Bob Ashley, LTG, USA (Ret.): Intelligence, Warfighting, and Developing the Next Generation

Описание: In this episode of Tipping Spears, I sit down with Bob Ashley, LTG, USA (Ret.), former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and one of the U.S. military’s most experienced intelligence leaders. Over a 36-year Army career, Bob served across tactical, operational, and strategic levels of intelligence, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating in his role leading the Defense Intelligence Agency and advising senior defense leaders on global security threats.

Our conversation traces Bob’s journey into military service and the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. He reflects on how intelligence requirements evolved across two decades of conflict, the role intelligence played in campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, and what many people outside the intelligence community misunderstand about how intelligence actually works.

We also discuss how the intelligence profession is changing in an era defined by artificial intelligence, open-source data, and an unprecedented volume of information. Bob shares his perspective on developing the next generation of leaders, his work today as Co-CEO of Touchstone Futures, and why his role on the Afghanistan War Commission is an important opportunity for the nation to examine the lessons of a long and complex conflict.

Guest Bio:

Bob Ashley retired with 36+ years of leadership, operational, and combat experience in intelligence, global security, and risk management. He served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency responsible to the Secretary of Defense for global security. He also served as US Army G2, the senior intelligence officer in the Army responsible for security, counter-intelligence, and intelligence systems development for an Army. As the commandant for the Army’s Intelligence Center, he was responsible for training Soldiers and Officers in cyber, counter-intelligence, analysis, open source intelligence. Today, he serves as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Touchstone Futures and Commissioner on the Afghanistan War Commission. Bob holds Masters degrees from the US Army War College and Defense Intelligence College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University.

About the Podcast:

Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker dives deep into the stories of the people shaping cyber, defense, and national security. Through thought-provoking conversations, we uncover the career journeys, lessons learned, and personal insights of leaders and innovators in these mission-critical fields. Discover emerging trends, cutting-edge strategies, and the human side of the challenges shaping our future. Learn more at: www.hannahebecker.com/podcast

About the Host:

Hannah Becker is a Defense Fellow, Entrepreneur, and College Professor who specializes in human-centered, digitally informed strategies for public sector organizations. She currently serves as the Vice President at Becker Digital and an Adjunct Professor of Cyberwarfare at Norwich University. As a Fellow at Joint Special Operations University, she researched Cyberwarfare and Strategic Influence for U.S. Special Operations Forces. Connect with Hannah at: www.hannahebecker.com