Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact

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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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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In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, Colonel Chris Mayer from the Department of Law and Philosophy at West Point discusses the importance of balancing technical competence with human skills in the age of AI. Mayer shares his extensive military and academic background, highlighting his work in integrating future force capabilities and his role in educating cadets to become leaders of character. The conversation explores his recent article on thriving in an AI-dominated world, the value of critical thinking, and how the humanities play a crucial role in developing well-rounded leaders. Mayer also delves into the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies and the importance of continual learning and adaptability for future officers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:16 Colonel Chris Mayer's Background

01:46 Discussion on AI and Human Skills

03:30 The Role of Critical Thinking

05:09 Challenges and Future of AI in Leadership

07:21 Balancing Technology and Human Skills

19:41 Philosophy and Technology Intersection

22:28 Operational Army Experience

26:13 Veteran Insights on Counterinsurgency

27:11 The Role of AI in Multinational Trust Building

29:12 AI-Enabled Officers: Balancing Technology and Human Skills

30:03 West Point's Educational Model and Critical Thinking

33:29 Fostering Intellectual Maturity in Cadets

35:49 Extracurricular Activities and Lifelong Learning

38:25 Transforming Academic Structures at West Point

41:51 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Military Professionalism

46:00 The Value of Teaching and Lifelong Commitment to West Point

48:51 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, we explore the influential work of Professor Lori Sheetz, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Director of West Point’s Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM. With a rich background in geophysics and education, Lori has been instrumental in developing and leading STEM programs at West Point. From her initial role in 2009 to her current position as the director of the Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM (CLD STEM), Lori has continually expanded STEM education and outreach efforts. This episode details her efforts to reenergize the center with new curriculum, build meaningful collaborations, and provide cadets with leadership opportunities through innovative STEM courses and workshops. Learn about her strategies for engaging students across the U.S., the role of AI in their programs, and the impact of their mobile STEM events and summer workshops. 

00:00 Introduction to Professor Lori Sheetz 

00:34 Lori Sheetz' Journey and Achievements 

01:50 Reenergizing the CLD STEM Center 

04:25 STEM Outreach Programs and Initiatives 

07:01 Summer STEM Workshops and Student Engagement 

18:55 Understanding West Point's Role 

20:32 Cadets as Ambassadors 

22:31 Building Community Partnerships 

26:44 Integrating Technology and AI 

36:51 The Future of STEM Outreach 

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In this bonus episode of “Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact” podcast, tune in for a fireside chat featuring the twenty-fifth assistant to the US president for the Department of National Security Affairs, Retired Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster.

You will hear a riveting fireside chat discussion in front of over 1,000 cadets at West Point on the warrior ethos, innovation, and the future of National defense. McMaster explains how he applied the lessons he learned and knowledge he gained throughout his 34 years of service in Army commands worldwide and at the highest levels of government as the National Security Advisor.

0:00 Introduction of McMaster

06:10 McMaster thanks cadets for volunteering to serve our nation at a critical moment of significant danger

06:50 Discussion on the Warrior ethos

11:00 Whether the US can opt out of war

16:10 Discussion on the information campaign in warfare and the difference between physically and psychologically winning on the battlefield of perception

19:45 Exploring current challenges in geopolitics and the ultimate test of a strategy

35:45 McMaster’s prediction of the most prominent challenge cadets will face as they enter the Army

40:23 Question and answer session with cadets

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