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AUSA’s Army Matters podcast amplifies the voices of the Total Army – one story at a time. Tune in every other Wednesday for a new story that speaks to our listeners’ wide range of interests and lived experiences, with episodes covering: inspirational leadership stories, current issues for NCOs, our military families’ journeys, and in-depth looks into the Army’s past, present, and future.
When people think about the stressful and difficult parts of Army service, home life isn’t always given a great deal of thought. And yet, finding a balance between your unit and family is perhaps the most important part of a Soldier’s life. Host LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and his very special guest co-host—his wife, Vanedra Smith—talk with Californ…
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AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast
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The Satirical Site that Keeps the Army Laughing
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In 2012, former USMC Sergeant Paul Szoldra started a website satirizing the military. Over the last eleven years that site – The Duffel Blog – has entertained hundreds of thousands of people both within and outside the military. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with Szoldra to talk about the effectiveness of satir…
After thirty years of heroic service, Colonel (Ret.) Kenny Mintz decided to undertake an epic adventure in 2022 – a walk across the United States, going from Washington, D.C. to southern California. The path allowed him to retrace the route he and his single mother drove when he was a child moving across the country. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie. C. Smi…
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The Black Musician Who Befriended the KKK
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For the past forty years, Daryl Davis has befriended members of the Ku Klux Klan and convinced (directly and indirectly) over 200 to quit the organization. How has he accomplished this? And how can everyone apply this technique to their own life? Hosts LTG (Ret.) Les Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with Mr. Davis - along with Chaplain (MG)…
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How to Defeat MMA Fighters, Terrorists & Self-Doubt
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MSG Tim Kennedy was living a life without purpose until he joined the U.S. Army and then became an MMA fighter. Those two organizations allowed him to channel his aggression and led to a career as a top-ranked fighter, Army Special Forces sniper, television host, human trafficker hunter and entrepreneur. Series co-hosts LTG (Ret.) Les Smith and SMA…
From the battlefields to the barracks to the boardrooms, Army Matters will find the best individuals and stories to entertain and inspire you. Produced by the Association of the United States Army. Subscribe and follow now. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary p…
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How did the Battle of the Bulge Inspire Bass Pro Shops?
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Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of the ever-present Bass Pro Shops, one of the world’s largest outdoor retail chains, makes his very first podcast appearance in today’s episode. New series co-hosts LTG (Ret.) Les Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with Johnny to chat about how his father’s involvement in WW2’s Battle of the Bulge inspired him …
Military spouse. Mother. Behavioral therapist. And AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year. Amanda Tomasura has spent the last fourteen years aiding her communities; she sits down with host Holly Dailey to discuss the importance of giving back to the community, how putting teens through boot camp can be an incredibly positive experience, and perhaps her …
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Twenty-Four Hours’ Notice to Deploy to Afghanistan
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Lt. Colonel Jacob Helgestad was fast asleep in Kuwait when someone knocked at his door in mid-August, 2021. “Hey, Sir, we gotta go to Afghanistan.” Within 24 hours Helgestad’s 625 troops were landing at Hamid Karzai International Airport and in the thick of a mass evacuation. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead speaks with Helgestad about how he had…
After a painful medical diagnosis, Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) Chad Butters and his wife Jodi decided to change their lives, leading them to pursue their passion about the outdoors, faming and starting a distillery. Host SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sits down with Chad at Eight Oaks Distillery, drinks in hand, to talk about Chad’s Army career, some sou…
What makes a battlefield hero? Is it upbringing, training, and being placed in a specific situation? Or a combination thereof? Host Joe Craig sits down with Dr. Raymond James Raymond, author of the book Elite Souls: Portraits of Valor in Iraq and Afghanistan, to discuss five heroes he profiled. Learn how their moral courage led them each to saving …
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Three Million Stories of Heroism and Bravery
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For almost two centuries, women were not allowed to join the U.S. Military – yet millions served. Now with almost 20% of the military being female, the Military Women’s Memorial is celebrating the three million women who have served the Nation in both peace and war -- since before the founding of the Republic. Host COL (Ret.) Dan Roper sits down wi…
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The Importance of Getting Back Up Again… and Again… and Again
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Throughout Master Sergeant (Ret.) Cedric King’s Army career he always faced challenges head on. His biggest obstacle, however, took place in 2012 when he was injured by an IED device and lost his legs. But rather than feeling sorry for himself, he accepted it and is now a triathlete, author and motivational speaker. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halste…
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Celebrating Our Army at AUSA’s 2022 Annual Meeting
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28:33
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In celebration of NCOs and Soldiers at AUSA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, 10-12 October in Washington, DC, SMA Michael Grinston swung by AUSA’s headquarters to talk about the exciting events: the Army Ten-Miler is in person; the new award for Best Squad will be presented; and the next Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army will be revealed. In addition, SMA …
When Frank Dolberry was a teenager thinking of joining the Army, an acquaintance dismissed the notion, thinking it was an unrealistic dream for someone like him. Major Frank Dolberry sits down with host Colonel (Ret.) Dan Roper to discuss how this motivated him to succeed, other inspirations he found along the way including the tremendous legacy of…
When people are at their lowest point, sometimes something as simple as a note or small gift can make a world of difference. Major General (Ret.) James Johnson, the head of Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends gift packages to service members overseas, speaks with host Holly Dailey and co-host Maria McConville about the power of gratitud…
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“One of the hardest days of my life”: A Military Intelligence Officer Shares her Leadership Journey
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Military intelligence leaders generally work behind the scenes and are trained to shun the spotlight, but they play vital leadership roles in every single part of the Army. Major General Michelle Schmidt talks with host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead about her 30-year career, including being at the Pentagon on 9/11 to saying goodbye to friends in th…
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Where Does Sixty Percent of the World’s Population Reside, And Why Is it So Important?
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When military people hear about the U.S. Army Pacific area, they think about the ocean and the inevitable Navy presence there. But the region contains sixty percent of the world’s population and land patrol is the key to the region’s stability. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey sits down with General Charles Flynn, Commanding Gen…
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How One Army Spouse Built a Life of Selfless Service
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Whether it’s during a snowstorm, pouring rain or a heat wave, a devoted group of volunteers show up for every single Army funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, there to represent the Chief of Staff and the entire Army family. Cindy Risch, the current Senior Spouse of the U.S. Army JAG Corps, is one of those ladies and speaks to host Holly Dailey …
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Can China’s Invasion of Taiwan be Prevented?
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Most people believe it’s not a question of if China will invade Taiwan, but “when”. So can this be prevented? Host Joe Craig sits down with Elbridge Colby to discuss his 2021 book The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict, as well as how a possible war might play out, how the Chinese forces could be neutralized befo…
There have been countless analyses of the Ukrainian-Russian War since it began earlier this year. The most effective of these have been from experts who have witnessed the conflict firsthand. Colonel (Ret.) Dan Roper speaks with Dr. Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute about what he’s observed…
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The Beginning – and End – of the War in Afghanistan Through the Eyes of One Family
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In October 2001, then-Captain Jim Wanovich parachuted into Afghanistan to begin the American invasion of the country. Twenty years later, in August 2021 Jim’s son, First Lieutenant Andrew Wanovich deployed to Afghanistan to assist with the evacuation of the country. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead sits down with the Wanovich family – Jim, his wi…
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How to Catch the Biggest Fish – and Reel in the Business
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Sergeant Major (Ret) Burnie Haney got hooked on fishing as a young boy when he caught a five-pound largemouth bass and his father carried it around the campfire like a trophy. After a thirty-eight-year Army career Haney decided to turn his passion into a full-time business, starting New York Fishing Adventures. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret)…
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Rocket Launchers, Roadblocks and Other Tales of an Army Life
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19:46
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With over 30 years in uniform, Colonel (retired) R.D. Hooker Jr. served in various overseas postings (Grenada, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and more), taught at West Point, and served in the White House. Host Joe Craig sits down with Hooker, who just released his seventh book, The Good Captain: A Personal Memoir of America at War, to discuss his care…
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How United Through Reading Keeps Families Connected
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Reading as a family is proven to aid children in developing key language and literary skills. But what happens when a family member is away on leave for extended periods of time? Thirty-three years ago, a military spouse created United Through Reading to create a system that would help bring families together through books. Host Holly Dailey talks …
When people think of Formula One racing, they imagine fast cars, exotic locales, and millions of fans. When former Acting Secretary of the Army John Whitley thinks of F1, he sees the future for the Army and other organizations. Host Colonel (retired) Dan Roper sits down with Whitley to talk about racecar driving, digital twins, and how someone who …
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How Visits to his Grandfather’s Garden Inspired This General to Serve and Lead
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Cadet Command is perhaps the most important initiative of the U.S. Army, overseeing more than 30,000 ROTC cadets that could become the next generation of officers and this country’s leaders. Host Colonel (retired) Scott Halstead sits down with his old friend, Major General Johnny Davis, to find out more about the program and the General’s role in o…
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How is Aaron Hale Cooking without Looking?
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In December 2011, American E.O.D. tech Aaron Hale was immediately blinded by an explosion in Afghanistan. But rather than feel sorry for himself, he decided to make the rest of his life an adventure. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey sits down with Aaron as part of his series about entrepreneurship to talk about whitewater kayaki…
General George S. Patton is one of the most famous American military leaders of all-time, with an outsized personality and even-bigger reputation. But what really drove his World War II successful campaigns? Host Joe Craig sits down with Stephen L. Moore, the author of the just-released book Patton’s Payback: The Battle of El Guettar and General Pa…
Let’s face it: Life is stressful. Life in the military perhaps even more so. Add a worldwide pandemic and it has become even more overwhelming. On this episode host Holly Dailey (along with co-hosts Maria McConville and Alexandra Grinston) talk to Chaplain (MG) Thomas Solhjem and COL Samuel Preston about the Army’s holistic health and fitness progr…
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For a Strong Culture, Build Rivers not Lakes
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It seems obvious but is so often overlooked: Trust is perhaps the most important element of any organization’s culture. Host Colonel (retired) Scott Halstead sat down with Colonel Brian Ducote and Command Sergeant Major Mark Eckstrom of the fabled 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division just prior to their departure to Iraq and Syria to dis…
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How an NCO From Idaho Became NATO’s Soldier of the Year
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It’s a question every NCO asks themselves at some point: What can I actually do to make a difference? Sgt. 1st Class Aaron M. Welch, stationed in Valencia, Spain, answered that question and his subsequent efforts have led to him being named NATO’s Soldier of the Year. Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Troy Welch interviews Aaron about his work in helpin…
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“When the Nation Calls on Their Army, We Need to be Ready.”
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After years of planning and consultation, the Army has just implemented a brand-new Army Combat Fitness Test for everyone across all levels. SMA Michael Grinston visits to describe the new plan to Army Matters host SMA (retired) Dan Dailey, detail how it will make the Army ready for the future, and also explain the most important thing that he beli…
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A Candid Analysis of Russia’s Military Woes
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23:11
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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 …
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From the Jungles of Vietnam to the Deserts of Iraq (A True Story)
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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 F…
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What is a “Money Nerd” and How to Become One?
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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 wall…
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How a $40 Request Led to a Lifelong Leadership Lesson
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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 lea…
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This is How We Brew It: An Entrepreneur Veteran’s Story
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26:43
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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 …
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The Tales of Four Real-Life American Superheroes
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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 overwhel…
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Elmo’s Journey from Sesame Street into the Military Family
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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 unconv…
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Building Bridges from West Point to the Mississippi
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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…
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Special Edition: Quality of Life with LTG Evans
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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 autom…
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Can Operating a Business Be a Piece of Cake?
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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. Th…
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The Secrets of America’s Greatest Codebreaker
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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…
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Family Voices: Finding Happiness and Connection Through Music
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"...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 ha…
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Leading Great Teams: Goal Setting, Grit, and Unyielding Optimism
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32:29
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“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 Reg…
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Soldier Today: What’s New with the SMA? Implementing Army Senior Leadership’s Vision
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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…
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, aut…
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Family Voices: The Piestewa Challenge – Honoring Women in Combat
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What is the Piestewa Challenge? Lisa Hallett, executive director and co-founder of wear blue: run to remember, tells us how you can join this challenge and honor women in combat. Learn how wear blue: run to remember has evolved into a community that honors all service members and helps others heal from the challenges of war. For more information on…
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Leading Great Teams: Senior NCOs Build and Lead Impactful Teams (Airborne & Ranger Training Brigade)
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Senior Non-commissioned officers build and lead disciplined, lethal, cohesive, and honorable teams. COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center of Leadership, speaks with CSM Eric Buonopane of the U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade about what has shaped him professionally and his philosophy on leader development. The Airborne an…
