The Operational Arch

SAMS

The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.

  1. 2D AGO

    So You Think You Want to be a SAMS Graduate? Insights on applying to and being successful at AMSP with the leadership team

    In this episode of The Operational Arch, host Major DJ Taylor hands the mic over to three key SAMS leaders: Mr. Kirk Dorr (Deputy Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS)), Dr. Bruce Stanley (Director of the Advanced Military Studies Program (AMSP)), and Colonel Paul Godson (Deputy Director of AMSP). Together, they pull back the curtain on the Advanced Military Studies Program, covering what it is, what it produces, and exactly how officers can go from being curious about the program to becoming a competitive applicant. They dispel myths about AMSP as merely a "planners' school" and show how the program develops leaders to meet the Army's most demanding missions as experts in Army and joint doctrine, leading diverse operational planning teams, and enabling senior leaders. The ten-month program focuses on warfighting, operational art, and the critical and creative thinking required to anticipate and adapt to rapid change on the modern battlefield. 0:00 Intro and Guest Introductions 4:20 How Has AMSP Changed Over the Years? 8:48 What Does the Operational Force Expect from Graduates? 10:16 What Attributes Define a Strong AMSP Student? 14:25 The Flow of the Academic Year (June–May) 19:52 How to Get Competitive / The Application Process 23:36 The AMSP Exam and Interview 27:19 Selection , the HRC Marketplace, & Recent Process Changes 35:22 How to Prepare / Tips for Applicants 44:40 "What If I Don't Want to Be a Planner?" 46:10 Family Considerations 49:57 What Should Every Graduate Take With Them? 52:51 Closing Remarks

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 6

    Mastering Mentorship: Insights from Colonel Retired Dwayne Wagner (Ep 45)

    In this episode of the Operational Arch podcast, Major Joanna Van Engel interviews Colonel (Retired) Dwayne Wagner,a seasoned Army planner and educator. They delve into the critical topics of mentorship, coaching, and counseling within military leadership, emphasizing the importance of developing junior leaders for long-term success. COL Wagner discusses the shifting dynamics of mentorship post-9/11, the distinct roles of coaching and mentoring, and the symbiotic relationship between officers and NCOs. He also addresses the challenges leaders face in the modern era, influenced by social media and constant scrutiny. Practical insights into creating effective leader development programs and reflections on personal experiences enrich this compelling conversation.   01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:37 Coaching vs. Mentoring 04:28 Challenges in Mentorship 07:20  Cross-Gender and Cross-Branch Mentorship 09:20 Leadership Development and Self-Improvement 12:57 Officer and NCO Relationships 18:46  Attributes of a Well-Rounded Officer 21:38 Allowing Leaders to Grow and Learn from Mistakes 25:39 Effective Leader Development Programs 31:05 Final Thoughts and Messages

    33 min

  3. 09/01/2025

    Convergence in Army Doctrine, with Dr. Jim Greer

    In this episode of the Operational Arch, Major we welcome Dr. James Greer, an expert in operational art, military design, and leader development with over 30 years of Army service. We discuss the concept of convergence within Army doctrine, as outlined in FM 3-0, emphasizing its differences from past doctrines such as the AirLand Battle. Dr. Greer provides insights into how convergence involves accumulated effects over time against systems, formations, and decision-makers across multiple domains, rather than mere synchronization. He also addresses the need for doctrinal clarity and the importance of understanding the science of warfare. Examples from the Ukraine conflict highlight practical applications of convergence. The discussion concludes with advice for listeners on the importance of continual teaching and learning within the military profession. 01:25 Defining Convergence in Army Doctrine 02:05 Historical Context of Army Doctrine 05:27 Understanding Convergence as an Outcome 05:50 Challenges and Misconceptions in Convergence 07:14 Examples and Applications of Convergence 15:23 Barriers to Achieving Convergence 22:15 Future of Convergence in Military Operations 35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence 00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice in Military Operations 35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence 00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice

    42 min

  4. 08/07/2025

    MacArthur's Return to the Philippines, w/ Dr. Peter Mansoor (E43)

    Dr. Peter Mansoor, retired Army Colonel and professor of military history at the Ohio State University, joins the Operational Arch to discuss his new book, Redemption: MacArthur in the Campaign for the Philippines (Cambridge University Press, August 2025), which covers the arc of MacArthur's controversial return to the Philippines, providing both a master class and cautionary tale on the application of operational art. The group covers a wide variety of topics including theater logistics, the incorporation of friendly guerilla forces, organizational leadership, joint operations, and strategic decision-making.

    42 min

  5. 06/01/2025

    Civ-Mil Relations w/Dr. Scott Gorman (E42)

    Dr. Scott Gorman, director of the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program at SAMS, joins the Operational Arch to discuss the complexities of civil-military relations and the nuances of providing best military advice. The conversation touches on the importance of the military being politically informed rather than partisan and the critical nature of maintaining trust and dialogue between military and civilian leaders.

    35 min

  6. 05/01/2025

    China's Counter-Intervention Strategy w/Mr. Pete Wood (E41)

    Mr. Peter Wood joins the Operational Arch to deep dive into China's counter-intervention strategy. This episode explores how this strategy fits into China's broader military doctrine as well as examining the nuances of China's approach to regional and global strategic competition.

    53 min

  7. 04/03/2025

    Multinational Operations w/LTG(R) Aguto (E40)

    Lieutenant General (Retired) Tony Aguto discusses the US-NATO partnership, the importance of multinational collaboration, and the role of strategic military planning in modern warfare. He highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by national caveats, interoperability issues, and the rapid adaptation required on today’s battlefield, particularly in light of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Aguto emphasizes the changing nature of air superiority, the need for improved command and control systems, and the balance between mass production and modularity in military technology. He underscores the critical thinking skills of SAMS graduates in solving complex problems and urges planners to be adaptable, collaborative, and ready for unforeseen challenges in coalition and joint operations.

    35 min

  8. 03/01/2025

    Crisis Response w/COL Estee Pinchasin (E39)

    COL Estee Pinchasin joins the show to share about her time as Commander of the Baltimore District of the Corps of Engineers and the role she played during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024. COL Pinchasin discusses her experience during this crisis and draws out several key lessons from the incident. These lessons include the importance of collaboration, pre-established agreements, and maintaining a collaborative environment to handle complex interagency operations effectively.

    49 min
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4.5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.

Information

  • Creator
    SAMS
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SAMS
  • Show Website
    The Operational Arch

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