In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with the Honorable Michael "Mike" Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. Secretary Dodd shares his remarkable journey from enlisted Marine amtracker to Mustang infantry officer, through over 25 years advising defense and finance companies, and back to the Pentagon to serve America's warfighters. The conversation explores the newly announced six critical technology areas, how entrepreneurs and innovators can engage with the Department of War, and Secretary Dodd's mission to deliver "an unfair fight" for U.S. service members through technological superiority and asymmetric advantages.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. The DoW has narrowed its focus from 14 to six critical technology areas: recognizing that "if everything's critical, nothing is," the department is concentrating resources on areas where the U.S. needs to achieve parity with near-peer competitors or maintain technological supremacy to deter major conflict through asymmetric advantages.
2. The Pentagon is actively creating a "front door" for innovators: Secretary Dodd suggests we engage technologists where they are, encouraging entrepreneurs to present capabilities directly and get to a "no" quickly.
3. Do your homework before engaging DoW: Successful companies come prepared knowing their potential transition partners, understanding the competitive landscape, and having thought through financial capacity and teaming opportunities to scale if they win contracts.
4. You don't need to wear a uniform to serve your country: Secretary Dodd emphasizes that founders and funders bringing technology aligned with national security needs are serving their country in critical ways, whether as entrepreneurs or investors.
5. The Department is prioritizing transition and operational alignment: Success isn't just about fast acquisition; it requires alignment with the combatant commands and service chiefs to ensure warfighters can actually absorb and employ new capabilities at scale for maximum impact downrange.