🪖 The Friday Formation
This week’s dispatch on Army writing & leadership
12 September 2025
Editor’s Note
This week’s edition stretches from Taiwan’s defense to logistics, drone development, and leadership at the tactical edge. Together these articles and podcasts highlight the balance between fighting tonight, transforming for tomorrow, and strengthening the profession of arms. If I missed something, let me know—I’ll add it in next week. And remember: professional writing is how we sharpen ideas before the fight.
⚔️ Warfighting
• China’s September 2025 Military Parade: How PLA Ground Forces Are Adapting By Joshua Arostegui – SSI, Army War College
Analyzes how the PLA uses public displays to signal modernization trends and future capabilities.
• Fighting for the Day After By Capt. Micah Neidorfler – Military Review
Argues that post-conflict planning is as critical as victory in battle.
• The Battle of Riga By Capt. Randy Noorman – Military Review
A case study offering operational lessons from urban combat and coalition warfare.
• Lessons from Ukraine By Col. Vytis Andreika – Military Review
Captures battlefield adaptations and tactical innovations from Ukraine’s defense.
• For the Prospective Ranger Student – A Philosophy for Success By 2LT Jacob Woodruff – The Center for Junior Officers
Gear up for Ranger School success with essential tips to conquer the Army's ultimate leadership challenge
🎧 Podcasts
• The Boiling Moat: Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan – Host: Ben Jebb and Katherine Michaelson, Guest: Matt Turpin & Matt Pottinger - Irregular Warfare Initiative Podcast
Experts outline critical steps to shore up Taiwan’s defenses before a crisis erupts.
🔧 Delivering Ready Combat Power
• Distributed Logistics By Maj. Christopher M. Salerno – Military Review
Examines new concepts for sustaining dispersed formations in contested environments.
• Reserve Medical Force Col. Matthew D’Angelo – Military Review
Details how reserve medical capabilities are integrated into total force readiness.
🎧 Podcasts
• LOGSTAT Training With Industry Host: Capt. Garett Pyle, Guests: Capt. Anna Martinex & Mrs. Carrier Vernon Spivey – Army Sustainment
A discussion of partnerships with industry to improve logistics and sustainment practices.
• Logistics and Readiness Host: Stephanie Crider, Guests: BG Ronnie D. Anderson & Patrick N. Kelleher – SSI, Army War College
Explores how sustainment drives combat readiness at every echelon.
🔄 Continuous Transformation
• Drone Development By Col. Neil A. Hollenbeck – Military Review Online Exclusive
Examines how drone innovations are reshaping battlefield tactics.
• Spotting the Machine in the Margins By Lt. Col. Patrick Naughton – Military Review
Considers the integration of autonomous systems into maneuver forces.
• The Evolution of Air Defense By Maj. Vincent R. Wiggins – Military Review
Highlights challenges and innovations in air and missile defense.
🎧 Podcasts
• MWI Podcast: China’s Strategic Competition with the U.S. Host: John Amble, Guest: Ali Wyne – MWI Podcast
Explores how China leverages all instruments of power in its competition with the U.S.
📜 Strengthening the Profession of Arms
• The Tone Range Fan: A Tool for Leaders at All Levels By Col Ed Arntson & LTC Erik Miller – (From the Green Notebook)
Offers a practical leadership tool for calibrating tone and influence.
• What is Power? By Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe Byerly – From the Green Notebook
Reflects on the nature of power, authority, and influence in leadership.
• Representing the Uniform, Even When It’s Not On By 2LT Noah Jager – From the Green Notebook
Discusses the responsibility of Soldiers to embody Army values on and off duty.
• Seven Questions: EW Unit Breaks New Ground By Gina Cavallaro – AUSA
Explores how an EW unit is redefining approaches to electronic warfare.
• Transforming Our Army Values for a Modern Force By Col. Chaveso “Chevy” Cook – AUSA Harding Papers
Reexamines Army Values in the context of modernization.
• Pounds for Pain By Master Sgt. Matthew McLemore – NCO Journal
Highlights lessons in physical readiness, resilience, and leader responsibility.
• Psychological Safety By Retired Sgt. Chirstopher Rodriguez – NCO Journal
Examines how psychological safety improves team performance and trust.
• How to Connect with a TEDx Audience By Col. Andrew Steadman – The Military Leader
Learn how TEDx ideas and crisis examples inspire leadership growth.
📖 Resources & Calls
• Professional Military Writing – Military Review
• CSA Recommended Articles – Army University Press
• Call for Papers: Army Civilian Journal – Line of Departure
• Professional Writing Playlist (YouTube)
🧰 Weekend Loadout
• Quick Read: The Tone Range Fan – practical leadership advice.
• Deep Dive: Logistics and Readiness – sustaining combat power.
• Must-Listen: The Boiling Moat – defending Taiwan before it’s too late.
🧭 About the Harding Project
The Harding Project is Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy George’s initiative to strengthen the profession through professional writing and public discourse.
The one-stop shop for all branch journal articles is the Line of Departure website – check it out to get your daily dose of Army professional development! If you have good ideas or lessons to share with the rest of the force, please pen them and send them our way at submissions@hardingproject.com.
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