The Operational Arch

Author: SAMS

The official podcast of the School of Advanced Military Studies, dedicated to bridging the gap between tactics and strategy through the study of operational art and the operational level of war.
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Language: en

Genres: Government

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Mastering Mentorship: Insights from Colonel Retired Dwayne Wagner (Ep 45)
Episode 45
Friday, 6 February, 2026

In this episode of the Operational Arch podcast, Major Joanna Van Engel interviews Colonel (Retired) Dwayne Wagner,a seasoned Army planner and educator. They delve into the critical topics of mentorship, coaching, and counseling within military leadership, emphasizing the importance of developing junior leaders for long-term success. COL Wagner discusses the shifting dynamics of mentorship post-9/11, the distinct roles of coaching and mentoring, and the symbiotic relationship between officers and NCOs. He also addresses the challenges leaders face in the modern era, influenced by social media and constant scrutiny. Practical insights into creating effective leader development programs and reflections on personal experiences enrich this compelling conversation. 01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:37 Coaching vs. Mentoring04:28 Challenges in Mentorship07:20 Cross-Gender and Cross-Branch Mentorship09:20 Leadership Development and Self-Improvement12:57 Officer and NCO Relationships18:46 Attributes of a Well-Rounded Officer21:38 Allowing Leaders to Grow and Learn from Mistakes25:39 Effective Leader Development Programs31:05 Final Thoughts and Messages