Who is the COMMANDER OF AREA 51? | USAF Colonel Michael Rider | Nellis Air Force Base

In this episode Alex reviews the book Platoon Leader by James McDonough and provides commentary on lessons learned, leadership development, and the importance of reading.  Platoon Leader is the first-hand account of then 2LT James McDonough's experiences as a PL in the Vietnam War while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Taking command of a platoon immediately upon landing, young McDonough sets to lead his men, set expectations, and engage and destroy the enemy while defending a key Vietnamese village.  Themes throughout the novel include leadership, the burden of command, decision making, defensive tactics, offensive tactics, Vietnam, and the mental fortitude required to lead in combat. I personally recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their small unit leadership abilities and tactics from 2LTs to NCOs.  DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this episode Alex discusses many of the big headlines in the press relating to the U.S Army. From the revival of the 'Be all that you can be" slogan and the new Army recruiting commercial, to the newly released U.S Army Cadet Command (USACC) enlisted referral program, and the much-anticipated ACFT height and weight guideline changes.  I provide my opinions, thoughts, and insight on all of these areas and offer commentary that you won't find anywhere else.  LINKS:  Army Recruiting Commerical: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES | BE ALL YOU CAN BE | GOARMY - YouTube USACC ERP: U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) | Fort Knox KY | Facebook SMA ACFT Announcement: Army won’t change weight tables after body composition study (armytimes.com) DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this episode Alex discusses five key things that Army ROTC MSIII cadets need to know to be successful not only Advanced Camp (CST) but as Army officers and leaders.  DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this episode I detail my experiences with rifle marksmanship and the range at Advanced Camp and provides tips for how you can succeed while qualifying, grouping and zeroing, and stress shooting. A must pass event cadets often worry tremendously about this event, including myself but I am here to tell you not to worry about the event.  More Advanced Camp episodes will follow, so stay tuned! Support the Show: Military Leaders of Today • A podcast on Anchor DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.   

In this episode Alex provides a detailed account of what you can expect in garrison as a cadet at U.S Army ROTC Advanced Camp in order to help you prepare, plan, and ultimately succeed. With the bulk of your time spent in garrison, this episode will detail what you can expect while living and sleeping the barracks.  More Advanced Camp episodes will follow, so stay tuned!  Support the Show: Military Leaders of Today • A podcast on Anchor DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this episode Alex provides the listener with a high-level overview of the U.S Army ROTC's Advanced Camp (CST) to help prepare them to succeed at Advanced Camp this next summer.  This is episode one in Advanced Camp series so be sure to stay tuned for the next episode. Alex will provide further episodes that will go in depth on each aspect of Camp.  Support the Show: Military Leaders of Today • A podcast on Anchor DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this episode I discuss land navigation at CST, to include the written and practical test, and what you can expect when you attend CST.  POST EDITING NOTE, I miss spoke when I stated the land nav standards for CST. Actual standards from the CST 22 Welcome Packet can be found here: AC-CST 22 --Cadet Welcome Packet.pdf - Google Drive DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own. 

In this episode Alex outlines the career of the commander of Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) which includes Area 51. So, if you want to see what it takes to command of one of the U.S's most secretive military facility then give this episode a listen.  USAF Official Bio: MICHAEL G. RIDER > Nellis Air Force Base > Display (af.mil) USAF Fact Sheets: Fact Sheets (af.mil) DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that I will be taking an extended vacation to start the new year. There will be no new episodes until February 2023. Please take the time to enjoy the holidays and listen to my older episodes that you may have missed. Thank you for your continued support, have a safe and happy holiday as well as a happy New Year. See you in 2023! DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.

In this unscripted episode, Alex discusses the recent announcement of SMA Grinston's replacement and retirement. We will outline the career of the current command sergeant major replacing him in August 2023 and what we can (likely) expect him to do.  Army Times Article: Meet the next Sergeant Major of the Army (armytimes.com) DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.