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Information Management in the Production of Special Operations Oct 08, 2021

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Today we are joined by Major Stu Gallagher, Special Operations Forces Management Information System or SOFMIS. The mission of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) is to produce our world-class Army Special Operations Force Soldiers. The discussion centers around how SOFMIS improving how the organization it collects, manages and analyzes information to allow the organization to see itself and the Soldiers that it trains. Major Gallagher explores how SOFMIS is illuminating efficiencies in the organization, and driving decisions focused on cost, quality and output in the production of Special Operations Soldiers.

(Knowledge Wins) The Kill Chain | Defending America Jun 18, 2021

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Today we are joined by Christian Brose, author of “The Kill Chain - Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare.” We open with Mr. Brose explaining how his time on the Senate Armed Services Committee led him to author this book. He discusses with our host how the changing nature of conflict has eroded traditional U.S. military supremacy. The twin problems are the slowness of the US military to modernize and incorporate new technology and the growing military threat posed by rivals, such as China. The conversation is rounded out by discussing the steps the US government can take to redress this problem.

(Knowledge Wins) Defeating ISIS in Syria | Lessons Learned from the SOJTF Commander May 28, 2021

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Today we are joined by the commander of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare and School, Maj. General Patrick Roberson to discusses the lessons learned in Syria. A key theme is the complex nature of fighting in Syria, both to win the war on the ground, and to win the narrative battle. Also covered is the increasing Great Power Competition between the US, Russian and Iranian governments, each attempting to expand their influence in the region. The conversation is rounded out with MG Roberson contrasting Iraq, where SOF CA teams were not allowed by the local government, to Syria where SOF CA teams were welcomed by the Free Syrian Army.

(Knowledge Wins) SOF Resources for a Healthy Family Apr 30, 2021

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Today we are joined again by Colonel Robert Sidell, the Command Psychologist for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School to discuss the SOF family programs seminar, and the importance of family wellness. COL Sidell opens by explaining the necessity of a good work-life balance and allowing service members to bring their best performance to work. The conversation is then expanded by discussing support resources for family members or Soldiers who have lost a team member. The conversation is rounded out by COL Sidell weighing in on the second and third order effects of these programs, not only healthier families for the service member, but higher retention rates for the military.

(Knowledge Wins) SOF Resources for Mental Wellness Apr 16, 2021

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Today we are joined by Colonel Robert Sidell, the Command Psychologist for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School to discuss executive coaching, professional wellness and development. We open with COL Sidell on why he established the Soldier Wellness and Family Wellness series. We follow this by discussing the traditional stigma attached to seeking mental help and how the new initiatives have built momentum. The conversation is rounded out by giving out information for listeners to enroll in these seminars. If you can’t find a pamphlet, slide or business card, simply find COL Sidell on outlook email, his door is always open for anyone seeking to improve themselves.

(Knowledge Wins) Clear Skies | An Exclusive Look inside the Special Forces Military Free Fall School Apr 02, 2021

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Today we are joined by Major Derrick Taylor, commander of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne), Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ. MAJ Taylor discusses Military Free Fall (MFF) school and what it does for SOF. We first begin with the history of MFF in the US and the tactical benefits it brings. We then discuss the components of MFF Operations at the school house, beginning with students jumping in tandem with a trainer and progressing to jumping solo with equipment. We close out with the MAJ offering tips and guidance to future MFF applicants, “the #1 thing you can do at the free fall school, is relax”. MFF is a mental challenge requiring all jumpers to be calm and collected.

(Knowledge Wins) SOF Civil Affairs in Modern Conflict Mar 19, 2021

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Today we conclude our podcast with Major Travis Clemens, a Civil Affairs Company Commander, discussing his article about Special Operations Forces and Civil Affairs in Great Power Competition. MAJ Clemens opens with discussing the modern forms of Armed Conflict, such as foreign sponsored insurgencies or the construction of military infrastructure in politically disputed locations. A key theme is how 21st century conflict is often, but not always, defined by asymmetrical clashes between the Great Powers in lieu of conventional conflict. Civil Affairs teams must compete with hostile foreign powers by combating their social, economic and political pressures against the populace in a third country.

(Knowledge Wins) SOF Civil Affairs in Great Power Competition Mar 05, 2021

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Today we are joined by Major Travis Clemens, a Civil Affairs Company Commander, to discuss his published article about Special Operations Forces and Civil Affairs in Great Power Competition. MAJ Clemens opens by describing what motivated him to write this article and explains how the joint concepts (integrated campaigning, operations in the information environment and human aspects of military operation) provided the foundation for his research. In discussing how the U.S. should counter China and Russia, he emphasizes how the histories of those respective countries plays an enormous role in the decisions of their governments and the actions they take. The conversation is then rounded out by MAJ Clemens mentioning some of the tactics used by Russia and China to expand their influence abroad, such as controlling restricting resources and economic manipulation.

(Knowledge Wins) Transitioning from Military Service Feb 19, 2021

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Today we are joined by SFC Andrew Stamp, the program director for Project JANUS, an initiative designed to help Soldiers transition from military service. In SFC Stamp’s experience he has seen Soldiers have 2 years to transition, and others with only 4 months. In SFC Stamp’s experience, the more time the better, because it allows the Soldier to receive more help from JANUS; resume assistance, survivor benefit plans, life insurance options etc. SFC Stamp and his team are committed to helping the Service Member find their footing by connecting them with any of the 40,000+ Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). The VSOs cover a wide range of occupations and help ensure the Service Member can start a new career they are passionate about. This podcast is not just for service members but is also a great resource for family members supporting a retiring or transitioning Soldier.

(Knowledge Wins) Dominating Selection | How to Prepare & Perform at ARSOF Assessment and Selection Feb 05, 2021

Show notes

Today we are joined by the Commander of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group, COL Stuart Farris. The COL discusses selection for anyone considering joining Special Operations, both the content purpose of ARSOF Selection are covered. Key points include that ARSOF doesn’t look for the “best” people, ARSOF looks for the “right” people. To be selected a candidate must have a healthy combination of physical and mental attributes. The COL also urges that Soldiers who are not selected don’t think of themselves as failures, rather they are in the “top percentile” of the Army and he commends them for applying themselves.

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