Books to Battles
Education & Explainer
About
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 and practice, bringing deep intellectual insight to the art of war in the air and beyond. All views expressed in this series are the speakers' own and are not necessarily reflective of the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organizations.
Episodes
- Space Power Discussions: The Power of the Space Club
This episode, a preview of the Space Power Discussions series, explores "The Power of the Space Club." It examines how exclusive access to space capabilities shapes international politics and its implications for competition, cooperation,…
- SAASS 660: Technology and Innovation
This episode features Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col. Hollon discussing the SAASS 660 course on Technology and Innovation. The conversation covers how military innovation occurs, including the bureaucratic, organizational, and political challeng…
- CSO Gen Chance Saltzman Interview
General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, is interviewed about his career progression, leadership of the U.S. Space Force, and the strategic importance of space as a warfighting domain. He discusses the challenges and development…
- Lt Gen (Ret) David Deptula Interview
Lt Gen (Ret) David Deptula is interviewed about the role of air and space power in modern warfare and national security. He discusses the mission of the Mitchell Institute and the strategic importance of air and space capabilities.
- Iran Redux
This episode revisits the June 2025 attacks on Iran in Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER. Experts discuss the strategic objectives, regional implications, and potential global security effects of these strikes.
- Artemis
This episode explores NASA's Artemis program and the upcoming Artemis II mission. It discusses its strategic significance, technological milestones, and implications for sustainable lunar return and great power competition.
- SAASS 665 Space Power
This episode of Books to Battles explores SAASS 665 Space Power with Dr. Jim Tucci and Dr. Derrick Frazier. It examines the course's approach to military space thought, strategic debates, and the role of space in modern warfare.
- Thesis Update
This episode of Books to Battles features Dr. Whitman Cobb, Col Hollon, and Dr. Paige Reid discussing the SAASS thesis process. They cover the journey from research puzzles to strategic arguments, common challenges like writer's block, and…
- Air University Press and Journals
This episode of Books to Battles features a discussion with Air University Press editors Michael Tate and Megan Hohen. The conversation covers the role of military academic journals in shaping professional debate within the Air Force and S…
- The 2026 National Defense Strategy
This episode of "Books to Battles" features Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Col. Cory Hollon discussing the 2026 National Defense Strategy. They examine its focus on realism, homeland defense, deterring China, and revitalizing the defense indus…
- SAASS 667: Information and Cyber Power
This episode features a discussion about SAASS 667, a course focused on information and cyber power. The conversation covers how the course examines influence, subversion, cyber operations, and the role of narratives in contemporary compet…
- SAASS Alumni #1
In this episode, Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col. Hollon speak with SAASS alumni Col. Brendon “Herb” Herbeck and Lt. Col. Rob Gharrity. They discuss their experiences at SAASS, how it shaped their professional development, and contemporary challe…
- SAASS 644 - Irregular War
This episode features a discussion with Drs. Lina Svedin and Rob Hutchinson about the Irregular War course at SAASS, examining its curriculum and how it defines irregular warfare. The conversation covers the distinction between war and war…
- House of Dynamite in Review
Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col. Hollon review "House of Dynamite," a film about a nuclear missile crisis. They discuss the movie's depiction of early warning, missile defense, crisis decision-making, and civil-military relations, using it to exp…
- SAASS 633 - Coercion and Deterrence
This episode discusses the SAASS 633 course on Coercion and Deterrence, covering its origins, evolution, and central question of how to influence others. It delves into topics such as nuclear deterrence, key thinkers in the field, and ongo…
- End of 2025 Review
This episode reviews 2025 national security developments, including U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and coercion against Venezuela, drawing parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis. It also assesses the new Nati…
- Mental Health in the Military
Lt Col JoLynn Tatum, a clinical psychologist, discusses mental health in the military, focusing on common stressors, stigma, and barriers to seeking help. She addresses rising suicide rates, resource limitations, and the importance of earl…
- Aquisition Transformation
In this episode, Lt. Col. Joshua Cobb joins Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Col. Cory Hollon for a discussion on military acquisitions reform. They explore challenges in the U.S. system, historical shifts, and the complexities of fielding capab…
- Airpower in Limited War
Wendy and Cory discuss the SAASS course "Airpower in Limited War" with Dr. Tom Hughes, Col. Neil Dimmitt, and Lt. Col. Ben Heidenreich. They explore the evolution of airpower, major themes, and challenges of teaching the course.
- The Return and Current Events
This episode features Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col Hollon discussing the impact of a government shutdown on the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, and current events in the Russia-Ukraine war.…
- Hiatus
The Books to Battles team is taking a break due to the U.S. government shutdown. They will return with full episodes as soon as possible.
- International Relations
Drs. Lina Svedin and Paige Reid discuss international relations theories and their intersection with strategy and security. The conversation highlights how theory equips strategists to navigate today's complex global environment, exploring…
- Understanding International Security
Dr. Wes Hutto introduces his textbook, "Understanding International Security," discussing its core themes and frameworks, including great power competition and emerging challenges in cyber and space. He explains how the book integrates the…
- Dr. Milena Jakšić
In this episode, Dr. Milena Jakšić examines the Luftwaffe’s operational air warfare during World War II. She explores how German airpower adapted or failed to adapt to strategic and operational challenges and their consequences, offering l…
- Current Events (October 1, 2025)
This episode of Books to Battles covers current events, including the Artemis II mission and its implications for US space leadership, Russian airspace incursions and NATO security, and the forthcoming National Defense Strategy. The hosts…
- Thesis Award Winners Part 2
This episode features SAASS Class 34 thesis award winners Curtis Sinewe, Philip Jenkins, and Joe Regan. They discuss their research, findings on strategy, and the thesis process, along with reflections on the future of air and space power.
- Thesis Award Winners Part 1
This episode of Books to Battles features the SAASS thesis program and Class 34 award winners. Dr. John Maurer, program director, explains its goals and impact, followed by Chance Smith, who discusses his award-winning thesis.
- Faculty Development
Col Neil Dimmit and Lt Col Rachel Reynolds discuss their pursuit of civilian PhDs and how these experiences influenced their careers as educators and strategists. They highlight the challenges, opportunities, and unique perspectives gained…
- Airpower in the Age of Total War
This episode discusses "Airpower in the Age of Total War," focusing on airpower and military history through World War II. Topics include technological innovation, strategic transformation, and lessons from early air campaigns, connecting…
- Major General Parker Wright
In this episode, Major General Parker Wright shares his perspectives on leadership, strategic education, and the evolving demands of air and space power. He discusses the importance of intellectual development for senior leaders, the chall…
- Special Operations Success
Dr. James Kiras discusses his book "Special Operations Success." He explores historical case studies and strategic theory to understand what makes special operations effective and when they fail.
- Strikes on Iran
In this episode, Drs. David Sorenson and Carl Forsberg analyze strikes against Iran. They discuss the strategic objectives, regional implications, and potential ripple effects on global security, as well as the historical context of Irania…
- Military Theory
Drs. James Kiras and Wes Hutto unpack SAASS 600: Military Theory, a course exploring war through the lens of classical and contemporary thinkers. They discuss major themes, the relevance of Clausewitz, and how students engage with complex…
- Space Policy for the 21st Century
Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Dr. Derrick Frazier discuss their book "Space Policy for the 21st Century". They explore themes in contemporary space policy such as commercialization, security, and governance, examining how strategic thinking a…
- The Student Experience
Three SAASS students share their experiences during a rigorous academic year. They discuss the curriculum, studying strategy in an intensive seminar environment, and balancing research and writing.
- Foundations of Strategy
This episode of "Books to Battles" explores SAASS 601: Foundations of Strategy with the course's teaching team. They discuss the curriculum, key texts, and themes that provide intellectual grounding for students.
- The Future: SAASS's Mission
In this episode, SAASS Commandant Colonel Robert O'Keefe reflects on his time as a student and his return as a leader. He shares his vision for the school's future, focusing on strategic education, professional development, and the evolvin…
- From the Past: The Origins of SAASS
In the debut episode of Books to Battles, Drs. Rich Muller and Wes Hutto discuss the origins and evolution of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS). They explore SAASS’s founding vision, intellectual foundations, and its rol…
- Introducing Books to Battles
Books to Battles is a podcast that delves into strategic theory as it applies to air and space power. It explores the ideas, books, and thinkers that influence modern military strategy and aims to translate academic insights into operation…