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 Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others. Learn more: Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics Interested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWP 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 Recommended Books "Washington's Crossing" by David Hackett Fischer