Join us as we talk with 2LT Bryson, King, Gallegos, and CDT King about their experiences on their historic trip to Normandy, France, and learn about their pathways into military leadership. This episode offers valuable insights into ROTC opportunities, military training, and personal growth. In this episode:

• Cadets discuss their backgrounds and how they joined the military through various programs like National Guard, Green to Gold, and JROTC

• Highlights of the Normandy staff ride, including visits to Omaha, Utah beaches, and the Battle of Normandy

• Lessons learned from overseas training, Cold Weather Challenge, and participation in events like Baton Memorial Death March and Balloon Fiesta

• Mentorship and leadership development within the ROTC battalion

• Tips for balancing college, ROTC, and personal health while preparing for a future as an officer

• Unique ROTC programs and competitions such as Ranger Challenge, Northern Warfare Challenge, and role of leadership labs

• Reflections on cultural experiences, French cuisine, and visiting Paris and Versailles

• UNM ROTC Program
• Northern Warfare Challenge
• Baton Memorial Death March
• Balloon Fiesta
• Palace of Versailles
• Normandy Battlefield Tour

• LinkedIn | Twitter

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and overview of cadet backgrounds
01:17 - Cadets introduce themselves and share how they joined ROTC
02:13 - Cadets recount their paths into military service through guard and active duty
03:37 - Reasons for choosing UNM and ROTC programs, including financial aid options
04:51 - Cadets discuss special opportunities like Northern Warfare Challenge and Baton Death March
06:43 - Reflections on foundational experiences that motivated continued ROTC engagement
09:19 - Extracurricular activities like Color Guard, Balloon Fiesta, and staff rides
10:01 - Insights into Cold Weather Challenge and how to prepare for unique military training
12:24 - Student reflections on mentorship, leadership, and squadron support during college
13:47 - Cadets’ memorable experiences from the Normandy staff ride and battle insights
15:36 - How to stay motivated and push through demanding military events like rucking marathons
17:11 - Additional training opportunities, including recruiting and leadership competitions
19:00 - Lessons from working community events like Balloon Fiesta and international travel
20:12 - Mentorship's role in personal guidance and leadership cultivation
22:12 - Cadets share their mentors and the importance of guidance in military career development
23:16 - Balancing academics, fitness, and ROTC commitments in college life
25:38 - Strategies for managing time, priorities, and stress during college years
28:05 - Tips for engineering students to succeed academically and in ROTC
30:05 - The significance of camp experience for leadership and teamwork growth
31:14 - Planning staff rides: decision-making, planning, and historical insights
34:00 - In-depth look at Normandy staff ride logistics, terrain, and strategic understanding
36:38 - Reflection on deploying to Europe and cultural experiences in France
39:16 - Final thoughts on the trip, including landmarks visited, and French cuisine
52:53 - Cadets recount their favorite moments, from Eiffel Tower to Palace of Versailles
54:39 - Advice for future cadets: confidence, resourcefulness, and making the most of ROTC
55:38 - Support networks, resources, and encouragement for cadets' success
56:09 - Closing remarks and gratitude for recording and sharing these stories

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠⁠

⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Unveiling Russian Intelligence Tactics with Former-CIA Officer Sean Wiswesser.

Join us as former CIA case officer Sean Wiswesser shares a deep dive into Russian espionage, active measures, and tradecraft. Discover how intelligence agencies operate behind the scenes, the significance of illegals, and the evolving landscape of influence campaigns.

In this episode:

• Sean’s journey from analysis to becoming a case officer and the process of writing his authoritative book
• The enduring importance of illegals in Russian espionage and their historical successes and failures
• Insights into Russian active measures, influence operations, and the use of social media in modern information warfare
• The role of private military groups like Wagner in hybrid warfare and Africa's geopolitical landscape
• The significance of language skills and cultural understanding for intelligence professionals
• How countries navigate diplomatic relations amid espionage allegations and operations
• The impact of recent nerve agent attacks, spy swaps, and the slow Western response

Interested in serving in intelligence?

Linked is an informative guide for staring your career :

https://www.afio.com/assets/publications/AFIO_Intelligence_Careers_Booklet_2023_FINAL.pdf

Link to the book on amazon:

Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War https://a.co/d/089NgKfB

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating journey of Andrew Kreitz, CFO of Castelion, exploring the intersection of aerospace innovation, defense, and entrepreneurship. Discover the strategic insights behind rapid hardware development, navigating defense acquisitions, and building a cutting-edge hypersonic weapons company from the ground up.

In this episode:

• Andrew Kreitz's background in defense and finance, and his transition from Goldman Sachs to SpaceX
• The motivation behind founding Castelion amidst rising global threats
• How military experience, especially ROTC, shapes leadership and organizational cohesion
• The development and strategic focus of Blackbeard, Castelion hypersonic missile
• Challenges in raising capital for advanced defense technology startups
• The importance of organizational culture, agility, and individual ownership in a fast-moving startup
• Insights into defense procurement processes and relationships with military leaders
• Future plans for Castelion projects, including integration with military platforms and testing at White Sands
• The balance between work intensity and maintaining team cohesion in a small but growing company

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at

Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Join us as we interview Colonel Lacy, a seasoned officer and educator, who shares insights into the diverse roles within the Air Force—from electronic warfare to space operations—and discusses the evolving nature of military aviation and the importance of continuous learning.

Key Topics

• The selection process and career progression for Air Force officers, including specialized roles like nuclear officers and missile operators
• The unique responsibilities of combat systems officers on fixed-wing aircraft, focusing on mission management and electronic warfare
• The training journey from ROTC to mission qualification, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability
• The strategic significance of missile and electronic warfare fields in modern defense
• Insights into the expanding role of space in national security and how the Space Force integrates into Air Force programs
• Leadership development at the ROTC level: assessments, challenges, and fostering humility and continuous growth
• Opportunities for cadets in flight training, space careers, and extracurricular development such as the aviation club and summer programs

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Colonel Lacy, an Air Force officer and leader in the ROTC program, to explore his journey from cadet to instructor, the nuances of electronic warfare, and the evolving role of space in modern military strategy. Whether you're interested in military careers, technological advancements, or the future of air power, this episode offers valuable insights.Key topics:

• The progression and decision-making process for Air Force cadets from freshman to seasoned officer
• The role and responsibilities of combat systems officers on fixed-wing aircraft
• Challenges and skills involved in pilot training and navigation school
• The significance of electronic warfare and jamming platforms like the EC-130H Compass Call
• The strategic importance of missile and nuclear roles in the Air Force
• Insights into space operations and the development of the new Space Force
• Leadership development, assessment, and opportunities within ROTC and military training programs
• The future of air power, technology, and joint operations in a rapidly evolving battlefield

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠⁠

⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Discover the journey of Dr. Emile Nakhleh, a seasoned former senior intelligence officer, as he shares his insights on Islam, the importance of institutions, and the evolving landscape of global security. This episode explores how personal experiences, academic pursuits, and professional service intersect to shape a nuanced understanding of international affairs and national security.

Key Topics:

• Dr. Nakhleh’s background growing up in Nazareth and his path to studying political science in the United States
• The influence of Greek philosophy, Roman law, and the concept of institutions on democracy and governance
• The significance of rule of law and institutional independence in Muslim and non-Muslim countries
• The journey into understanding Islam: religious teachings, fundamentalism, and radicalization
• The impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on Islamic radicalism and global jihad
• The role of language and cultural knowledge in intelligence analysis
• Building national security programs at universities and fostering interest in young students
• The importance of interdisciplinary approaches to global security and the future of the field

• (00:00) - Introduction and gratitude to listeners
• (00:26) - Guest introduction: Dr. Emile Nakhleh’s background and expertise
• (02:14) - Globally shaped by conflict, ideology, and change
• (05:05) - Growing up in Nazareth and studying in the U.

• (07:55) - How early experiences influenced interest in governance
• (12:12) - The role of institutions in democracy
• (17:03) - Religious upbringing and fascination with Islam
• (20:15) - The U.

• (25:28) - Comparing fundamentalism across religions
• (27:42) - Schools of Islamic jurisprudence and radicalism
• (35:44) - Building democracy and political institutions in autocratic states
• (39:02) - American public opinion in Muslim countries
• (41:36) - Emigration, opportunity, and the immigrant experience
• (43:58) - Middle Eastern economies and youth unemployment
• (47:56) - Radicalization through social media
• (49:31) - Transition from academia to intelligence service
• (55:23) - Establishing national security programs at universities
• (66:36) - Attracting students and fostering a culture of security awareness
• (70:11) - Advice for students interested in a career in intelligence
• (72:30) - The critical importance of language skills
• (74:29) - Conclusion and future engagement

Notes:This episode emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary education, language proficiency, and institutional development in addressing complex global security challenges. Dr. Nakhleh’s career arc demonstrates the profound impact of academic knowledge and practical intelligence work in shaping U.S. policy and understanding the Muslim world.

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠⁠

⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Government. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Discover how the University of New Mexico is shaping the future of national security education through its Global National Security Policy Institute. Dr. Philip Hultquist shares insights into interdisciplinary programs, strategic research, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in securing our future.

Main Topics:

• The genesis and evolution of UNM’s Global National Security Policy Institute (GNSPI)
• How interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration enhance national security training
• Key graduate and undergraduate certificates in intelligence analysis and strategy
• The significance of experiential learning, international research, and networks in policy development
• Future program plans, symposiums, and building a vibrant security community

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at ⁠

Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠

YouTube: UNM Army ROTC - YouTube⁠

Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠

Insta: ⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

Lieutenant Moreno shares her journey through ROTC, military training, and her experiences with advanced camps, NTC, and European rotations. Discover insights into military operations, leadership development, and career progression in the Army.

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at ⁠

Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠

YouTube: UNM Army ROTC - YouTube⁠

Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠

Insta:⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

In this episode of the Lobo Pack podcast, Trevor Weeks, a law enforcement officer with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and an UNM alumnus, shares his journey from growing up in the East Mountains of Albuquerque to serving in the military and transitioning into law enforcement. Inspired by the events of 9/11 and his grandfather's military service, Trevor discusses his decision to join Army ROTC at the University of New Mexico, where he pursued a degree in history while also engaging in military training. He highlights the importance of his experiences in the SMP program, which allowed him to gain valuable insights into the enlisted soldier's perspective before becoming an officer.

Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠⁠

⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠

Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠

All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

LTC Michael Valletta shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a distinguished aviator and Foreign Area Officer in the Army. He discusses his initial aspirations, the challenges he faced in flight school, and his experiences with the 160th Night Stalkers and living in Budapest. LTC Valletta emphasizes the importance of being open to unique military opportunities and the support the Army provides to its soldiers and their families.

Interested in Army ROTC?

Check out our website at ⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠

YouTube: UNM Army ROTC - YouTube⁠

Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠

Insta: ⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.