{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":300,"width":600,"title":"Episode #108 \u2013 The Tanker World\u2019s in Trouble: ARSAG, Anaconda, and Global Tensions on the Nation\u2019s DIME.","description":"\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f EPISODE #108 \u2013 The Tanker World\u2019s in Trouble: ARSAG, Anaconda, and Global Tensions on the Nation\u2019s DIME Strap in and listen up, warriors. Welcome to Episode 108 of the Lessons from the Cockpit Show. I\u2019m Lt Col Mark Hasara, USAF (Ret.)\u2014KC-135 pilot, Weapons School grad, Joint Specialty Officer, and your host for this mission. I just got back from Air Refueling Systems Advisory Group or ARSAG 2025 at Planet Hollywood in Vegas\u2014a gathering of the best and sharpest minds in global air refueling planning and operations. Senior leaders from the USAF, Royal Air Force, and RAAF, and European Military Refueling groups along with top-tier industry reps, all showed up. Thanks Air Commodore Brad Clarke from the RAAF for spending time with me and discussing what's going on in your very "busy" neighborhood! Here\u2019s the bottom line: The state of air refueling today? Not good. We\u2019re flying too few tankers with aging tech in a world that\u2019s moving fast toward major conflict. And my largest concern is our international partners have not been cleared to refuel all aircraft in our USAF inventory. Limited resources dictate creating a collaborative system and we are still fighting the government bureaucratic inertia where interoperability and working with coalition partners is concerned. Retired General Mike Minihan, former AMC Commander wrote an outstanding article in Defense One on the tanker gap we have now. This is a MUST READ article by the Flag Officer who knows the real story. https:\/\/www.defenseone.com\/ideas\/2025... New ball cap in my collection! Embraer's CEO Bosco de Costa had their new KC-390 on the ramp at Harry Reid International and of course I had to go see for myself. Congratulations Embraer for creating a magnificent mobility aircraft. Such a cool jet! I briefed Operation Anaconda and Shock and Awe, but we also heard updates on the future of KC-135, KC-46, and what\u2019s left of our tanker enterprise. Wait! There's more... With the world heating up, I\u2019m bringing back something I used to teach at the Joint Forces Staff College\u2014a global intel wrap-up I call \u201cOn the Nation\u2019s DIME.\u201d Each letter stands for a line of effort: Diplomatic Informational Military Economic In this episode, I break down major flashpoints and what they mean for warfighters, planners, and leaders\u2014from Ukraine to the South China Sea. So grab a cold one, get comfortable, and let\u2019s dig in. Because the fight is coming. And it\u2019s going to need a LOT of gas. \ud83d\udeeb Fuel the Flight Deck \u2013 Join the All Ranks Club Love what you're hearing? Help keep the Lessons from the Cockpit Show in the air. Join the All Ranks Club on Patreon and get: \ud83c\udfa7 Private Zoom calls with me\u2014talk jets, leadership, or anything on your mind \u2753 Monthly Q&As with the aircrew\u2014deeper dives into war stories and aviation ops \ud83c\udf7b Virtual Bar Nights with fellow aviators and fans \ud83c\udf81 10-pack of exclusive 7-inch aircraft stickers\u2014yep, waterproof \ud83e\ude99 Be part of designing our custom All Ranks Challenge Coin \ud83c\udfaf Join here \u27a1\ufe0f Patreon \u2013 All Ranks Club \ud83c\udf81 Or gift a membership \u27a1\ufe0f Give the Gift of Flight \ud83d\udcac Join the community on Discord \u27a1\ufe0f Discord Crew Link \ud83c\udfa8 Wall Pilot \u2013 Aviation Art You Can Stick Anywhere Want to own a piece of the sky? Wall Pilot creates massive, peel-and-stick vinyl prints of legendary aircraft: 4, 6, or 8 feet long Printed with real-world squadron markings and tail flashes Over 158 ready-to-print profiles, including F-22s, Phantoms, MiGs, P-51s, and more Or order a fully custom jet with your name on the canopy rail \ud83d\uded2 Order yours now \u27a1\ufe0f WallPilot.com\/shop \ud83c\udfaf Need a custom bird? \u27a1\ufe0f Design Your Dream Jet Every order supports the podcast\u2014so you get killer airplane art and keep the show flying. \ud83d\udcb8 Drop Gas in the Tank \u2013 Support via Venmo Want to help fund the next sortie? Drop your payload here \u27a1\ufe0f Venmo @Mark-Hasara Every dollar helps cover production, travel, gear, and bandwidth to keep this show combat-ready. \ud83d\udcf2 Follow Mark Hasara on Social Media Stay connected, get behind-the-scenes content, and see where we\u2019re flying next: \ud83d\udd34 YouTube \u2013 @markhasara \ud83d\udcf8 Instagram \u2013 @markhasara \ud83c\udfb5 TikTok \u2013 @markhasara \ud83d\udfe6 Facebook \u2013 Mark Hasara Subscribe. Share. Support. Tell a fellow aircrew member, loadmaster, or aviation nut to tune in. And remember\u2026 Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas... NOBODY! ","author_name":"Lessons From The Cockpit","author_url":"https:\/\/lessonsfromthecockpit.show\/","html":"