EP-373 | Inside the Armor School: A Conversation with Colonel Jim Modlin

·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Colonel Jim Modlin reveals his role leading the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Moore, overseeing how America trains its next generation of tankers.

The episode opens with Colonel Jim Modlin introducing himself as the Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Moore, Georgia. He shares his background as an Army brat who attended West Point, motivated by his father's service. Modlin recounts his early career, including Cadet Troop Leader Training in Korea and his first deployment to Iraq in 2003 as a second lieutenant west of Fallujah. He describes the high casualty rates and his platoon's experiences with IEDs and VBIEDs. The conversation shifts to his current role overseeing armor, cavalry, and Bradley training for enlisted soldiers and officers. Modlin addresses perceptions about a 'softer' military, asserting that training standards are higher and recruit quality is better now. He discusses the integration of female armor officers, noting their high performance. The bulk of the episode focuses on armor modernization. Modlin explains the fielding of the M10 Booker to infantry brigades and the Army's plan to develop the M1E3, a new main battle tank with a three-man crew and autoloader. He also mentions the XM30 as a future Bradley replacement. The hosts and guest explore the impact of drones and the need for UAS training. Modlin talks about recruiting challenges, the new 19C Bradley Crewman MOS, and the importance of retaining subject matter expertise. The discussion turns to strategic concerns, including the tyranny of distance for logistics in potential conflicts in Europe or the Pacific, and the need to relearn fundamentals like land navigation. Modlin expresses worry that adversaries might adapt to new technologies like drones faster than the U.S. He also touches on the role of special operations and conventional force structure. Nearing the end, Modlin reveals his plans post-retirement, aiming to work in conflict prevention or service-related fields, inspired by a fellowship at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of leaders explaining the 'why' to motivate soldiers amidst retention concerns.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation on Army armor, modernization, and the leadership choices behind service.

The episode frames the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Moore as a close look at an armor force in transition, moving from the post's renaming into the Army's modernization plans.

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Why you'd press play

Curious how Fort Benning became Fort Moore, and what the Army Armor School says is next for tanks?

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