#4--Mike Wyly

In this episode, we discuss: -Wyly’s thought on professional military education (PME) -What a profession is -The obligation for professionals to study their profession -Can a private be a professional? -The value of the Socratic method -How Wyly got into PME, maneuver warfare, and military reform -The benefits of reading -The value of PME as a means to get into the mind of past commanders -The role of formal schools in PME -History as a basis for decision-making exercises -The role of humility in PME and leadership -Wyly’s thoughts on self-study -The unsung role and contributions of Lieutenant General Bernard Trainor with respect to PME and maneuver warfare -The similarities between Trainor and General Al Gray -How Wyly was introduced to Al Gray -How Wyly discovered decision games -How he facilitated decision games -Wyly on taking his AWS students to the field for tactical exercises without troops -The reaction of students who were experiencing decision games for the first time -School solutions -The lack of emphasis on decision-making during Wyly’s time as a young officer -Wyly’s company commander tour in Vietnam -The trouble with the term “maneuver warfare” -The misconception that maneuver warfare avoids fighting -Wyly’s role in the maneuver warfare movement -Wyly’s relationship with Colonel John Boyd -What maneuver warfare looks like in garrison -The need for risk-takers Links “MARINES HAVE THE LAST WORD ON ONE WHO DID IT HIS WAY” by David Evans: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-04-12-9102020610-story.html “Doctrinal Change: The Move To Maneuver Theory” by Colonel Mike Wyly: https://mca-marines.org/gazette/doctrinal-change-the-move-to-maneuver-theory/ “At the Forefront of Tactical Thought” by Colonel Mike Wyly: https://mca-marines.org/gazette/at-the-forefront-of-tactical-thought/