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Squaring the Circle

by Matthew Bigelow

NewBend But Do Not Break: Rethinking the Future of the All-Volunteer Force with COL Jaron Wharton, Ph.D.November 11, 2026 · 43 min

Episodes: 114
Released: every two weeks
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026

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About the podcast

Squaring the Circle digs into the fascinating cerebral world of force management and other areas of interest. This podcast explores the processes and systems in force management. It also dives into strategy, warfighting, and changes to the character of war – all things that a force manager needs familiarity with. So, join me with experts and leaders wherever you are in time and space while we look at the challenges and opportunities in today's environment

Views are solely my own and do not reflect those of other individuals or organizations

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes 114

Bend But Do Not Break: Rethinking the Future of the All-Volunteer Force with COL Jaron Wharton, Ph.D.
November 11, 202643 minSeason 1 · Episode 113
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transforming the Army for the Future Battlefield with General (R) Gary Brito
October 28, 202644 minSeason 1 · Episode 112
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Building Tomorrow’s Army Today: Defense Spending, Modernization, and the Future of Warfare with MG (R) John Ferrari, AEI
October 12, 202650 minSeason 1 · Episode 111
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Future of Cannon Artillery with COL Gregory M. Tomlin, PhD
October 8, 202650 minSeason 1 · Episode 110
Link to the article: + https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Field-Artillery/Field-Artillery-Archive/Field-Artillery-2026-E-Edition/The-Future-of-Cannon-Artillery/Link to other podcast episodes …
Show notes
Link to the article:

+ https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Field-Artillery/Field-Artillery-Archive/Field-Artillery-2026-E-Edition/The-Future-of-Cannon-Artillery/

Link to other podcast episodes featuring COL Tomlin:

+ https://shows.acast.com/squaring-the-circle/episodes/a-discussion-on-information-operations-and-targeting-with-co

+ https://shows.acast.com/squaring-the-circle/episodes/strategic-readiness-with-col-gregory-tomlin
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Building Middle East Partner Capacity with Daniel Mouton, Vice President and Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin Middle East
September 18, 202654 minSeason 1 · Episode 109
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mass, Machines, and Munitions with Dr. Michael Horowitz
September 12, 202635 minSeason 1 · Episode 108
For more information: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/authors/michael-c-horowitz# Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Surviving the Internet of Battle Things with Dr. Alexander Kott
September 3, 202646 minSeason 1 · Episode 107
For more information: + https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1005470/army-mad-scientist-speaker-series-next-gen-technology-and-armys-transformation-with-dr-alexander-kott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …
Show notes
For more information:

+ https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1005470/army-mad-scientist-speaker-series-next-gen-technology-and-armys-transformation-with-dr-alexander-kott
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Strategic Importance of Greenland, Arctic Security and Great Power Competition with Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan
August 13, 202657 minSeason 1 · Episode 106
For more information: https://cdrsalamander.substack.com/p/greenland-belle-of-the-ball-with Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How the Army Prepares for Tomorrow's Wars with the Hon. Christine E. Wormuth, President and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative
July 29, 202645 minSeason 1 · Episode 105
For more information on the Nuclear Threat Initiative - please visit their website:https://www.nti.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Future of American Airpower with Dan Grazier, Stimson Center
July 5, 202651 minSeason 1 · Episode 104
The link to Dan's latest report: https://www.stimson.org/2026/the-future-of-american-airpower/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Affordable Mass with Mike Benitez, CEO of Purple Rhombus
June 27, 202648 minSeason 1 · Episode 103
Link to the article:https://warontherocks.com/cogs-of-war/from-slogan-to-standard-how-the-pentagon-should-define-affordable-mass/Link to Mike's newsletter and podcast:https://themerge.co/ Hosted on Acast. See …
Show notes
Link to the article:

https://warontherocks.com/cogs-of-war/from-slogan-to-standard-how-the-pentagon-should-define-affordable-mass/

Link to Mike's newsletter and podcast:

https://themerge.co/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Acquisition Reform - PAE and the Army's New Acquisition Executive Structure with COL Amanda Love
June 16, 202630 minSeason 1 · Episode 102
For more information:https://www.army.mil/article/290080/the_armys_2025_acquisition_reforms_revolutionize_processes_to_expedite_cutting_edge_capabilities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Defense Industry and Mettle Ops with Katie Bigelow, CEO
June 16, 202636 minSeason 1 · Episode 101
For more information on Mettle Ops:https://www.linkedin.com/company/mettle-ops/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Last Supper with Margaret Mullins
May 16, 202643 minSeason 1 · Episode 100
For additional reading, please see these links:https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/what-silicon-valley-gets-wrong-about-national-securityhttps://vanderbiltpolicyaccelerator.substack.com/p/the-myths-of-t …
Show notes
For additional reading, please see these links:

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/what-silicon-valley-gets-wrong-about-national-security

https://vanderbiltpolicyaccelerator.substack.com/p/the-myths-of-the-last-supper

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Discussion on the Decision Support Systems (JCIDS, DAS, PPBE) with Todd Napier
May 2, 202656 minSeason 1 · Episode 99
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theater Logistics and Sustaining the Force with BG (R) Mike Siegl
April 28, 202649 minSeason 1 · Episode 98
As discussed on the podcast episode -Seven Imperatives for DoD Contested Logistics:Readiness is defined not by the force we have, but by the force we can sustain. Winning in contested environments requires a …
Show notes
As discussed on the podcast episode -

Seven Imperatives for DoD Contested Logistics:

Readiness is defined not by the force we have, but by the force we can sustain. Winning in contested environments requires a new strategic paradigm by integrating the DoD, the private sector, and our allies more closely. Here are seven interconnected imperatives to action:

1. Engineer a Dynamic & Deceptive Network. Move beyond predictable, linear supply chains to a multi-modal, nonlinear mesh of distribution options. This creates ambiguity, complicates adversary targeting, and ensures multiple pathways to the point of need.

2. Redefine the Strategic Reserve through Forward Posture. The "just-in-time" model is broken. We must adopt a "just-in-case" posture by intelligently distributing critical stocks forward, ashore, and afloat. This reduces reliance on vulnerable trans-oceanic lift and accelerates response time from weeks and days to hours and minutes.

3. Operationalize Alliances as a Logistics Force Multiplier. Our allies are a strategic advantage and must be a cornerstone of our sustainment architecture. This means moving beyond transactional agreements to true integrated coalition sustainment. We must lock in access, harmonize standards, and develop shared regional depots, making federated logistics a tangible reality before a crisis begins. The Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) works to create that ecosystem.

4. Master Survivability. Our logistics footprint is vulnerable to ubiquitous surveillance and long-range precision fires. We must prioritize survival through hardening, dispersal, concealment, and deception to protect our sustainment assets.

5. Design for Rapid Recovery and Continuity. Assume disruption will occur. Plan for rapid regeneration of combat power by pre-staging repair kits, identifying alternate supply and distribution nodes, and ensuring redundant command and control. Our ability to recover from an attack faster than the adversary can execute their next move is critical to deterrence.

6. Unleash Technology as an Offset. Innovation is key to compressing the supply chain. To create a decisive advantage, we must aggressively field technologies like autonomous resupply capabilities, predictive analytics to anticipate demand and optimize distribution, and advanced manufacturing to develop critical parts at the tactical edge, transforming our physical supply chain into a secure digital thread.

7. Drive Policy & Organizational Reform. Our greatest adversary is often our own bureaucracy. We cannot win a 21st-century logistics fight with 20th-century policies. We must align authorities, funding, and contracting with wartime realities, empowering cross-service support and building a culture that rewards agility and calculated risk-taking.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Discussion on the Business of Defense with Wesley Sparks, Ajax Defense
March 8, 202644 minSeason 1 · Episode 97
Get a copy of his book here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963701771?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRWE47V31D&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRWE47V31D&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRW …
Show notes
Get a copy of his book here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963701771?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRWE47V31D&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRWE47V31D&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_F4TK9V852NSRWE47V31D&bestFormat=true
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Adaptation and Rapid Technological Change with COL Neil Hollenbeck
March 2, 202644 minSeason 1 · Episode 96
For access to the discussed articles, please check it out here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/online-exclusive/2025-ole/drone-development/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …
Show notes
For access to the discussed articles, please check it out here:
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/online-exclusive/2025-ole/drone-development/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Theater Army and Campaigning with COL Chad Pillai
February 16, 202657 minSeason 1 · Episode 95
For additional information - I recommend reading this article:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/return-theater-army-guide-new-planners-chad-pillai-a1zae/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program with Amanda Bresler
February 16, 202641 minSeason 1 · Episode 94
For access to the article discussed in this podcast episode, please see below:https://warontherocks.com/2025/12/decades-of-lost-potential-in-defense-research-and-development/For additional information involving …
Show notes
For access to the article discussed in this podcast episode, please see below:

https://warontherocks.com/2025/12/decades-of-lost-potential-in-defense-research-and-development/

For additional information involving the SBIR program, please see below:

2018 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Bridging the Gap: Improving DoD-Backed Innovation Programs to Enhance the Adoption of Innovative Technology Throughout the Armed Services

2020 Naval Postgraduate Paper- The Effect of Defense-Sponsored Innovation Programs on the Military's Industrial Base

2021 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Why Marketing Matters: Strengthening the Defense Supplier Base Through Better Communication with Industry

2022 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Analyzing the Composition of the Department of Defense Small Business Industrial Base

2023 Paper: Assessing the Effectiveness of Defense-Sponsored Innovation Programs as a Means of Accelerating the Adoption of Innovation Force Wide

2024 Paper: Assessing the Impact of DoD-Funded Assistance Projects on the Availability of New Warfighting Capabilities

2025 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Assessing the Impact of Department of Defense Weapons Systems on the Defense Industrial Base
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Forging America's 21st Century Defense Industrial Base with COL Eric McCoy, AMC
February 12, 202643 minSeason 1 · Episode 93
For access to the article: https://www.army.mil/article/288967/forging_americas_21st_century_defense_industrial_base_applying_lessons_from_the_arsenal_of_democracy_to_modern_great_power_competition Hosted on …
Show notes
For access to the article: https://www.army.mil/article/288967/forging_americas_21st_century_defense_industrial_base_applying_lessons_from_the_arsenal_of_democracy_to_modern_great_power_competition

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Space and Missile Defense with LTG (R) Dan Karbler
January 24, 202651 minSeason 1 · Episode 92
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
International Affairs with Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for the City of LA
January 23, 202655 minSeason 1 · Episode 91
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ready For War - The DIB and Mobilization with Professor Doug Orsi, Army War College
January 14, 202637 minSeason 1 · Episode 90
Link to the article by Professor Orsi -https://cimsec.org/ready-for-war-a-way-forward-for-industrial-preparedness/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How the Army Runs with Professor Louis Yuengert and Professor Bob Bradford, Army War College
November 21, 20251 h 2 minSeason 1 · Episode 89
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Accelerating Battlefield Technology with Peter Newell, BMNT
November 20, 202555 minSeason 1 · Episode 88
For access to Peter's publication:+ https://uncommonleadership.substack.com/p/the-pentagon-finally-killed-its-bureaucratic+ https://uncommonleadership.substack.com/p/why-the-speed-and-forged-acts-alone Hosted …
Show notes
For access to Peter's publication:

+ https://uncommonleadership.substack.com/p/the-pentagon-finally-killed-its-bureaucratic

+ https://uncommonleadership.substack.com/p/why-the-speed-and-forged-acts-alone
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Changing Character of War, Leadership, and Doctrine with LTG (R) Beagle
November 19, 202535 minSeason 1 · Episode 87
LTG (R) Beagle is the author of the recent publication - When the Map Runs Out: Values, Judgement, and Clarity in Uncertain TimesOrder a copy today:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1ZGH76J?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_ …
Show notes
LTG (R) Beagle is the author of the recent publication - When the Map Runs Out: Values, Judgement, and Clarity in Uncertain Times

Order a copy today:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1ZGH76J?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_QBGC4QJWB7QA2R64SERB&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_QBGC4QJWB7QA2R64SERB&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_QBGC4QJWB7QA2R64SERB&bestFormat=true
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ghost in the Machine with Michael Ferguson
October 22, 202539 minSeason 1 · Episode 86
For access to the article: https://tnsr.org/2025/03/ghost-in-the-machine-coming-to-terms-with-the-human-core-of-unmanned-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Global Force Management and EXORDs with Krista Auchenbach
October 19, 202548 minSeason 1 · Episode 85
For access to the report: https://www.csis.org/analysis/ode-exord-why-execute-orders-should-matter-more-they-do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rethinking the Threat with Dan Grazier, The Stimson Center
October 18, 202549 minSeason 1 · Episode 84
For access to the report: https://www.stimson.org/2025/rethinking-the-threat-why-china-is-unlikely-to-invade-taiwan/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These are the latest 40 of 114 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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