NucleCast

Latest Episodes:

In-Bum Chun: Understanding the Political Crisis in South Korea Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Host Adam Lowther interviews retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun about the recent political turmoil in South Korea, including President Yoon's declaration of martial law and the ongoing impeachment process. General Chun provides insights into the historical context of South Korean politics, the current political divide, and the implications of these events for the future of the country. He emphasizes the need for unity and support from the United States during this critical time.

Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun (ROK, Ret) served his country with both honor and integrity for nearly four decades. Chun retired in 2016 after distinguished service in the South Korean Army.

During his military career which started in 1978 at the Korea Military Academy he ascended to positions of leadership that included, the Chief of the Election Support Branch, Civil Military Affairs/Strategic Operations Directorate of the Multinational Forces in Iraq, the Director of U.S. Affairs at the Ministry of National Defense (ROK), Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations for the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command, Senior member of the UNCMAC, the Commander of the ROK Special Warfare Command, and the Deputy Commander for the First ROK Army.

Chun is a holder of three U.S Legions of Merit, the US Bronze Star Medal and the USSOCOM Medal.

His interests and expertise in national defense and security policy saw him awarded positions that included Visiting Fellow at the Center for East Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, Visiting researcher at the US-Korea Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University and as Visiting fellow at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Tech.

Currently, Chun is serving as a Senior Fellow with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Vice-president of the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) MIG Alley Chapter and is on the Advisory board for the National Bureau of Asian Research, the Global SOF Foundation, the Global American Business Institute and the Korean Modelers Association as well as a Senior Contributor for the Asia Society Korea and a fellow with the Institute of Corea American Studies and Distinguished Military Fellow with the Institute of Security and Development Policy in Sweden.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Political Crisis in South Korea

05:48 Martial Law Declaration and Its Implications

11:48 Impeachment Process and Political Dynamics

22:50 Historical Context of South Korean Politics

29:59 Wishes for the Future of South Korea

Kris Osborn: Navigating Modern Defense Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Adam interviews Kris Osborn, a prominent defense journalist and president of the Center for Military Modernization. They discuss various topics including the U.S. nuclear posture, the implications of low yield weapons, advancements in digital engineering for defense acquisition, infrastructure challenges with the Sentinel and B-21 programs, cybersecurity in modern defense systems, China's military strategy, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the future of U.S. defense policy amidst political changes.

Kris Osborn is President and Editor in Chief of the Center for Military Modernization, think tank fellow, military technology analyst and former Dept. of the Army civilian working as a writer, information liaison and military expert for the U.S. Army. Osborn is also a former CNN anchor who serves currently as President and Editor-in-Chief of Warrior Maven - a military weapons and emerging technology site for news reports and analysis.

In recent years, Osborn also spent time as the Defense Editor of The National Interest and, in addition to leading Warrior Maven, he also currently works as a Professor of English Literature at Northern Virginia Community College.

The site - warriormaven.com - began as a start up and now reaches millions with cutting edge weapons, technology and military strategy content. The site regularly features intvs with US military leaders, weapons developers, analysts and military experts.

Osborn recently served as Editor-in-Chief of Defense Systems, a military IT/C4ISR/Cyber/Weapons Systems news site. He managed reporters, generated original content and lead the site, often interviewing high level IT/C4ISR/Weapons experts.

Prior to this, Osborn served as a Navy & Air Force expert associate editor with Military.com. In this role, Osborn interviewed senior Navy and Air Force leaders, program managers and weapons developers.

While an Army civilian just prior to Military.com - Osborn worked as a Highly Qualified Expert (SES level) civilian with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army - Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Here Osborn analyzed weapons programs, wrote for and briefed 3 and 4-star senior leaders and independently authored original weapons and acquisition content for Army academic journals and publications - such as the Army's Weapons System Handbook. He also worked on speeches for senior leaders and ghost-wrote material as a weapons and military acquisition expert.

Osborn also served as the Land War reporter for Defense News, and spent more than a decade as a TV news correspondent, anchor and military specialist. He was an anchor and military specialist at CNN Headline News, CNN Correspondent (at Pentagon for a bit) and Fox News Correspondent. In more recent years, Osborn regularly appeared as an expert military guest on MSNBC and Fox News.

General Rand: The Critical Role of Personnel in U.S. Air Force's Strategic Deterrent Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, General Retired Robin Rand discusses the critical role of personnel in maintaining the U.S. Air Force's strategic deterrent capabilities. He highlights the challenges of operating and maintaining aging military assets, the importance of leadership and motivation in harsh conditions, and the evolving training processes for pilots. Rand emphasizes the significance of the triad in strategic deterrence and praises the quality of today's military personnel, while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families.

General (Ret) Robin Rand is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII). In this role, he is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.

General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of People in Strategic Deterrence

02:58 Challenges of Maintaining Diverse Military Assets

06:01 Modernization and Maintenance of Aging Systems

09:10 Leadership and Motivation in Harsh Conditions

11:54 Training and Evolving Technologies in the Air Force

14:45 The Triad: Understanding Strategic Deterrence

18:09 The Quality of Today's Military Personnel

21:10 Family Challenges in Military Deployments

23:50 Skills Gained from Military Service

27:08 The Collective Effort of Team Air Force

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Tim Nank: The Evolution and Implications of Tactical Nuclear Weapons Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Tim Nank, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, discusses the complexities and implications of tactical nuclear weapons. He explores the evolution, advantages, and potential use of these weapons in modern warfare, as well as the perceptions surrounding their effects. The conversation delves into the geopolitical landscape, the need for public education on nuclear issues, and the future of nuclear strategy amidst rising tensions globally.

Tim Nank, is a consultant for CACI International, an Adjunct Professor at Catholic University and a former intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy. He has over 20 years of national level experience in management with national security, intelligence collection and analysis, proliferation analysis, counter terrorism, and operations impacting issues at the highest strategic levels of government. Tim is a former White House Appointee that focused on nuclear weapon non-proliferation and counter-terrorism under President George W. Bush. After that, Tim continued his work in nuclear non-proliferation and counter-terrorism in a variety of intelligence agencies.

Additionally, Tim spent 16 years in the US Navy as an intelligence officer in an active duty and reserve capacity. He has served in a variety of different commands such as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and aboard the USS PONCE-15 (AFSB-i). Tim has also been an Adjunct Professor at Trinity University (DC) teaching graduate classes for the School of Business and Graduate Studies and the School of Professional and Graduate Studies. He also consulted for companies such as SAIC, ANSER and Booz Allen Hamilton for a variety of different programs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tactical Nuclear Weapons

03:11 The Evolution and Advantages of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

05:54 Debate on Yield and Usability of Nuclear Weapons

09:00 Perceptions of Nuclear Weapons Effects

12:05 Geopolitical Implications of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

15:00 Future of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

17:53 Public Understanding and Education on Nuclear Weapons

20:56 Wishes for the Future of Nuclear Strategy

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Gen (Ret.) Robin Rand: Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Jim Howe hosts Gen (Ret.) Robin Rand, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) where they discuss the establishment of OADII and it's research is accelerating critical results for our nations security.

In his role, General Rand is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.

General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.

After retiring from the Air Force in Sep 2018, he served as Chief Executive Officer for the Gary Sinise Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Board of Directors member for Top Aces Corporation and the Air and Space Forces Association, trustee member for the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation, LEONID board of advisors member, strategic advisor in government relations and public policy for Baker Donelson Law Firm, adjunct contract professor and senior mentor for United States Air Force, and senior consultant for several defense-related organizations

General (Ret) Rand has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science from the United States Air Force Academy; Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Master of Arts Degree in National Security Policy from the Naval War College.

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Aaron Holland: A Personal Journey in the Nuclear Field Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Aaron Holland, a passionate young scholar in the field of nuclear deterrence, shares his journey from a master's student to a PhD candidate, discussing the complexities of nuclear strategy and the challenges he faced in military recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and resilience in pursuing a career in the nuclear field. The conversation also touches on the need for greater awareness of career opportunities and the significance of paying it forward to the next generation of scholars.

Aaron Holland is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the University of Utah & an Analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, specializing in international relations, complex deterrence theories, and comparative politics. His research focuses on nuclear weapons deterrence, rational and psychological factors in decision-making, and the intersection of narrative control and security dynamics. Aaron has published extensively on topics such as nuclear superiority, escalation dominance, and narrative influence in global security, and he currently serves as an analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His work aims to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications in policy and international security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aaron Holland and His Journey

01:37 The Fascination with Nuclear Deterrence

04:21 Challenges in Military Recruitment and Personal Journey

08:07 Navigating Academic Paths in Nuclear Studies

10:53 Networking and Finding Mentors

14:53 Creating Opportunities in the Nuclear Field

18:54 Pursuing a Career in Nuclear Practice

23:41 Wishes for Workforce Development

27:34 Increasing Awareness of Career Opportunities

32:25 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Next Generation

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Robert Peters: Escalation; A Tool for Deterrence Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Bob Peters discusses the often-misunderstood concept of escalation in national security. He explores how escalation is perceived negatively by many national security professionals, leading to a risk-averse approach that can undermine deterrence. Peters argues that the U.S. needs to embrace escalation as a strategic tool, especially in the context of being a status quo power. The conversation also touches on the challenges within military education and the need for a shift in mindset regarding the use of military force.

Robert Peters is a Research Fellow for Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security. Prior to joining Heritage, Peters served as the lead strategist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he oversaw the office that developed the Agency’s five-year strategy, conducted the Agency’s research and tabletop exercise program, and executed Agency-level program evaluations. Leading a team of forty-two people, Peters revamped the research function within the Agency and oversaw the Department of Defense’s Track 1.5 and Track 2 strategic dialogues with allies and partners.

For many years, Peters served as a Senior Research Fellow at National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, where he focused on nuclear deterrence issues, countering weapons of mass destruction, and counterproliferation.

In the first Obama Administration, Peters served as the Special Advisor for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on the New START nuclear arms control treaty, the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.

In addition, Peters held positions at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.

A graduate of Miami University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Peters has lectured at National War College, Missouri State University, Army War College, and the United States Naval Academy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Escalation in National Security

05:41 Understanding Escalation as a Tool

12:46 The Impact of Status Quo on Escalation

19:38 Challenges in Military Thinking

26:59 Wishes for Military Strategy Reform

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Zak Kallenborn: AI safety Legislation and Autonomous Drones: A New Era in Combat Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Zak Kallenborn discusses the implications of AI legislation, particularly California's SB 1047, and its intersection with national security and weapons proliferation. He explores the potential risks of AI in biological research and the challenges of regulating such technologies. The conversation shifts to the evolving role of AI in drone warfare, including the use of autonomous drones in combat and their potential impact on nuclear weapons monitoring.

Zachary is an Adjunct Fellow (Non-resident) Strategic Technologies Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as well as a Policy Fellow at the Center for Security Policy Studies, George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government. He has published over 50 articles on autonomous weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and apocalyptic terrorism in a wide range of peer-reviewed, wonky, and popular outlets, including the Brookings Institution, Foreign Policy, Slate, Terrorism and Political Violence, and Parameters. Journalists have written about and shared that research in the New York Times, NPR, Forbes, the New Scientist, WIRED, and the BBC, among dozens of others in dozens of languages.

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General (Ret) Robin Rand: A Fighter Pilot's Journey to Commander of AF Global Strike Command Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, host Jim Howe interviews General Robin Rand, a recently retired Air Force general with a remarkable 40-year career. The conversation covers General Rand's early influences, his journey through flight training, and his various global assignments during pivotal moments in history, including the Cold War and the aftermath of 9/11. The discussion also delves into his leadership roles, particularly in the context of the Air Force's evolving focus on nuclear deterrence and the establishment of the Air Force Global Strike Command. General Rand shares insights on the importance of strategic deterrence and the dedication of the men and women serving in the Air Force.

General (Ret) Robin Rand is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII). In this role, he is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.

General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.

After retiring from the Air Force in Sep 2018, he served as Chief Executive Officer for the Gary Sinise Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Board of Directors member for Top Aces Corporation and the Air and Space Forces Association, trustee member for the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation, LEONID board of advisors member, strategic advisor in government relations and public policy for Baker Donelson Law Firm, adjunct contract professor and senior mentor for United States Air Force, and senior consultant for several defense-related organizations.

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Robert Peters: Deterrence and the Israeli Response Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther and Bob Peters discuss the implications of the October 7th anniversary, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the broader Middle East. They explore the failures of deterrence leading up to the attack, the complexities of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the evolving dynamics between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The conversation also delves into the historical context of the Palestinian issue.

In addition, Peters held positions at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of October 7th

03:02 Deterrence Failures and the Israeli Response

05:59 Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Regional Dynamics

08:45 The Future of Israel and Iran Relations

11:49 The Role of Arab Nations and Regional Politics

14:47 The Palestinian Perspective and Historical Context

18:03 Bob's Wishes for Peace and Resolution

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