The Mission Ready Podcast

We explore the US–Philippines alliance, from its century-old roots to today’s evolving security ties under the EDCA. A timely conversation on why this partnership matters for regional stability. 🇺🇸🇵🇭Listen in!

Through 236 combat missions in Vietnam and a diverse career in the Air Force, Tom Lampley learned resilience and adaptability. His experiences shaped his transition to the commercial sector, where he now excels at KBR Government Solutions. The journey from squeezing tomatoes for subsistence contracting to influencing military logistics and congressional affairs is filled with valuable lessons for navigating both military and civilian careers. Listen in!

We get up close with Tom Lampley as he reflects on his journey, from the adrenaline of flying combat missions to navigating complex logistics at the DefenseLogisticsAgency. A year at Westinghouse broadened his expertise beyond the military, giving him insights he carried back into service with a wider perspective.Listen In!

What’s driving tensions in the #IndoPacific, and how are nations responding?
We sit down with Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force officer with 35 years of experience, to unpack key issues shaping the region:
➡️ U.S.–China relations & historical context➡️ Defense strategy shifts in the Philippines➡️ Multinational military exercises like Balikatan➡️ Maritime transparency and public-private partnerships➡️ China’s civil-military fusion strategy
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We sit down with Ray Powell, Director of SeaLight and co-host of Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?, to unpack the strategic challenges shaping the region today. With 35 years in the U.S. Air Force and deep experience across Asia and the Pacific, Ray brings a sharp, on-the-ground perspective.Listen in!

How does U.S. policy shape the world? From Middle East strategy to the future of global aid, we break down the critical decisions driving international affairs—and what they mean for all of us. In this episode of the Mission Ready Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Grieco, an international development expert and former USAID leader, to explore the key issues shaping Washington, foreign policy, and global stability.
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We dive into the most pressing current events in Washington, D.C., and around the world with Jeffrey Grieco, an international development expert and former USAID leader.Jeff brings decades of experience navigating global challenges, offering sharp insights into diplomacy, foreign aid, and the policies shaping our world today.Don't miss this conversation if you want to stay ahead of the curve on international affairs, development, and the decisions impacting global stability.Full episode Up Next!

In this episode, we explore the stability concerns facing East Africa and the Horn, featuring insights from Matt Bryden and Hutch. Matt shares his 35 years of experience, from serving in the Canadian Armed Forces to leading the UN Sanctions Monitoring Team, and now heading SAHAN, which advises governments on conflict and post-conflict challenges.
Hutch, a geomarket partner at Control Risks, offers his expertise in risk management, particularly in fragile states. Drawing from his background in military operations and crisis management, he emphasizes the need for businesses to understand the local context and build relationships to ensure success in these environments.
We discuss the challenges of operating in conflict zones, the importance of security and rule of law for investment, and the evolving dynamics of international relations in Africa. Both guests highlight the potential of Africa's youth and the role of the private sector in driving sustainable development and stability.
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In the latest episode of mission ready podcast, two experts, Matt Bryden and Robert Hutchinson, share their insights on the stability concerns in East Africa and the Horn region. With decades of experience in the field, they shed light on the challenges faced by governments and organizations operating in these conflict-affected areas. The discussion also touches on the role of private investment, cyber resilience, and the need for policy changes to address these complex issues. Stay tuned for the full episode up next!

In this episode, Chris Decker delves into the intricate dynamics of collaboration between Filipino engineers and the US military, with a particular focus on operations at Subic Bay and other strategic locations in the Philippines. The episode features Rogelio Payumo alias ‘Ogie’ a seasoned Filipino engineer who shares invaluable insights from his decade-long experience working with the US Navy Public Works Center. Listen in.