Long Blue Leadership:
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo '87
21st Century Conflict: Accelerate, Change and Win
SUMMARY
A leader of warriors can never over-prepare for potential battle. Lt. Gen. Shwedo, director of USAFA’s Institute for Future Conflict, draws on the distant past to teach today’s cadets how to lead tomorrow’s warriors into 21st century battles and win.
LEARN. ENGAGE. LEAD!
Read more about the IFC in the first of a three-part series, Future Focus, in December 2023 Checkpoints! (Pg. 42)
OUR FAVORITE QUOTES
"I saw that the Air Force figured out how to win with what you got. They would figure out a way through leadership to win with what they got."
"Leadership is all about working with people, and you've got to understand people."
"I work for you, I'm removing your impediments so you can do that, you know, kill the bad guys."
"Don't forget who you are. There were times when we were shoveling snow. I have learned to show up when it's crappy."
"My focus had to be the Dean. And the direction comes from the national defense strategy. So we actually have a meeting a week with the futures guys. And that gives us insight."
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:24 Early Competitive Streak and Decision to Join Air Force Academy
06:16 Being Open to Opportunities and Trusting the Process
07:38 Preparation and Academic Background
09:30 The Importance of Studying History and Being Prepared
10:56 Leadership Lessons from the West Wing
12:52 The Shift to Special Access Programs and New Ways of Thinking
16:34 Leading in Cyber and Intelligence Operations
17:30 The Decision to Join the Institute for Future Conflict
19:22 Shifting the Focus of Leadership and Academics
20:50 Helping Cadets Understand the Larger System
23:13 Preparing Cadets for the Future Fight
25:43 The Rise of Third Parties in Warfare
26:37 Motivating and Understanding People as a Leader
28:52 Are Leaders Born or Made?
30:19 Lessons in Leadership: Don't Forget Who You Are
31:17 Advice for the Next Generation of Warriors and Leaders
34:07 Leadership is About Working with People
36:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
OUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS
- Leadership is about working with people and understanding what motivates them.
- Being open to opportunities and trusting the process can lead to valuable experiences and career paths.
- Studying history and being prepared can provide a strong foundation for future challenges.
- Leaders must be aware of the changing nature of warfare and the rise of third parties in conflict.
BIO
Lt. Gen. (Ret) Bradford J. Shwedo '87 is the Director, Institute for Future Conflict. Previous to this position, he was the Director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4)/Cyber, Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff, J6, the Pentagon.
Lt. Gen. Shwedo has commanded at the detachment, squadron, group, wing and numbered air force levels. During these commands, his units were engaged in direct support to Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the greater Global War on Terror providing worldwide Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber operations. He also led an Intelligence Team to Desert Shield/Storm. His last command was 25th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, where he led 30,000 personnel in worldwide operations, delivering multisource ISR products, applications, capabilities and resources. When he was the Chief, Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, he led four directorates that supported 77,000 personnel and cyber operations across the globe with a portfolio valued at $17 billion.
Lt. Gen. Shwedo graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1987 with a degree in Military History and was also a student athlete, lettering in football.