In Episode 166 of the No Limitations Podcast, The Real Agenda, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Col. J. David “Dave” Patterson (Ret.), Former Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense in the 43rd Presidential Administration, National Security Contributor for Liberty Nation News and Executive Advisor to SMA, Inc.

In an in‑depth conversation, Dave draws on decades of Military, Policy, and Defense-Industry experience to examine the evolving national security environment, highlighting how global affairs and major power dynamics are reshaping the U.S. security priorities. He also explores the challenges facing the U.S and other nations around the globe as they seek to navigate strategic and political uncertainty in an era of intensified great‑power rivalry and persistent geopolitical risk.

Dave is a former non‑paid Special Government Employee, where he served on the Defense Science Board Taskforce on the Defense Industrial Base and advised senior Defense Department leadership on strengthening U.S. industrial base capabilities and internal organizational efficiency. His senior government service includes serving as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) during the Bush 43 Administration, where he helped oversee a Department of Defense budget exceeding $515 billion, represented the Comptroller on the Defense Acquisition Board, supported the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, led acquisition reform efforts, and managed Department of Defense financial policy and modernisation initiatives. Dave also served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and led the Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment Project, gaining deep insight into Pentagon decision‑making and operations. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1993, retiring as a colonel after combat service in Vietnam and senior leadership roles across operational, joint, and Pentagon assignments. His private‑sector experience includes executive leadership at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing and directing the National Defense Business Institute, and he holds a Top Secret/SCI‑eligible clearance, a master’s degree from Chapman University, and is a graduate of the NATO Defense College.

Please note this episode was recorded on 1 April 2026.

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