The 18th Airborne Corps Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 87: The Arsenal of Democracy l How American Businesses Built the WWII Army Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

As the United States military reorganizes for Large Scale Combat Operations against a high-tech adversary, the role of industry in developing cutting-edge capabilities increases in prominence. It's important at this moment to look book to a period of American history in which private industry modernized an antiquated Army.

The story of American mobilization for World War II is well told: leaders like FDR, Henry Stimson, and George Marshall assembled a massive military force to beat the German and Japanese empires. Missing from this telling of history is the role of American businessmen in building FDR's "arsenal of democracy" that propelled the Allies to victory.

Historian Arthur Herman, author of "Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II," the wonderful 2012 book on this subject, joins host Joe Buccino to describe how two extraordinary American businessmen—General Motors automobile magnate William “Big Bill” Knudsen and shipbuilder Henry J. Kaiser—helped corral, cajole, and inspire the country to transform America's Army from a hollow shell into a global force in a few years. Indeed, these "dollar-a-year men" who accepted a $1 annual salary from the American government to led through the nation at a time of global war, laid the foundations for the country’s post-war rise as an economic and military superpower.

Episode 87 is a fascinating, eye-opening conversation about a critical, and critically overlooking, aspect of American history. The conversation between Arthur and Joe is rich with insight about the role of industry in American production for war.

The 18th Airborne Corps Podcast is the official podcast of the US military. Recorded on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the program releases new episodes every Tuesday on topics of importance to military leaders. The podcast, hosted by Joe Buccino, covers insight from history, news of the day, and professional development and often features the Nation's top military leaders. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Stitcher, or Spotify and please leave a five-star rating and review.

Episode 86: Armistice l The History of Veterans Day Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

Hello there! We're wishing you a safe and prosperous Veterans Day.

We're releasing this episode, Episode 86: Armistice I The History of Veterans Day, on Thursday, November 11th, Veterans Day, 2021.

Veterans Day, a national holiday observed every year on November 11th, honors the accomplishments of American Veterans from all of our Nation’s wars.

Veterans Day is a celebration of the men and women who keep us free. But, it wasn’t always so. Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, began as a commemoration of the end of World War I. After the Second World War, a veteran named Raymond Weeks fought to change November 11th to serve as a national celebration of veterans of all our wars.

On this episode, which clocks in at a tidy 21 minutes, Joe Buccino explains the history of Veterans Day in America and how it came to serve as a celebration of all American veterans.

We want to thank all of our Veterans and all of the Families who've supported them and continue to support them today.

Please listen to this episode and please SUBSCRIBE to the 18th Airborne Corps podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, or Apple Podcasts.

Episode 85: The Legacy of the Puerto Rican Soldier Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

As far back as the Revolutionary War, Puerto Rican fighters have contributed to our Army and our national defense. From the Union Army during the Civil War to the development of Fort Bragg to the 65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers" during the Korean War, Puerto Ricans have weaved a great legacy through American Army history.

On this episode of the podcast, Army Sergeant Carlos Cuebas, frequent contributor to the 18th Airborne Corps podcast, joins host Joe Buccino to discuss the legacy. Carlos and Joe are joined by Carlos' Dad, Carlos Senior, a retired Army officer and a walking encyclopedia of military history.

Little Carlos and Big Carlos walk through some of the greatest stories of the Puerto Rican American Soldiers and offer insights into the values, virtues, and culture of the Puerto Rican people.

Episode 84: Bullet With Butterfly Wings Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of the 18th Airborne Corps podcast, host Joe Buccino is joined by his friend and frequent collaborator Jeremiah Meaney. These two men bravely walk deep into the woods of Fort Bragg (they actually almost got hopelessly lost) in search of one of the rarest creatures on Earth: the Saint Francis Satyr butterfly (actually, a caterpillar that will transform into the butterfly).

There's one particular portion of the Fort Bragg training area that, by happenstance, manifests the perfect combination of manmade disturbances to allow this butterfly to exist and reproduce. In fact, this little bit of Fort Bragg is the only place the Saint Francis Satyr still exists.

Joe and Jeremiah are joined by three guests, to include WNYC Radiolab's Latif Nasser and Nick Haddad, author of the 2019 book "The Last Butterflies: A Scientist's Quest to Save a Rare and Vanishing Creature."

While this episode is lighthearted, it features big concepts, including man's role in the ecosystem and the US military's responsibility to wildlife.

This is a WILD episode of the 18th Airborne Corps podcast. LISTEN to the first five minutes and you'll be hooked.

CHECK IT OUT and SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.

Episode 83: Courage, Leadership, and the Wisdom of the Stoics with Ryan Holiday Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of the podcast, bestselling author Ryan Holiday joins host Joe Buccino to talk about Stoicism and the virtue of courage.

Ryan is the author of "Trust Me, I'm Lying," "The Obstacle is the Way," "Ego is the Enemy," and other books about marketing, culture, and the human condition. His works have been translated into more than 30 languages and have made the New York Times Bestsellers list.

His most recent book, "Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave," released earlier this year, explores the essential elements of the foundational Stoic virtue of Courage and its application to military leadership. And, don't worry, if you don't remember Stoicism from your high school philosophy class, host Joe Buccino presents a brief primer during the introduction.

Every person on Earth grapples with fear. In fact, Ryan explains, the most repeated phrase in the Bible is “Be not afraid.” The Stoics believed it is natural to feel fear, but it cannot rule you. Courage, as Ryan describes, is the ability to rise above fear, to do what is right, what is needed, and what is true.

In this episode, Ryan explains why it's always remember that your time on Earth is short. He also offers advice on how to conquer fear and act with moral courage while leading Soldiers.

In addition to writing all these bestselling books, Ryan also runs DailyStoic.com, a website that offers practical advice on implementing Stoicism into daily life. Further, he runs the company Brass Check, which advises companies such as Google, TASER, and Complex, as well as multiplatinum musicians and some of the biggest authors in the world.

This is a great discussion, rich with insights for anyone serving in the military today.

The 18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US Department of Defense. Recorded on Fort Bragg, North Carolina with host Joe Buccino, the program features discussions with historians, Soldiers, and leaders, with insight on critical moments in history, life in the military, the latest Department of Defense initiatives, and current events.

We release new episodes every Tuesday morning, so please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to ensure you don't miss an episode. Please also leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode 82: A Conversation With Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston Oct 28, 2021

Show notes

Michael Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, came through Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home of the Airborne and Special Forces. SMA was on Bragg observing a study held on the post of the service’s current height and weight requirements. While here, he met with Sergeant Carlos Cuebas, a Soldier who works on the 18th Airborne Corps podcast to record this episode.

SMA spoke with Carlos about the changes in Army culture, the always controversial and ever-changing Army Combat Fitness Test, and the new ways the Army will evaluate height and weight. Grinston also reflected back on a career of service that's spanned almost 35 years.

Grinston was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, basically the Army's senior enlisted man, on August 9, 2019. He's held every enlisted leadership position in artillery, ranging from cannon crewmember to command sergeant major.

As SMA Grinston is Army Chief of Staff McConville's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families (this trip to Bragg is an example).

He sits on a variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their Families and routinely invited to testify before Congress. Grinston is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.

The 18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US military. We release new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, so SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher so you don't miss anything! PLEASE leave a five-star rating and a review as this helps others find the show.

Episode 81: Haley Britzky, Task & Purpose Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

Last week Haley Britzky, the Army reporter for Task & Purpose, an online publication covering the US military, visited Fort Bragg, North Carolina to report on the Army Comprehensive Body Composition study taking place on base. While there, she stopped by the podcast studio for a discussion with host Joe Buccino.

In this episode, Haley describes Task & Purpose's mandate to speak to and for the American Soldier. She also talks about her (young) reporting career, some of her recent stories about Army initiatives, and how she keeps her finger on the pulse of Army culture.

The two also talk about Joe's love for Guns N' Roses, the value of keeping an eye on Army Twitter, and how Haley knows she written a valuable story. This is a great discussion for anyone interested in the intersection of Army leadership and journalism, and the role of the media in holding military leaders to account.

The 18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US military. We release new episodes every Tuesday on current events, history, and service member stories. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to ensure you do not miss any episodes. Please leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, as this helps other find the program.

Episode 80: The Army Has Divers Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

On episode 80 of the 18th Airborne Corps podcast, Fred Bible shares his wild story of making it as an Army Engineer Diver. Fred serves in one of the most competitive jobs in the Army and is an instructor at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center. Fred has served in numerous dive detachments. He has participated in many successful dive operations overseas to include in Oman and Kuwait, as well as five Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPA) operations. In this special on-location episode from Panama City Beach, Fred joins guest host Matt Visser to share his story. Fred talks about the process of becoming a diver and the engineering challenges one encounters on a dive operation. Fred also shares about what is expected for trainees to prepare themselves to be successful in their development to prepare for an assignment to a Dive Detachment. The18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US military. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast and to leave a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts as that helps others find the show.

Episode 79: Listener Mail Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

In episode 79 of the 18th Airborne Corps Podcast, the podcast staff goes through 10 months of emails from listeners. It's listener mail: we answer your questions about the show!

Recorded on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 18th Airborne Corps Podcast is the official podcast of the US military.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, or Stitcher and please leave a 5-star rating and a review so others can find the show!

We'll continue with new episodes every Tuesday so please subscribe!

Episode 78: Talk To Your EO Rep! Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

Today on the podcast: an Equal Opportunity Representative. This one is an interesting, thoughtful guy who has insight into how the program is changing and how leaders and Soldier can leverage their EO rep.

After a long, successful career as an airborne infantryman, Sergeant Major Rob Frame recently took a job as an Equal Opportunity Officer. He likes it!

Rob joins host Joe Buccino to talk about the EO program, about how the Army has changed over the last two decades, and how Army leaders must continue to evolve with American society.

Rob has much to say about Army culture, leadership, and the NCO corps. This episode is worth a listen for anyone serving today.

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and to leave a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts as that helps others find the show.

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