In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras and Dr. Wes Hutto join the podcast to unpack SAASS 600: Military Theory, a foundational course that explores the nature and character of war through the lens of classical and contemporary thinkers. They discuss the course’s major themes, including the interplay between theory and practice, the enduring relevance of Clausewitz, and how students wrestle with complex ideas about military power and its use. The conversation highlights key texts, evolving pedagogical approaches, and why understanding military theory remains essential for today’s strategists. Join us for a deep dive into the intellectual roots of military thought.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
--------
29:03
--------
29:03
Space Policy for the 21st Century
Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Dr. Derrick Frazier join Books to Battles to discuss their book Space Policy for the 21st Century. They explore key themes in contemporary space policy, including commercialization, security, and governance, and examine how strategic thinking can help navigate the rapidly evolving domain of outer space.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
--------
34:52
--------
34:52
The Student Experience
In this episode of Books to Battles, three SAASS students share their personal journeys through the school’s rigorous academic year. They discuss what drew them to SAASS, how the curriculum challenged and changed their thinking, and the value of studying strategy in an intensive seminar environment. From balancing research and writing to engaging in deep discussion with faculty and peers, they offer candid reflections on the highs, lows, and lasting takeaways of the SAASS experience. Whether you're considering applying or just curious about life at SAASS, this episode offers an insider’s view of the student experience.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
--------
33:27
--------
33:27
Foundations of Strategy
In this episode of Books to Battles, we dive into SAASS 601: Foundations of Strategy, the first course students encounter at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Dr. Rich Muller, Dr. Jim Tucci, and Dr. Tom Hughes—who make up the course’s teaching team—join us to explore how the curriculum establishes the intellectual grounding for the SAASS year. They discuss key texts, themes, and questions that shape students’ understanding of strategy across time and domains. The professors also reflect on how the course has developed over time, the different perspectives they bring to the seminar room, and why a strong theoretical foundation is essential for strategic practitioners today. Whether you're a student, scholar, or strategist, this episode offers insights into the intellectual heart of SAASS.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
--------
31:30
--------
31:30
The Future: SAASS's Mission
In this episode of Books to Battles, SAASS Commandant Col Robert O’Keefe reflects on his time as a student, his return as a leader, and his vision for the school’s future. He shares insights on strategic education, professional development, and the evolving role of SAASS in shaping air and space power.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
Books to Battles is the official podcast of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), where rigorous academic thought meets real-world military application. In each episode, we'll take you inside our school to explore its courses, students, and faculty. We'll show how foundational ideas—from classic works of strategy to cutting-edge scholarship—inform the development and execution of air and space power in today’s complex strategic environment. Join us as we bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing deep intellectual insight to the art of war in the air and beyond.All views expressed in this series are the speakers' own and are not necessarily reflective of the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organizations.
UK