Libsyn Directory

Could the US military function without internet access?

Threat Status

Ben and Guy break down China's stance on President Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile shield and the potential fallout from any peace deal that gives Russia a chunk of Ukrainian territory. Then, Tyler Saltsman, the founder and CEO of EdgeRunner AI, joints the show to talk about his company's AI assistant for U.S. troops that can function without the internet and whether the Pentagon has become too reliant on networks, satellites and other capabilities that could be targets in a conflict. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

How closely is the U.S. monitoring China's expanding activity in the Arctic?

Threat Status

National security reporter Vaughn Cockayne joins Guy while Ben is on leave to discuss the U.S. Coast Guard's tracking of Chinese vessels in the Arctic, new details on President Trump's Golden Dome missile shield, and the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Then retired U.S. Army Special Forces Col. Stu Bradin, the President and CEO of the Global SOF Foundation, joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion on Special Operations Forces.

Why the Pentagon instituted a Golden Dome gag order

Threat Status

Ben and Guy discuss President Trump's upcoming meeting with Russian President Putin, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics around U.S.-India relations and potential secondary tariffs on India's purchases of Russian oil. Then, Guy talks to retired Army Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler at the Space & Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Is the Pentagon too focused on drones?

Threat Status

Ben and Guy discuss the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the shifting attitudes of the Trump administration toward it, and they break down the Defense Department's new policy on working with top Washington think tanks. Then, retired Air Force Gen. David Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, joins the show to talk about the future of American air power, whether the Pentagon is focused too heavily on drones, and why the Space Force needs a bigger budget. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

How drones could threaten World Cup, Olympics

Threat Status

Ben and Guy discuss the latest on Iran nuclear negotiations, the stalled Russia-Ukraine peace push, President Trump's major moves on artificial intelligence, and whether Russia deserves credit for the outcomes of the American Revolution and Civil War. Then, Rep. Michael McCaul, chair of the House Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, joins the show to talk about potential terrorist threats to the World Cup, Olympics and other major events. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

How will the US manage space traffic?

Threat Status

Ben breaks down President Trump's shifting tone on Ukraine and NATO, and examines whether the president has reached the limits of his diplomatic power in negotiations with adversaries like Iran and Russia. And then Audrey Schaffer, a space policy expert and the vice president of strategy and policy at Slingshot Aerospace, joins the show to talk about the growing amount of space traffic and whether the federal government should establish a department of space. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Inside the Trump administration divide on Ukraine aid

Threat Status

Ben and Guy discuss the apparent tension inside the Trump administration over aid to Ukraine, the likelihood that the U.S. could resume its bombing campaign against the Houthis, and growing cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries. Then, retired British Army Col. Richard Kemp joins the show to talk about his visit to the Gaza Strip and the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Here's how China pulled ahead in the hypersonics race

Threat Status

Ben and Guy break down the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and their true impact, and the risk of nuclear fallout from those attacks. And they discuss President Trump's consequential trip to a NATO leaders meeting and major strides by China in quantum computing. Then, Dr. Mark Lewis, of the Purdue Applied Research Institute, joins the show to talk about hypersonic weapons research, the U.S.-China hypersonics race, and the challenges ahead for the Golden Dome missile shield. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Why the U.S. should bomb Iran (and why it shouldn't)

Threat Status

Ben and Guy break down President Trump's looming decision whether to order U.S. military strikes on Iran, Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine, and the dangers to American national security posed by underground tunnels. Then, Ed Wong of the New York Times joins the show to talk about his latest book, “At the Edge of Empire - a family’s reckoning with China." Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Here's why the Army wants to 3D print drones

Threat Status

Ben and Guy discuss the potential for an Israeli military strike on Iran, the U.S. shortfall in shipbuilding, and the long-term ramifications of deploying active-duty Marines on American soil. Then, Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, deputy commanding general and acting commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, joins the show to talk about the 3D printing of drones and how the Pentagon is rethinking the way it moves materiel and personnel around the world. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

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