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Rapid technological advancements are fueling significant shifts in society—including the ways nations equip their military. In a world where military strength is a cornerstone of peace, this evolution presents profound national security dilemmas for the United States. How did the United States get into this position? What can be done to preserve its waning technological advantage and bolster national security? Hear how defense technology is continually redefining battlefields and military strategies—from its historical past, transformative present, and indispensable future.
The MIL101 team invites you to a talk with Mike Benitez. Mike Benitez is a retired lieutenant colonel with 25 years of active service in both the Marine Corps and Air Force. His operational experience spans five combat deployments—two as an enlisted Marine helicopter mechanic/door gunner and three as an Air Force F-15E Weapons Systems Officer—flying 250 combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Additionally, his diverse career included positions in training, test, technology, strategy, and policy with assignments in Congress, the Pentagon, Silicon Valley, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Mike is currently the Director of Product at Shield AI, a defense tech startup focused on developing and scaling intelligent systems. He is also a contributing editor at War on the Rocks and founder of the Merge, a defense tech newsletter and podcast.
Reception to follow the event; drinks and light fare will be served.