AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast

In his years as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Ben Hodges was known to be candid and unafraid to tell the truth. In today’s episode, host Colonel (Ret) Dan Roper speaks to Hodges about why most experts – including himself – overestimated the strength of the Russian Army.  They also assess the impact of US military training of Ukrainian troops, and how this conflict is likely to shape the future of the U.S. Army, NATO, and the ongoing strategic competition with China. Guest: LTG (Ret) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis Host: COL (Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA’s Director of National Security Studies Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Colonel Jesse L. Johnson is one of the most decorated American veterans of all-time, with his forty-plus career involving intense battles in the jungles of Vietnam to fighting Al Qaeda in the deserts of Saudi Arabia (and more). Host Joe Craig talks to him and co-author Alex Holstein about Johnson’s new memoir, Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man and the Colonel’s various escapades, including the origins of Delta Force, saving NATO Commanders from terrorists, and personally welcoming the Emir of Kuwait back after the Gulf War.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director    Guests:  Colonel Jesse L. Johnson, author of Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man Alex Holstein, co-author of Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man    Resources:    Rowman & Littlefield: Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man    Credits:   Opening Dramatization   Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs Script: Anthony Del Col Sound Design: Andy Bosnak   Book Johnson, Jesse L., and Alex Holstein. Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2022.

It’s a topic we all think about, yet so many people are scared to even discuss it. Yes, we’re talking about personal finances. On this episode host Holly Dailey (along with guest co-hosts Maria McConville and Alexandra Grinston) find out from Justin Hall of the Department of Defense’s Office of Financial Readiness how easy it is to master your wallet. Whether you’re just starting out, planning for college, stuck in a mountain of debt, looking to buy a home or perhaps thinking about retirement, Justin will impart some wisdom and tips that can easily turn you into a “money nerd”. To learn more please check out this episode and the resource section below.    Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.  Hosts: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness Maria McConville, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Army Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army Guests:  Justin Hall, Strategic Communications Manager, Office of Financial Readiness Cindy A. Risch, Military Spouse  Resources:  MilSpouse Money Mission Website: https://www.milspousemoneymission.org/   Social Media Handles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilSpouseMM/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milspousemoneymission/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilSpouseMM

The 1st Infantry Division has a heralded reputation, having played major roles from World War I onwards. Its current Commander, Major General D.A. Sims, over the last two years has modernized the division with some groundbreaking techniques. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead sits down with D.A. to discuss early leadership lessons, the value of leading mental health initiatives by example, and their shared time at West Point.  Guest: MG D.A. Sims, Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center of Leadership   Resources: 1st Infantry Division and Fort RileyWeb: https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

How hard is it to turn a hobby into a successful business? Former Army Captain Kevin Ryan decided that rather than look for a new job he’d create one – and realized he wanted to turn his home brewing hobby into a real-life business. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey sits down for a drink (or two) with Kevin at Service Brewing in Savannah, GA to discuss Kevin’s Army career, the ins-and-outs of the brewery business, and most importantly… what his top beer is.   Guest: Kevin Ryan, former U.S. Army Captain and CEO & Co-Founder, Service Brewing, Co.  Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs    Resources:  AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

Of the countless heroes from World War II, four men in particular inspired acclaimed author Alex Kershaw (The Liberator) to devote years researching their lives and tales of survival. Host Joe Craig talks to Alex about his book Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II, the men he chose to profile, the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome, and how one fights Nazis from a burning tank destroyer. Check out the resource section below for more book details.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: Alex Kershaw, author of Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II   Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director   Resources:    Penguin Random House:  Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II     Podcast Credits   Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs   Kershaw, Alex. “Chapter 1.” Essay. In Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II. New York: Random House Large Print, 2022.  

Did you know that Elmo’s parents are in the National Guard? For the last fifteen years Sesame Street have been running a program for Military Families giving over 750,000 military children videos and resources they can use to understand their world. Sabrina Huda of Sesame Workshop chats with Family Voices host, Thea Green, to discuss her own unconventional journey to Sesame Street, what resources Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF) provides, and what Elmo, Rosita, and Big Bird are like in real life. To learn more please check out their website linked in the resource section below.     Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.   Guest: Sabrina Huda, Project Director, Sesame Workshop   Host: Thea Green, AUSA’s Deputy Director for Family Readiness   Resources:  Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF)  Website: https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/ Sesame Street in Communities Website: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/   Social Media Handles: Sesame Street for Military Families Facebook: @SesameStreetForMilitaryFamilies Sesame Street in Communities Facebook: @SesameStreetInCommunities Twitter: @SesameCommunity Music Credits: Sesame Street for Military Families, “Coming Back| Temporary Duty,”22 September 2021, video, 3:10, https://youtu.be/9MQTswkpaPg.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the envy of governments and militaries around the world, a group in which officers and civilian engineers work hand-in-hand. Major General Diana Holland, the Commanding General of the Corps’ Mississippi Valley Division, shares with host Colonel Scott Halstead leadership skills learned from her time with the Corps, insights she received from students at West Point and lessons from a legendary college basketball coach. Guest: MG Diana M. Holland, Commanding General, Mississippi Valley Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers (bio) Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center for Leadership   Resources: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mississippi Valley DivisionWeb: https://www.mvd.usace.army.mil/   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Have you heard about the new Enterprise Exceptional Family Member Program System? LTG Evans joins us to share the program details and Army's Quality of Life initiatives updates. Learn about Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs; Child, Youth and School Services; and the new Enterprise Exceptional Family Member Program (E-EFMP) system, which automates enrollment in the program and allows Soldiers and Families to track enrollment their entire career. For more information, check out the resource section below.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: LTG Jason Evans, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 Installations   Hosts:  Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director for Family Readiness SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs     Resources:    G-9 Installations Web: https://dcsg9.army.mil     Social Media Handles: Twitter: @dcs_g9 Twitter: @USArmyHousingFacebook: @USArmyHousing Facebook: @soldierandfamilyreadiness    

How difficult is it to transition from the Army to entrepreneurship? Former Army Command Sergeants Major Marissa and Thomas Capel found an opportunity in baked goods and have subsequently seen their prospects rise. They share their story, insights into the pros-and-cons of owning a franchise, and lessons they learned from their years of service. This is the first of a Soldier Today summer series on veteran entrepreneurs led by Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey. Guests: CSM (Ret) Marissa Capel, Franchise Co-Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes CSM (Ret) Thomas Capel, Franchise Co-Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes Hosts: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs CSM (Ret) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director for NCO and Soldier Programs Resources: AUSA’s NCO & Soldier ProgramsWeb: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiersTwitter (Dailey): @15thSMA Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Are codes the key to victory on the battlefield? In the build-up to World War I Colonel Parker Hitt recognized the Army’s non-existent cryptology methods could lead to countless deaths and created an entirely new system, laying a foundation that exists to this day. Host Joe Craig chats with Betsy Rohaly Smoot, the author of the new biography Parker Hitt: The Father of American Cryptology, to unlock the secrets of the man and his methods. Guest: Betsy Rohaly Smoot, Author, Parker Hitt: The Father of American Military Cryptology Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director Resources: University Press of Kentucky:Parker Hitt: The Father of American Military Cryptology   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

"...If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints." - Betty White. Hear how 3 Army spouses are leaving their footprints through their passion for music. Heidi Ackerman and Deidra Lee Stubbs, members of the American Military Spouses Choir share how music has connected military families and brought healing and happiness through their choral performances. Victoria McAdoo wraps up the episode sharing her experience writing Lima Oscar Victor Echo with Operation Song and her inspiration behind the song. To learn more please check out their websites linked in the resource section below.    Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Host: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness   Guests:  Maria McConville, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Army Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army Heidi Ackerman, American Military Spouses Choir Director Deidra Lee Stubbs, American Military Spouses Choir Member Victoria McAdoo, Lima Oscar Victor Echo Songwriter    Resources:    Center for American Military Music and Opportunities (CAMMO) Website: https://www.cammomusic.org/   Operation Song Website: https://www.operationsong.org/     Social Media Platforms:   Center for American Military Music and Opportunities (CAMMO) Twitter: @cammo_music  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cammomusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cammomusic   American Military Spouse Choir (AMSC) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanmilitaryspouseschoir/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMilitarySpousesChoir   Operation Song Twitter: @operationsong Instagram: @operationsong Facebook: @OperationSong     Music Credits:   American Military Spouses Choir, “Fleet Week Follies: Digital Edition,” Bitta Mostofi, Anna Chlumsky, Waterwell Productions, Inc., 23 May 2020, New York City, video, 7:29, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkCGUKx0N8s.   Dell Ramsdell, vocalist, Victoria Vanderberg and Cindy Morgan, writers, “Lima Oscar Victor Echo (LOVE),” Operation Song, 2020, music video, 3:08, https://subsplash.com/operationsong/media/mi/+ssrhdz4.

“I landed and just heard my leg go pop.” – 1LT Maggie Gleason describing her painful landing after jumping from an airplane during Army Ranger training. She joins AUSA’s Scott Halstead to talk about her leadership journey, including her story of perseverance in earning her Ranger tab despite being injured. Guest: 1LT Maggie Gleason, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center for Leadership Resources: 2nd Cavalry Regiment, United States ArmyWeb: https://www.2cr.army.mil/ Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

What’s new with the SMA? Today, SMA(R) Dailey interviews SMA Grinston about the things he is doing to implement our Army senior leaders’ vision, shape the culture of the Army and give us an overall update on how our Army is doing. Guest: SMA Michael Grinston, 16th SMA Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs   Resources: Pentagon, HQDATwitter (Grinston): @16thSMASuicide Prevention Lifeline: https://t.co/limoaNq8HT AUSA’s NCO & Soldier ProgramsWeb: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiersTwitter (Dailey): @15thSMA Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Over one million African Americans served in World War II. Not one was awarded the Medal of Honor until the Army revisited the issue almost fifty years later. Robert Child, author of Immortal Valor, joins AUSA's Joe Craig to share stories of the seven men who were finally recognized with the nation’s highest military award. Guest:  Robert Child, author of Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II Host: Joe Craig, AUSA Book Program Director Resources: Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II