America's Hidden Threat: Are We Ready? ⚠️

Nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare has threatened global security for decades, yet it's often the threat we think about the least.

Retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith knows this reality better than anyone. With a storied career as the Chief of the Chemical Branch, Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, and as the first Chemical Officer to serve as the Army's Inspector General, he’s seen firsthand what it takes to prepare for these silent but deadly threats.

In this episode of The Jedburgh Podcast, Fran Racioppi sits down with Lt. Gen. Smith to discuss the evolution of America's chemical weapons programs, their implementation in global conflicts, and the international regulations shaping modern warfare. They break down what CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) stands for, why its significance is growing, and how the U.S. Army is preparing for the unthinkable.

About The Guest:
Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith is the former Chief of the Chemical Branch and Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School. He was the first Chemical Officer to serve as the Commanding General of the United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and also held the role of Army Inspector General. Currently, he serves as the Vice President for Leadership and Education at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), where he continues to champion military leadership and education initiatives.

We Cover:
The real threat of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare
America’s chemical weapons history and global regulations
How the Army prepares for NBC threats
The vital role of the Inspector General in maintaining Army standards
AUSA's impact on soldier support and veteran transitions

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
02:10 Importance of chemical warfare
06:02 The likelihood of chemical warfare
07:00 Anthrax on 9/11
10:49 Will anyone use NBC weapons
13:32 The lessons of COVID-19
15:35 Joining the Army
19:18 America’s projection of power
22:36 The role of the Army Inspector General
26:55 Army Standards Matter
31:35 Have we lost the mission?
34:00 Maintaining the Army
38:32 The role of AUSA
40:35 Daily Habits

Quotes:
“The Germans used it, and the Americans were not ready to go.”
“That’s what CBRN stands for: Could Be Right Now.”
“We don’t know what’s next, we just have to be prepared to deal with the situation.”
“When you have boots on the ground, it sends a signal.”
“ A leader’s presence only matters when you are present.”
“We have to make sure that the soldiers trust us, the nation trusts us, Congress trusts us, our leaders trust us and the things that we do.”
“Climate beats strategy.”
“Everyone is looking for their sense of purpose.”

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The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.

The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by the University of Health and Performance, developing the next generation of fitness entrepreneurs from our Veterans.

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