Military Matters

It's the first Fast Take of the new season! Jack and I talk about my discussion with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, his pespective on tech and defense, and next week's episode!

This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9-11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information.

We're kicking off this new season of Military Matters with a conversation with the co-author of "Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military," Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. We discuss the intersection between science and war, why we're racing to the moon once again except this time against China, and whether humanity has learned anything about exploring and colonizing as we venture past our own solar system.

This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9-11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information.

While we're in pre-prodction for next season we're re-releasing episode from our archive, in case you missed its (ICYMI).  This week we're revisiting the Bowe Bergdahl story.

Thirteen years ago Army infantryman Bowe Berghdal walked off of Observation Post Mest near the town of Yahya Kheyl in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan. He was held captive for almost five years.

Jack Murphy talks with Michael Ames, co-author of "American Cipher: Bowe Bergdahl and the U.S. Tragedy in Afghanistan." Is there more to the story of Bowe Bergdahl's capture and detention? Over a decade later, new questions are being raised and the answers aren’t what you think.

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the two part interview with investigative journalist Seth Harp, new names for old forts, Chinese influence, and we recap this season, which comes to an end. 

We'll be back in May with a brand new season!  Send us your comments, tips, and story ideas to http://linktr.ee/militarymatters or email us directly at [email protected]

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Jack Murphy continues his conversation with investigative journalist Seth Harp about their shared coverage of the stories that have recently come out of Fort Bragg. In part two, Seth and Jack talk about the fentanyl crises affecting Ft. Bragg soldiers, drug smuggling, and other issues that need to be addressed.

This is part 2 of 2.

You can follow Seth Harp on Twitter @sethharpesq

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Jack Murphy talks with investigative journalist Seth Harp about their shared coverage of the stories that have recently come out of Fort Bragg. From human trafficking and drugs to mysterious deaths, these stories reveal a darker side of a fort rich in military legacy and prestige.

This is part 1 of 2.

You can follow Seth Harp on Twitter @sethharpesq

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's interview with Dr. Richard Meehan, the military's "No Data, No Problem" issue, and Jack shares his thoughts on the the Chinese balloon crises!

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

If you think because you don't smoke and you weren't near a burn pit during your deployment that you're safe from dangerous lung diseases, think again. Dr. Richard Meehan is a rheumatologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colo., co-director of the Post Deployment Lung Health Center, and a U.S. Navy veteran. Meehan talks with us about hidden dangers in the air you were breathing while deployed and what you need to know about your future health. This a MUST listen for anyone at all concerned that their next breath could be their last.

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss the two-part story about domestic abuse in the military. They also discuss why sociopaths don't make for good soldiers and how this story isn't about Special Forces but about a military problem as a whole.

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

This is Part 2 of the story of Celina, who escaped an abusive marriage to a Special Forces service member. From victims advocates to her ex-husband's chain of command, we listen to the firsthand account of the military's actions and inactions as she struggled to stay safe. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, cruelty towards children, and animal abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Jack Murphy takes us into the horrifying story of Celina, who escaped an abusive marriage and what the miltiary did and did not do to help her.  *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, cruelty towards children, and animal abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode, an interview with Navy SEAL and astronaut Chris Cassidy. We also talk about some new slang the kids are using on the streets nowadays, hate mail and Big Bird's close call with death. 

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

We had the privilige of sitting down with the amazing Chris Cassidy; Navy SEAL, astronaut and the feature in Disney+'s "Among the Stars." Chris shares his experience joining the Navy, going to BUD/S, getting jettisoned into space, and his recent work making the National Medal of Honor Museum become a reality! Is there a better person to learn stress management from? All that and more on this episode of Military Matters! To learn more about the Medal of Honor Museum and how you can help go to https://mohmuseum.org

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

It's Christmas time! Why are you listening to a podcast? Well, this is our holiday message but IF you need some much needed podcast time away from the festivities check our last episode on SFAS standards or any of our other episodes. We'll help you get through the holidays. We'll be back next week with a new full episode! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Be Safe!

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss last week's episode about whether or not Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) standards have changed for the worse, the research behind the conclusion, and Rod tells his own story of failing SFAS! All that and more on this Fast Take!

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Jack Murphy talks with Dr. David Walton, retired Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel and former director of Special Operations Education, about the rumors surrounding relaxed Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) standards. Has SFAS become easier? Does the inclusion of women candidates have an impact on standards?

Find out on this episode of Military Matters! https://linktr.ee/militarymatters

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss women's reproductive health, Japanese culture and the impact Roe v. Wade's repeal is having on the force. That and more on this Fast Take!

This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings! Remember folks, nothing says family dinner like discussing religion, politics, and podcasts at the dinner table!

Subscribe today!

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

This year the Supreme Court repealed Roe vs Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. This ruling made an already difficult issue for women service members even more challenging. Compounded by the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits miltiary hospitals and (and TRICARE coverage) from performing an abortion unless it's a case of incest, rape, or if the mother's life is in danger, women service members have found themselves in potentially dangerous situations. We talk with Stripes reporter Nancy Montgomery who covered this topic in a Stripes article, then Air Force reservist and military spouse Bari Wald shares her shocking story of a botched abortion in a Japanese clinic.

Subscribe today!

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the North Korea two-parter, how all roads lead to Ukraine, and how the U.S. is reintroducing itself to the world post-GWOT. Listen and subscribe today!

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

In our last episode we brought you part one of our Future War series on North Korea. So if you haven’t had a chance to listen to that episode first I’d highly encourage you to go back and listen to that one then return and start up this episode, part two. In this episode Jack Murphy and retired Special Forces Col. Dave Maxwell discuss the modern state of North Korea, the rocky relationship it’s had with the U.S., and how the South Koreans view the hostilities between the U.S. and North Korea.

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer community that’s trained veterans since 2013. Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

In this first of a two-part episode, Jack Murphy talks with senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, retired Special Forces Col. David Maxwell about North Korea. Dave takes us behind the DMZ into the history of this country, how it’s evolved militarily, and why he likens the Kim family to a mafia crime-family cult.

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a Coding Boot Camp and Developer Community that’s trained veterans since 2013 Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the Season 6 premiere, "Standing Up to Hurricane Ian", what's in store for you in the next episode, and the return of Autumn Man!

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a Coding Boot Camp and Developer Community that’s trained veterans since 2013 Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

When Hurricane Ian struck Florida, many stood by and sent "thoughts and prayers" over social media. Instead of typing out sentiments, two men decided to take action. Air Force veteran Ryan Hontz and his neighbor Matt Ryan took it upon themselves to deliver much needed aid to the smaller communities devestated by Hurricane Ian. I joined Ryan on a relief run to Englewood, Fla., a small town in Sarasota County that was almost leveled by this hurricane, to deliver much needed supplies to those in need. You'll hear from surivors on what they've lost, learned, and the painful process of moving forward. Please, donate to any hurricane relief organization you feel right with, just do it and make a difference today!

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This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a Coding Boot Camp and Developer Community that’s trained veterans since 2013 Visit https://sabio.la/MILITARY for more information!

In this episode, we're getting to the bottom of what exactly is "woke" and "critical race theory" and what any of it has to do with our military. Guests: Brian "BK" Kimber, former AF Pararescueman and host of World News with BK Dr. John Witte, professor emeritus from the University of Wisconsin Madison. And the departments of political science in the Robert Lafollette School of Public Affairs

While we're in pre-production on the next season of Military Matters, we're releasing some episodes from prior seasons we think you'll love and might have missed! With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share this episode from Season 4. In this episode Jack Murphy talks with Dr. Eric Kurlander, author of "Hitler's Monsters: A Supernatural History of the Third Reich" about the Nazi obsession with the occult and how Hitler convinced a country to abandon science for the allure of mysticism. It's a really interesting episode that brings together the discussion of nationalism along with vampires and werewolves. Leave a review for us at Apple Podcasts, and if you have an idea for an episode email us at [email protected].

Last year, the world watched as the US began withdrawing it's forces from Afghanistan. As the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban, thousands of American allies and partners desperately sought ways out of the country. This one of the three episodes we did covering the efforts to save Americans and Afghans during the weeks leading to the fall of Afghanistan. The story isn't over yet...

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With the Taliban now in control and U.S. forces withdrawing, Afghans desperate to find a way out turned to U.S. veterans they had served alongside for help. Some of those veterans heeded their call and went to their rescue.

Save Our Allies Coalition's Chad Robichaux, Nick Palmisciano, and The Diplomat's Catherine Putz take us into the story of a broken immigrant visa program, a high stakes rescue mission, and the tragic story of how busloads of orphans were left behind...

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy wrap up the season talking about last week's episode, covering a war story in real-time, and this season's stand-out episodes! Thank you all for an amazing Season 5! We'll see you all ... at Season 6!

It's our season finale and in this episode, we're talking about NATO and nukes! What exactly is NATO and why is it important to the US? What does NATO have to do with the war in Ukraine? Are we on the brink of nuclear disaster? All that and more on this episode of Military Matters! GUESTS Dr. Timothy Sayles - author of Enduring Alliance: A History of NATO and the Postwar Global Order Dr. Jeffrey Michaels - IEN senior fellow for American Foreign Policy and International Security, Barcelona Institute for International Studies Dr. Ulrich Kuhn - Head of the research area “Arms Control and Emerging Technologies” at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH)

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode, an interview with the co-author of "American Cipher: Bowe Bergdahl and the U.S. Tragedy in Afghanistan." Why was Bergdahl allowed to even join the military, were CONOPS fabricated, and did we all get the story wrong on Bergdahl?

Thirteen years ago Army infantryman Bowe Berghdal walked off of Observation Post Mest near the town of Yahya Kheyl in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan. He was held captive for almost five years.

Jack Murphy sat down with Michael Ames, co-author of "American Cipher: Bowe Bergdahl and the U.S. Tragedy in Afghanistan." Is there more to the story of Bowe Bergdahl's capture and detention? Over a decade later, new questions are being raised and the answers aren’t what you think.

Check out last week's episode on the death of intelligence professional Michael Froede. Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss the secret world of intel, secrets and suicide, and some of the strange issues surrounding Froede's death.

--- This Episode is brought to you by Tekto Gear. TEKTO Gear is giving 15% off the entire purchase. Go to Tektogear.com and use discount code, Stripes.

Michael Froede was a US Army Human Intelligence (HUMINT) collector working in clandestine special operations programs. After struggling with hallucinations and depression related to PTSD and TBIs, he jumped to his death from a parking garage. His death has left many unanswered questions for his mother, who remains skeptical about the circumstances of her son's death. Then, retired senior intelligence professional Erick Miyares takes us into the world of a clandestine intelligence operator, and the stress, fatigue and pressure that's leading more intelligence service members to suicide.

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the war in Ukraine, how a former SOF Commander is making a difference, and what the presence of contractors in a war against Russia could mean for us all.

Commanders are taking the side of Military housing companies against their own service members. Children are falling out of military housing windows at an alarming rate and the fix is not economical for housing companies. If you're in a wheelchair in government housing you're screwed, and much much more. This episode was written and reported by Stars and Stripes reporter Rose Thayer. ---This episode is brought to you by Tekto Gear. TEKTO Gear is giving 15% off the entire purchase. Go to Tektogear.com and use discount code, Stripes.

Next week, Stripes reporter Rose Thayer gives us an update on the tenant bill of rights and whether its working. Before then though, we suggest you listen to two other episodes to help prime you for that update. We suggest "Black mold and lead in military housing, and the law letting it happen" and this episode, which you're about to hear.

Is the military just bad at environmental testing, or is there more? Could the deaths of infants on Fort Bragg have been prevented? If you have a tip, lead, or story idea email us at [email protected].

Russian commodities analyst Nick Trickett talks with Jack Murphy about sanctions against Russia, the squeeze on European oil, and what role China plays in Russia's down-trending economy. Then cybersecurity and cryptocurrency expert Rick Jordan talks with us about the role cryptocurrency is playing in today's world economy and what any of that matters in war. Guest Links Nick Trickett - TW: @ntrickett16 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-trickett-54b41634/?originalSubdomain=uk - https://ridl.io/en/auth/nick-trickett/ Rick Jordan - https://www.rickjordan.tv/ - TW: @mrrickjordan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrickjordan/ --- This Episode is brought to you by Tekto Gear. TEKTO Gear is giving 15% off the entire purchase. Go to Tektogear.com and use discount code, Stripes.

Before you decide to volunteer for the Ukraine Foreign Legion, listen to our conversation with Marine veteran and experienced overseas contractor Tim Lynch about what you need to know before making that commitment. There's more at stake than you might realize... ---This Episode is brought to you by Tekto Gear. TEKTO Gear is giving 15% off the entire purchase. Go to Tektogear.com and use discount code, Stripes.

The Russian perspective on the war in Ukraine, the Russian army in urban warfare, and can Putin survive a failed invasion? GUESTS Dr. Rita Konaev is an Associate Director of analysis at the Center for Security and Emergent Technology. Twitter: @RitaKonaev

Dr. Golfo Alexopoulos, professor at the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies at USF and director of the USF Institute on Russia. Twitter: @GolfoAlexopoulo

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy talk about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to the U.S. Congress, war tourists, and do YOU think Zelenskyy should have worn a suit? Send your comments to [email protected] or find us on Twitter @stripesmmpod

Tanks, Spetsnaz, "Little Green Men" and information warfare. Jack Murphy takes us beyond the headlines and into Russia's military, strategy, and how they envision victory. This is part two of our Future War series on Russia. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

The recent deaths of Army Delta Force member William J. Lavigne and Army Veteran Timothy Dumas are being investigated as homicides. Their deaths have brought attention back to another fatal shooting Lavigne was involved in, the shooting of his best friend and Special Forces soldier Mark Leshikar. Jack Murphy takes us into the life and death of Mark Leshikar. We talk with his sister and widow, uncovering details never before revealed about this mysterious case. Missing evidence, redacted reports, and a witness who's only now able to speak out.

We are revisiting our Qanon episode, in which we explored the murky world of QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory that falsely claims President Donald Trump is fighting a shadowy cabal of Satanist pedophiles.

To find out how child pedophilia rings, Pizzagate, and the existence of a deep state made their way into the mainstream consciousness, and also to learn about the conspiracy theory’s links to the military and veteran community, we talk with QAnon Anonymous podcast co-host and Washington Post contributor Travis View, as well as with journalist and former Green Beret Jack Murphy.

Does QAnon have the potential for stoking extremist violence? Why do it and other extremist organizations work to recruit service members and veterans? 

The story of Vanessa Guillen rocked the military and lead to drastic changes not only at Fort Hood but throughout the DOD. The passing of the Vanessa Guillen bill was one of those major changes that came out of this tragedy. Stars and Stripes reporter Rose Thayer walks us through what the Vanessa Guillen bill is and an update to the Vanessa Guillen case. Then we're revisiting our Season 2 episode, "What Really Happened to Vanessa Guillen?" Email us at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

It's our season 4 wrap-up! Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the stories covered this season from the Afghan evacuation to our "woke" military story. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and send us your thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected]

Retired Special Forces officer Scott Mann shares the incredible story of veterans helping their Afghan partners find their way out of Afghanistan as the Taliban retake the country. These veterans accomplished this harrowing task from their kitchens, cars, and front rooms! Find out how in this episode of Military Matters! For more information on Task Force Pineapple go to www.taskforcepinapple.org Also, check out SOFcast's episode "Reflecting on 9/11 and Afghanistan", available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode about the broken State Department visa program that foreshadowed the debacle that was their NEO operation. Also, the Tim Kennedy situation and why did the military need civilians to do their job for them? Share your ideas or hit us up with a tip at [email protected].

With the Taliban now in control and U.S. forces withdrawing, Afghans desperate to find a way out turned to U.S. veterans they had served alongside for help. Some of those veterans heeded their call and went to their rescue. Save Our Allies Coalition's Chad Robichaux, Nick Palmisciano, and The Diplomat's Catherine Putz take us into the story of a broken immigrant visa program, a high stakes rescue mission, and the tragic story of how busloads of orphans were left behind...

In order to tell the next story about the recent Afghan evacuations, we need a little more production time, so we won't have a new episode for you this week. In the meantime, I highly recommend you check out our previous episodes The Battle for Kunduz and its accompanying Fast Take: Kabul Embassy, the Taliban, and the Fall of Afghanistan. Thank you for your patience!

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss what Great Power Competition or GPC means to the military outside of SOF and why this will matter to you! Follow us on Twitter @stripesmmpod or send us your feedback to [email protected]

The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan has signaled a new era in military operations and presence, but we aren't alone. "Great Power Competition" or GPC isn't just some new set of buzzwords, it's a shift in how the DOD will do business in a world of near-peer adversaries.

What does GPC mean for today's military? How will it affect SOF operations? What will tomorrow's war really look like?

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy talk about the listeners' ghost stories from last episode, talk about their own experiences with the supernatural, and we share three more stories from our listeners! From lights in the sky to deadly phantoms!  Subscribe today!

It's that time again for another Haunted Military Matters! In this episode, we bring you three real ghost stories from our listeners. From roaming spirits of Japan to a ghostly melody from beyond the veil, listen if you dare...

Follow Military Matters on Twitter @stripesmmpod and visit stripes.com for your daily dose of news!

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the previous episode, an interview with Dr. Eric Kurlander about the Nazi fascination with the occult. Could the desire to live in a fantasy world happen again?  Subscribe today and share this podcast!

What do vampires, werewolves and Nazis have in common? Jack Murphy talks with Dr. Eric Kurlander, author of "Hitler's Monsters: A Supernatural History of the Third Reich" about the Nazi obsession with the occult and how Hitler convinced a country to abandon science for the allure of mysticism.

Subscribe today and never miss an episode!

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the three-part Future War: China series and how the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan might have changed the game. Does this generation have what it takes to take on a near-peer adversary like China? How will cyberwarfare play into this? All that and more on this Fast Take.

We return to the third of our three-part future war series on China. Jack Murphy talks with Roger Cliff, a research professor of Indo-Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Army War College and the author of "China's Military Power: Assessing Current and Future Capabilities." You can find Cliff's book on Amazon and everywhere you purchase books. Follow Military Matters on Twitter @stripesmmpod

Former U.S. Special Forces service member and current intelligence professional, Daniel, was recently evacuated from Afghanistan. Daniel shares an insider's view of the Taliban's take-over of the country, the chaos at the US embassy, and how it all went so wrong. 

Follow Military Matters on Twitter and Facebook

You can follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod and Jack Murphy at @jackmurphyrgr

Jack Murphy brings us the story of the battle to save Kunduz from the Taliban and why a Doctors Without Borders hospital was destroyed. Jack talks with Special Forces Medical Sgt. Joshua Middleton about the heroic efforts of the Afghan Commandos and the dismal failures of the Afghan National Army that were the precursor to the recent fall of the Afghan government back into the hands of the Taliban. This story was inspired by the book "Eagle Down: The Last Special Forces Fighting the Forever War" by Jessica Donati.

You can follow Jessica on Twitter @jessdonati

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the recent events of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. There are some serious tie-ins to any future war with China that can't be ignored.

What does a victory over China look like? Is Taiwan the next Iraq or Afghanistan?

Follow us on Twitter at @stripesmmpod and shoot us an email at [email protected]

This is part 2 of 3 in our Future War series on China. Jack Murphy and the co-author of "Chinese Communist Espionage: An Intelligence Primer," Matthew Brazil, tackle the topic of Chinese spies and how the winner of a future war could be determined by our respective nations' spymasters.

You can follow Matthew Brazil on Twitter @matthew_brazil

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez dive a little deeper into last week's episode on the rise of China. Check out "Future War: The Rise of China and US National Security implications". Leave us a comment on social media! Like, Listen, Subscribe, and Share!

In our first of three episodes on China, Jack Murphy and our guest, former CIA analyst and China expert Gail Helt, discuss how today's China came to be, why Taiwan is so important, and how the coming years of relations with China will decide whether or not we go to war. Follow Gail Helt on Twitter @ghelt and Miltary Matters @stripesmmpod

Email us with you questions or comments at [email protected]

Last week's episode about Woke, Critical Race Theory, and the military has hit a lot of nerves. Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss the episode, the feedback, and Jack's perspective on this politically and socially charged topic.

Like, Listen, Subscribe, and Share this podcast!

In this episode, we're getting to the bottom of what exactly is "woke" and "critical race theory" and what any of it has to do with our military! Guests: Brian "BK" Kimber, former AF Pararescueman and host of World News with BK Dr. John Witte, professor emeritus from the University of Wisconsin Madison. And the departments of political science in the Robert Lafollette School of Public Affairs Link to World News with BK

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez talk about the stories they covered in Season 3, from the death of SF soldier Mark Leshikar to QAnon and the Terrible Game. We also discuss what Jack thinks of the UFO report coming out in June, and he also shares a special message from Afghan war veteran Jim Gant. All that and more on the season finale of Military Matters.

Maura Murray's disappearance 17 years ago has left investigators and her family confused and dumbfounded. She was a former West Point cadet with dreams of becoming a nurse. Then one day after exhibiting strange behavior, she vanished.

Jack Murphy talks with her sister, Julie Murray, about one of the first disappearances of the social media age to capture the attention of the public.  What happened to Maura Murray?

Defense One reporter Elizabeth Howe joins Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy to discuss the reaction to last week's episode, some of the strange arguments they've heard against getting the vaccine, and some "conspiracy" theories behind what some think the vaccine REALLY is. Follow us on Twitter @stripesmmpod and don't forget to share this episode.

A surprising number of service members have gone public stating they're not taking any of the COVID vaccines. This week, Military Matters talks with an ER doctor and U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Dr. Kamal Kalsi, Defense One reporter Elizabeth Howe and the director of the Bi-Partisan Commission on Biodefense Dr. Asha George.  Are you getting the vaccine? Email us at [email protected].

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual reality are slowly becoming integrated with our warfighters. But what role will AI play on the battlefield of tomorrow? Jack Murphy talks with the vice president and director of studies at the Center for a New American Security, Paul Scharre. Paul is also a former Special Operations reconnaissance team leader in the Army’s 3rd Ranger Battalion and the author Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War. Follow Paul Scharre on Twitter @paul_scharre

The Army has signed a $21.9 billion deal with Microsoft to integrate its HoloLens with the Army's Integrated Visual Augmented System, or IVAS. Is this technology going to change the way we fight? Will we forget how to train in the real world? What does the future of VR look like? Guests Palmer Luckey, Anduril Garth Smith and Gareth Seburn, Meta VR Kevin Cornish, Moth+Flame VR  Tony Isaacs, PLW Model Works

Does the DOD's "Tenant Bill of Rights" actually do anything for military families living in privatized housing? Is the military just bad at environmental testing, or is there more? Could the deaths of infants on Fort Bragg have been prevented? We talk with Sarah Kline, military housing advocate, and Leigh Tuttle, a military spouse who has seen first-hand some questionable practices. For more information on the Military Housing Network go to https://militaryhousingadvocacynetwork.org/ If you have a tip, lead, or story idea email us at [email protected]

Toxic lead and black mold in military housing. A mother’s horror story of how her children suffered the effects. Families have been hurt, and the military is locked into 50-year leases with privatized housing companies.

You’ll be shocked at the law these companies are hiding behind to avoid lawsuits and their responsibility to our service members.

Jack Murphy unravels this story of neglected military oversight, insane legal loopholes and the families left to suffer the consequences.

Go to Stripes.com, use promo code PODCAST and get 50% off your digital subscription.