Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sam Andrews has seen leadership tested in the harshest environments. With more than 25 years of infantry and command experience, his perspective carries weight far beyond the battlefield.
When he sat down with Mark Erjavec, one theme stood out:
the character of war never changes — but the tools do.
From Iraq & Afghanistan to Ukraine
In earlier conflicts, U.S. forces owned the night, owned the air. Soldiers trained without worrying about drones overhead. That advantage shaped an entire generation of tactics.
Fast forward to Ukraine:
- $500 drones now offset Russia’s firepower advantage.
- Fiber-optic lines bypass electronic jamming.
- Small teams train for the reality of being chased through forests by remote pilots.
What was unimaginable two years ago is now routine.
Leadership Lessons That Cross Borders
Sam made it clear: technology is moving faster than doctrine. The same is true in business. Markets shift. Tools evolve. Disruption comes from unexpected places.
Key lessons:
- Expect disruption. Low-cost innovations can flip entire industries.
- Train for uncertainty. Complexity is the new normal.
- Adapt faster than the rulebook. Playbooks always lag reality.
- Decisions under fog matter most. Leaders who see clearly — or at least avoid the wrong choice — win.
Why It Matters for Business
This isn’t just about military strategy. It’s about leadership in any arena where the fundamentals remain, but the tools change overnight.
Companies and teams that thrive will be those that:
- Recognize disruption early
- Adjust training and culture quickly
- Empower leaders to act decisively when uncertainty is highest
Closing Thought
Sam Andrews’ words are a reminder:
fog, friction, and uncertainty never leave the field — but leaders who adapt their tools and training stay ahead.
