Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact
Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact

Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact

United States Military Academy at West Point

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Episodes

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Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point, as he takes you behind the scenes to explore the applied research and cross-disciplinary work being done by the Academy's scholars. From high-energy lasers and artificial intelligence to civil-military relations and ethics, this podcast goes beyond the textbook to give you a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping the modern battlefield. Hear directly from the experts as they make even the most complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Get inside access to West Point's work and see how it's being applied today. Tune in for upcoming episodes by following us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram (@dean.usma), Facebook (Dean of the Academic Board-West Point), and Twitter (@DeanUSMA) for updates. Learn more about West Point’s academic program at https://www.westpoint.edu/academics Disclaimer: This podcast does not imply Federal endorsement. rNvqqZGp9I04WS4M8YSx

Recent Episodes

Leadership Lessons from West Point: Season 3 Launch with BG Shane Reeves
FEB 19, 2025
Leadership Lessons from West Point: Season 3 Launch with BG Shane Reeves

Join us for an exclusive episode of Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, where the show’s executive producer, Major Renee Sanjuan, puts the show host, West Point Dean Brigadier General Shane Reeves, in the spotlight as the guest. In this unique conversation, Reeves reflects on the evolution of the podcast, the power of storytelling, and the invaluable role of character development in leadership. He shares standout moments from Season 2, previews the exciting lineup for Season 3, and discusses the critical connection between mentorship and military readiness. This episode offers an insider's perspective on how West Point continues to shape leaders of character for the modern battlefield. The episode is a must listen for those seeking reflective leadership insights.

00:00 Introduction to the episode

01:50 Thank Yous

02:20 Character Development, Strong Teams, and the Warrior Ethos

06:42 Cross-Cultural Competencies and Communication

07:47 Mentorship and Development Themes from Season 2

09:16 Preparing for Uncertainty in Warfare

11:16 Developing Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Leaders

13:10 Identifying Human Skills of the Future

14:30 Annual Theme: “Human and the Machine: Leadership on the Emerging Battlefield”

15:50 Targeting Data for Military Purposes

17:00 Space and Land Warfare

18:25 Benefits of Fireside Chats

20:08 Season 3 Preview

23:40 Podcast Episode Topic Selection Strategy

25:00 Episode Takeaways

26:12 Rapid Fire Questions

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  • Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics


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This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

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27 MIN
The Future of Technology in Warfare with Mr. Elon Musk
FEB 5, 2025
The Future of Technology in Warfare with Mr. Elon Musk

Kicking off Season 3, join us for an enlightening fireside chat* on Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact with visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk. In this episode, Musk explores the intersection of advanced technology and modern warfare, focusing on the role of AI and drones in transforming the battlefield. He shares his insights on innovation, the existential risks of AI, and the future of autonomous systems in military operations. Musk’s unique perspective offers invaluable lessons for military and industry leaders, and anyone interested in the future of warfare technology. 

00:00 Introduction to the Fireside Chat 

05:20 Artificial Intelligence and Warfare 

07:50 Drones and Warfare 

12:30 Communication between Human and The Machine 

15:15 Alignment between AI and Humanity 

21:00 Building Trust between Humans and Technology 

24:00 Killer Robot Debate 

26:00 Building Trust between the Military and Industry 

27:30 Militarization of Space 

30:30 Leadership Lessons 

 

*This episode was created from Mr. Musk’s visit to West Point in August, where he conducted a fireside chat with BG Shane Reeves as part of the Academy’s launch of its newest annual theme, “The Human and The Machine: Leadership on The Emerging Battlefield.” 



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This episode does not imply Federal endorsement. 

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41 MIN
Leadership on the Emerging Battlefield: A Fireside Chat with Retired General Raymond Thomas
DEC 9, 2024
Leadership on the Emerging Battlefield: A Fireside Chat with Retired General Raymond Thomas

Join us for an enlightening fireside chat on Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, with Retired General Raymond A. 'Tony' Thomas III, one of this generation's most experienced combat and military leaders. Thomas shares his reflections on leadership, historical lessons, and the future of warfare, particularly focusing on AI and unmanned capabilities. He discusses his extensive military career, including his role in major operations and his time leading U.S. Special Operations Command. Thomas offers profound insights into Afghanistan's strategic challenges, emphasizing the critical importance of historical study, evolving military tactics, and ethical considerations in advanced combat technologies while maintaining unwavering commitment to constitutional principles. His analysis bridges military experience with deep reflection on institutional learning and technological challenges in modern warfare. This conversation is filled with invaluable lessons for future military leaders and anyone interested in the intricacies of modern warfare.  

00:00 Introduction to the Fireside Chat  

00:29 General Thomas' Distinguished Military Career  

03:02 Leadership and Historical Reflections  

06:38 Lessons from Afghanistan  

13:47 The Role of Failure in Innovation  

18:52 Integrating Technology in Leadership  

23:30 Contrasting Warfare Standards  

24:00 Israel's Existential Fight  

24:55 Future Warfare and Legal Guidance  

25:12 Israel and Hezbollah Conflict  

28:30 Private Industry and Military Ethics  

28:47 The Reality of War  

30:09 Logistical Challenges in Warfare  

33:18 Global Power Dynamics  

35:51 AI in Military Operations  

41:30 Historical Lessons and Leadership  

  


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Credits:      

  1. Guest: General Raymond A. Thomas III:   (https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/709270/general-raymond-a-thomas-iii/)  
  2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)     
  3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information Division  
  4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)   
  5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)     

   


This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.   

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48 MIN
Bridging Human and Machine through Data Science with Colonel David Beskow
NOV 7, 2024
Bridging Human and Machine through Data Science with Colonel David Beskow

Join us in this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, where we welcome Colonel David Beskow, Academy Professor in the Department of Systems Engineering. COL Beskow discusses his extensive experience and insights on bridging the gap between humans and machines using data science, particularly in cyber, intelligence, and special operations.  

Learn about his fascinating journey from an infantry leader to the Chief Data Scientist at Army Cyber Command, his current role at West Point, and his cutting-edge research on generative AI, machine learning, and drone warfare. Get an inside look at the importance of becoming a data-centric force and how the U.S. Army leverages these technologies for operational success. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of data science in military and defense. 

  

00:00 Introduction to Colonel Dave Beskow 

00:12 Beskow's Background and Expertise 

01:55 The Importance of Data in the Army 

04:55 Challenges in Data Collection and Literacy 

10:16 Drone Warfare and Autonomous Systems 

16:50 Social Media and Bot Detection 

19:48 Generative AI and Future Challenges 

22:53 Understanding Synthetic Data 

23:28 Generative AI and Historical Context 

25:31 AI Hallucinations Explained 

26:26 Generative AI in Military Operations 

27:41 Operations Research Center at West Point 

29:13 Current Projects and Research 

33:22 Enriching Cadet Experience 

36:54 Personal Insights and Background 

41:44 Rapid Fire Questions 

43:46 Conclusion and Farewell 

 


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Credits:     

  1. Guest: COL Dave Beskow: (https://www.westpoint.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/operations-research-center) 
  2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)    
  3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information    
  4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)  
  5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)    

  

   

  

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.  

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44 MIN
Exploring Space and Modern Warfare with Lt. Col. Will Koch
OCT 9, 2024
Exploring Space and Modern Warfare with Lt. Col. Will Koch

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, Lt. Col. Will Koch, Program Director for the Space Science Program at West Point, discusses the critical role of space in modern warfare. He shares his extensive experience from serving in Iraq to working with NASA on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Koch highlights the challenges soldiers face with rapidly advancing technology, the importance of understanding and trusting space equipment, and the potential vulnerabilities in space assets.

The conversation delves into the Space Science Program at West Point, recent research projects, including nuclear thermal propulsion, and the importance of programming skills for leaders. The discussion also touches on the militarization of space and maintaining technological advantages on the battlefield.

00:00 Introduction to the Space Science Program 

00:21 Lieutenant Colonel Will Koch's Background 

01:40 Challenges in Modern Warfare and Space 

02:53 Trust and Technology in Combat 

03:41 Integrating Space Capabilities on the Battlefield 

05:32 The Role of GPS and Technological Overreliance 

08:40 Space Domain's Impact on Global Conflicts 

11:30 Space Science Program Initiatives 

17:47 Innovative Research and Projects 

18:47 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: The Future of Space Travel 

24:12 Private Industry's Role in Space Exploration 

24:58 The Space Cadre Course at West Point 

26:28 Space Science and the War Fighter 

28:31 Challenges in Space Militarization 

31:56 West Point's Future in Space Innovation 

33:37 A Journey from NASA to West Point 

39:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

44:06 Final Thoughts and Advice 


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Credits:

  1. Guest: LTC Will Koch: (https://www.westpoint.edu/physics-and-nuclear-engineering/profile/william_koch)
  2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)
  3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information
  4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)
  5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)




This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

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46 MIN