History As It Happens: HAIH at the U.S. Army War College, Part 1
Released on June 17, 2025
In this compelling episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro takes listeners on an insightful journey to the U.S. Army War College and the Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Joined by Kate LeMay, Director of the Heritage and Education Center, and Michael Nyberg, Chair of War Studies at the War College, the discussion delves deep into how historical understanding shapes contemporary military strategy and leadership.
1. Welcome and Introductions
The episode kicks off with Martin Di Caro expressing his excitement about visiting the Army War College, a prestigious institution dedicated to educating military leaders in grand strategy. He introduces his guests:
- Kate LeMay, who oversees the archives, library, and museum that capture the soldier's experience in the U.S. Army.
- Michael Nyberg, who spearheads the War Studies program, focusing on preparing military officers for senior strategic roles.
2. The Mission of the Army War College
Michael Nyberg outlines the core mission of the War College:
“We try to get them ready for that next level of senior responsibility here. And that's really our job here.” ([02:29])
The institution caters to a diverse group of military officers, including lieutenant colonels, colonels, and international delegates, emphasizing the importance of developing a broad skill set beyond operational expertise.
3. Preserving Military History through Archives
Kate LeMay emphasizes the significance of the Heritage and Education Center:
“It's a reflection of the United States history. So look at army history. What you're really considering is American history.” ([04:32])
She highlights the center's extensive collections, including personal papers from high-ranking generals and firsthand soldier experiences from every major conflict, providing invaluable resources for both current students and historians.
4. Integrating History into Strategic Education
The conversation shifts to how historical documents and artifacts are integrated into the curriculum:
“We have a ton of artifacts.” ([04:50])
Kate draws parallels between the Heritage Center and institutions like the Smithsonian, underscoring the multifaceted approach to preserving and educating about military history.
Michael adds that these historical resources allow students to immerse themselves in the strategic decision-making processes of past military leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of grand strategy.
5. Teaching Grand Strategy: Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Michael Nyberg discusses the evolution of teaching grand strategy:
“We're trying to stay a little bit ahead of where changes are coming and try to anticipate these things without losing sight of some of the basic principles that we think are important for students to understand.” ([12:22])
He explains the incorporation of ancient strategies, such as those from Thucydides, alongside contemporary issues like artificial intelligence and drone warfare, to build a robust and adaptable strategic mindset.
6. Historical Lessons Applied to Current Conflicts
The discussion delves into applying historical insights to modern-day conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war. Michael Nyberg uses historical analogies to dissect current events:
“What elements of this war would have been familiar to the ancient Greeks? And then, as you said, talk about what's new, what's being introduced here that's different...” ([20:03])
This approach helps students discern patterns and unique challenges, enhancing their ability to formulate effective strategies.
7. Strategic Empathy and Understanding Adversaries
A pivotal part of the discussion centers on "strategic empathy":
“You can't build good strategy on bad history.” ([23:02])
Michael stresses the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of potential adversaries like China and Russia to anticipate their strategic moves and intentions effectively.
8. The Challenge of Modern Warfare
The episode addresses the complexities of contemporary warfare:
“The United States prior to Vietnam had not fought a counterinsurgency war.” ([24:12])
Michael Nyberg reflects on historical missteps, such as the Vietnam War, highlighting the necessity of adapting military strategies to suit diverse and evolving conflict scenarios.
9. The Role of Professionals and Historical Accuracy
Both Michael and Kate underscore the importance of historical accuracy and professional integrity in military education and archival work:
“We're here to keep the historical record accurate.” ([18:28])
Kate LeMay shares anecdotes about unique artifacts, like General Omar Bradley’s WWII map with a potential cigarette burn, illustrating how personal touches in archives humanize historical events and provide deeper insights.
10. Reflections on the Difficulty of Winning Modern Wars
Addressing the broader question of why modern wars are harder to win, Michael Nyberg offers several perspectives:
“There are some people who think it's because of atomic weapons that you can't fight a war to decision against a nuclear state.” ([26:47])
He discusses factors such as nuclear deterrence, globalization, and mismatched strategic interests, advocating for a historically informed approach to understanding and addressing these challenges.
11. Conclusion and Forward Look
The episode concludes with a nod to the next installment, promising an exploration of a specific exhibit at the Heritage and Education Center. Martin encourages listeners to engage with the content by signing up for the newsletter and following the podcast on Substack.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Nyberg: “The motto of the place is not to promote war, but to preserve peace.” ([06:54])
- Kate LeMay: “We have collections of papers given to us by general officers... a reflection of the United States history.” ([04:32])
- Michael Nyberg: “You can't build good strategy on bad history.” ([23:02])
This episode offers a profound exploration of how historical knowledge and archival resources are integral to shaping effective military leadership and strategy. By intertwining past lessons with present challenges, History As It Happens provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the enduring impact of history on current events.