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 Doctrine02:05 Historical Context of Army Doctrine05:27 Understanding Convergence as an Outcome05:50 Challenges and Misconceptions in Convergence07:14 Examples and Applications of Convergence15:23 Barriers to Achieving Convergence22:15 Future of Convergence in Military Operations35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice in Military Operations35:20 Practical Steps for Implementing Convergence00:22 Final Thoughts and Advice
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41:39
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41:39
MacArthur's Return to the Philippines, w/ Dr. Peter Mansoor (E43)
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.
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41:33
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41:33
Civ-Mil Relations w/Dr. Scott Gorman (E42)
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.
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34:48
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34:48
China's Counter-Intervention Strategy w/Mr. Pete Wood (E41)
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.
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52:46
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52:46
Multinational Operations w/LTG(R) Aguto (E40)
Lieutenant General (Retired) Tony Aguto discusses the US-NATO partnership, the importance of multinational collaboration, and the role of strategic military planning in modern warfare. He highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by national caveats, interoperability issues, and the rapid adaptation required on today’s battlefield, particularly in light of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Aguto emphasizes the changing nature of air superiority, the need for improved command and control systems, and the balance between mass production and modularity in military technology. He underscores the critical thinking skills of SAMS graduates in solving complex problems and urges planners to be adaptable, collaborative, and ready for unforeseen challenges in coalition and joint operations.
The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.
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