Five Questions for a General

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson sits down with retired General Robert Brown, the former commander of US Army Pacific and current president of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), to discuss leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service. Reflecting on his journey from a basketball recruit at West Point to commanding soldiers around the world, General Brown shares lessons on embracing failure as a pathway to growth, fostering innovation by empowering leaders at the tactical edge, and maintaining the Army’s human advantage in an era of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He also offers candid insights on mentorship, the importance of selfless service, and AUSA’s role in connecting the Army with industry, communities, and the American public. For leaders of all ranks, General Brown’s message is clear: Give the Army your full commitment, learn from setbacks, and enjoy the remarkable journey of leading soldiers.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode with host Cadet Zach Olson, Brigadier General Thaddeus Fineran reflects on an unplanned but ultimately life-defining Army career, shaped by opportunity, adaptability, and a systems-based approach to leadership. From his entry into military service through ROTC to leadership positions in the aviation branch and ultimately senior roles within US Northern Command, General Fineran emphasizes the importance of understanding complex systems from aircraft operations to global force management, and how those systems directly impact readiness at every level of command. He offers insight into the unique challenges faced by National Guard soldiers attempting to balance civilian and military careers, highlighting the demands placed on time, families, and professional development. Ultimately, he underscores that leadership is built through trust, preparation, and perspective, reminding young officers that while responsibility grows with rank, so does the ability to influence meaningful outcomes.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Brigadier General Sarah Dudley sits down with Cadet Orion van Buskirk to reflect on an unexpected path into the Army that became a 27-year career shaped by leadership, adaptability, and a passion for people. She discusses her role leading US Army Recruiting Divison, emphasizing that recruiting is not a numbers game but a deliberate effort to identify and develop the right talent for the Army of 2040. Drawing on experiences from managing millions in cash during early combat operations to navigating coalition dynamics and emerging technologies like digital assets, she highlights the importance of clarity, ownership, and removing organizational friction. General Dudley underscores that the Army’s enduring value lies in its ability to build leaders, arguing that its relevance to the next generation depends on communicating that mission in a rapidly evolving technological and social landscape.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. Brigadier General Adam Ake graduated first in his class at West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar before embarking on an Army career that led to his current position as the deputy director for operations, OT-4, on the joint staff. In this episode, he joins Cadet Zach Olson for an in-depth discussion about professional military education, critical thinking, life priorities, and the challenges (and opportunities) inherent in learning and leading in a complex and uncertain environment.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Orion van Buskirk interviews retired Major General Malcolm Frost, a career infantryman whose assignments as a general officer include serving as the deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, the chief of public affairs for the Army, and the commanding general of the Army Center for Initial Military Training. In their discussion, the two cover General Frost's decision to join the Army, his experiences leading troops in combat, and the highlights of General Frost's time heading the Army's public affairs effort and commanding the Army's initial military training program.General Frost’s thoughts on relationship building, the importance of leader’s intent, and the necessity of leaders positioning themselves at the decisive point are highly useful insights for anyone interested in honing their own leadership ability or improving the organizations they lead.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Keilani Stewart sits down with retired Brigadier General Rich Gross for an in-depth discussion about communication, law, and decision-making in high-risk environments.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Mark Miles, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence, about leadership, decision dominance, and cyber operations.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war. In this episode, Cadet Sebastian Witt speaks with Major General David Hill, commandant of the US Army War College, about strategic thinking, leadership, military education, and professional development.