Redefining Tech for the Future Fight: A General's New Mission

The character of war is changing, but its human stakes are not. Speed, software, autonomy, and long-range systems now shape the battlefield, yet every decision still carries life-or-death consequences for Soldiers on the ground. LTG (Ret.) Neil Thurgood’s background has prepared him to help guide thinking on the Army's adaptation without losing the values that define it. How can technology actually serve those who fight? In this episode of Army Matters, hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTG (Ret.) Thurgood, whose career spans enlisted infantry service, combat aviation, senior acquisition leadership, and now defense industry innovation with the defense technology firm Anduril. From formative experiences as the child of an Army aviator, to his own experiences as an Infantrymen, Aviator, and senior leader standing up the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), Thurgood reflects on leadership under pressure, learning through failure, and why speed in acquisition is ultimately about giving Soldiers a chance to come home. Guest: LTG Neil Thurgood, PhD, U.S. Army Retired, Senior Vice President, Anduril 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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Redefining Tech for the Future Fight: A General's New Mission is an episode from AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast by Assn. of the United States Army.

This episode is 38:59 long.

This episode was published on Feb 11, 2026.

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