In this episode, Colonel Mike Rosol joins MWI's Charlie Faint to reflect on a career spanning armored warfare, multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, teaching and scholarship at West Point, interagency work, and his recent service leading the commander’s action group for Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAG-U). Mike describes SAG-U’s role in coordinating US and allied support to Ukraine and examines lessons emerging from the Russia-Ukraine war, including Ukraine’s rapid expansion of its military, the transformative role of uncrewed systems, the increasingly compressed relationship between reconnaissance and strike, and the extraordinary speed of technological adaptation on the battlefield. Mike also highlights Ukraine’s willingness to innovate and openly debate how it fights—and warns against the temptation to dismiss the ongoing war's lessons simply because the participants or circumstances differ from those the US military expects to face.

In this episode, Colonel Mike Rosol joins MWI's Charlie Faint to reflect on a career spanning armored warfare, multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, teaching and scholarship at West Point, interagency work, and his recent service leading the commander’s action group for Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAG-U). Mike describes SAG-U’s role in coordinating US and allied support to Ukraine and examines lessons emerging from the Russia-Ukraine war, including Ukraine’s rapid expansion of its military, the transformative role of uncrewed systems, the increasingly compressed relationship between reconnaissance and strike, and the extraordinary speed of technological adaptation on the battlefield. Mike also highlights Ukraine’s willingness to innovate and openly debate how it fights—and warns against the temptation to dismiss the ongoing war's lessons simply because the participants or circumstances differ from those the US military expects to face.

SAG-U Commander's Action Group

Editor's Note: In conjuction with the pending publication of the latest edition of the <a href="https://mwi.westpoint.edu/category/modern-war-journal/">Modern War Journal</a>, Relections on Security Force Assistance and the Afghan War, we are re-releasing this episode, which was first published on September 14, 2022.

In 2001, Scott Neil was already an experienced Green Beret assigned to 5th Special Forces Group and preparing to deploy again to the Middle East. The events of 9/11 changed the nature of that deployment and directly impacted Scott. Within weeks, he became part of the legendary Horse Soldiers who led some of the opening operations in America’s war in Afghanistan. While theirs is a well-known <a href="https://mwi.usma.edu/mwi-speaker-series-ltc-ret-jason-amerine-horse-soldiers-afghanistan/">story</a>, Scott’s career did not stop there. The following years saw him deploy multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
 
In this episode of The Spear, he reflects on twenty-five years of service, the battles that shaped him, and his evolving role as a leader, mentor, and soldier. From occupying a foxhole in Panama as a young private to being wounded for a third time in Iraq to serving as the senior enlisted advisor to an interagency task for with US Special Operations Command, Scott’s career was consistently one of transition and growth.

Editor's Note: In conjuction with the pending publication of the latest edition of the Modern War Journal, Relections on Security Force Assistance and the Afghan War, we are re-releasing this episode, which was first published on September 14, 2022. In 2001, Scott Neil was already an experienced Green Beret assigned to 5th Special Forces Group and preparing to deploy again to the Middle East. The events of 9/11 changed the nature of that deployment and directly impacted Scott. Within weeks, he became part of the legendary Horse Soldiers who led some of the opening operations in America’s war in Afghanistan. While theirs is a well-known story, Scott’s career did not stop there. The following years saw him deploy multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In this episode of The Spear, he reflects on twenty-five years of service, the battles that shaped him, and his evolving role as a leader, mentor, and soldier. From occupying a foxhole in Panama as a young private to being wounded for a third time in Iraq to serving as the senior enlisted advisor to an interagency task for with US Special Operations Command, Scott’s career was consistently one of transition and growth.

Editor's Note: In conjuction with the pending publication of the latest edition of the <a href="https://mwi.westpoint.edu/category/modern-war-journal/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Modern War Journal</a>, Relections on Security Force Assistance and the Afghan War, we are re-releasing this episode, which was first published on September 14, 2022.

In 2001, Scott Neil was already an experienced Green Beret assigned to 5th Special Forces Group and preparing to deploy again to the Middle East. The events of 9/11 changed the nature of that deployment and directly impacted Scott. Within weeks, he became part of the legendary Horse Soldiers who led some of the opening operations in America’s war in Afghanistan. While theirs is a well-known&nbsp;<a href="https://mwi.usma.edu/mwi-speaker-series-ltc-ret-jason-amerine-horse-soldiers-afghanistan/" rel="noopener noreferrer">story</a>, Scott’s career did not stop there. The following years saw him deploy multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
 
In this episode of&nbsp;The Spear, he reflects on twenty-five years of service, the battles that shaped him, and his evolving role as a leader, mentor, and soldier. From occupying a foxhole in Panama as a young private to being wounded for a third time in Iraq to serving as the senior enlisted advisor to an interagency task for with US Special Operations Command, Scott’s career was consistently one of transition and growth.

Reflections on Being First In

In this episode, host Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with Colonel Katie Crombe to discuss a career defined by constant transition, adaptability, and service. After recounting her ROTC days at Lehigh University and an unexpected assignment as a transportation officer, Katie discusses deploying to Iraq in 2004 as a newly commissioned lieutenant, where she quickly learned the realities of combat logistics while supporting the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during two demanding tours. She then reflects on leading soldiers through an evolving insurgency, the importance of education and leadership, and the bonds forged in war. The conversation follows her journey from Iraq to Army Human Resources Command, as well as command of wounded warrior units at Walter Reed, graduate studies in international relations, strategic assignments in Jordan during the rise of ISIS, and senior roles within the special operations community and US Central Command. At the time of this interview, Katie served as chief of war plans on the Joint Staff. Throughout this episode, she shares lessons on leadership, communication, diversity of thought, and the enduring value of critical thinking and effective writing for military leaders navigating complex challenges.

In this episode, host Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with Colonel Katie Crombe to discuss a career defined by constant transition, adaptability, and service. After recounting her ROTC days at Lehigh University and an unexpected assignment as a transportation officer, Katie discusses deploying to Iraq in 2004 as a newly commissioned lieutenant, where she quickly learned the realities of combat logistics while supporting the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during two demanding tours. She then reflects on leading soldiers through an evolving insurgency, the importance of education and leadership, and the bonds forged in war. The conversation follows her journey from Iraq to Army Human Resources Command, as well as command of wounded warrior units at Walter Reed, graduate studies in international relations, strategic assignments in Jordan during the rise of ISIS, and senior roles within the special operations community and US Central Command. At the time of this interview, Katie served as chief of war plans on the Joint Staff. Throughout this episode, she shares lessons on leadership, communication, diversity of thought, and the enduring value of critical thinking and effective writing for military leaders navigating complex challenges.

In this episode,&nbsp;host Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with Colonel Katie Crombe to discuss a career defined by constant transition, adaptability, and service. After recounting her ROTC days at Lehigh University and an unexpected assignment as a transportation officer, Katie discusses deploying to Iraq in 2004 as a newly commissioned lieutenant, where she quickly learned the realities of combat logistics while supporting the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during two demanding tours. She then reflects on leading soldiers through an evolving insurgency, the importance of education and leadership, and the bonds forged in war. The conversation follows her journey from Iraq to Army Human Resources Command, as well as command of wounded warrior units at Walter Reed, graduate studies in international relations, strategic assignments in Jordan during the rise of ISIS, and senior roles within the special operations community and US Central Command. At the time of this interview, Katie served as chief of war plans on the Joint Staff. Throughout this episode, she shares lessons on leadership, communication, diversity of thought, and the enduring value of critical thinking and effective writing for military leaders navigating complex challenges.

From Combat Logistician to the Joint Staff

In this episode, Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Andre Rivier, a former infantry officer and foreign area officer, to discuss a military career that took him from combat operations in Iraq to diplomatic assignments across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. An immigrant who enlisted in the US Army at seventeen before attending West Point, Andre reflects on his early experiences leading soldiers in Kosovo during the September 11 attacks, commanding an infantry company in Iraq, and discovering the importance of understanding the cultural, political, and social dynamics of military operations. He then describes his transition into the Army's FAO community, sharing insights from his assignments as a military attaché and security cooperation officer in Fiji, Laos, and other Pacific nations. Drawing on lessons from his military service, Andre argues that successful leaders must be comfortable operating in ambiguity, willing to challenge their assumptions, and capable of understanding the world through perspectives other than their own.

In this episode, Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Andre Rivier, a former infantry officer and foreign area officer, to discuss a military career that took him from combat operations in Iraq to diplomatic assignments across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. An immigrant who enlisted in the US Army at seventeen before attending West Point, Andre reflects on his early experiences leading soldiers in Kosovo during the September 11 attacks, commanding an infantry company in Iraq, and discovering the importance of understanding the cultural, political, and social dynamics of military operations. He then describes his transition into the Army's FAO community, sharing insights from his assignments as a military attaché and security cooperation officer in Fiji, Laos, and other Pacific nations. Drawing on lessons from his military service, Andre argues that successful leaders must be comfortable operating in ambiguity, willing to challenge their assumptions, and capable of understanding the world through perspectives other than their own.

In this episode, Dr. Charlie Faint sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Andre Rivier, a former infantry officer and foreign area officer, to discuss a military career that took him from combat operations in Iraq to diplomatic assignments across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.&nbsp;An immigrant who enlisted in the US Army at seventeen before attending West Point, Andre reflects on his early experiences leading soldiers in Kosovo during the September 11 attacks, commanding an infantry company in Iraq, and discovering the importance of understanding the cultural, political, and social dynamics of military operations. He then describes his transition into the Army's FAO community, sharing insights from his assignments as a military attaché and security cooperation officer in Fiji, Laos, and other Pacific nations. Drawing on lessons from his military service, Andre argues that successful leaders must be comfortable operating in ambiguity, willing to challenge their assumptions, and capable of understanding the world through perspectives other than their own.

Foreign Area Officer in Iraq and Southeast Asia

In this episode of The Spear, host Charlie Faint sits down with the command team of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Colonel Sean Karrels and Command Sergeant Major Julio Santos, for a conversation about the people, leadership, and culture behind the Night Stalkers. Drawing on decades of experience in Army aviation and special operations, the two discuss their paths into the regiment, what the 160th looks for in its soldiers and leaders, and why teamwork, disciplined initiative, accountability, and mastery of the fundamentals remain central to its success. They explore how the regiment practices mission command, learns from failure, maintains demanding standards, and balances technological innovation with the tactical skills required to operate in the world’s most challenging environments. Looking toward future conflicts, they also discuss artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, contested operating environments, and why the regiment’s greatest advantage remains its people. Throughout the conversation, Sean and Julio return to a defining idea of the culture in the 160th: Night Stalkers don't quit.

In this episode of The Spear, host Charlie Faint sits down with the command team of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Colonel Sean Karrels and Command Sergeant Major Julio Santos, for a conversation about the people, leadership, and culture behind the Night Stalkers. Drawing on decades of experience in Army aviation and special operations, the two discuss their paths into the regiment, what the 160th looks for in its soldiers and leaders, and why teamwork, disciplined initiative, accountability, and mastery of the fundamentals remain central to its success. They explore how the regiment practices mission command, learns from failure, maintains demanding standards, and balances technological innovation with the tactical skills required to operate in the world’s most challenging environments. Looking toward future conflicts, they also discuss artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, contested operating environments, and why the regiment’s greatest advantage remains its people. Throughout the conversation, Sean and Julio return to a defining idea of the culture in the 160th: Night Stalkers don't quit.

In this episode of The Spear, host Charlie Faint sits down with the command team of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Colonel Sean Karrels and Command Sergeant Major Julio Santos, for a conversation about the people, leadership, and culture behind the Night Stalkers. Drawing on decades of experience in Army aviation and special operations, the two discuss their paths into the regiment, what the 160th looks for in its soldiers and leaders, and why teamwork, disciplined initiative, accountability, and mastery of the fundamentals remain central to its success. They explore how the regiment practices mission command, learns from failure, maintains demanding standards, and balances technological innovation with the tactical skills required to operate in the world’s most challenging environments. Looking toward future conflicts, they also discuss artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, contested operating environments, and why the regiment’s greatest advantage remains its people. Throughout the conversation, Sean and Julio return to a defining idea of the culture in the 160th:&nbsp;Night Stalkers don't quit.

Night Stalkers Don’t Quit: An Interview With the Command Team of the 160th SOAR

This is the first episode in MWI's new podcast, "The Spear," which is aimed at providing a window into the combat experience. In this episode, Capt. Jake Miraldi walks us through the 2009 Battle of Barg-e Matal in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, and his role in it as a platoon leader.

This is the first episode in MWI's new podcast, "The Spear," which is aimed at providing a window into the combat experience. In this episode, Capt. Jake Miraldi walks us through the 2009 Battle of Barg-e Matal in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, and his role in it as a platoon leader.

The Battle of Barg-e Matal

The Spear is a podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. It sets out to explore the combat experience, with each episode featuring a guest who tells a detailed and personal story, describing the events and exploring topics like decision-making under stress and what it feels like to be in combat.

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