Bridging Battlefields and Classrooms: LTC Chris Graves on Civil Engineering, Research, and Real-World Impact

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy, engages in a compelling discussion with Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves. A 2003 West Point graduate, LTC Graves shares his extensive military career journey from the infantry to special forces, his significant research and leadership roles, and his experience in Ukraine supporting the Commander of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine. Back at West Point as the Civil Engineering Program Director, he discusses his award-winning research on assessing critical infrastructure using photogrammetry and remote sensing to enhance military operations. The episode further explores the integration of academic rigor with practical military applications, the importance of integrity and humility in leadership, and the unique mentorship and developmental experiences provided at West Point. 00:00 Introduction to Inside West Point 00:24 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves 02:33 Chris Graves' Military Journey 02:56 The Engineering Enthusiast 05:11 Teaching and Mentoring at West Point 08:25 Lessons from the Field 12:22 Deployment and Adaptability 14:50 Problem Solving and Resilience 17:03 Problem-Solving Perspectives 17:25 International Collaboration and Ukraine 18:50 Research on Military Infrastructure 23:24 Cadet Capstone Projects 25:49 Mentorship and Development 28:28 Leadership Lessons and Humility 32:02 Rapid Fire Questions 34:29 Conclusion Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others. Resources found in this episode: Learn more: Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics Interested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWP Books Mentioned in the Episode: Ukraine Symposium: https://press.westpoint.edu/books/ukraine-symposium/ Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean X: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usma YouTube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBE Credits: Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves - https://www.westpoint.edu/directory/william-c-graves Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3) Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com) Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com) This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.