Innovation Under Fire: Leadership and Logistics in Complex Environments, Col (ret) Kirk Spangenberg

Logistics, Modern Warfare, and the Future Fight with Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka

After 38 years in uniform, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka joins The Logistics Lens for a candid conversation reflecting on a remarkable Marine Corps career and the future of military logistics. From Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, Lt. Gen. Sklenka shares lessons learned from decades of operational experience and strategic leadership. The discussion explores the Marine Corps' modernization efforts, Force Design 2030, Barracks 2030, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, contested logistics, and the growing importance of partnerships with industry. Sklenka also explains why logistics is no longer merely a support function, but a decisive warfighting capability that will shape the outcome of future conflicts. As he prepares to retire, he offers valuable advice for the next generation of logisticians and reflects on the leaders, Marines, and experiences that defined his career. The future battlefield will be defined by logistics, technology, industrial capacity, and the ability to sustain combat power at scale and the leaders who understand all four will shape the outcome of the next fight.  👉 Catch up on more episodes here: www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens [http://www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens] #Strategy #Logistics #DefenseLogistics #MilitaryLogistics #Sustainment #Readiness

Winning Before the First Shot: The New Era of Logistics with Vice Admiral Dion English

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, Vice Admiral Dion English, Director of Logistics (J-4) for the Joint Staff, discusses the evolving role of logistics in modern warfare and national security. What was once viewed primarily as an enabling function is now recognized as a core warfighting capability. English explains how contested logistics, cyber threats, industrial base resilience, and artificial intelligence are reshaping military sustainment. He emphasizes the transition from “just-in-time” efficiency models to “just-in-case” readiness and resiliency models necessary for operating in contested environments. The discussion also highlights the critical importance of partnerships — across the military, allied nations, academia, and industry — to maintain operational advantage. English shares how AI and machine learning are accelerating decision-making and resource allocation, while still keeping humans firmly in the loop. Beyond technology and strategy, the conversation centers heavily on leadership, people development, and building trust-based relationships. English reflects on his career journey, mentorship, family support, and the importance of investing in future logistics professionals. The episode closes with advice for the next generation of logisticians: remain adaptable, challenge the status quo, and continuously evolve alongside changing threats and technologies. The views expressed are those of Dion D. English and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War, any military service, or the U.S. Government. Mention of any organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by the Department of War.  👉 Catch up on more episodes here: www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens [http://www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens] #Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

The Logistics Backbone of National Defense with Lt Gen (Ret.) Giovanni Tuck

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, host Kevin Sampels sits down with Giovanni Tuck (“GI” Tuck) for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, military logistics, innovation, and the future of defense sustainment. General Tuck reflects on his unlikely path into the Air Force after initially planning a civilian tech career with Motorola, and how a spontaneous ROTC visit changed the trajectory of his life. He shares stories from a flying career that spanned nearly 5,000 hours across numerous aircraft platforms before transitioning into logistics leadership. The conversation explores his time leading logistics at the highest levels of the Department of Defense, including his experiences at DLA Energy, U.S. Transportation Command, and as the Joint Staff J4. Tuck explains how the military balances scarce resources, global sustainment demands, and combatant commander priorities while preparing for near-peer conflict. A major portion of the discussion focuses on lessons learned from COVID-19, including how government agencies coordinated logistics, accelerated decision-making, and built rapid-response supply chain systems under pressure. Tuck emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and real-time lessons learned across government and industry. The episode also dives into modernization efforts involving AI, predictive analytics, contested logistics, regional sustainment frameworks, industrial base surge capacity, and acquisition reform. Tuck argues that speed, trust, and commercial innovation must play a larger role in defense logistics going forward. The interview closes with leadership advice, reflections on working with Congress and industry, recommendations for future logistics priorities, and a few lighter personal moments — including his favorite 80s band, snack food habits, and a memorable story about saving a bag of his hair after ROTC. 👉 Catch up on more episodes here: www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens [http://www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens] #Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

Supply Chains, Espionage, and Cyberwar with former CIA Director, the HON Michael Morell

Discover the extraordinary career of Michael Morell, former Deputy and Acting Director of the CIA, as he shares behind-the-scenes stories about leadership during critical moments, the importance of logistics in intelligence operations, and the evolving threats posed by China and cyber warfare. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on national security, crisis management, and the importance of collaboration across government and industry. Key Topics: * Michael Morell’s journey from Ohio to leading the CIA and the lessons learned along the way * The role of logistics in intelligence agency operations and crisis response * Inside stories from 9/11, the bin Laden raid, and briefings to U.S. presidents * The impact of globalization and supply chain interdependence on national security * China’s influence, the Belt and Road Initiative, and cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure * The importance of cybersecurity and modern challenges in defending networks * Decision-making processes for public disclosures and writing a book on intelligence * The significance of interagency collaboration and integrating logistics in combat and covert missions Links: The Great War of Our Time by Michael Morell [https://www.amazon.com/Great-War-Our-Time-Threats/dp/1541768504] - https://www.amazon.com/Great-War-Our-Time-Threats/dp/1541768504 * CIA Official Website [https://www.cia.gov/] - https://www.cia.gov/ * Michael Morell - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell * The Belt and Road Initiative [https://www.cia.gov/news-release/2019/10/28/overview-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/] - https://www.cia.gov/news-release/2019/10/28/overview-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/ * Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) [https://www.cisa.gov/] - https://www.cisa.gov/ Connect with Michael Morell: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell 👉 Catch up on more episodes here: www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens [http://www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens] #Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

The Pacific Problem: Distance, Deterrence, and Logistics at Scale

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels sits down with Brigadier General Michael Zuhlsdorf, Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF A4). From his beginnings as an enlisted Airman to shaping strategy inside the Pentagon and now executing it across the Indo-Pacific, Zuhlsdorf offers a rare end-to-end perspective on military logistics. The conversation explores the immense scale and complexity of the Pacific theater—covering over half the globe—and the challenges of operating across vast distances, aging infrastructure, and contested environments. Zuhlsdorf outlines his four core priorities: setting and sustaining the theater, strengthening allies and partners, executing logistics under attack, and preparing Airmen for high-end conflict. He also dives into emerging innovations like AI-enabled logistics, autonomous delivery systems, and regional sustainment frameworks that keep combat power forward. The episode highlights how logistics is not just support—but a key pillar of deterrence in today’s strategic environment. 👉 Catch up on more episodes here: www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens [http://www.youtube.com/@The-Logistics-Lens] #Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War