In this episode, the team talks with Lt Col JoLynn Tatum, a clinical psychologist and Air War College faculty member, about the state of mental health in the military. She explains common challenges service members face—often less PTSD than everyday stressors like relationships, sleep, depression, and anxiety—and why stigma and career fears still keep many from seeking help. Tatum discusses rising suicide rates, the limits of current resources, and the importance of early intervention, coping skills, and community support. She also outlines what signs should prompt someone to seek care and highlights the range of military and civilian resources available. The conversation offers a candid, practical guide to recognizing stress, reducing stigma, and encouraging healthier help-seeking behavior across the force.

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Col. Cory Hollon are joined by Lt. Col. Joshua Cobb, U.S. Army, for a candid deep dive into the complexities of military acquisitions reform. Drawing on his broad experience across infantry, missile defense, special operations, and requirements writing, Josh explains why the U.S. system struggles with speed, agility, and risk acceptance. The conversation breaks down historical shifts—from post–Cold War consolidation to post-9/11 urgency—and how today’s focus on attritable systems and rapid iteration challenges long-standing processes. They also explore the tension between accountability, statutory limits, and the need to field capabilities faster in a world shaped by Ukraine, drone warfare, and great-power competition. The result is a grounded, insightful look at what real reform requires—and why it’s so hard.

In this episode, Wendy and Cory sit down with Dr. Tom Hughes, Col. Neil “Gump” Dimmitt, and Lt. Col. Ben “Hojo” Heidenreich to unpack the SAASS course Airpower in Limited War. They explore how the course traces airpower’s evolution from World War II into the era of politically constrained, technologically advanced limited conflicts, and how instructors choose which 80 years of history to cover in just 15 days. The group discusses major themes—nuclear strategy, Vietnam, the space race, drones, and civil–military decision-making—as well as the challenges of teaching during the recent government shutdown. They also highlight key readings that help students understand how organizations learn, adapt, and prepare for future wars.