Episodit
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Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dale Hunter joins MWI's Charlie Faint on this episode to discuss how a new Army unitâthe 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)âtransformed intelligence collection, targeting, and technology integration to compete against sophisticated antiaccess/area-denial threats in the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on his experience as the 1st MDTFâs senior intelligence warrant officer and collection manager, Dale explains the unique role of warrant officers as technical experts who bridge operational gaps, describes how the unit pioneered new approaches to maritime targeting, partner integration, and innovation in the absence of established doctrine, and argues that talentânot technologyâis the decisive advantage in modern warfare. The conversation also explores leadership, disciplined initiative, the importance of actively recruiting exceptional people, and the crucible of innovation that shaped the 1st MDTFâs early success and continues to influence the Armyâs transformation for future conflict.
Chapters(00:00:02) - Spear of the Story(00:01:24) - Army Veteran on Why He Joined the Army(00:03:37) - What is a Warrant Officer?(00:06:44) - Are Intelligence Officers More Preferred Than Others?(00:08:13) - Immersed in the Multi-Domain Task Force(00:11:00) - What is a Collection Manager's Job?(00:13:13) - Exploring the 2ad(00:23:29) - Multiple Domain Task Force in the Philippines(00:28:28) - The Multi-Domain Task Force's Talent(00:32:56) - The Multi-Domain Task Force(00:34:55) - The MDTF's Talent Hunt(00:42:53) - Multi-Domain Commands(00:50:05) - Intel Architectural Questions(00:53:02) - What Does a Collection Manager's Day Look Like?(00:57:17) - Warrant Officer Career Overview(01:00:16) - Retired Intel Warrant Officer(01:02:26) - McIntosh: The Crucible of Innovation(01:05:37) - Dale Moore on His Next Job(01:07:55) - USFK Commander presents medal to Modern War Institute(01:08:55) - The Spear -
In this episode, MWI's Dr. Charlie Faint speaks with Captain Francis Ambrogio, an Army armor officer, West Point graduate, and observer, coach, trainer (OCT) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, to discuss how the Army is preparing for the realities of modern warfare. Drawing on experiences ranging from his service as a tank platoon leader in Korea and an aide-de-camp to a general officer to his time as a troop commander in the 10th Mountain Division and his current role as an OCT, Francis explains the unique role of the JMRC in training US and allied forces alongside NATO partners and Ukrainian forces. He shares insights into the rapid integration of drones, artificial intelligence, multinational interoperability, and the persistent challenges of the modern battlefield, including command post operations, staff proficiency, and mastering increasingly complex technology. Throughout the conversation, Francis emphasizes that success in future conflict still depends on timeless fundamentals: treating training as real, mastering the basics, building trust, listening to subordinates, and constantly learning from both allies and past experience to prepare leaders and formations for the next fight.
Chapters(00:00:02) - The Spear(00:00:31) - Military Brings the Military to Life(00:02:33) - West Point Military Academy Experience(00:03:55) - What was your first job after you got in the Army?(00:04:46) - Retired Air Force Sergeant on Korea(00:06:23) - Francis Ambrosio on Becoming a General's Aide(00:10:30) - An Army Aid Officer's Burnout(00:13:00) - Captain Olig on Becoming a Captain(00:15:14) - Post-Basic Military Experience(00:18:07) - What Became an OCT(00:20:45) - Joint Multinational Training Center at Hohenfels(00:28:02) - Drones on the Modern Battlefield(00:31:36) - President Obama on Being an Ambassador for His Country(00:32:56) - Cadet Honors Program(00:34:43) - Training for a Future War(00:36:24) - Small Unit Cohesion(00:37:57) - Francis, You Are a Leader of the Army(00:40:36) - A Year in the Army(00:42:21) - Col. Francis Hohenfels on His 10th Year in(00:44:09) - The Spear -
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In this episode, Dr. Charlie Faint hosts Lieutenant Colonel Tiane Garner, commander of the Multi-Domain Effects Battalion (MDEB) in the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, to discuss the Army's evolving approach to operations in the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on nearly two decades of service that began as a transportation officer running convoy security missions in Iraq before transitioning to military intelligence, Tiane explains how the MDEB integrates intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, space, and unmanned systems to provide long-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting capabilities in support of the joint force. She also details lessons learned from Pacific Pathways exercises in the Philippines, the challenges of innovation and rapid acquisition, the battalion's upcoming transition into the newly established Multi-Domain CommandâPacific, and the importance of developing disciplined soldiers who can adapt to emerging technologies and changing battlefield conditions. Throughout the conversation, Tiane emphasizes that while technology continues to evolve, success in future conflicts will ultimately depend on leaders and soldiers who have mastered the fundamentals, remain committed to continuous learning, and are prepared to operate effectively in dispersed, complex environments.
Chapters(00:00:02) - The Story of the Profession of Arms(00:00:33) - Battalion Command Officer's Background(00:02:18) - Platoon Sergeant on His First Deployment to Iraq(00:05:40) - Transportation Officer Gets the Boot(00:06:36) - FIRST INTEL JOB(00:07:50) - Battalion Commander: Multi-Domain Effectives(00:10:00) - How Long Has the Battalion Been Around?(00:11:06) - How do you measure your impact? How do we measure success in(00:13:05) - Military Training in the Philippines(00:15:33) - Deployment to the Philippines(00:18:02) - Marines on Pathways: Command and Control(00:21:42) - Is the MDTF selective?(00:22:33) - Army Procurement: Innovation and Best Practices(00:27:43) - Strengths of Cyber and EW(00:29:25) - Post-Bacc commander: What prepared you for the job you(00:31:30) - Battalion Commander's Top Lessons(00:33:11) - Multi-Domain Command Pacific(00:36:19) - Commanding Officer's last year(00:37:40) - Basic Training and Career Broadening(00:41:08) - Commanding General Dunford on West Point Cadets(00:42:32) - MTMBTF Lecture(00:44:09) - The Spear -
In this episode of The Spear, host Dr. Charlie Faint speaks with Lieutenant Colonel Ben Blane about the rapid evolution of long-range precision fires and the Armyâs shift toward multidomain operations in preparation for conflict with near-peer adversaries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Ben traces his career from traditional artillery roles to commanding the Armyâs first long-range precision fires battalion, highlighting how emerging capabilities, such as hypersonic weapons, networked missile systems, drones, cyber, and space integration, are transforming artillery into a central component of joint, distributed warfare. He emphasizes the importance of forward positioning, interoperability with allies, and building resilient, networked kill webs that enable faster, more precise effects across domains. Drawing on real-world experimentation in places like the Philippines, Ben underscores both the successes and challenges of integrating new technologies under constant adversary observation, while stressing that future warfare will depend less on mass and more on speed, adaptability, and intelligent, interconnected munitions.
Chapters(00:00:00) - The Spear(00:03:59) - Commanding Engineer, Field Artillery Brigade(00:07:28) - Exploring the Long Range Precision Fires Battalion(00:14:26) - Army's Role in the Asia Strategy(00:16:30) - Was your battalion a joint organization or was it just straight army?(00:19:05) - Could the Army Sink a Ship?(00:20:31) - Typhon Missile System Deployment in the Indo-(00:29:14) - Typhon Deployment: Was There Any Pressure?(00:33:31) - What was morale like for your soldiers in a new unit?(00:35:15) - Exercises for Mission Command and Control(00:41:58) - Firing Fires in the Future(00:45:20) - The Spear -
In this episode hosted by MWI's Charlie Faint, Retired Command Sergeant Major Curt Donaldson reflects on a career shaped by the 75th Ranger Regimentâs relentless standards, emphasizing that true leadership begins with genuinely caring for people while holding themâand yourselfâaccountable. He discusses the Regimentâs culture of meritocracy, where every Ranger meets the same standard and is continuously assessed, and explains how disciplined environments and strong leadership pipelines produce exceptional leaders over time. He also describes the Regiment's fighting platoon sergeant concept, and his own rise through the ranks to become the command sergeant major of the storied 75th Ranger Regiment. Through stories from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, Donaldson highlights the importance of calm, decisive leadership in chaos, the power of shared hardship in building trust, and the enduring value of culture, communication, and personal exampleâlessons he now carries into mentoring veterans and his life after military service.
Chapters(00:00:00) - Command Sergeant Major Kurt Donaldson on the Battle of Fallujah(00:01:37) - The First Sergeant's Ball(00:01:49) - What Does Being a Leader Look Like?(00:03:13) - Kurt Langley on the Platoon Leader(00:07:17) - The Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Ranger Regiment(00:13:12) - Retiring Special Troops Battalion Commander(00:13:56) - Rangers: The Abrams Charter(00:20:47) - Rangers on the Army's Standards(00:24:57) - Likership vs Leadership in the Army(00:26:25) - Culture of 3rd Ranger Battalion(00:31:46) - Leadership in the Army(00:37:21) - Three 47s damaged beyond repair in 2002(00:37:44) - Marine Corps Veteran on Chasing Zarqawi(00:40:21) - Regimental Leadership: The Ranger Regiment(00:41:49) - Retired Army Ranger Kurt Miller on Giving Back in Retirement(00:44:04) - The Keynote Speech at the Infantry Ball -
As a young platoon leader in Iraq during the 2003 invasion, John Faunce experienced the chaos of combat, including shifting missions, limited intelligence, and the need to rely on soldiersâ input to make decisions in uncertain conditions. His later experiences as a Special Forces officer, particularly working with Afghan commandos, emphasized leadership through trust, autonomy, and partnership, while navigating complex coalition dynamics. In this episode, he shares what he learned in those combat zones about leadership and recounts a career defined by embracing difficulty, learning from failure, and adapting under pressure.
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In this episode of The Spear, author, journalist, and former US Army Ranger Marty Skovlund sits down with Dr. Charlie Faint to discuss a journey from a rural upbringing in South Dakota to the front lines of the War on Terror and ultimately into a career as a storyteller, author, and professional journalist. Skovlund reflects on the influences that led him to join the Army, which include family military service, a fascination with military history, and the events of 9/11, and how those motivations carried him into the 75th Ranger Regiment.
During his time in the regiment from 2006 to 2010, he completed five combat deploymentsâthree to Iraq and two to Afghanistanâduring one of the most operationally intense periods of the conflicts. He describes an operational tempo where units conducted more than a hundred missions in a single deployment cycle and shares vivid stories of helicopter assault operations, the realities of combat deployments, and the unique culture of professionalism and competition inside Ranger units. Throughout the conversation, Skovlund emphasizes the leadership lessons he learned from experienced noncommissioned officers who demonstrated humility, accountability, and a relentless commitment to preparing their soldiers for combat.
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Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Lebanon and Liberia before immigrating to the United States. Following the September 11 attacks, Ayman enlisted in the US Army and deployed to Iraq, where he served in several different combat roles, including as an Arabic interpreter and a member of his battalion commanderâs personal security detail.
This wide-ranging and deeply personal interview examines themes of identity, service, and leadership, highlighting how Ayman's immigrant background, language skills, and cultural fluency contributed to his effectiveness as a noncommissioned officer and trusted adviser. He reflects candidly on both effective and ineffective leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, empowerment, and genuine care for soldiers, rather than rigid enforcement of standards. The discussion also addresses the long-term psychological effects of combat, shortcomings in early post-deployment reintegration, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Ayman also explains how writing, physical fitness, and philosophical study are essential tools for healing after war. Ultimately, the interview connects Ayman's military experiences to his approach to policing and leadership today: managing situations, leading people, and treating those under oneâs command as human beings first.
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JJ Pinter graduated from West Point and was commissioned as a field artillery officer. A few short years after 9/11, JJ found himself in Iraq, leading route clearance missions and performing counterbattery fire against persistent insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. In this episode of The Spear, JJ shares lessons learned in combat in Iraq, and recounts his experiences leading troops in fighting fires in Montana as well as performing humanitarian assistance after Hurricane Katrina. He also discusses the importance of physical fitness and the need for veterans to find community after military service ends.
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Fred Lough began his Army career as an engineer officer before deciding to leave military service to attend medical school and become a surgeon. After rejoining the Army to support the Global War on Terror, Fred later served two combat tours in Afghanistan, where he was part of a mobile forward surgical team. In this episode of The Spear, Fred speaks with MWI's Charlie Faint about his experiences in Afghanistan at FOB Shank and Herat, as well as his thoughts about Ranger School, the Haqqani Network, and damage-control combat medicine.
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During his service as a combat rescue officer in the US Air Force, Captain Sal Sferrazza and his team of Air Force pararescue jumpers were deployed to Afghanistan, where their mission set included casualty evacuation, personnel recovery, and reintegration operations. In this episode of The Spear, Sal relates the story of how he and his team were called into action in Helmand Province to assist in the recovery of the body of a Marine who stepped on a pressure-plate IED and was blown into a fast-moving mountain river.
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While serving as an infantry officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment, First Lieutenant Scott Filbert was deployed to Afghanistan to serve as the J1, or personnel officer, for a joint special operations task force. In this episode of The Spear, Scott describes the leadership lessons he learned along his path from West Point cadet to the Ranger Regiment and back to West Point again as an instructor, as well as the dangers of "lying to ourselves" in terms of personnel management and mission readiness.
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In 2005, Jeff Marshburn was a reconnaissance platoon leader in the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, in Mosul, Iraq. While leading his platoon during the battalion's first contact with the enemy, several of his troops were wounded in action. In this episode of The Spear, Jeff recounts the lessons learned from his many combat missions in Iraq, with an emphasis on trust, competence, and the value of pre-deployment training.
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In 2010 Kevin Mott's unit arrived in Afghanistan's Kunar province for a deployment that would see months of hard fighting. At one point, he was even wounded so badlyâshot in the head, four fractured vertebrae, a broken leg, a torn labrumâthat he was sent back to the United States for medical care. Several months later, he managed to be cleared to return to his unit in Afghanistan. After he did, the battalion conducted a mission aimed at clearing an area known to have a strong Taliban presence. Kevin shares the story of his platoon's heavy fighting as they worked their way toward their objective of Barawala Kalay.
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In 2004, Tim Strabbing was a lieutenant and platoon commander in the Marine Corps, deployed to an area just outside Fallujah in Iraq's restive Anbar province. On his platoon's very first patrol, they were ambushed by enemy fighters, earning his Marines a baptism by fire and setting the tone for a difficult deployment ahead. He joins this episode to share the story of one particularly eventful 48-hour period.
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In 2007, United States Marine Captain Kyleanne Hunter was flying an escort mission above Marines operating in western Iraq. When the Marines on the ground discovered a massive weapons cacheâand a large group of armed insurgents protecting itâshe found herself in a situation that challenged her as a pilot and changed the way she and her fellow Marines flew in Anbar province. She joins this episode to share the story.
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In this episode of The Spear, retired Marine officer David Berke joins to share a story from 2006, when he was a forward air controller attached to an Army unit in Ramadi, Iraq. During a movement-to-contact patrol, they began to take fire, and his job became especially important. He declared the TICâtroops in contactâand two Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets headed their way to provide close air support. Listen as he tells the story, explaining what it's like to work with the pilots in the air to engage the enemy in support of the ground force.
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Air Force pararescuemen, also known as pararescue jumpers or PJs, are special operations forces known for their wide range of professional skills and for their motto, "that others may live." In this episode of The Spear, retired Air Force Master Sergeant Aaron Love joins MWI's Charlie Faint for a detailed discussion about the PJ career field. This wide-ranging conversation covers the PJ assessment and selection pipeline, the role of PJs in combat as well as in non-combat search and rescue situations, and life after military service.
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During the Vietnam War, the 1972 Easter Offensive was a major operation launched by North Vietnam to destabilize South Vietnam and strengthen its own hand in ongoing peace talks in Paris. The offensive was particularly noteworthy due to its duration and ferocity as well as the extensive use of tanks by North Vietnam, a rarity during the Vietnam War. In this episode, retired Colonel Rick Cassidy recounts a battle and his role in it during this pivotal period, which resulted in him receiving a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
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In this episode Maj. John A. Meyer shares a story from his first deployment, in 2007, to Afghanistan. On July 27, his platoon and a group of Afghan National Army soldiers were moving along the road next to the Kunar River during a squadron mission to secure the valley. The Afghan soldiers began to cross a bridge when they looked down and saw a group of enemy fighters. The massive fight that ensued would involve the other platoons of Meyer's B Troop, as wellâmatched up against an enemy force three times the size of their own.
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