he talks all things Center of Gravity. Ben argues that Centers of Gravity insufficiently prepare us to understand the emergent systems spawned when two opposing forces collide, and offers some alternative constructs we might use to make sense of increasingly complex systems.
Dr. Zweibels
Center of Gravity Analysis w Dr. Ben Zweibelson
Season 1 episode 11 of the Operational Arch is part one of our conversation with guest Dr. Ben Zweibelson where he talks all things Center of Gravity. Ben offers a deconstruction of COGs by taking a look at the models the concept is born from, and why those models might explain why COG analysis may be becoming less relevant as the systems around us become increasingly complex.
Dr. Zweibelson is th
Boyd and Warden's Systems Approach w Dr. Jim Greer
Season 1 episode 10 of the Operational Arch is part two of our conversation with guest Dr. Jim Greer as he takes us on a deep dive into John Boyd and his Patterns of Conflict. We continue our conversation on how we should engage Boyd, and explores how John Warden's Five Rings theory collates with Boyd's theories. Boyd and Warden's theories remain complimentary in that they take a syste
John Boyd's Patterns of Conflict w Dr. Jim Greer
Season 1 episode 9 of the Operational Arch is part one of our conversation with guest Dr. Jim Greer as he takes us on a deep dive into John Boyd and his Patterns of Conflict. He explains how we tend to get caught up in Boyd's OODA loop, often at the expense of Boyd's other insights into the nature and character of conflict. He explores the concept of the OODA loop as a point of departure a
The Role of Practice in Operational Art w COL Andrew Morgado and Dr. Bruce Stanley
Season 1 Episode 8 of the Operational Arch is the final episode in our limited series exploring the pillars of operational art. Our guests this week are COL Andrew Morgado, the Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies, and Dr. Bruce Stanley, the Director of the Advanced Military Studies Program. They explore the relationship between practice and experience, how history, doctrine, and th
The Role of Doctrine in Operational Art w COL (Ret.) Rich Creed
Season 1 Episode 7 of the Operational Arch is the third episode in our limited series exploring the pillars of operational art. We peel back the unique role doctrine plays in conducting operational art and training operational artists. Our guest, COL (Ret.) Rich Creed, discusses how history and theory informs doctrine, which theorists and history were key in developing "Multi-Domain Operation
The Human Dimension of War w LTC Nate Finney
Season 1 Episode 6 of the Operational Arch inspects the human dimension of the U.S. Army's multi-domain operating concept. Our guest, LTC Nate Finney, frames the discussion against the complex INDOPACOM operational environment and offers techniques on how planners and leaders should think about the human dimension to create relative advantage. LTC Finney is the creator and co-founder of The St
Irregular Warfare and the Operational Level of War w/ the Irregular Warfare Center's COL (Ret.) Derek Jones
Season 1 Episode 5 of the Operational Arch focuses on how irregular warfare fits into the operational level of war and operational art. Our guest, COL (Ret.) Derek Jones, representing the Irregular Warfare Center, discusses how irregular warfare is just one aspect of an irregular approach to campaigning and provides insights on how to perceive and frame irregular operations across the range of mil
The Role of Theory in Operational Art w/ Dr. Scott Gorman
Season 1 Episode 4 of the Operational Arch is the second in a limited series examining the pillars of operational art. In this episode, we dive into the role theory plays in conducting operational art and training operational artists. Our guest, Dr. Scott Gorman, provides insights on how planners can leverage theory to understand how the world works and frame options to achieve desired endstates.
The Role of History in Operational Art w/ Dr. Dean Nowowiejski
Season 1 Episode 3 of the Operational Arch is the first in a limited series examining the pillars of operational art. In this episode, we dive into the role history plays in conducting operational art and training operational artists. Our guest, Dr. Dean Nowowiejski, discusses the U.S. Army's interesting relationship with history, how leaders can become historically minded, and the value history p
Evaluating Operational Art w/ Mick Ryan
Season 1 Episode 2 of the Operational Arch examines the evaluation and assessment of operational art to determine how students of war may glean lessons, good or bad, on how forces employ operational art.
Our guest, Australian Army Major General (Ret.) Mick Ryan, provides insights on the relationship between design and operational art, the strategy of corrosion in relationship to attrition or anni
The Value of Operational Art to the Joint Force w/ LTG Milford H. Beagle
Season 1 Episode 1 of the Operational Arch examines the value of operational art to the joint force and what commanders expect from their operational artists and planners.
Our guest is the Commander of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, LTG Milford H. Beagle. LTG Beagle discusses his experiences as a planner, the concept of courage in planning, and how planners can use their skills to
Welcome to the Operational Arch - Season 1
Greetings and welcome to the Operational Arch, the official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.
This episode will establish the foundation for this podcast by exploring who we are and what we are about. Meet your hosts as they introduce themselves, offe
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