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, retired Major General Doug Crissman reflects on more than three decades of Army service and the leadership lessons that endured from West Point through combat, senior command, service alongside the British Army, and life after the uniform. In this conversation with host Cadet Orion van Buskirk, General Crissman argues that great leadership rests less on rank or authority than on authentic connection, competence, trust, and a willingness to keep learning. He discusses why mission command remains an aspirational goal that leaders must continually rebuild, why leader development should happen every day rather than during designated events, and how setbacks often provide more valuable lessons than successes. He also offers a candid look at retirement and purpose, describing his continuing work mentoring military and civilian leaders—and the grounding experience of simply being “Doug” while selling outdoor gear in his post-Army years. General Crissman's message for leaders at every stage is straightforward: focus on what matters, invest in people, learn continuously, and find the work and relationships that fill your tank.

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 Major General James Bartholomees, the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, about the leadership philosophy that has guided him from the Ranger Regiment to division command. The conversation also covers the Army's ongoing process of transformation for future conflict, and the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on decades of experience, General Bartholomees explains why discipline, leader initiative, and strengthening soldiers through personal connection remain timeless leadership principles, even as the character of warfare rapidly evolves through developments like drones, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence. The discussion concludes with an exploration of wide-ranging topics such as deterrence in the Pacific, the lessons of Ukraine, Operation Pathways, the importance of sustainment, and why tomorrow's leaders must combine mastery of fundamentals with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

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.

This episode features Major General Wolfe Davidson, commander of the US Air Force's training enterprise, in a wide-ranging discussion with Cadet Zach Olson about leadership, joint warfighting, innovation, and preparing the next generation of airmen for an increasingly contested battlefield. Drawing on more than three decades as a special tactics officer and senior leader—including assignments supporting US Space Command, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the chief of staff of the Air Force—Davidson explains why modern warfare demands leaders who understand all domains of conflict, embrace joint and coalition operations, and balance innovation with disciplined execution. He shares insights on transforming Air Force basic training for the first time since the Korean War, building trust and accountability within military organizations, the importance of broadening assignments and professional education, and why understanding the why behind the mission is essential for developing adaptive leaders capable of winning tomorrow's wars.

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, host Cadet Justin Rodriguez is joined by Brigadier General Sean Crockett, deputy commanding general of US Army Cadet Command. He reflects on a career that began with a family legacy of military service and an unconventional path from Navy ROTC to the Army Chemical Corps, sharing candid lessons on leadership, mentorship, and mission command. Drawing on assignments from platoon leader to senior command, Crockett discusses the importance of clear commander's intent, building trust through actions that match words, relying on experienced noncommissioned officers, and cultivating mentors who invest in future leaders. During the conversation, he emphasizes that leadership is a contact sport. He argues that technology and artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making but can never replace the human relationships that underpin effective leadership. And he closes by encouraging cadets to seek every opportunity to lead, develop confidence through repetition, and remember that success as a lieutenant depends not only on technical competence but also on earning the trust of soldiers and leading them with authenticity.

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, Cadet Donovan Scott sits down with Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, commanding general of America's First Corps, to discuss leadership, deterrence, and the challenges of operating across the vast Indo-Pacific theater. General McFarlane reflects on his journey from ROTC cadet at James Madison University to senior Army commander, sharing lessons learned from deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. He explains how geography, contested logistics, and coalition operations are reshaping the Army's approach to warfare, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in an era of strategic competition, and highlights the enduring value of trust, teamwork, and leading from the front. Throughout the conversation, General McFarlane offers practical insights for current and future leaders on building cohesive teams, embracing change, adapting at the speed of need, and preparing for the evolving character of conflict.

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.

General Xavier Brunson is the commander of United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. In this episode, he joins Cadet Olivia Hanson for a wide-ranging discussion about leadership, deterrence, alliances, and the strategic future of the Indo-Pacific. He explains the complex structure of US and allied military forces in Korea, the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region, and why alliances remain America’s greatest asymmetric advantage in an era of renewed great power competition. The conversation also explores multidomain operations, emerging technologies, and the timeless fundamentals of warfare: protection, posture, and sustainment.