Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

Brigadier General Adam Ake graduated first in his class at West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar before embarking on an Army career that led to his current position as the deputy director for operations, OT-4, on the joint staff. In this episode, he joins Cadet Zach Olson for an in-depth discussion about professional military education, critical thinking, life priorities, and the challenges (and opportunities) inherent in learning and leading in a complex and uncertain environment.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson interviews retired General Paul LaCamera. General LaCamera commanded the 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Pacific, and United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command. He also has extensive experience in the special operations community, with service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operations Command. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, which he earned for his actions during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. This wide-ranging and highly informative discussion focuses on readiness, combat leadership, and the value of simplicity.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Orion van Buskirk interviews retired Major General Malcolm Frost, a career infantryman whose assignments as a general officer include serving as the deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, the chief of public affairs for the Army, and the commanding general of the Army Center for Initial Military Training. In their discussion, the two cover General Frost's decision to join the Army, his experiences leading troops in combat, and the highlights of General Frost's time heading the Army's public affairs effort and commanding the Army's initial military training program.

Major General Frost's thoughts on relationship building, the value of leader's intent, and the necessity of leaders being at the decisive point are highly useful insights for anyone interested in honing their own leadership ability or improving the organizations they lead.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode of Five Questions for a General, Cadet Donovan Scott sits down with retired Major General Bill Rapp for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, decision-making, and the challenges of driving change in large organizations. Drawing on more than 30 years of Army service, including combat deployments, his tenure as commandant of West Point, and command of the US Army War College, General Rapp offers candid reflections on the lessons that shaped him as both a soldier and a leader.

From steering cultural change in academic and operational settings, to managing seemingly impossible logistical challenges in Afghanistan, to championing humility and courage as the bedrock of leadership, General Rapp provides wisdom that resonates far beyond the military. Whether discussing cadet snowball fights at West Point or the moral courage required to change course when plans fail in combat, his insights blend humility, humor, and hard-earned perspective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical lessons in leadership, resilience, and collaboration.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Keilani Stewart sits down with retired Brigadier General Rich Gross for an in-depth discussion about communication, law, and decision-making in high-risk environments.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson sits down with Major General Pat Work, the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, for a detailed discussion about leader development, partner force operations, and preparing for war.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Brigadier General Mark Miles, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence, about leadership, decision dominance, and cyber operations.

Welcome back to Five Questions for a General, a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. This series features specially selected cadet hosts who are given an incredible professional development opportunity—to sit down with senior military officers and ask carefully crafted questions about everything from leadership to their unique experiences while serving, to their expectations about the future of war.

In this episode, Cadet Zach Olson speaks with Major General Joseph Hilbert, the commander of the 11th Airborne Division, about ethics, problem solving, and leader development.