Five Questions for a General

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Brigadier General Sarah Dudley sits down with Cadet Orion van Buskirk to reflect on an unexpected path into the Army that became a 27-year career shaped by leadership, adaptability, and a passion for people. She discusses her role leading US Army Recruiting Command, emphasizing that recruiting is not a numbers game but a deliberate effort to identify and develop the right talent for the Army of 2040. Drawing on experiences from managing millions in cash during early combat operations to navigating coalition dynamics and emerging technologies like digital assets, she highlights the importance of clarity, ownership, and removing organizational friction. General Dudley underscores that the Army’s enduring value lies in its ability to build leaders, arguing that its relevance to the next generation depends on communicating that mission in a rapidly evolving technological and social landscape.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Nik Badinelli interviews retired General Daniel Allyn. Through their discussion, General Allen reflects on his unconventional path to West Point and a career defined by leadership at every level, emphasizing that true readiness is rooted in rigorous, repetitive training that prepares soldiers for the realities of combat. He underscores the importance of mastering fundamentals, adapting to resource constraints, and prioritizing people, arguing that effective leadership, whether in combat or the corporate world, begins with trust, character, and the development of subordinates. Drawing on experiences from Iraq and Afghanistan, Allen highlights the enduring nature of warfare despite technological advances, stressing that while AI and drones are transformative, the core demands on soldiers remain unchanged. He also discusses the challenges of decision-making, the loneliness of command, and the necessity of “leading up” to inform senior leaders. Ultimately, his advice to young officers centers on authenticity, disciplined preparation, and a relentless commitment to their soldiers, reinforcing that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility grounded in values and continuous learning.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with US Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard and Ukrainian Major General Volodymyr Horbatiuk about how the war in Ukraine is reshaping modern warfare through rapid innovation, widespread use of drones, and data-driven operations, making the battlefield more transparent, decentralized, and lethal. They emphasize that while the nature of war remains constant, its character is evolving quickly, driven by necessity, technology, and the integration of civilian expertise. The conversation also highlights leadership lessons, including the importance of mission command, adaptability, humility, and learning from failure, alongside the immense resilience of Ukrainian forces and society. Ultimately, they stress that Ukraine serves as a real-world laboratory for future conflict, and that militaries must learn from it faster than their adversaries to avoid paying a higher cost in future wars.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson sits down with General Joseph Ryan to explore his thirty-five-year Army career, highlighting how early influences, strong mentorship, and a relentless team spirit guided his path in service to the nation. Now commanding the newly established US Army Western Hemisphere Command, General Ryan explains his organization's role as a theater army responsible for providing trained and ready forces across North and South America. He highlights the strategic importance of the region, citing evolving threats such as transnational criminal organizations, great power competition—particularly with China—and the need for deeper partnerships across Latin America. General Ryan explains that the creation of the command represents a broader Army transformation aligned with national defense priorities, shifting focus toward defending the homeland and strengthening regional security cooperation.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Orion Van Buskirk is joined by retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, whose career began in the field artillery and culminated in his service as inspector general of the Army. He covers a range of subjects during the discussion, including leadership in moments of crisis, the vital role of standards in the profession of arms, and the emerging challenges of large-scale combat operations.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Drawing from his 37-year Army career, retired Lieutenant General James Dubik reflects on leadership, moral responsibility, and institutional reform in a wide-ranging conversation with Cadet Nicholas Finke. From his unconventional path into the Army after leaving the seminary to commanding the Army’s first Stryker Brigade Combat Team and leading multinational efforts in Iraq, General Dubik emphasizes urgency, adaptability, and humility in leadership. He discusses the moral weight of warfare, arguing that while technology may increase physical distance from the battlefield, it never creates distance from a soldier’s conscience. Across roles from platoon leader to three-star general, General Dubik underscores a consistent lesson: treat people with dignity and respect, remain humble, and tap into the expertise within your formation. The conversation also explores the complexities of building partner forces and leading large multinational commands in combat. General Dubik highlights America’s strengths in tactical training while candidly addressing institutional impatience and the difficulty of building enduring military and police institutions abroad. He reflects on the importance of strategic patience, the iterative nature of improvement in wartime leadership, and the irreplaceable role of human presence, even in an era of rapid technological change. Closing with personal reflections, he offers advice to his younger self about balancing professional duty with family life and models how retired generals can responsibly engage in national security debates by focusing on policy rather than partisanship.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this wide-ranging interview conducted by Cadet Emily Wilczek, Brigadier General Shane Reeves, the dean of the academic board at the United States Military Academy at West Point, reflects on his path to service, his role as West Point’s dean, and the central importance of intellectual development in preparing officers for modern warfare. Drawing on his family’s long military tradition and his own experience as an armor officer and judge advocate general, General Reeves emphasizes that the academy’s core mission is to build an intellectual foundation that enables cadets to navigate uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity rather than freeze in the face of it. The discussion ranges from the inseparability of academic rigor and operational effectiveness to the enduring importance of character in the profession of arms to emerging technologies like AI.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Nathan Unks sits down with retired Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., former Commander of US Pacific Command and former US Ambassador to South Korea, for a conversation focused on national security, leadership, and perseverance. Admiral Harris reflects on his personal journey—from growing up in the American South as the son of a Navy chief petty officer and a Japanese war survivor, to finding opportunity through Navy JROTC and the Naval Academy—and shares candid lessons on resilience, failure, risk management, and teamwork. The discussion also explores the evolving strategic challenges of the Indo-Pacific, with Admiral Harris identifying China as the most significant long-term threat to global security and emphasizing the importance of alliances, diplomacy, and rebuilding America’s industrial base. Drawing on his experience leading joint and interagency organizations throughout his 40-year Navy career as well as his time serving as ambassador, he underscores the value of understanding institutional cultures and leading diverse teams under pressure. Admiral Harris closes with advice for future leaders: focus on excelling in the job at hand, learn from setbacks, and commit to service with humility and purpose.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an exceptional professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about leadership, their unique experiences in uniform, and their expectations for the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Emily Wilczek speaks with retired Lieutenant General Joe Berger, who began his thirty-three-year career as a military police officer and saw combat in Somalia before transferring to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, served in such units as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Joint Special Operations Command, and US Cyber Command, and finished his career as the judge advocate general of the Army. In the conversation, he reflects on how disciplined legal judgment and ethical clarity inform sound decision-making in complex environments—from advising commanders in conflict zones to leading the Army’s ten-thousand-strong legal community.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson hosts retired General Joe Votel, who led such units as the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Joint Special Operations Command, US Special Operations Command, and US Central Command.General Votel reflects on a career shaped by trust, adaptability, and disciplined leadership across the full spectrum of modern conflict. Drawing on experiences commanding both special operations and conventional forces, he discusses the enduring importance of decentralized decision-making, strong relationships, and transparent communication in complex, fast-moving environments. General Votel also explores how leaders should balance human judgment with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the evolving role of special operations in great power competition, and the strategic challenges of regions such as the Middle East. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes patience, collaboration, professional curiosity, and commitment to the task at hand as timeless foundations for developing highly effective military leaders.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Justin Rodriguez sits down with Major General Mark Quander to discuss topics ranging from disaster relief to team building to accomplishing what seems impossible.General Quander graduated from West Point and commissioned as an engineer. After service in units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 10th Mountain Division and combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, he returned to West Point as the 79th commandant of the United States Military Academy. He now serves as the Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, US Army Corps of Engineers.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Retired Brigadier General Maureen LeBoeuf graduated from Saint Bonaventure University and received a direct commission into the Women's Army Corps. She served in the logistics, ordnance, and aviation branches during her Army career before being selected to head West Point's Department of Physical Education and earning the title Master of the Sword, becoming the first woman to hold either of those positions.In this episode, Cadet Parker Brown talks to General LeBoeuf about leadership philosophy, mentorship, physical fitness, and setting the standard as a leader. 

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Brigadier General Adam Ake graduated first in his class at West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar before embarking on an Army career that led to his current position as the deputy director for operations, OT-4, on the joint staff. In this episode, he joins Cadet Zach Olson for an in-depth discussion about professional military education, critical thinking, life priorities, and the challenges (and opportunities) inherent in learning and leading in a complex and uncertain environment.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson interviews retired General Paul LaCamera. General LaCamera commanded the 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Pacific, and United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command. He also has extensive experience in the special operations community, with service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operations Command. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, which he earned for his actions during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. This wide-ranging and highly informative discussion focuses on readiness, combat leadership, and the value of simplicity.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Orion van Buskirk interviews retired Major General Malcolm Frost, a career infantryman whose assignments as a general officer include serving as the deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, the chief of public affairs for the Army, and the commanding general of the Army Center for Initial Military Training. In their discussion, the two cover General Frost's decision to join the Army, his experiences leading troops in combat, and the highlights of General Frost's time heading the Army's public affairs effort and commanding the Army's initial military training program.General Frost’s thoughts on relationship building, the importance of leader’s intent, and the necessity of leaders positioning themselves at the decisive point are highly useful insights for anyone interested in honing their own leadership ability or improving the organizations they lead.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode of Five Questions for a General, Cadet Donovan Scott sits down with retired Major General Bill Rapp for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, decision-making, and the challenges of driving change in large organizations. Drawing on more than 30 years of Army service, including combat deployments, his tenure as commandant of West Point, and command of the US Army War College, General Rapp offers candid reflections on the lessons that shaped him as both a soldier and a leader. From steering cultural change in academic and operational settings, to managing seemingly impossible logistical challenges in Afghanistan, to championing humility and courage as the bedrock of leadership, General Rapp provides wisdom that resonates far beyond the military. Whether discussing cadet snowball fights at West Point or the moral courage required to change course when plans fail in combat, his insights blend humility, humor, and hard-earned perspective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical lessons in leadership, resilience, and collaboration.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Keilani Stewart sits down with retired Brigadier General Rich Gross for an in-depth discussion about communication, law, and decision-making in high-risk environments.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson sits down with Major General Pat Work, the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, for a detailed discussion about leader development, partner force operations, and preparing for war.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Mark Miles, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence, about leadership, decision dominance, and cyber operations.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Major General Joseph Hilbert, the commander of the 11th Airborne Division, about ethics, problem solving, and leader development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Sebastian Witt speaks with Major General David Hill, commandant of the US Army War College, about strategic thinking, leadership, military education, and professional development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Brendan Raymond, deputy commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division,  about leader development and taking care of soldiers.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Henry Kaye sits down with retired Major General Mick Ryan of the Australian Army for a discussion about risk management, setting the example, and the future of warfare.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Major General Peter Andrysiak, US European Command's chief of staff, joins Cadet Zach Olson for a discussion about change management, the evolving battlefield, and the tough decisions that leaders must make in combat.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Brigadier General R. J. Garcia, commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point, joins Cadet Sebastian Witt for a discussion about courage, inspiration, and junior leader development.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Henry Kaye speaks with Major General Ryan Janovic, the commanding general of US Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower. General Janovic began his Army career as a military intelligence officer before eventually rising to senior levels of command within the cyber community. In his discussion with Cadet Kaye, General Janovic draws from his 32 years of Army experience to provide insights into the complexities of a wide range of topics including cyber operations, junior leader development, and crisis management.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson is joined by retired General Robert Abrams. General Abrams graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1982 and commissioned into the armor branch. After leading a wide variety of units in the US Army, General Abrams completed his time in uniform as the commander of United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forced Command, and US Forces Korea. In his discussion with Cadet Olson, General Abrams draws on his 39 years of military experience to provide insights into leader development, national security, and the importance of mastering one's craft.  

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, the newest podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. The series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson is joined by retired General Paul Nakasone. After commissioning as a military intelligence officer in 1986, General Nakasone held a variety of both command and intelligence positions across Army echelons during his career, ultimately serving as commander of US Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency. Cadet Olson asks him about the future of intelligence, the importance of US military partnerships, and his advice for leaders entering the Army's cyber and military intelligence branches.

Welcome to Five Questions for a General, a new podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. The series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war. This inaugural episode features a discussion with retired General Martin Dempsey and retired General Walter Sharp. Both members of the West Point class of 1974, General Dempsey retired from the US Army after serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General Sharp culminated his Army career by serving simultaneously as the commander of United Nations Command, US Forces Korea, and ROK-US Combined Forces Command. Cadet Sebastian Witt hosts this episode and asks them about the military profession, emerging threats on today's strategic landscape, and the changes that have taken place at West Point since their graduation in 1974.