NucleCast

Latest Episodes:

Rob Spalding, Brig Gen, USAD (Ret) - Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset, Our Data Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and potential EMP attacks. SEMPRE's technology aims to provide communication capabilities that can withstand such events and ensure the continuity of critical services. The deployment and functionality of SEMPRE's technology are explained, highlighting its decentralized architecture and ability to extend resiliency to existing networks. The security and accessibility of the system are also addressed. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of protecting citizens and the potential collaboration with national carriers.

Dr. Spalding is the former White House National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Planning and served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for more than 26 years. SEMPRE is the only technology company created to protect and secure our most critical resource: data.

He was the chief architect for the widely praised 2017 National Security Strategy and the Senior Director for Strategy to the President at the National Security Council. Rob’s innovation while serving in the White House has led to a reset in national security and public policy regarding telecommunications in the US as well as globally.

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Lt. Col. Anthony Santino - The Important Mission of the 576 Flight Test Squadron Mar 28, 2024

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Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it plays in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system. Santino also addresses the need for a new Sentinel program and the challenges of sustaining the aging Minuteman III system. He shares interesting facts about the 576 Flight Test Squadron and concludes by emphasizing the importance of predictable federal budgeting and the role of testing in maintaining deterrence.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron is America’s only dedicated Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test squadron. In his role, Lt Col Santino oversees a $100 billion flight test and ground system sustainment program portfolio, and 45 personnel responsible for planning, executing, and reporting all Minuteman III and Sentinel operational test activities. Additionally, he is the principal lead for proficiency training, tactics evaluation, and mission assurance certification of squadron test team members.

In his previous assignments, Lt Col Santino was a Senate Liaison Officer assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and an Air Force Legislative Fellow assigned to the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of United States Strategic Command.

Lt Col Santino received his commission in 2007 upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He is a Command Missileer and has held positions at the squadron, wing, combatant command, and Headquarters Air Force levels.

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Ken Myers - Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Mar 26, 2024

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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Ken Myers, the former director of DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency 2009-2016), about the agency's mission and history. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he was the fourth and longest serving director of the agency. He oversaw an annual $3 billion budget and operated simultaneously as a defense agency, combat support agency, and a Combatant Command component safeguarding America and its allies from weapons of mass destruction. Under his leadership DTRA/SCC was awarded four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards and Ken was awarded the Secretary of Defense’s Exceptional Public Service Award.

In this episode, he discusses DTRA's role as a defense agency, combat support agency, and element of the U.S. Strategic Command. He also explores DTRA's involvement in various missions, including nonproliferation, countering weapons of mass destruction, and support for the warfighter. The conversation covers the evolution of DTRA's mission, the shift of the CWMD mission from STRATCOM to SOCOM, and the role of defense support agencies in supporting the combatant commands. Myers shares his insights on the need for continued technological advancement, bipartisan support for national security, and the importance of maintaining the credibility of the U.S. nuclear weapons stock.

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Malcolm Davis, Ph.D. - AUKUS: An Australian Perspective Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Malcolm Davis discusses the Australian perspective on AUKUS, American extended deterrence, and the views of China as a potential threat. He highlights the evolving relationship between Australia and the United States, the importance of the US alliance, and the role of AUKUS in strengthening defense capabilities. Davis emphasizes the need for a realistic and balanced approach to China, recognizing its strategic ambitions and the challenges it poses to Australia's security. He also discusses concerns about US commitment and the importance of strengthening extended nuclear deterrence.

Dr. Malcolm Davis joined ASPI as a Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability in January 2016. Prior to this he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in China-Western Relations with the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University from March 2012 to January 2016, and he currently retains an Honorary Assistant Professor position in the Faculty. He has worked with the Department of Defence, both in Navy Headquarters in the Strategy and Force Structure area, and with Strategic Policy Division in the Strategic Policy Guidance and Strategic External Relations and Education sections from November 2007 to March 2012. Prior to this appointment he was a Lecturer in Defence Studies with King's College London at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, in Shrivenham, UK, from June 2000 to October 2007. He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of Hull as well as two Masters degrees in Strategic Studies, including from the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. His main research focus is on defense strategy and capability development, military technology, and the future of warfare.

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William Dale Conwell, Ph.D. - The FY 2025 Budget Overview Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Dr. William Conwell, Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, discusses the importance of the budget and the challenges of managing the nuclear security enterprise. The budget is allocated to five major national security endeavors, including maintaining the nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and strengthening science and technology capabilities. Modernizing the nuclear security infrastructure is a key focus. The budget is divided into four appropriations, with the largest portion allocated to weapons activities. The budgeting process involves working closely with the Nuclear Weapons Council and other agencies to determine requirements. Challenges include workforce recruitment and retention, accurate cost estimation, and managing organizational changes.

Dr. Conwell is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration.

He is responsible for the Planning, Programming, Budget Execution, and Evaluation of NNSA’s $24 billion budget and support to the NNSA programs with cost estimating, business case analysis, and Analysis of Alternatives. His team of over 130 professionals in budget analysis, accounting standards, and general engineering and physical science are the backbone of NNSA’s efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile; to reduce global nuclear threats; and to provide the U.S. Navy with safe, militarily-effective naval nuclear propulsion plants.

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Polly Keim and Caleb Yip - NNSA Changing Perspectives and Opportunities for Young Professionals Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Polly Keim and Caleb Yip, program analysts at NNSA, to gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of young professionals in the field. The conversation covers topics such as the fellowship program, career paths, the role of non-engineering professionals, changing perspectives in NNSA, recruiting and retaining young talent, challenges faced by young workers, and the wishes of the guests for workforce development in NNSA.

Paulina "Polly" Keim is an early-career nuclear weapons professional in the Office of Production Operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In her role, she supports production specific multi-tail workload at seven NNSA sites. She started her career in the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program, working in the Office of Domestic Uranium Enrichment and has since joined the Federal service. Polly is also a part of the CSIS PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative where she is engaging with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues and researching the workforce needs of the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) as it transitions from stockpile stewardship to a more responsive enterprise for the 21st century. Polly holds a Bachelor’s in Political Economy and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Virginia (go Hoos!) In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, hiking, going to concerts, and playing with her cat Oppie.

Caleb Yip is a program analyst with the Office of Stockpile Sustainment (NA-122) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, which works to maintain and surveil the U.S. stockpile to ensure that the Nation’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective. Prior to joining NNSA as a Fed, Caleb was an NNSA Graduate Fellow in the Office of Defense Programs, where he supported front-office correspondence and strategic messaging for the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs. Caleb was a member of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues scholars cohort last year, and is expected to publish his paper on Russian nuclear escalation dynamics in the coming months. Caleb received his Bachelor’s in Foreign Service and Master’s in Security Studies from Georgetown University.

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Nick Eftimiades: Chinese Espionage and the Impact on US National Security Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Retired senior intelligence officer Nick Eftimiades discusses China's whole of society approach to espionage and its impact on national security. He highlights the methods used by China, such as theft of technology, trade secrets, and covert influence operations. Eftimiades explains the reasons for ignoring Chinese espionage in the past and the need for a fundamental restructuring of the approach to counter it. He emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness and education in critical infrastructure industries and the need for an integrated national response to China's activities. Eftimiades concludes by urging listeners to take the long-term security interests of the country seriously.

Nicholas Eftimiades is a nonresident senior fellow at theForward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Eftimiades currently holds an appointment with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Intelligence Council, and has held appointments with the Defense Science Board and the Homeland Security Advisory Council’s Subcommittee on Economic Security. He is also a professor at the Penn State University Homeland Security Programs and is a member of the graduate faculty teaching homeland security, intelligence, and national security policy. He conducts research on China’s economic espionage and emerging space threats.

Eftimiades retired from a thirty-four-year government career including employment at the US Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and Defense Intelligence Agency. He is widely regarded for his expertise on China and national security space issues. As a subject matter expert, he has testified before congressional committees and briefed numerous senior US and foreign officials, members of Congress, and staff.

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Rebeccah Heinrichs - The Aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's Report Mar 07, 2024

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Rebecca Heinrichs discusses the aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's report and the lack of media coverage. She highlights the broad agreement on the threat assessment and the need for the United States to address the deteriorating threat environment. Heinrichs also discusses the interest from allies in Europe and Asia to contribute to the deterrence mission. She addresses misconceptions about arms races and escalation, emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence. Heinrichs argues for the affordability of nuclear defense and the need for better integration between US Strategic Command and regional combatant commands.

Rebeccah L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and the director of its Keystone Defense Initiative. She specializes in US national defense policy with a focus on strategic deterrence.

Ms. Heinrichs currently serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan Strategic Posture Commission, which was created in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. She also serves on the US Strategic Command Advisory Group and the National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness.

She is an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics where she teaches nuclear deterrence theory and is also a contributing editor of Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy.

Ms. Heinrichs earned her MA in national security and strategic studies from the US Naval War College and graduated with highest distinction from its College of Naval Command and Staff, receiving the Director’s Award for academic excellence. She earned her BA in history and political science from Ashland University in Ohio, was an Ashbrook Scholar, and currently serves as a member of the University's Board of Trustees. She is enrolled at Missouri State University pursuing her doctorate of defense and strategic studies.

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Col (Ret) USAF Dale Hernandez - Education Efforts of Air Force Global Strike Command Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Drysdale “Dale” H. Hernandez is the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command where he serves as the Chief, Force Development Division in the Directorate of Manpower and Personnel. In this position he serves as the primary advisor to the MAJCOM Commander on all Learning Strategy issues. His A1D Division plans, develops, and directs advisory and support services for command-wide Professional Development.

In this episode, Colonel retired Hernandez discusses the importance of education in Air Force Global Strike Command and the efforts made to develop and educate strikers. Global Strike Command was created in 2009 to address the atrophy of nuclear expertise in the Air Force. The command offers over 20 courses and has invested over $23 million in the development of strikers. The education programs aim to build courageous problem solvers capable of critical thinking and problem-solving. The command also focuses on leadership development and strategic stability through a credible long-range strike force.

Mr. Hernandez was raised in El Paso, Texas and was commissioned in 1991 as a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso’s Air Force ROTC program. His Masters-level education includes degrees in Human Resources Management and Administration from Webster’s University, Military Operational Arts and Science from Air University, and Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Mr. Hernandez began his professional career in 1992 as the Chief of Social Actions at Griffiss AFB, NY. His Air Force career included multiple deployments, staff positions at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Africa, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and The Joint Staff. He has served as the 48th Mission Support Squadron Commander at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom and as the 52d Mission Support Group Commander at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

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Whitney Jones - Submarine Construction, Technology, and Skilled Workforce Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther interviews Whitney Jones. She is the Director, Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), a component of the Navy’s (DON) Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines (PEO SSBN). about the workforce challenges in submarine construction. They discuss the unique challenges of building submarines, the need for skilled tradespeople, and the efforts to recruit and retain a skilled workforce. They also address the impact of high cost of living areas on workforce development and the importance of leveraging technology for workforce training.

As Director of SIB, Ms. Jones is responsible for leading enterprise efforts to develop and deploy the industrial base capacity and capability required to build and sustain submarine warfighting needs. In this capacity, Ms. Jones is accountable for collaborative efforts across defense workforce, technology, infrastructure development, process change, and data analytics. Her role focuses on fostering relationships between Navy and industry to improve communications, industrial processes, and capacity planning.

Before assuming the role as Director in February 2022, Ms. Jones served as Deputy, Shipbuilding Industrial Base Task Force, where she leveraged her shipbuilding acquisition and supply chain experience to coordinate cross-enterprise projects and oversee strategic communications. She also led Navy Enterprise response, engagement, and assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 on the defense industrial base, working closely with industry to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on key suppliers by maintaining defense supply chains as part of “critical infrastructure” exempt from work stoppages.

Additionally, she served as the submarine enterprise lead for a Columbia (CLB) and Virginia Submarine (VCS) Industrial Base assessment with Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment Program Evaluation (CAPE). During this same time period, she implemented submarine enterprise efforts on benchmark setting workforce development pilots including Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) and the Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline Project.

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