The Spear

Modern War Institute at West Point
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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.

  1. 5 days ago

    Commanding a Multi-Domain Effects Battalion in the Indo-Pacific

    In 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. Chapters (00:00:02) - The Story of the Profession of Arms(00:00:33) - Battalion Command Officer's Background(00:02:18) - Platoon Sergeant on His First Deployment to Iraq(00:05:40) - Transportation Officer Gets the Boot(00:06:36) - FIRST INTEL JOB(00:07:50) - Battalion Commander: Multi-Domain Effectives(00:10:00) - How Long Has the Battalion Been Around?(00:11:06) - How do you measure your impact? How do we measure success in(00:13:05) - Military Training in the Philippines(00:15:33) - Deployment to the Philippines(00:18:02) - Marines on Pathways: Command and Control(00:21:42) - Is the MDTF selective?(00:22:33) - Army Procurement: Innovation and Best Practices(00:27:43) - Strengths of Cyber and EW(00:29:25) - Post-Bacc commander: What prepared you for the job you(00:31:30) - Battalion Commander's Top Lessons(00:33:11) - Multi-Domain Command Pacific(00:36:19) - Commanding Officer's last year(00:37:40) - Basic Training and Career Broadening(00:41:08) - Commanding General Dunford on West Point Cadets(00:42:32) - MTMBTF Lecture(00:44:09) - The Spear

    45 min

  2. 20 Apr

    Long-Range Precision Fires and the Fight for the First Island Chain

    In 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. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Spear(00:03:59) - Commanding Engineer, Field Artillery Brigade(00:07:28) - Exploring the Long Range Precision Fires Battalion(00:14:26) - Army's Role in the Asia Strategy(00:16:30) - Was your battalion a joint organization or was it just straight army?(00:19:05) - Could the Army Sink a Ship?(00:20:31) - Typhon Missile System Deployment in the Indo-(00:29:14) - Typhon Deployment: Was There Any Pressure?(00:33:31) - What was morale like for your soldiers in a new unit?(00:35:15) - Exercises for Mission Command and Control(00:41:58) - Firing Fires in the Future(00:45:20) - The Spear

    46 min

  3. 24 Mar

    Staying Alive in Iraq and Afghanistan

    As 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.

    1hr 7min

  4. 10 Mar

    Ranger Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan

    In 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.

    1hr 2min

  5. 10 Feb

    Combat Interpreter in Iraq

    Ayman 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.

    1hr 6min

  6. 16 Jan

    Route Clearance and Counterbattery in Iraq

    JJ 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.

    56 min

  7. 19/11/2025

    Combat Surgery in Afghanistan

    Fred 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.

    48 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Recovering a Downed Marine in Afghanistan

    During his service as a combat rescue officer in the US Air Force, Captain Sal Sferrazza and his team of Air Force pararescue jumpers were deployed to Afghanistan, where their mission set included casualty evacuation, personnel recovery, and reintegration operations. In this episode of The Spear, Sal relates the story of how he and his team were called into action in Helmand Province to assist in the recovery of the body of a Marine who stepped on a pressure-plate IED and was blown into a fast-moving mountain river.

    1hr 21min
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Hosts & Guests

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Modern War Institute at West Point
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019
  • Show Website
    The Spear

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