CFO and Co-Founder of Castelion / Andrew Kreitz

CFO and Co-Founder of Castelion / Andrew Kreitz

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating journey of Andrew Kreitz, CFO of Castelion, exploring the intersection of aerospace innovation, defense, and entrepreneurship. Discover the strategic insights behind rapid hardware development, navigating defense acquisitions, and building a cutting-edge hypersonic weapons company from the ground up. In this episode: * Andrew Kreitz's background in defense and finance, and his transition from Goldman Sachs to SpaceX * The motivation behind founding Castelion amidst rising global threats * How military experience, especially ROTC, shapes leadership and organizational cohesion * The development and strategic focus of Blackbeard, Castelion hypersonic missile * Challenges in raising capital for advanced defense technology startups * The importance of organizational culture, agility, and individual ownership in a fast-moving startup * Insights into defense procurement processes and relationships with military leaders * Future plans for Castelion projects, including integration with military platforms and testing at White Sands * The balance between work intensity and maintaining team cohesion in a small but growing company Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UNMROTC/featured] Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU43bFlzdGE2TDF5TjRDUkg1WXpOQ0RRV01yZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttc0RhcFhEaDd2TW1ZRW1sM0d6OF9ZbmpjMVJqZGtRMDJZOHNCMW1FdTNPOWVZbjJTMlc3QVBZQ3REYmo4UDE0VGxJbHhXYURTTTZZLUg0Vjd4YkZmc0JPRkxGZ1ZKdWY5a3M1M2pUSVlzQkhGbGl4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUofNMArmyROTC] Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazdYMEtkZkZmQkNheUE0QnNDZlJ3T0VVQnh1d3xBQ3Jtc0tuWmNrT2ZSazV4bXdodG5YdHNwMy1zWG1uM1poTnVIZ1F4T1RuUHdKcDJxNFlXUWhDRWN0emhUdFVDXzA5SXluU2pGa0c0Ung3SG1sc1l0NlVJSXF0M0xMWExEOWtzVlF6aWVpS0U1Z3ZaZUdibnVhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Funm_army_rotc%2F] Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1xU2taVThDZ0lFM3NVRllwUTFMaFBESnRVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0lxQnFJdFZ3YXU1VERBOWNidWR6R3B0TnFWbDJIU3YxSDBCRzl3d3JYX1B4dVRXejNOeVk0blRUQ0pkd0NWa0FsamdCY3Y2YkxmLWZRVDZsME81U1FTbW9FTm1mSnVlTC1pSzBwUFZNODNURDlDNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fc%2FUNMArmyROTC] All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

EP.32 -- Detachment 510 Commander

Join us as we interview Colonel Lacy, a seasoned officer and educator, who shares insights into the diverse roles within the Air Force—from electronic warfare to space operations—and discusses the evolving nature of military aviation and the importance of continuous learning. Key Topics * The selection process and career progression for Air Force officers, including specialized roles like nuclear officers and missile operators * The unique responsibilities of combat systems officers on fixed-wing aircraft, focusing on mission management and electronic warfare * The training journey from ROTC to mission qualification, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability * The strategic significance of missile and electronic warfare fields in modern defense * Insights into the expanding role of space in national security and how the Space Force integrates into Air Force programs * Leadership development at the ROTC level: assessments, challenges, and fostering humility and continuous growth * Opportunities for cadets in flight training, space careers, and extracurricular development such as the aviation club and summer programs Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/]⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UNMROTC/featured] Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU43bFlzdGE2TDF5TjRDUkg1WXpOQ0RRV01yZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttc0RhcFhEaDd2TW1ZRW1sM0d6OF9ZbmpjMVJqZGtRMDJZOHNCMW1FdTNPOWVZbjJTMlc3QVBZQ3REYmo4UDE0VGxJbHhXYURTTTZZLUg0Vjd4YkZmc0JPRkxGZ1ZKdWY5a3M1M2pUSVlzQkhGbGl4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUofNMArmyROTC] Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazdYMEtkZkZmQkNheUE0QnNDZlJ3T0VVQnh1d3xBQ3Jtc0tuWmNrT2ZSazV4bXdodG5YdHNwMy1zWG1uM1poTnVIZ1F4T1RuUHdKcDJxNFlXUWhDRWN0emhUdFVDXzA5SXluU2pGa0c0Ung3SG1sc1l0NlVJSXF0M0xMWExEOWtzVlF6aWVpS0U1Z3ZaZUdibnVhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Funm_army_rotc%2F] Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1xU2taVThDZ0lFM3NVRllwUTFMaFBESnRVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0lxQnFJdFZ3YXU1VERBOWNidWR6R3B0TnFWbDJIU3YxSDBCRzl3d3JYX1B4dVRXejNOeVk0blRUQ0pkd0NWa0FsamdCY3Y2YkxmLWZRVDZsME81U1FTbW9FTm1mSnVlTC1pSzBwUFZNODNURDlDNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fc%2FUNMArmyROTC] All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

EP. 31 -- CIA Senior Intelligence Service Officer -- Dr. Nakhleh

Discover the journey of Dr. Emile Nakhleh, a seasoned former senior intelligence officer, as he shares his insights on Islam, the importance of institutions, and the evolving landscape of global security. This episode explores how personal experiences, academic pursuits, and professional service intersect to shape a nuanced understanding of international affairs and national security. Key Topics: * Dr. Nakhleh’s background growing up in Nazareth and his path to studying political science in the United States * The influence of Greek philosophy, Roman law, and the concept of institutions on democracy and governance * The significance of rule of law and institutional independence in Muslim and non-Muslim countries * The journey into understanding Islam: religious teachings, fundamentalism, and radicalization * The impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on Islamic radicalism and global jihad * The role of language and cultural knowledge in intelligence analysis * Building national security programs at universities and fostering interest in young students * The importance of interdisciplinary approaches to global security and the future of the field * (00:00) - Introduction and gratitude to listeners * (00:26) - Guest introduction: Dr. Emile Nakhleh’s background and expertise * (02:14) - Globally shaped by conflict, ideology, and change * (05:05) - Growing up in Nazareth and studying in the U. * (07:55) - How early experiences influenced interest in governance * (12:12) - The role of institutions in democracy * (17:03) - Religious upbringing and fascination with Islam * (20:15) - The U. * (25:28) - Comparing fundamentalism across religions * (27:42) - Schools of Islamic jurisprudence and radicalism * (35:44) - Building democracy and political institutions in autocratic states * (39:02) - American public opinion in Muslim countries * (41:36) - Emigration, opportunity, and the immigrant experience * (43:58) - Middle Eastern economies and youth unemployment * (47:56) - Radicalization through social media * (49:31) - Transition from academia to intelligence service * (55:23) - Establishing national security programs at universities * (66:36) - Attracting students and fostering a culture of security awareness * (70:11) - Advice for students interested in a career in intelligence * (72:30) - The critical importance of language skills * (74:29) - Conclusion and future engagement Notes:This episode emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary education, language proficiency, and institutional development in addressing complex global security challenges. Dr. Nakhleh’s career arc demonstrates the profound impact of academic knowledge and practical intelligence work in shaping U.S. policy and understanding the Muslim world. Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at⁠⁠⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] ⁠Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] YouTube: ⁠UNM Army ROTC- YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UNMROTC/featured] Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU43bFlzdGE2TDF5TjRDUkg1WXpOQ0RRV01yZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttc0RhcFhEaDd2TW1ZRW1sM0d6OF9ZbmpjMVJqZGtRMDJZOHNCMW1FdTNPOWVZbjJTMlc3QVBZQ3REYmo4UDE0VGxJbHhXYURTTTZZLUg0Vjd4YkZmc0JPRkxGZ1ZKdWY5a3M1M2pUSVlzQkhGbGl4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUofNMArmyROTC] Insta: ⁠⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazdYMEtkZkZmQkNheUE0QnNDZlJ3T0VVQnh1d3xBQ3Jtc0tuWmNrT2ZSazV4bXdodG5YdHNwMy1zWG1uM1poTnVIZ1F4T1RuUHdKcDJxNFlXUWhDRWN0emhUdFVDXzA5SXluU2pGa0c0Ung3SG1sc1l0NlVJSXF0M0xMWExEOWtzVlF6aWVpS0U1Z3ZaZUdibnVhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Funm_army_rotc%2F] Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1xU2taVThDZ0lFM3NVRllwUTFMaFBESnRVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0lxQnFJdFZ3YXU1VERBOWNidWR6R3B0TnFWbDJIU3YxSDBCRzl3d3JYX1B4dVRXejNOeVk0blRUQ0pkd0NWa0FsamdCY3Y2YkxmLWZRVDZsME81U1FTbW9FTm1mSnVlTC1pSzBwUFZNODNURDlDNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fc%2FUNMArmyROTC] All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Government. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

EP. 30 -- Director of Global and National Security Policy Institute at UNM

Discover how the University of New Mexico is shaping the future of national security education through its Global National Security Policy Institute. Dr. Philip Hultquist shares insights into interdisciplinary programs, strategic research, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in securing our future. Main Topics: * The genesis and evolution of UNM’s Global National Security Policy Institute (GNSPI) * How interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration enhance national security training * Key graduate and undergraduate certificates in intelligence analysis and strategy * The significance of experiential learning, international research, and networks in policy development * Future program plans, symposiums, and building a vibrant security community Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at ⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] YouTube: UNM Army ROTC - YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UNMROTC/featured] Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU43bFlzdGE2TDF5TjRDUkg1WXpOQ0RRV01yZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttc0RhcFhEaDd2TW1ZRW1sM0d6OF9ZbmpjMVJqZGtRMDJZOHNCMW1FdTNPOWVZbjJTMlc3QVBZQ3REYmo4UDE0VGxJbHhXYURTTTZZLUg0Vjd4YkZmc0JPRkxGZ1ZKdWY5a3M1M2pUSVlzQkhGbGl4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUofNMArmyROTC] Insta: ⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazdYMEtkZkZmQkNheUE0QnNDZlJ3T0VVQnh1d3xBQ3Jtc0tuWmNrT2ZSazV4bXdodG5YdHNwMy1zWG1uM1poTnVIZ1F4T1RuUHdKcDJxNFlXUWhDRWN0emhUdFVDXzA5SXluU2pGa0c0Ung3SG1sc1l0NlVJSXF0M0xMWExEOWtzVlF6aWVpS0U1Z3ZaZUdibnVhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Funm_army_rotc%2F]Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1xU2taVThDZ0lFM3NVRllwUTFMaFBESnRVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0lxQnFJdFZ3YXU1VERBOWNidWR6R3B0TnFWbDJIU3YxSDBCRzl3d3JYX1B4dVRXejNOeVk0blRUQ0pkd0NWa0FsamdCY3Y2YkxmLWZRVDZsME81U1FTbW9FTm1mSnVlTC1pSzBwUFZNODNURDlDNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fc%2FUNMArmyROTC] All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.

EP.29 2LT Moreno [Field Artillery Officer]

Lieutenant Moreno shares her journey through ROTC, military training, and her experiences with advanced camps, NTC, and European rotations. Discover insights into military operations, leadership development, and career progression in the Army. Interested in Army ROTC? Check out our website at ⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] Army ROTC |The University of New Mexico⁠ [https://armyrotc.unm.edu/] YouTube: UNM Army ROTC - YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UNMROTC/featured] Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/UofNMArmyROTC⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU43bFlzdGE2TDF5TjRDUkg1WXpOQ0RRV01yZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttc0RhcFhEaDd2TW1ZRW1sM0d6OF9ZbmpjMVJqZGtRMDJZOHNCMW1FdTNPOWVZbjJTMlc3QVBZQ3REYmo4UDE0VGxJbHhXYURTTTZZLUg0Vjd4YkZmc0JPRkxGZ1ZKdWY5a3M1M2pUSVlzQkhGbGl4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUofNMArmyROTC] Insta:⁠instagram.com/unm_army_rotc⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazdYMEtkZkZmQkNheUE0QnNDZlJ3T0VVQnh1d3xBQ3Jtc0tuWmNrT2ZSazV4bXdodG5YdHNwMy1zWG1uM1poTnVIZ1F4T1RuUHdKcDJxNFlXUWhDRWN0emhUdFVDXzA5SXluU2pGa0c0Ung3SG1sc1l0NlVJSXF0M0xMWExEOWtzVlF6aWVpS0U1Z3ZaZUdibnVhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Funm_army_rotc%2F]Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/c/UNMArmyROTC⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1xU2taVThDZ0lFM3NVRllwUTFMaFBESnRVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0lxQnFJdFZ3YXU1VERBOWNidWR6R3B0TnFWbDJIU3YxSDBCRzl3d3JYX1B4dVRXejNOeVk0blRUQ0pkd0NWa0FsamdCY3Y2YkxmLWZRVDZsME81U1FTbW9FTm1mSnVlTC1pSzBwUFZNODNURDlDNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fc%2FUNMArmyROTC] All views shared by the guests are their own and do not reflect on the U.S. Army. This podcast is not associated with the Department of War.