Podcast
The Spear
Hosted by Modern War Institute at West Point · EN
The Spear is a podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. It sets out to explore the combat experience, with each episode featuring a guest who tells a detailed and personal story, describing the events and exploring topics like decision-making under stress and what it feels like to be in combat.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Crucible of Innovation in the Indo-Pacific
6d ago01:09:21Tap to summarizeChief Warrant Officer 4 Dale Hunter joins MWI's Charlie Faint on this episode to discuss how a new Army unit—the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)—transformed 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 MDTF’s 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 talent—not technology—is 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 MDTF’s early success and continues to influence the Army’s transformation for future conflict.
Transcribe →Observer, Coach, Trainer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center
3w ago00:44:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Commanding a Multi-Domain Effects Battalion in the Indo-Pacific
Jun 1800:44:42Tap to summarizeIn 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 Command–Pacific, 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.
Transcribe →Long-Range Precision Fires and the Fight for the First Island Chain
Apr 2000:46:00Tap to summarizeIn 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 Army’s 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 Army’s 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.
Transcribe →The Ranger Regiment's Fighting Platoon Sergeant
Apr 600:47:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode hosted by MWI's Charlie Faint, Retired Command Sergeant Major Curt Donaldson reflects on a career shaped by the 75th Ranger Regiment’s relentless standards, emphasizing that true leadership begins with genuinely caring for people while holding them—and yourself—accountable. He discusses the Regiment’s 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 example—lessons he now carries into mentoring veterans and his life after military service.
Transcribe →Staying Alive in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mar 2401:07:06Tap to summarizeAs 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 soldiers’ 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.
Transcribe →Ranger Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mar 1001:01:54Tap to summarizeIn 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 deployments—three to Iraq and two to Afghanistan—during 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.
Transcribe →Combat Interpreter in Iraq
Feb 1001:06:02Tap to summarizeAyman 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 commander’s 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 one’s command as human beings first.
Transcribe →Route Clearance and Counterbattery in Iraq
Jan 1600:55:35Tap to summarizeJJ 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.
Transcribe →Combat Surgery in Afghanistan
Nov 1900:47:31Tap to summarizeFred 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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