What It Really Takes to Defend the Homeland w/ Gen. Glen VanHerck

Drones flying over Air Force bases. Unidentified aerial systems evading detection. A homeland vulnerable to $1,000 weapons while billion-dollar jets sit powerless.

It’s not the plot of a futuristic war movie. It’s the uncomfortable reality facing U.S. defense leaders today.

In this episode, I’m joined by retired four-star General and former Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and NORAD, Glen VanHerck. This is an unfiltered look at the growing threats to homeland security and the urgent need to rethink how America defends its skies.

With decades of experience flying F-15s, F-35s, and stealth bombers, General VanHerck has spent his career on the frontlines of aerospace defense. 

But what he witnessed during his final years in command prompted him to speak out: America is not ready for the threats of today, let alone tomorrow.

From the vulnerabilities exposed by drones over Langley to the ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, General VanHerck offers an insider perspective on why policy, not just technology, is our greatest weakness and how a layered, agile, and industrial-scale approach could change the game.

 

You’ll learn:

• Why low-cost drones may pose the biggest threat to U.S. national security 
• The real story behind the drone incursions at Langley Air Force Base 
• “Golden Dome” and why it's America’s Manhattan Project for defense 
• The policy, tech, and industrial changes needed to protect critical infrastructure 
• How the U.S. can rebuild trust, capacity, and innovation across its defense ecosystem 
• Why vocational education, industrial revitalization, and AI will define the next era of defense

 

Golden Dome isn’t just missile defense. It’s a Manhattan Project-level effort. -Gen. Glen VanHerck

 

Guest Bio

General Glen D. VanHerck is Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).  NORAD conducts aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning in the defense of North America.  USNORTHCOM partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support, and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests. General VanHerck is a graduate of the University of Missouri and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.  He has a diverse operational and training background that includes assignments in the F-15C, F-35A, B-2A, and B-1B with over 3,200 flight hours.  He has served as an instructor pilot and flight examiner in the F-15C, B-2A, and T-6A. Additionally, he served as a U.S. Air Force Weapons School instructor in the F-15C and the B-2A. Connect with Gen. VanHerck on LinkedIn. 

 

About Your Host

Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association. 

 

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