NucleCast

Jim Petrosky discusses the critical need for resilient energy infrastructure in the face of potential threats like EMP attacks in this episode. He explores the lessons learned from Europe's energy grid modernization, the future of nuclear power, and the challenges of public perception and political will surrounding nuclear energy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of small modular reactors and the need for a dynamic energy grid that can adapt to changing demands and threats. Dr. Petrosky is the President of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Engineering Physics where he developed experimental techniques for the prediction of damage to electronic devices and materials. He has substantial technical expertise in pulsed radiation effects and nuclear weapon survivability, with an emphasis on radiation effects on electronics and electromagnetic pulse. Previously, Dr. Petrosky served at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) where he achieved the academic rank of Professor of Nuclear Engineering. At AFIT he sustained an ABET accredited Nuclear Engineering program serving the unique military and civilian advanced education requirements for the DoD. Dr. Petrosky has published in 96 public and government classified peer-reviewed journals. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel, after serving as an Engineer Officer and Nuclear Research Officer. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilient Energy Infrastructure 02:11 The Importance of Energy Resilience 05:40 Learning from Europe's Energy Grid 11:46 The Future of Nuclear Power 20:24 Challenges in Nuclear Energy Adoption 25:56 Wishes for the Future of Nuclear Energy Socials: * Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast * Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast] * Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/] * Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278] * Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org [NucleCast@anwadeter.org]

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther and guest Rebecca Grant discuss the advancements in stealth technology, focusing on the B-21 Raider and the implications of Chinese military developments. They explore the dynamics of air power between the US and China, the importance of pilot proficiency, and the future of sixth-generation aircraft. The conversation emphasizes the need for the US to maintain its technological edge and adapt to evolving military challenges. Dr. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst based in Washington, DC specializing in defense and aerospace research and national security consulting. She is the Vice President for Lexington Institute and has over 20 years of experience working with the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and top aerospace clients. In addition, Dr. Grant has often appeared on television as an expert on national security for Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, and MSNBC and as a series regular on The Smithsonian’s Air Warriors. Dr. Grant also writes on China, Russia and other technology and national security topics for Fox News Opinion. Her military books include 75 Great Airmen (with Lt. Gen. Chris Miller), The B-2 Goes to War, and Battle-Tested: Aircraft Carriers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dr. Grant graduated from Wellesley College and earned a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics, University of London Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stealth and Current Developments 02:36 The B-21 Raider: A New Era in Stealth Technology 14:10 Chinese Stealth Aircraft: The J-36 and J-50 20:15 US vs. China: Air Power Dynamics 23:56 The Future of Stealth and Technological Advancements 27:21 Wishes for the Future of US Air Power Socials: * Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast * Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast] * Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/] * Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278] * Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org [NucleCast@anwadeter.org]

James Graham Wilson explores the life and legacy of Paul Nitze, a pivotal figure in U.S. national security and Cold War history. This Legacy Series highlights Nitze's early life, his influential roles in shaping U.S. defense policy, and his lasting impact on strategic debates. The dialogue delves into Nitze's contributions during critical moments in history, including the Cold War and the Reagan administration, while also reflecting on the lessons learned for contemporary national security challenges. James Graham Wilson is the author of America's Cold Warrior: Paul Nitze and National Security from Roosevelt to Reagan (Cornell University Press, 2024) and The Triumph of Improvisation Gorbachev's Adaptability, Reagan's Engagement, and the End of the Cold War (Cornell University Press, 2014). He received his Ph.D. in diplomatic history from the University of Virginia in 2011. He is currently a , where he has compiled 10 volumes in the Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) series and is presently compiling FRUS volumes on the George H.W. Bush administration Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul Nitze and His Legacy 02:59 Paul Nitze's Early Life and Career 06:00 Transitioning to National Security 08:57 Nitze's Role in the Cold War 11:48 Influence on U.S. Defense Policy 15:08 Key Contributions and Strategic Insights 18:07 Nitze's Impact During the Reagan Era 21:01 Reflections on Arms Control and Strategic Stability 24:00 Lessons from History and Future Considerations Socials: * Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast * Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast] * Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/] * Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278] * Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org [NucleCast@anwadeter.org]

In this Future Series episode, Kris Osborn and Captain William Ostendorff discuss the critical aspects of nuclear deterrence, focusing on warhead modernization, technological advancements, and the importance of reliability in nuclear weapons. Captain Ostendorff shares insights from his extensive experience in the Navy and his roles in various nuclear security programs, emphasizing the complexities of today's geopolitical landscape and the need for a robust nuclear strategy. The discussion also highlights the role of digital engineering and advanced computing in enhancing weapon performance and reliability, as well as the integration of non-nuclear components in nuclear systems. Captain William Ostendorff served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration from 2007 to 2009 and as a commissioner of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2010 to 2016. Captain Ostendorff is an advisory council member for the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations, a member of the Board of Directors for Information Systems Laboratories, Chairman of the Energy Solutions Decommissioning Nuclear Safety Review Board for Three Mile Island Unit 2, Independent Manager on the Board of Global Laser Enrichment LLC and Co-Chair of the Committee of Risk of Nuclear War and Nuclear Terrorism of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. He graduated the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering and was an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1976 until his retirement in 2002. During his naval career, he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Norfolk, Director of the Submarine Force Commanding Officer School, Commander of Submarine Squadron Six and finally Director of the U.S. Naval Academy Math and Science Division. He returned to the Naval Academy as Distinguished Visiting Professor of National Security from 2016 to 2021. As counsel for the House Armed Services Committee from 2003 to 2007, Captain Ostendorff was staff director of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, with oversight responsibilities for the Department of Energy’s Atomic Energy Defense Activities and the Department of Defense’s Missile Defense, Space and Intelligence Programs which totaled more than $50 billion in the annual defense authorization bill. He also worked as Director of the Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy and Director of the Board on Global Science and Technology from 2009 to 2010 and research staff member for Institute for Defense Analyses from 2002 to 2003. Socials: * Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast * Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast] * Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/] * Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278] * Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org [NucleCast@anwadeter.org]

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam speaks with Lieutenant Colonel Gary Glover about the evolving landscape of the Air Force, particularly in relation to nuclear force design and modernization efforts. They discuss the importance of advanced education for military officers, the implications of hypersonic weapons on nuclear command and control, and the broader national security challenges facing the United States. Lieutenant Colonel Garrett Glover is the Chief of AFGSC Futures Division, Air Force Global Strike Command, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at USAFA, and a Senior Fellow with the Institute for National Security Studies. Colonel Glover was commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in 2009. He has held key positions within the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile community, including Instructor, Evaluator, Flight Commander, and Assistant Director of Operations. As Executive Officer for the Office of Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, he played a pivotal role in the successful execution of a $5 billion Stockpile Stewardship Program, supporting $25 billion in nuclear sustainment initiatives. He served as a Presidential Nuclear Strike Advisor and Assistant Deputy Director of Operations at the National Military Command Center, translating presidential intent into nuclear strike options and leading a joint inter-agency team focused on both nuclear and conventional global military operations. In this role he oversaw the execution of the National Military Command System on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Additionally, he served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations (J-36) on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. He spent a year as a DoD Nuclear Technical Lab Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA. Prior to his current position, he served as the Chief Nuclear Strategist of Headquarters, Air Force Global Strike Command. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Global Strike Command and Force Design 07:29 The Importance of Advanced Education for Officers 15:23 Hypersonics and Nuclear Command Control 25:50 Wishes for National Security and Education Socials: * Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast * Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast] * Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/] * Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278] * Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org [NucleCast@anwadeter.org]