The Punaro Perspective Sat, 14 Mar 2026 21:51:29 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757082 en-us © 2026 The Punaro Perspective yes 8e516899-4cb1-53ca-a34c-a3f395e27f53 Arnold Punaro episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Arnold Punaro https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6sn8lyma2l4y5o3alk6iyq9xo42u?.jpg The Punaro Perspective The Punaro Perspective – The Guard & Reserve The Punaro Perspective – The Guard & Reserve On this episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (USMC, Ret.) highlights the importance of the Guard and Reserve in our nation’s national security and military capabilities. Since 9/11, over 1 million members of the Guard and Reserve have been deployed both domestically and abroad. Tune in to learn more.

]]> On this episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (USMC, Ret.) highlights the importance of the Guard and Reserve in our nation’s national security and military capabilities. Since 9/11, over 1 million members of the Guard and Reserve have been deployed both domestically and abroad. Tune in to learn more.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-9438192 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0400 249 1 21 full false The Punaro Perspective – Readiness & the COVID-19 Vaccine The Punaro Perspective – Readiness & the COVID-19 Vaccine On this episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro, USMC (Ret.) discusses Defense Secretary Austin’s decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine for active duty military personnel. Tune in to learn more about the vaccine requirement, the importance of medical readiness, and General Punaro’s thoughts on the decision.

]]> On this episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro, USMC (Ret.) discusses Defense Secretary Austin’s decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine for active duty military personnel. Tune in to learn more about the vaccine requirement, the importance of medical readiness, and General Punaro’s thoughts on the decision.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-9012408 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 368 1 20 full false The Punaro Perspective – The Office of the Secretary of Defense The Punaro Perspective – The Office of the Secretary of Defense On this week’s episode of the Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro discusses the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), a topic covered in his new book, The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force. OSD is the Secretary of Defense’s support staff for managing the DoD, the world’s largest and most complex organization. Tune in to hear more!

Purchase a copy of The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force today at Barnes & Noble (https://rb.gy/aqwhnc) or Amazon (https://rb.gy/zthfbv).

]]> On this week’s episode of the Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro discusses the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), a topic covered in his new book, The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force. OSD is the Secretary of Defense’s support staff for managing the DoD, the world’s largest and most complex organization. Tune in to hear more!

Purchase a copy of The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force today at Barnes & Noble (https://rb.gy/aqwhnc) or Amazon (https://rb.gy/zthfbv).

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-9012398 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 383 1 19 full false The Punaro Perspective – The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force The Punaro Perspective – The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force On this week’s Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) discusses his newly-released book, The Ever Shrinking Fighting Force. Focused on preserving America’s unmatched capabilities and global reach, The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force explores complex issues, such as the glacial pace and increasing costs of acquisitions, the spiraling growth of the defense agencies and DoD’s overhead, and the fully-burdened costs of the all-volunteer force. In today’s episode, Gen. Punaro discusses the major ”ticking time bombs” of national security – adverse factors impacting DoD’s ability to get the most bang for the buck. Tune in and check out www.arnoldpunaro.com to learn more.

Purchase a copy today at Barnes & Noble (https://rb.gy/aqwhnc) or Amazon (https://rb.gy/zthfbv).

]]> On this week’s Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) discusses his newly-released book, The Ever Shrinking Fighting Force. Focused on preserving America’s unmatched capabilities and global reach, The Ever-Shrinking Fighting Force explores complex issues, such as the glacial pace and increasing costs of acquisitions, the spiraling growth of the defense agencies and DoD’s overhead, and the fully-burdened costs of the all-volunteer force. In today’s episode, Gen. Punaro discusses the major ”ticking time bombs” of national security – adverse factors impacting DoD’s ability to get the most bang for the buck. Tune in and check out www.arnoldpunaro.com to learn more.

Purchase a copy today at Barnes & Noble (https://rb.gy/aqwhnc) or Amazon (https://rb.gy/zthfbv).

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-9012369 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 500 1 18 full false The Punaro Perspective-- Pentagon Update The Punaro Perspective-- Pentagon Update On this week’s episode, join General Punaro for an update on the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) as they tackle the newly-released FY22 budget and the ongoing nominations and confirmations of Department of Defense personnel.

]]> On this week’s episode, join General Punaro for an update on the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) as they tackle the newly-released FY22 budget and the ongoing nominations and confirmations of Department of Defense personnel.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8739847 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0400 378 1 17 full false The Punaro Perspective – Senator John Warner The Punaro Perspective – Senator John Warner On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) highlights the life and legacy of Senator John Warner. Warner, who passed away on May 25th at the age of 94, represented Virginia in the Senate for three decades and was an influential figure on the Armed Services Committee. Join Gen. Punaro as he discusses Senator Warner’s life-long commitment to a strong national defense and the way he always put the nation’s interests ahead of his personal interests – a lesson worthy of reminder today.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) highlights the life and legacy of Senator John Warner. Warner, who passed away on May 25th at the age of 94, represented Virginia in the Senate for three decades and was an influential figure on the Armed Services Committee. Join Gen. Punaro as he discusses Senator Warner’s life-long commitment to a strong national defense and the way he always put the nation’s interests ahead of his personal interests – a lesson worthy of reminder today.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8638966 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 13:00:00 -0400 325 1 16 full false The Punaro Perspective – Withdraw from Afghanistan The Punaro Perspective – Withdraw from Afghanistan On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) discusses President Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Drawing upon his own experience as an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam, General Punaro provides his perspective as the U.S. looks to end its 20-year involvement in the conflict. Tune in to hear more!

]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) discusses President Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Drawing upon his own experience as an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam, General Punaro provides his perspective as the U.S. looks to end its 20-year involvement in the conflict. Tune in to hear more!

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8558505 Thu, 20 May 2021 16:00:00 -0400 307 1 15 full false The Punaro Perspective – Confirmation Process Update The Punaro Perspective – Confirmation Process Update On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro (Ret) provides an update on the Biden administration’s confirmation process with a special focus on the Department of Defense. Tune in to learn more about the latest nominees, the confirmation timeline, and the different positions the Biden administration is working to fill.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro (Ret) provides an update on the Biden administration’s confirmation process with a special focus on the Department of Defense. Tune in to learn more about the latest nominees, the confirmation timeline, and the different positions the Biden administration is working to fill.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8472375 Thu, 06 May 2021 13:00:00 -0400 403 1 14 full false The Punaro Perspective – Biden’s First 100 Days The Punaro Perspective – Biden’s First 100 Days Friday, April 30th, marks President Biden’s first 100 days in office. On this week’s Punaro Perspective episode, Major General Arnold Punaro (Ret.) provides a review of the new administration’s accomplishments, priorities, and major policies, with a special focus on national security. Tune in to hear more!

]]> Friday, April 30th, marks President Biden’s first 100 days in office. On this week’s Punaro Perspective episode, Major General Arnold Punaro (Ret.) provides a review of the new administration’s accomplishments, priorities, and major policies, with a special focus on national security. Tune in to hear more!

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8427763 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400 432 1 13 full false The Punaro Perspective – Global Threat Assessment The Punaro Perspective – Global Threat Assessment For the first time in nearly half a decade, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held the Annual Threat Assessment, a public hearing in which the intelligence community provides a rare look into its top priorities. On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) breaks down the important information discussed in last week’s hearing and highlights the top threats facing the U.S. today. Tune in to learn more!

]]> For the first time in nearly half a decade, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held the Annual Threat Assessment, a public hearing in which the intelligence community provides a rare look into its top priorities. On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) breaks down the important information discussed in last week’s hearing and highlights the top threats facing the U.S. today. Tune in to learn more!

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8378311 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -0400 369 1 12 full false The Punaro Perspective – Budget Season The Punaro Perspective – Budget Season On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, join Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) as he discusses the Biden administration’s newly released FY22 budget outline. Gen. Punaro provides the historical context and in-depth analysis necessary to understand the FY22 budget process and timeline. Tune in to learn more!

]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, join Major General Arnold L. Punaro (Ret.) as he discusses the Biden administration’s newly released FY22 budget outline. Gen. Punaro provides the historical context and in-depth analysis necessary to understand the FY22 budget process and timeline. Tune in to learn more!

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341266 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0400 405 1 11 full false The Punaro Perspective – Checking in on the Biden Administration The Punaro Perspective – Checking in on the Biden Administration On this week’s Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro checks in on the Biden presidency as the administration nears its first 100 days in office. General Punaro discusses the successes, challenges, and likely trajectory of the Biden administration with a special focus on national security and defense matters. Tune in to learn more!


]]> On this week’s Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro checks in on the Biden presidency as the administration nears its first 100 days in office. General Punaro discusses the successes, challenges, and likely trajectory of the Biden administration with a special focus on national security and defense matters. Tune in to learn more!


]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341909 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0400 401 1 10 full false The Punaro Perspective – Threats Posed by a Rising China The Punaro Perspective – Threats Posed by a Rising China On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro discusses the economic, technological, and military challenges posed by a rising China. As the Department of Defense and the U.S. military pivot towards Great Power Competition, it is vital to understand the risk China poses to American dominance. General Punaro details these dangers and discusses how President Biden and Congress can respond in the face of an increasingly powerful China.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro discusses the economic, technological, and military challenges posed by a rising China. As the Department of Defense and the U.S. military pivot towards Great Power Competition, it is vital to understand the risk China poses to American dominance. General Punaro details these dangers and discusses how President Biden and Congress can respond in the face of an increasingly powerful China.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341922 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0400 433 1 9 full false The Punaro Perspective – Bipartisanship in National Security The Punaro Perspective – Bipartisanship in National Security On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro discusses the long-standing tradition of bipartisanship in national security. From detailing past instances of bipartisanship to forecasting potential areas of cooperation for the 117th Congress, Gen. Punaro highlights the processes and importance of continuing this tradition. Tune in to learn more!


]]> On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro discusses the long-standing tradition of bipartisanship in national security. From detailing past instances of bipartisanship to forecasting potential areas of cooperation for the 117th Congress, Gen. Punaro highlights the processes and importance of continuing this tradition. Tune in to learn more!


]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341928 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0400 412 1 8 full false The Punaro Perspective – Defense Budgets The Punaro Perspective – Defense Budgets Are you interested in better understanding the framework of the defense budget and the likely outcome for Fiscal Year 2022? Tune in to the latest Punaro Perspective, where Major General Arnold Punaro discuss the history of defense budgets during administration transitions, the origins of the defense budgeting process, and the likely debate and outcome of the FY22 top line.


]]> Are you interested in better understanding the framework of the defense budget and the likely outcome for Fiscal Year 2022? Tune in to the latest Punaro Perspective, where Major General Arnold Punaro discuss the history of defense budgets during administration transitions, the origins of the defense budgeting process, and the likely debate and outcome of the FY22 top line.


]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341941 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0400 386 1 7 full false The Punaro Perspective – Congress’ Power of the Purse The Punaro Perspective – Congress’ Power of the Purse Interested in learning more about Congress' power of the purse? Tune in to this week's Punaro Perspective the better understand the budgeting and appropriations process, a timely topic given the renewed attention around earmarks and government spending.

]]> Interested in learning more about Congress' power of the purse? Tune in to this week's Punaro Perspective the better understand the budgeting and appropriations process, a timely topic given the renewed attention around earmarks and government spending.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8361771 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500 361 1 6 full true The Punaro Perspective – DoD’s Role in COVID-19 Response The Punaro Perspective – DoD’s Role in COVID-19 Response In this week’s installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro provides a look inside DoD’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. For many Americans, March 2020 was the time when COVID-19 drastically upended “normal” life. As we approach the one year mark, learn how the Pentagon and our service-members have been supporting our country throughout the pandemic.

]]> In this week’s installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold Punaro provides a look inside DoD’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. For many Americans, March 2020 was the time when COVID-19 drastically upended “normal” life. As we approach the one year mark, learn how the Pentagon and our service-members have been supporting our country throughout the pandemic.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341948 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0500 361 1 6 full false The Punaro Perspective – The Confirmation Process (Part 2) The Punaro Perspective – The Confirmation Process (Part 2) For Presidentially-nominated and Senate confirmed (PAS) officials, the road to confirmation involves a substantial amount of paperwork. On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro details what he calls the basics of “blocking and tackling” of the nomination and confirmation process. Tune in to learn more!


]]> For Presidentially-nominated and Senate confirmed (PAS) officials, the road to confirmation involves a substantial amount of paperwork. On this week’s episode of The Punaro Perspective, Major General Arnold L. Punaro details what he calls the basics of “blocking and tackling” of the nomination and confirmation process. Tune in to learn more!


]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341957 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 370 1 4 full false The Punaro Perspective – George Shultz and Brent Scowcroft The Punaro Perspective – George Shultz and Brent Scowcroft On the third installment on The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Punaro discuss the lives and legacies of two great national security leaders: George Shultz and Brent Scowcroft. Shultz and Scowcroft set the gold standard for principled non-partisan leadership, and their approach and thoughtful views are ones that we could greatly benefit from today.

]]> On the third installment on The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Punaro discuss the lives and legacies of two great national security leaders: George Shultz and Brent Scowcroft. Shultz and Scowcroft set the gold standard for principled non-partisan leadership, and their approach and thoughtful views are ones that we could greatly benefit from today.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341963 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 330 1 3 full false The Punaro Perspective – Senate Confirmation Process (Part 1) The Punaro Perspective – Senate Confirmation Process (Part 1) In his second installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Arnold Punaro dives into the Senate confirmation process. In addition to explaining how the process works, General Punaro discusses the increasingly lengthy amount of time it takes for a nominee to be confirmed by the Senate. He also provides his take on the recent confirmation hearing of Dr. Kath Hicks to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense.

]]> In his second installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Arnold Punaro dives into the Senate confirmation process. In addition to explaining how the process works, General Punaro discusses the increasingly lengthy amount of time it takes for a nominee to be confirmed by the Senate. He also provides his take on the recent confirmation hearing of Dr. Kath Hicks to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341967 Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 379 1 2 full false The Punaro Perspective – Civilian Control of the Military The Punaro Perspective – Civilian Control of the Military In the first installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Arnold Punaro explains the importance of civilian control of the military and discusses the confirmation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

]]> In the first installment of The Punaro Perspective, Major General (Ret) Arnold Punaro explains the importance of civilian control of the military and discusses the confirmation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

]]> Arnold Punaro Buzzsprout-8341969 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 382 1 1 full false