I think the podcast would be much better if if it was shorter like half hour 20 minutes.

Podcast routinely recycles old episodes.

There are way too many repeated episodes. Some are 3-4 times and not identified as such.

I am forever in awe of those who face combat. It is important that their stories are not forgotten.

It was great to hear from Lt. Villanueva not only because I’m a Steelers fan, and I saw him play wide receiver at Army, but, more importantly, because I’m the son of a combat vet. I found Villanueva’s experience compelling.

Appreciate you asking clear, concise questions and then allow your SUBJECT to answer. Too many interviewers ask a question then ramble on answering their own question. Your style allows the SME to provide great answers! Well done!

Your show on leading with love and the guest was so impressive it makes me want to join up - even though I’m 60. Wow! strong rep - if that’s what the kids say. Ha!

For me, the history I enjoyed the most has always been from the actual participants in events. That’s what you get with this podcast.

It’s from west point so it’s awesome on who they have access to

Can you do weapons like XMs

Heroes one and all. From the bottom to the top. Salute you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Absolutely fascinating.. in depth conversation about this fight to survive, Thank you for being the best that the US has to offer under extreme conditions. Heroic efforts and professionalism.

Top notch show guys

Pc fakery

Phenomenal, I can’t get enough. This podcast is so important to retaining these stories so they don’t get lost in the sands of time. The interviewer is concise and asks relevant questions to keep the episode rolling. I wish they made more frequent episode releases. Keep up the great work.

A great range of experiences pulled together giving a comprehensive review of combat experiences, from infantryman, to aviator, to combat service support, etc. Extremely valuable.

Every episode has important lessons for every military leader, especially junior leaders.

Listened to the recent A-10 episode. “Is your husband a pilot?” Fortunately for him she was gracious. Host… she said he was ALSO an A-10 pilot. The host seems like he’s going off prepared questions and not adapting to how the guest replies to those questions. Just not great listening skills.

When I open this podcast all I see is muzzle flashes

Love the show, but the most recent episode with the marine, “battle for the mosque”, I was unable to finish due to the guest being impossibly quiet.

Really enjoy it, thanks.

This podcast used to be really good with amazing stories regarding combat (which is what the podcast is advertised) now they’ve just changed host, reuploaded old episodes, and literally talk to people about their feelings now instead of the events themselves. Not good at all anymore. Last episode was supposed to cover an Afghan deployment and they just talked about soldiers having flat screen TVs

This podcast is amazing in the wide range of topics they cover. I am former Navy and love to hear how the other services work. Honestly, one of the best podcasts out there.

I love this podcast but for some reason many of the interviews are borderline impossible to hear — they are super quiet with weird clicking interference. I really wish it could be fixed

Courage…all virtues at the testing point. There is a growing danger just beyond the light. Brothers

This podcast brings the reality of war to the listener in a way that was known previously only to combatants and in a such a way that is understood by civilians and military alike. It provides lessons to anyone interested in the resolution of conflict. The honesty of the participants in describing their advantages, disadvantages, and often conflicting objectives is refreshing. Enlisted and officers are well served by this well done podcast, especially those in leadership positions. Highly recommended!

Seems to have a lot of re runs. Same episode just different date and title on it. Other than that it’s a great podcast!

Great conversations — do miss the old intro music though, it created a great ambience

This podcast is some of the best discussion of the combat experience I’ve ever heard. Thanks so much for putting this out.

I lovethis podcast. The interviews are great and very, very interesting. I love listening to the stories of our men and women in uniform. Some of these people are simply amazing. I highly recommend this series.

Can’t express my love of this series. Real world stories from real world heroes. Keep them coming.

The Spear focuses on stories from the GWOT. Army officers tell their war stories from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would be nice to get more of the enlisted and NCO perspectives into this series. MWI is based on West Point and most of the interview subjects are West Point alumni.

Crazy stories! And thanks to all the men and women who served!!

No BS, no drama, just a short personal interview with the people who were there. Primary source material for historical reference. One criticism I would offer is the host has a tendency to speak up more often than is strictly necessary.

Blow by blow description of combat by the folks that were there. Very proud of our young men and women who are serving or have served our country.

Fascinating stories and insight even for non military listeners. Very informative, yet quick and easy medium to understand complicated subject matter.

Just a very very good episode...Thank you

Stumbled upon this by accident and instantly hooked. I love listening to the conventional side of the Army accounts to Iraq but more Afghanistan stories. Seems like every podcast only talks about navy seal or green berets or some type of special operations stories. I enjoy listening to platoon leaders to battalion commander stories. Me being a Military Police soldier, I definitely enjoyed that one MP commanders story, hopefully there’s more. Only complaints I have is the volume could be fixed by having microphones or something and maybe having a steady flow of stories being put out. Hey I’m only 45 minutes away so I can be a guest if they want. But good work tho can’t wait for more episodes.

The audio levels really need normalized. There has been an episode I literally can’t hear, and another that I need to turn the volume to the lowest possible level. Due to the quality of the content, I wouldn’t deign to rate it any less than all the stars. But since all these warriors fought for my right to be a complainer, I figured it's my duty to mention it.

One of my favorite

From 60 to 84 I was never selected for any of the dangerous things I volunteered for so the bullets were never forward of the C-130 Elevator trim tab. Good to know Americans are still on the Spear

Thank you for this podcast, I never served in the Military but I have an eternal appreciation for everyone that does. I feel like Americans can easily overlook the sacrifice that our soldiers make for our freedom, this podcast paints a sobering picture of what war is all about. Everyone should listen to this, God bless the Troops! Keep it up, I’ll keep listening as long as content keeps getting out up. Thank you for your service!

Keep it up please

World, This is THE most important Podcast any Combat-centric Leader, Fighter, and/or First Responder will insert into their self-study program. Period. Sit back, listen, learn, reflect, and think. - Marine Infantry Officer and Combat Veteran of Afghanistan (circa 2010 and 2012).

I would definitely recommend this podcast, as it is both highly informative and entertaining. However, it has been pretty disappointing to see older episodes re-posted each week for the past several weeks. There hasn’t been a new episode in a few months—so I am hoping for some new material soon. Either way, I remain a big fan of this podcast and want to thank all of those involved for their service.

Lessons learned .. just what I expect coming from West Point.

I like the broad spectrum of issues The Spear covers. This is an excellent means of professional development while driving and or traveling. Thank you MWI.

These are stories of heroes. They talk about more than just battles. They set the stage, detail the engagement, the challenges, and the people. They discuss lessons learned, many of which aren’t just for the battlefield. It’s a must listen.

Really a must listen podcast for every American, liberal to conservative, pacifist to militarist, old and young, military and civilian. It is necessary for us as citizens to know and understand what happens to those who go into harm's way on our behalf.

Americans have been engaged in the sandbox and elsewhere one way or another since DS1 (1990). Our warriors for four generations have had few decent outlets for telling their stories. This particular story of an IRAM attack in 2008 is intense and uplifting. The concept for the podcast is excellent and the execution hits the spot. Good on all involved!