Radio Stockdale

A 50-year Journey

In this episode of RadioStockdale, host Michael Sears recounts his transformative journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps, civilian life, and back to the Yard at the Stockdale Center. He highlights the enduring lessons of integrity, leadership, and ethical decision-making learned throughout his career. Through personal reflections and professional insights, he emphasizes the importance of character development and mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders. In retirement, he...

Character Driven Leadership

Our guest is the Commandant of Midshipman, Col James Mcdonough, USMC. We discuss how the principles of character and resilience influenced the evolution of his leadership style, from Midshipman to Marine Colonel. We go on to talk about the changing landscape of technology in modern warfare, the evolving role of women in leadership positions, and the increasing emphasis on mental health at the Academy and in the military. We conclude with some final words from Col Mcdonough, looking towards the f...

AI and Educational Integrity

How does the Naval Academy balance the potential educational benefits of generative AI with the need to maintain educational integrity and the development of critical thinking skills in Midshipmen? Given the nuanced approach to AI in classroom settings, what challenges have you faced in implementing and enforcing policies on the use of generative AI, and how have these been addressed? How has the introduction of generative AI impacted the pedagogical approaches within the Academy, especially con...

AI and the Classical Greeks

How might the philosophies of the classical Greeks apply to today's AI technologies? Does the concept of a virtuous life translate into the development and use of artificial intelligence? Given their belief in the value of seeking knowledge as a pathway to virtue, how might this principle apply to the creation of AI systems that learn and evolve? Plato introduces the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, justice and temperance in Book 4 of "The Republic" and Aristotle expands them and explai...

ENCORE: AI and the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center

We are at an inflection point in warfare, just as significant as the introduction of gunpowder or the airplane. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) is transforming U.S. Joint warfighting and departmental processes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence. Does the JAIC work in the data center, or at the tip of the spear? How does it work with service components, and with civilian tech companies to get the job done? What are the ethical implications of AI in the DOD? What ca...

AI and Weapons Targeting

What is the role of AI in modern targeting processes. We explore the delicate balance between human and machine functions, unravel the essence of 'meaningful human control' in AI targeting, and dissect the crucial steps of target development. Delve into how target system analysis enhances our understanding of enemy vulnerabilities and interdependencies. Plus, we examine the ethical dimensions of maintaining human control in an air interdiction mission. This is an insightful discussion on the int...

Responsible AI

Responsible AI Governance involves ongoing monitoring and evaluation of AI systems to identify and address potential risks. This proactive approach helps organizations manage risks related to bias, security, and unintended consequences. But why is RAI Governance important and why does it matter? How can one get started when you want to build RAI Governance control functions and mechanisms in your organization? And what are the best-practices and tips for RAI governance? Dr. Ben Lange is a Resear...

AI and the Alignment Challenge

We dive deep into the intricacies and ethical considerations of AI development, specifically focusing on OpenAI's Chat-GPT and GPT-4. Join us as we discuss how OpenAI approached the alignment problem, the impact of Human Aligned Reinforcement Learning, and the role of human raters in shaping Chat-GPT. We'll also revisit past AI mishaps like Microsoft's Tay and explore their influence on current AI models. The episode delves into OpenAI's efforts to address ethical concerns, the debate over unive...

Demystifying ChatGPT

We demystify the technology behind Chat GPT and other generative AI like Google's Bard. Starting from the basics, we explore how Chat GPT functions as an app, generating near-human quality responses. We delve into the mechanics of Large Language Models (LLMs) and how they predict text. The episode also covers the massive scale of training data, computing time, and energy consumption involved in creating such models. We then transition into discussing the AI components, addressing complex issues ...

AI & Deterrence

Artificial Intelligence enhances deterrence capabilities in various ways, contributing to the overall effectiveness of military strategies and national security. Deterrence aims to dissuade adversaries from taking certain actions by convincing them that the costs or risks outweigh the potential benefits. So, how does AI, particularly machine learning, serve as a force multiplier in the development and application of deterrence? Considering the role of AI in intelligence and military deterrence o...

AI & Education 3: Plagiarism

When we think of AI, the "elephant in the room" for educators is Plagiarism. This is the third installment from Dr. Jovana Davidovic on AI & Education, this time, addressing Plagiarism. Does the use of AI tools mean plagiarism across the board? What is the connection between Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, where the machine can write an entire paragraph, a page, or even a book just at one prompt? What are some ways to address GAI, LLM, etc. with regard to plagiarism in educat...

AI & Education 2

We continue our discussion of AI & Education. Data Analytics can inform a teacher as to the relative quality of a student's work. AI can analyze large volumes of educational data to identify trends and patterns related to student performance and engagement. Educators can use this information to make data-driven decisions, such as identifying struggling students early, implementing interventions, and improving curriculum design. But there are also "downsides" to AI. We discuss bias, opacity, ...

AI & Education 1

We talk about AI in general, and then get specific on several fronts. What does Personalized Learning mean, and how does AI assist in its application? Are intelligent tutoring systems different from personalized learning? Are there ways to fairly integrate automated grading and feedback into a teacher's workflow? Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of...

Mind & Body Workouts

We continue our conversation with CAPT Franky, the senior Naval Special Warfare Officer on the Yard. He breaks down the elements of the exercises that lead to Strength, Speed, Stamina and Stoicism. How do the Wisdom workouts help you know your limits? What does Courage have to do with pushing yourself? How can a Temperance workout lead to patience, moderation, and attention to detail? And finally, how does the Justice workout build teamwork and leadership knowledge as you burn calories? CAPT Fra...

Cardinal Virtues and Physical Training

The Naval Academy's mission begins with the statement: To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically. On this podcast, we talk about one of the ways we combine all of these aspects of the mission into a single set of events. How does mental toughness contribute to physical toughness? Where do the cardinal virtues inform the manner and type of exercises one can do? And how does Accountability in the Execution, Situational Awareness, Readiness/Safety and Communications inform the mind and...

ENCORE: Trustworthy

Roger Mosby is now the former President and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. Roger has had a long career in servant leadership. It all began as a sailor, serving in a squadron on the USS Ranger. We talk about Trustworthiness and Loyalty - what it means in the Navy, and what it means to Boy Scouts. How can you trust your co-workers in one of the most dangerous work environments on the planet.

ENCORE: Disruptive Technology

With the rapid pace of technological change today, it's appropriate that we revisit an earlier podcast: Disruptive Technologies. These technologies such as autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence are changing the world, and the way militaries operate. These technologies present both risks and opportunities. We address the definition of disruptive technologies, what makes a technology disruptive, and how do you measure disruption. And then, of course, the ethical implications of fi...

Coaching and the Skill/Will Matrix

Is Coaching different from Mentorship, and if so, where do they both "fit"? What is the Skill/Will matrix, and how does it work? What makes coaching a powerful tactic to employ within the Skill/Will framework? How does a person's location on the Skill/Will matrix change, and how does one as the leader know to shift between tactics within a conversation? How does coaching, as part of the Skill/Will Matrix lead to culture change?

Navy Rugby 2023

We're talking with the director of rugby at Navy, overseeing the Men's and Women's Rugby programs where both the Men and Women are 2023 National Champions. Rugby is a game of grit, determination and resilience. We talk about the 2023 season, with a special emphasis on the final Men's match against perennial powerhouse the University of California, Berkeley. Navy won, to cap off an 18-0 record in their first season as a D1 varsity program.

Chaplains and Confidentiality

Chaplaincy in the Navy is almost as old as the Navy. But what is chaplaincy, and what do Chaplains do? How does a Navy Chaplain work within the leadership structure of a ship or unit, to support the Commanding Officer and her responsibility in the moral, mental and physical mission? Where does the concept of confidential communication come from, and why is it so critical and necessary for a Sailor or Marine. Finally, how does a Navy Chaplain add to the readiness of the Navy's mission?

Vectors, former Acting Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Thomas Modly

Consistent communication, from the highest level, to all levels of the nearly 1-million-person Department of the Navy is rare. Why is that so unique, and why did our guest think it was so important. These communications were called Vectors. What is a Vector? How were they produced, and what was the process of producing them? With all of the other activity going on at the same time, how did these weekly notes compete with the constant drum beat of messaging encompassing social media, texts and 24...

Introduction to AI at the Crossroads of Ethics

Dark Waters: Explained

Dark Waters is an interactive scenario case study about a collision at sea between a US Navy Destroyer and a tanker. Sailors are trapped in spaces that are quickly flooding, and the protagonist must make the recommendation to close the hatch, and thereby save the ship. In so doing, those sailors would perish. It is used in Plebe Leadership, and Youngster Ethics classes. It is part of the Stockdale Interactive group of digital case studies, available at: https://stockdaleinteractive.com/ Professo...

Maritime Security: Explained

Maritime Security is a complex case study, where a junior officer must decide among several different outcomes, none of which are optimal from a mission and moral standing. This case is not an outlier, but a representation of what young sailors face in the fleet daily. How does one balance the accomplishment of the mission, with the fact that lives are at stake, both innocents and those who have taken the oath to serve? This case study addresses the responsibilities as a leader, and the ethical ...

Allyship: Explained

Allyship is a series of case studies that follows the interactions of Midshipmen in various scenarios. After witnessing an event or comment by a third part friend and colleague, the protagonist is put into a situation where s\he must decide why and how to support a different friend who has been assailed by that inappropriate ugly event. This case study addresses your responsibilities as an Ally, when living in everyday situations that challenge friendships and respect.

Test Depth: Explained

Test Depth is a case study that follows the experiences of a young Junior Officer on his first role in the engineering department on a US Navy nuclear submarine. When he discovers a leak in the sea water system, he is challenged to do something about it. This case study addresses his responsibilities as a JO in working with a tight-knit team, where he may be the one who must speak truth to power.

Looming Storm: Explained

Looming Storm is a case study that follows the early experiences of a young Junior Officer aboard ship. In a flashback, we see a poorly led ship, its wardroom and its crew. Slovenly sailors and messy quarters, rust and unaddressed leaks. Bad morale. The JO is challenged to do something about it, and he must consider who and how he deals with senior officers, and his sailors. This case study addresses your responsibilities as a JO when working in a poor command climate.

Tactical Interrogation: Explained

Tactical Interrogation is a case study where we consider balancing the rights and interests of three stake-holding groups: service members, their clients (i.e. inhabitants of the US), and non-clients (foreign enemy combatants and foreign non-combatants). Torture is grossly immoral when considered from any of these perspectives. Torturers tend to sustain moral and psychological injury. They are often found out and prosecuted, or at least, treated as pariahs by their fellow service or intelligence...

Artificial Intelligence: Explained

This is a different kind of case study in that it is a primer on Artificial Intelligence, and how it can be understood by naval officers. We go through several situations where a young naval officer is challenged by a fact set, and she has to deal with what information she is being given, her understanding of the current situation, and bounce that against her underlying sense of ethics and the law. On top of that, she needs to assess what the AI is doing, and how it may bias the options that are...

Cultural Competence: Explained

This is a case study where a group of Midshipmen on a semester abroad run into trouble. You're the protagonist in a fictitious eastern European country. You're out with your buddies. A local guide has been showing you around, and he bids adieu, after calling for a taxi. So far so good. You have a group of students, different ethnicities, genders, generally different outlooks and experiences. And there's a decision to make. Do you go into a bar, without your guide. The first decision point here i...