View full transcript.

Episode Overview 

In Part Two of this two-part conversation, Elaura continues her conversation with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, in a more personal setting. The discussion explores reading and lifelong learning, human performance, acquisition reform, developing talent, lifelong friendships in the Marine Corps, and the importance of shaping future leaders. 

Guest 

Lt. Gen. Bowers — Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, United States Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Bowers is a 1990 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a degree in history and was commissioned into the Marine Corps. Throughout his career, he has served across nearly every Marine Expeditionary Force, in every element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and in much of the supporting establishment. His assignments have included operational, command, institutional, and joint leadership positions, including President of Marine Corps University and Commanding General of Education Command. 

In This Episode 

• Reading as a tool for leadership and lifelong learning 
• Human performance and Project Warrior 
• Sleep, nutrition, injury prevention, and maximizing talent 
• The gap between technical solutions and operational use 
• Acquisition reform and getting capabilities to the warfighter faster 
• The value of the Naval Postgraduate School ecosystem 
• The rewards of developing and watching young Marines succeed 
• Lifelong friendships and relationships formed during military service 
• Advice to younger Marines and the importance of investing in peers 
• Recruiting, retention, and supporting Marines who transition to civilian careers 
• Training, adaptability, strategic judgment, and peer leadership 
• Building the right force to win future battles 
• Shaping the Marine Corps' future leaders 

Book Recommendations 

• Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929–1945 — David M. Kennedy 
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion — Robert B. Cialdini 
• Peak: The New Science of Athletic Performance That Is Revolutionizing Sports — Marc Bubbs 
• The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy — Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw 
• Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI — Ethan Mollick 

Key Takeaways 

• Invest in the relationships you build with your peers because they can become lifelong friendships. 
• Recognizing and developing talent can have an impact that lasts well beyond an individual's time in uniform. 
• The Marine Corps can benefit from applying lessons from human performance, including sleep, nutrition, and injury prevention. 
• Moving quickly from technical innovation to operational capability requires continued attention to acquisition reform. 
• Marines who leave active service and succeed as civilians can become powerful examples that inspire future generations to serve. 
• Building the right force is foundational to winning battles. 
• Developing future leaders creates positive effects today as well as decades into the future. 

Timestamps 

00:08 — Introduction 

02:12 — LtGen Bowers' current reading and Project Warrior 

04:22 — The gap between technical solutions and operational use 

06:03 — What LtGen Bowers is most proud of 

08:42 — Helping young Marines find their path and realize their potential 

10:05 — Advice to his younger self 

13:24 — Making the most of the NPS experience 

14:04 — Lightning round: "This or That" 

17:28 — LtGen Bowers' message to NPS students and listeners 

18:03 — Closing 

About the Trident Room Podcast 

The Trident Room Podcast features conversations with members of the Naval Postgraduate School community and distinguished guests on leadership, national security, education, technology, and the people behind the mission. 

Disclaimer 

The views expressed in this interview are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, or the Naval Postgraduate School. 

More Information 

For more information about today's guests and topics, visit nps.edu/tridentroompodcast. 

For questions, comments, and suggestions, email tridentroompodcasthost@nps.edu. 

The Trident Room Podcast is brought to you by the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation.