The Operational Arch

In this episode of the Operational Arch podcast, Major Joanna Van Engel interviews Colonel (Retired) Dwayne Wagner,a seasoned Army planner and educator. They delve into the critical topics of mentorship, coaching, and counseling within military leadership, emphasizing the importance of developing junior leaders for long-term success. COL Wagner discusses the shifting dynamics of mentorship post-9/11, the distinct roles of coaching and mentoring, and the symbiotic relationship between officers and NCOs. He also addresses the challenges leaders face in the modern era, influenced by social media and constant scrutiny. Practical insights into creating effective leader development programs and reflections on personal experiences enrich this compelling conversation.
 
01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:37 Coaching vs. Mentoring
04:28 Challenges in Mentorship
07:20  Cross-Gender and Cross-Branch Mentorship
09:20 Leadership Development and Self-Improvement
12:57 Officer and NCO Relationships
18:46  Attributes of a Well-Rounded Officer
21:38 Allowing Leaders to Grow and Learn from Mistakes
25:39 Effective Leader Development Programs
31:05 Final Thoughts and Messages

In this episode of the Operational Arch, Major we welcome Dr. James Greer, an expert in operational art, military design, and leader development with over 30 years of Army service. We discuss the concept of convergence within Army doctrine, as outlined in FM 3-0, emphasizing its differences from past doctrines such as the AirLand Battle. Dr. Greer provides insights into how convergence involves accumulated effects over time against systems, formations, and decision-makers across multiple domains, rather than mere synchronization. He also addresses the need for doctrinal clarity and the importance of understanding the science of warfare. Examples from the Ukraine conflict highlight practical applications of convergence. The discussion concludes with advice for listeners on the importance of continual teaching and learning within the military profession.
01:25 Defining Convergence in Army Doctrine
02:05 Historical Context of Army Doctrine
05:27 Understanding Convergence as an Outcome
05:50 Challenges and Misconceptions in Convergence
07:14 Examples and Applications of Convergence
15:23 Barriers to Achieving Convergence
22:15 Future of Convergence in Military Operations
35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence
00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice in Military Operations
35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence
00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice

Dr. Peter Mansoor, retired Army Colonel and professor of military history at the Ohio State University, joins the Operational Arch to discuss his new book, Redemption: MacArthur in the Campaign for the Philippines (Cambridge University Press, August 2025), which covers the arc of MacArthur's controversial return to the Philippines, providing both a master class and cautionary tale on the application of operational art. The group covers a wide variety of topics including theater logistics, the incorporation of friendly guerilla forces, organizational leadership, joint operations, and strategic decision-making.

Dr. Scott Gorman, director of the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program at SAMS, joins the Operational Arch to discuss the complexities of civil-military relations and the nuances of providing best military advice. The conversation touches on the importance of the military being politically informed rather than partisan and the critical nature of maintaining trust and dialogue between military and civilian leaders.

Mr. Peter Wood joins the Operational Arch to deep dive into China's counter-intervention strategy. This episode explores how this strategy fits into China's broader military doctrine as well as examining the nuances of China's approach to regional and global strategic competition.