Army Writing in War: The Harding Project's Study on Military Professionals' Mindset
Cracking the Code on Military Writing: A Deep Dive with Major Gabe Royal, Lt. Colonel Zachary Griffiths, and Professor Nora Bensahel
In the pulsating seven-episode run of Social Science of War, our host, Major Gabe Royal, enlists Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Griffiths and Professor Nora Bensahel to dissect the paramount importance of crafting a powerful pen in the Army.
The episode commences with Lieutenant Colonel Griffiths, the man behind the helm of The Harding Project, shedding light on this groundbreaking initiative, thus rejuvenating military writing within the Army. He expounds on how this crusade, outlined by General Randy George, the Army's chief of staff, strives to overhaul and modernize the Army's professional publications. This overhaul could prove instrumental in rectifying issues and refining strategical decision-making.
Professor Bensahel, a revered authority in the Army Strategic Education Program, adds her insights to the discourse, offering us a glimpse into the current state of military writing within the Army. The trio then contemplate various practical applications of enhancing writing as a chosen skill for Army officers and non-commissioned officers. They also share their views on writing as an integral component of a renewed approach to engage with the American populace – perhaps even combating recruitment challenges.
Lieutenant Colonel Griffiths, a decorated US Army Special Forces officer, doubles as the steersman of The Harding Project. His impressive academic footprint outside of active duty includes operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as more than thirty published articles and membership with the Council on Foreign Relations.
Dr. Bensahel, a luminary in the field of defense policy, military operations, and future of warfare, serves as a professor of practice at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and as a contributing editor and columnist for War on the Rocks. A prolific author, Bensahel has cowritten Adaptation Under Fire: How Militaries Change in Wartime.
Social Science of War prides itself on being a podium for intellectual conversations. Hailing from the esteemed Department of Social Sciences at West Point, the podcast calls out to those looking to join the cluster or teach within it. For those longing to interact with the exceptional cast of instructors, you need only visit the department's website to make contact.
Season 2 of the Social Science of War podcast boasts an illustrious lineup of hosts: Dr. Nakissa Jahanbani, Dr. Alexandra Chinchilla, Lieutenant Colonel Sean McKnight, and Major Gabriel Royal. The team invites you to address any questions relating to this particular episode or the Social Science of War podcast at large by contacting them directly.
(Image Credit: Christopher Hennen, United States Military Academy)
- Lieutenant Colonel Griffiths emphasizes that The Harding Project, under the guidance of General Randy George, aims to modernize the Army's professional publications, improving defense policy and warfare decision-making.
- Professor Bensahel, an expert in defense policy, military operations, and future of warfare, believes that enhancing writing skills for Army officers and non-commissioned officers could be a key factor in engaging with the American public and addressing recruitment challenges.
- In addition to their military careers, both Major Gabe Royal and Professor Nora Bensahel engage in learning and self-development through their academic endeavors, publishing numerous articles and books on various aspects of military topics.
