Professional Military Education

Steven Lee Myers is a columnist for the New York Times and the author of The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin. Myers talks about the life and career of Vladimir Putin from his time as a KGB foreign intelligence officer to his current role as Russian president. The interview covers a wide range of Russian history from World War II to the current conflict in Ukraine.   Key Takeaways: What is a Tsar? Myers explains the historical role of a Tsar in Russia. Vladimir Putin’s upbringing in Leningrad what is called Saint Petersburg today. His early childhood in the Soviet Union. Putin grows up with the legacy of the “Great Patriotic War,” and is exposed to tales of “heroism and suffering.” As he prepares for a career in the KGB, Myers explains that Putin comes of age in the “high water mark” of the Soviet era. Inspired by a movie called The Shield and the Sword, Putin decides to join the KGB. Putin joins the foreign intelligence branch of the KGB in 1975 and is initially stationed in his home town of L

S.C. Gwynne is a New York Times bestselling author, and award-winning Historian. His book, Rebel Yell, focuses on the Civil War general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Jackson was a brilliant leader and was consider a real ‘rock ‘n’ roll star,’ during the era where his bold strategic maneuvers became famous on an international level. Find out more about this fascinating man in this week’s episode!   Key Takeaways: [4:35] What was Gwynne’s inspiration to writing the book? [6:05] Who was Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson? [13:35] Why was Jackson against the Civil War? [21:30] When the war starts, what was Jackson’s role in the army? [26:30] How did the weapon technology change during this time period? [29:20] How did Jackson get to The first Bull Run? [34:40] Jackson became a mini celebrity after the First Battle of Bull Run. [35:25] What’s the difference between First Bull Run vs. First Manassas? [39:25] Jackson’s men marched 700 miles in 28 days and fought 5 major engagements. [43:35] How did Jackson achieve such maneuv

Patrick K. O’Donnell is a combat historian, bestselling author, and public speaker. O’Donnell has written ten critically acclaimed books that recount epic, and untold, stories of American war. His most recent book, Washington’s Immortals, recounts the story of the forgotten Maryland Heroes who helped push the war onto America’s winning side and defeat the British.   Key Takeaways: [4:00] Much like the rest of O’Donnell’s books, this one found him. [6:35] Green-Wood Cemetery is a fascinating place because it held an epic battle during the Revolution where we could have lost to the British. [9:10] These Marylanders bought the United States precious time during the war. [11:45] O’Donnell became obsessed with uncovering the Marylanders’ story. [14:00] Although it’s hard to confirm these numbers, but up to a 3rd (if not more) of Americans sided with the British. [18:10] Hollywood makes fun of it, but the British army was a very strong and professional force. [19:15] British soldiers were constantly adapting to Ame

Joby Warrick is an American Journalist who has won two Pulitzer Prizes. His work at The Washington Post covers topics on the Middle East, diplomacy, and national security. On today’s discussion, Warrick discusses his book, Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, in greater detail, and gives some history on how ISIS began.   Key Takeaways: [2:55] Even though we’re not under attack, the American people are still affected by ISIS. [6:10] Who is Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, really? [9:25] Warrick discusses Zarqawi and his relationship with his mother. [13:45] How did prison make Zarqawi more radical? [16:10] Prison helped form a brotherhood, a university, for a lot of these men. [21:25] Zarqawi and his associates were disowned by Al-Qaeda because they were almost too brutal. [22:20] ISIS and Al-Qaeda do not like each other. Al-Qaeda views them as ‘crazy heretics.’ [27:55] How was Zarqawi connected to Saddam's regime? [32:30] The U.S. decided to wait until after after the Iraq invasion to go after Zarqawi. [40:05] Zarqawi created

Gideon Rose is the editor of Foreign Affairs, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also the author of the book How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle. In this week’s episode, Mr. Rose discusses why, no matter the war, we see the same mistakes occur throughout U.S. history. The truth be told, the end state in war is often too broad. The lack of planning by civilian decision-makers based on these broad and vague terms, leads to a longer-than-necessary war that could have very well been prevented, and had lives spared. However, war is inherently political, and leaving just the violence to military officials, and politics to politicians, is not the realistic balance and conclusion we all crave.   Key Takeaways: [1:55] Who is Carl Van Clausewitzian and why is he relevant to how wars end? [3:30] What is war? Clausewitzian defined it in two different ways. [6:25] The end state, in this case, goes beyond the physical battlefield, and it stretches into the political realm. [6:35] Should m