Not a Straight Line: From Cadet to Commander

In this episode of Army Matters, hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with BG Maurice “Moe” Barnett, Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command. From growing up in Gary, Indiana, to leading the Army’s largest commissioning source, BG Barnett reflects on the mentors, missteps, and moments that shaped his 31-year journey. He speaks candidly about nearly leaving the Army after his initial obligation, the life-changing impact of battery command, and the lessons learned from both hard corrections and compassionate leadership. Barnett challenges young Soldiers and cadets not to treat service as a temporary obligation, but to “put all your chips in the middle of the table” and give their full commitment to the profession. Guest: BG Maurice Barnett, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command Army ROTC: Go Army ROTC: Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath. Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

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Not a Straight Line: From Cadet to Commander is an episode from AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast by Assn. of the United States Army.

This episode is 42:17 long.

This episode was published on Apr 22, 2026.

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