The Modern War Institute at West Point generates new knowledge for the profession of arms, enhances the West Point curriculum, and serves as an intellectual resource for solving military problems. The West Point Superintendent approved the MWI concept in December of 2014 when he saw a need to reconnect West Point intellectual capital to the broader force. Charles Faint serves as the Managing Editor for the Modern War Institute and joins us to share more information about this fascinating West Point program.
Charles served 27 years in the US Army and taught at West Point for five years. After he retired, the chance to return to work with West Point was “too good to turn down.”
The MWI website features an astounding compilation of research, publications and podcasts dealing with a variety of subjects. Topics include a broad range of issues from examining historical battles to innovations and future combat.
MWI sources their research from three main sources; MWI Fellows selected annually from applicants, West Point cadets and faculty and some is even generated through cold calls from individuals wishing to research particular subject matter.
Charles’ main job is to oversee MWI podcasts and publication editing. West Point adapted podcast technology early when it became apparent that was the preferred method for many young people to absorb information.
Charles also shares more about one of their unique programs, the Peace and Dialogue Leadership Initiative, a collaboration between West Point and Yale University. The initiative recently hosted two dozen Israeli graduate students, many of whom are Veterans of the ongoing war in Gaza.
We also spend a few minutes discussing updates at The Havok Journal, my “go-to” source for all things military and first responder. Charles is the owner of the Havok Journal.