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PODCAST

Books to Battles

School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

Books to Battles is the official podcast of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), where rigorous academic thought meets real-world military application. In each episode, we"ll take you inside our school to explore its courses, students, and faculty. We"ll show how foundational ideas—from classic works of strategy to cutting-edge scholarship—inform the development and execution of air and space power in today’s complex strategic environment. Join us as we bridge the gap between theory

government

All Episodes

43:05

Thesis Award Winners Part 1

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/17

In this first part of a special two part series, Books to Battles highlights the SAASS thesis program and Class 34 award winners. This week's episode begins with Dr. John Maurer, director of the program, who explains its goals, rigor, and impact on strategic education. The conversation then turns to Chance Smith, recipient of the David R. Mets Award for History, who discusses his research, key findings, and the process behind crafting an award-winning thesis. Together, their insights reveal the

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39:12

Faculty Development

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/10

In this episode of Books to Battles, Col Neil Dimmit and Lt Col Rachel Reynolds share their journeys pursuing civilian PhDs and how those experiences shaped their careers as educators and strategists. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of balancing academic study with military service, the unique perspectives gained through civilian doctoral programs, and how those insights enrich their teaching at SAASS and across the Air Force. Their conversation highlights the value of intellectual

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34:48

Airpower in the Age of Total War

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/03

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Rich Muller, Dr. Rob Hutchinson, and Lt Col Ben Heidenreich discuss SAASS 627, Airpower in the Age of Total War. Covering airpower and military history through World War II, they explore technological innovation, strategic transformation, and the lessons learned from early air campaigns. The conversation highlights how the course connects historical context to modern strategic thinking, preparing students to apply the enduring principles of airpower to

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32:26

Major General Parker Wright

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/27

In this episode of Books to Battles, Major General Parker Wright shares his perspectives on leadership, strategic education, and the evolving demands of air and space power. Reflecting on his career and experiences, he discusses the enduring importance of intellectual development for senior leaders, the challenges of modern conflict, and how SAASS prepares strategists to think critically in complex environments. His insights highlight the vital connection between rigorous academic study and the

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33:23

Special Operations Success

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/20

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras discusses his influential book Special Operations Success. Drawing on historical case studies and strategic theory, Dr. Kiras examines what makes special operations effective—and when they fall short. He explores the balance between tactics and strategy, the importance of context, and the enduring lessons for modern military professionals seeking to understand the true value of special operations in contemporary conflict.All views expressed are

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35:05

Strikes on Iran

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/13

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. David Sorenson and Dr. Carl Forsberg of the Air War College join our hosts to analyze the recent strikes against Iran, examining their strategic objectives, regional implications, and potential ripple effects on global security. Drawing on their expertise in Middle East politics and military strategy, they unpack the historical context of Iranian relations with the United States and Israel, the events leading up to the strikes, and the decision-making

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29:03

Military Theory

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/06

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras and Dr. Wes Hutto join the podcast to unpack SAASS 600: Military Theory, a foundational course that explores the nature and character of war through the lens of classical and contemporary thinkers. They discuss the course’s major themes, including the interplay between theory and practice, the enduring relevance of Clausewitz, and how students wrestle with complex ideas about military power and its use. The conversation highlights key texts,

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34:52

Space Policy for the 21st Century

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/30

Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Dr. Derrick Frazier join Books to Battles to discuss their book Space Policy for the 21st Century. They explore key themes in contemporary space policy, including commercialization, security, and governance, and examine how strategic thinking can help navigate the rapidly evolving domain of outer space.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.

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33:27

The Student Experience

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/23

In this episode of Books to Battles, three SAASS students share their personal journeys through the school’s rigorous academic year. They discuss what drew them to SAASS, how the curriculum challenged and changed their thinking, and the value of studying strategy in an intensive seminar environment. From balancing research and writing to engaging in deep discussion with faculty and peers, they offer candid reflections on the highs, lows, and lasting takeaways of the SAASS experience. Whether you're

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31:30

Foundations of Strategy

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/16

In this episode of Books to Battles, we dive into SAASS 601: Foundations of Strategy, the first course students encounter at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Dr. Rich Muller, Dr. Jim Tucci, and Dr. Tom Hughes—who make up the course’s teaching team—join us to explore how the curriculum establishes the intellectual grounding for the SAASS year. They discuss key texts, themes, and questions that shape students’ understanding of strategy across time and domains. The professors also reflect

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27:28

The Future: SAASS's Mission

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/09

In this episode of Books to Battles, SAASS Commandant Col Robert O’Keefe reflects on his time as a student, his return as a leader, and his vision for the school’s future. He shares insights on strategic education, professional development, and the evolving role of SAASS in shaping air and space power.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.

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33:02

From the Past: The Origins of SAASS

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/02

In the debut episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Rich Muller and Dr. Wes Hutto explore the origins and evolution of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. They discuss SAASS’s founding vision, intellectual foundations, and its enduring role in shaping strategic thinkers for the challenges of modern warfare.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.

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1:40

Introducing Books to Battles

Books to Battles ·

2025/06/18

Books to Battles is the podcast where strategic theory meets real-world air and space power. We explore the ideas, books, and thinkers that shape modern military strategy. Join us as we turn academic insight into operational impact—because in air and space warfare, strategy doesn't stop at the last page. All views expressed in this series are the speaker's own and are not necessarily reflective of the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organizations.

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