I'd say we don't need more German tanks, we need more German trains.

There's only enough trains to move 1.5 armor brigades in Europe, total simultaneously.

In 1995, when the NATO's I-4 went into Bosnia to implement the Dayton Peace Accords, we had Russian troops

with us. I mean, a modern brigade command post gives off a signal like a small city, and it's

easily targeted.

Hey, and welcome to another episode of the Modern War Institute podcast. I'm John Amble, editorial director

at MWI, and this episode features a discussion with retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges.

He began his 37-year career in the U.S. Army as a platoon leader in Germany, and he finished

that career serving in his last assignment until 2017 as the commanding general of US Army Europe.

And in between those bookends of his career, he gained a wealth of experience that makes him especially well suited to share his insights on the topic of this episode, European defense.

We talk specifically about a range of issues that make European defense especially complex today and will make it

even more so in the future. The conversation touches on everything from logistical challenges

to interoperability with allies to the nuances of European defense politics to the implications

of arising China on European security. It was a fascinating talk that I really enjoyed, and I really think listeners will as well.

Before we get to it, a couple notes.

First, if you aren't yet subscribed to the MWI podcast, you can find it wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you have a second, please leave a rating or give it a review, which really does help us reach new listeners.

And second, as always, what you hear in this episode are the views of the participants

and don't represent those of West Point, the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. government.

All right, here's my conversation with retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, sir, thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the MWI

podcast.

Thanks for the privilege.

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