Brandon Smart’s Post

In light of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Antulio Echevarria II’s insights into the asymmetrical challenges faced by Western militaries are particularly pertinent. He astutely notes that while Western forces excel in maneuver warfare, they encounter difficulties in both the initial and protracted stages of conflict. This disparity demands strategic reevaluation, and Echevarria II advocates for integrated defense. Yet, such analysis also raises critical questions about the structure of our military: How do we tailor leadership training, force composition, and technological development to excel in each distinct phase of warfare? The initial phase, where unpredictability reigns, demands rapid adaptation and decisive decision-making to absorb surprise attacks and regain the initiative. This translates to a need for leaders who can quickly synthesize information and make prompt decisions. Our training programs must emphasize flexibility, agility, and speed to lift the proverbial fog of war. In the maneuver phase, operational tempo reigns supreme. This phase requires bold leaders who can swiftly exploit operational opportunities. This necessitates an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures strategic thinking and the ability to innovate on the battlefield. During the protracted conflict phase, as we transition to a war of attrition, the focus shifts to sustaining operations over time. Here, the principles of sustainability and morale become paramount to maintaining resilience. This phase demands patient leaders with the fortitude to maintain a long-term vision and keep morale high, underpinning the importance of logistics and sustained resource management. In terms of force composition and technology, each phase has unique demands. The initial phase might require agile and technologically advanced rapid-response units. The maneuver phase could call for heavy, mechanized forces capable of rapid, decisive action. In contrast, the attritional phase might necessitate robust, resilient forces designed for endurance and sustained operations. These reflections raise pressing questions: How can we best prepare our military leaders for the unique challenges of each phase? Are our technological advancements aligned to support both rapid adaptability and enduring sustainability? And importantly, how can we balance decisive action in the maneuver phase with the endurance needed in protracted conflicts? These considerations are far from theoretical; they are foundational to the evolution of our armed forces. We must ensure that our strategies, operational art, and tactics continually adapt, keeping our readiness and response mechanisms finely tuned to the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare. Engaging in this ongoing dialogue and reflection is crucial for maintaining a robust and responsive military force in the face of global security challenges. #military #strategy #leadership #modernwarfare #globalsecurity

📺 This Week's Episode is Now Available On Demand: https://lnkd.in/e8be6AHW Presented by Zscaler & Carahsoft 🚢 ADM Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, shares a transformative vision for the U.S. Navy, focusing on warfighting, warfighters, and foundational support. Discover how prioritizing personnel, future-readiness, and strategic relationships shapes a robust Navy ready to meet tomorrow's challenges. #USNavy #Leadership #Innovation 🔒 Andrew Schnabel, VP of Federal at Zscaler, dives into the urgent need for the Department of Defense (DoD) to adopt zero trust architectures. Learn about the challenges in modernization and strategic pilots aimed at securing the DoD's critical assets ahead of the 2027 target. #ZeroTrust #DoDModernization #Cybersecurity 📡 Lt. Gen Robert Skinner, Director of Defense Information Systems Agency, outlines a strategic vision for DISA aligned with national defense priorities, focusing on secure operations and leveraging data as a strategic asset. Explore his approach to process reengineering and workforce development to maintain strategic advantages. #DISA #NationalDefense #StrategicVision Recorded on Location at #WEST24 in partnership with W2 Communications

#SpeakerSpotlight Dr. Benjamin Jensen is the lead scholar behind Red Teaming: Alternative Analysis and Risk Assessments for a Changing World, a three-day program designed to offer professionals tools to strengthen their strategic planning capabilities through alternative analysis. Dr. Jensen is a senior fellow for future war, gaming, and strategy in the CSIS International Security Program, as well as a professor of strategic studies at the Marine Corps University School of Advanced Warfighting. Dr. Jensen has spent the last decade researching the changing character of political violence, technology, and strategy. He has worked with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, NATO, the U.S. Army, and a range of government agencies and foundations to develop wargames and scenario-driven exercises exploring strategy, defense analysis, crisis response, military planning, and complex emergencies. Red Teaming will take place April 3-5, 2024 in-person or virtually. Learn more at cs.is/redteam and register by March 22 to secure your spot! #internationalaffairs #thinktank #nationalsecurity #executiveeducation #careerdevelopment #globalaffairs #washington #dc #washingtondc  #redteaming #security #cybersecurity #analysis #strategicplanning

Hey LinkedIn Community ... it's Tuesday Transition day! Please support these SOTF Fellows with a thumbs-up/cheer, share a military transition tip or connect to help expand their network … and yours! Eric Crafton 📣 Anthem: "Joyfully pursuing value in the mist of chaos"  ➡ Army: Special Forces, Green Beret ➡ Academic Education: Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis ➡ Civilian Career Field: Technology or Defense  ➡ Top Strengths: Adaptability. Influence Others. Logical Approach. Function Over Form. ➡ Ask him about his fabulous Leadership Story “Value is Everywhere” Sean Sundey 📣 Anthem: “Words Ignite Success!" ➡ Marine Corps: Reconnaissance Operations Chief ➡ Civilian Career Field: Defense Industry ➡ A bit about Sean: His ability to change gears fast and often empowers him to create multi-faceted solutions to complex situations. He believes that communication in all directions is the key to success for any organization. Congrats Eric and Sean on your successful completion of Phase I SOTF - Special Operators Transition Foundation You both prove by working on your #fortitude mindset and #storytelling interviewing skills, you confidently express your personal and professional strengths. Watch out world...here you come! #purplethreads #militarytransition #hireveterans #choosetothrive

As the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General Eric Smith nears 100 days of leading the USMC, he says his thoughts are focused on one thing: his people. On Force Design, Smith has repeatedly said the service must “accelerate.” One of the modernization efforts that needs an extra push, he said, is “communication layers,” which are critical in the current information environment. “We need the ability—and are working hard to obtain the ability—to ubiquitously pass data securely across the battlefield. That is a real challenge in a world where adversaries have the ability to deny, degrade, disrupt those communications, to jam and or to hack into our systems. That is a fundamental need across the battlefield,” he said. “The ability to deliver cyber effects and information effects against an adversary, those are absolutely critical to the package of capabilities that USMC are going to need on the future #battlefield.” One example of this type of #technology, Smith said, is the government-focused Starshield satellite network provided by SpaceX, which also owns the #Starlink network being used by #Ukrainian troops. Lots of opportunity for closer collaboration with allies and partners in the #indopacific, such as Australia and Japan. Northern Australia should offer General Smith some solutions to accelerate and advance logistic support, supply chain resilience, testing and evaluation locations, access to innovation and equipment pre-positioning. #defence #defense #china #taiwan Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) United States Department of Defense U.S. Indo-Pacific Command US Army US Navy Australian Army Northern Territory Government Queensland Government Government of Western Australia Bernice Glenn Kissinger Mica Imamura Michael Edwards Luke Gosling MP Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN National) Defence Connect Australian Defence Magazine https://lnkd.in/gBhPinFz

NAVWAR's second annual #Buildathon was a smashing success! From June 24 to 27, people from across the command and even Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet gathered at NAVWAR HQ to tackle mission challenges with Microsoft Power Platform solutions together. With robust trainings on AI capabilities and process automation, the Buildathon was a collaborative opportunity for learning and digital transformation. “The Buildathon 2.0 is a prime example of how the Department of the Navy’s new ‘structured challenges’ approach is fostering innovation and optimization across our enterprise,” said Ryan Lasiter, director of digital data and innovation at NAVWAR. “By bringing together diverse teams to tackle specific problems, we are not only accelerating the adoption of new capabilities but also ensuring that our solutions are robust and effective." Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gZR9FPBN Stay tuned on how to become a #citizendeveloper and participate in future Buildathons at NAVWAR! #digitalinnovation #structuredchallenge #artificialintelligence

Four names in #sixdecades Before we were known as the Munich Security Conference, we only had German names, which can be translated to: ▶️ 1963-1980: International Military Science Meeting ▶️ 1980-1993: Defense Studies Conference ▶️ 1993-2009: Munich Conference on Security Policy ▶️ Since 2009: Munich Security Conference What started as a "meeting" became a "conference". Where "military" was once synonymous with "security," a broadened understanding of security made room for economic, ecological, and human dimensions. New topics entailed an expanded agenda that made it difficult to contain our discussions to a weekend in February. As the "Munich Security Conference," we expanded beyond our Munich city lines, broadened our list of invitees, and are present throughout the year — not just during a cold February weekend. And, of course, all of this is only possible with an incredible team (that has also been growing steadily!). Our names show that we are open to change and are likely to continue adapting to the needs of our participants. What could that mean for our name? Let us know in the comments!

The latest round of SBIR opportunities is upon us, as several solicitations were announced last week. Links to the full list of solicitations for SBIR BAA 24.2 and STTR BAA 24.B, as well as a link to our favorite site for sorting & searching by name/keyword, are in the comments. Additionally, AFWERX has just released their Air Force SBIR CSO X24.6 Direct to Phase II (D2P2). Our company specializes in supporting startups with their go-to-market and public sector capture strategy. To date, SBIR remains the easiest entry into the DoD market. This is why we have a team of professionals ready to support these efforts. Schedule a free consult (DM, or info@thedefense.co) to learn how we can support your company. #innovation #startups #defense #DoD #SBIR #STTR AFWERX United States Air Force US Army US Navy United States Marine Corps United States Space Force Defense Logistics Agency Defense Health Agency Defense Threat Reduction Agency Missile Defense Agency National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Interested in learning about what Navy SBIR is doing to assist small business transition their innovative technology - Read the Transition Newsletter t and follow Navy SBIR/STTR Transition Program (Navy STP) to learn more.