STRAT

In this gripping episode,  retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer  unpacks the  deadly shooting at 345 Park Avenue in New York City , where a  Las Vegas surveillance operative opened fire in a high-rise lobby, killing multiple people before taking his own life . Kempfer details  the shooter’s cross-country journey, his apparent motive tied to the NFL, and how miss...

In this gripping episode of STRAT , retired Marine Intelligence Officer and geopolitical analyst Hal Kempfer examines what could be the unraveling of the Russian military and the Putin regime . Kempfer walks through how a failed summer offensive may signal not just battlefield defeat but a cascading collapse driven by military overreach, economic implosion, internal dissent, and mounting casualtie...

This episode of STRAT delivers a critical wake-up call: our current emergency preparedness planning process isn't enough for higher levels of government. Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer discusses how military-style decision support, operational planning, and intelligence integration can be better adapted for civilian use—before another catastrophe strikes. Citing real-world failure...

In this STRAT with Hal Kempfer episode, we examine Ukraine’s bold new military and strategic initiatives that could reshape global warfare. President Zelensky has proposed two groundbreaking moves: a “Drone Megadeal” with the United States and an open invitation to Western defense companies to test cutting-edge weapons on Ukraine’s battlefields. Hal Kempfer breaks down why Ukraine’s inexpensive, b...

In this episode, Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer delves into the recent changes in U.S. policy regarding Ukraine , particularly the shift to selling arms through NATO . With President Trump setting a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire , we analyze the implications of this new approach. We explore the historical context of U.S.-Ukraine relations , Trump's evolving st...

In this episode of STRAT , retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer dives deep into the renewed threat posed by the Houthis — officially known as Ansar Allah — in Yemen . Drawing on historical, political, and strategic insights, Hal explores the group's Zaydi origins , Iranian ties , and the devastating toll of Yemen’s ongoing civil war . With over 150,000 lives lost and one of the w...

Over the Fourth of July weekend, flash floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, killing 104 people—at least 28 of them children (to date), many attending summer camp. In this STRAT episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer dissects the disaster through a strategic lens. From urgent failures in local preparedness to the long-ignored federal guidance that could have saved lives, he ex...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of global conflict with Hal Kempfer, a retired Marine Intelligence Officer and strategic risk expert. Covering critical issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the geopolitical shifts in Siberia, we explore North Korea's involvement in Russia's military efforts and the implications of a potential arms shipment suspension from the U.S. We also e...

In this concise yet powerful episode of Strategic Risk Assessment Talk , Retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer explores the global implications of the recent U.S. military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities . Utilizing advanced weaponry, including B-2 bombers carrying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles, the U.S. delivered a precis...

In this episode of STRAT , Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer dissects the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran , exploring its implications and the dynamics that led to this temporary halt in hostilities. We examine Iran's missile response to U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites and the U.S. military's Operation Midnight Hammer , which targeted key Iranian facilities. The discussion...

In this episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer delves into critical global conflict risks with a focus on the Israel-Iran War, California's National Guard federalization, and the geopolitical ramifications of these developments . Explore Israel's strategic military responses and the implications of U.S. federal authority over National Guard forces . We review the ongoing t...

In this episode, Retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer delves into the complex issues surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles . We explore the federal mission of immigration enforcement , the challenges posed by sanctuary cities , and the limits of local law enforcement . The discussion includes the legal framework governing the National Guar...

In this gripping episode, we delve into pressing global risks tied to recent conflict and extremism. From a tragic car bombing in Palm Springs to the assassination of Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., we explore the critical indicators of threats and the vital importance of threat assessments. With insight into the historical context of the Terrorism Early Warning program, we discuss how inte...

In this episode of STRAT , retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer discusses pressing global risks linked to conflict and terrorism . The conversation delves into a tragic car bombing at a Palm Springs reproductive center, highlighting the dangers of domestic extremism and the anti-IVF movement . The episode also covers President Trump’s Middle East trip, the complexities of Iran nu...

In this gripping episode of STRAT , retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer delves into urgent global issues tied to risk, focusing on the volatile dynamics between India and Pakistan, the tenuous Iran nuclear talks, and recent developments in Kyiv . Tensions were escalating in India and Pakistan following an April terrorist attack and subsequent military strikes , raising fears of...

In this episode, Retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol Hal Kempfer delves into pressing global issues surrounding risk in conflict and war . With the majority of US Senators backing a dramatic 500% tariff on Russian energy imports , we explore the implications for countries like China, India, and Iran, and the ripple effects on European energy markets . As the EU seeks to diversify its energy...

In this intense episode of STRAT , retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer dives into dynamic regional conflicts and their far-reaching consequences . With a critical lens, he examines the ongoing tensions between nuclear neighbors Pakistan and India , focusing on the intricate web of territorial disputes, religious divides, and water rights . Hal also delves into current issues aff...

In this episode of the STRAT podcast, LtCol Hal Kempfer and guest LtCol Matt Begert delve into the world of drone technology . They explore the critical role drones play in both military and civilian contexts , spotlighting their strategic uses and the evolving challenges posed by such technologies . They discuss modern warfare dynamics, including the transformative impact of drones evident in Ukr...

In the latest episode of the STRAT podcast, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer dives deep into the turbulent waters of global politics, exploring risk analysis on conflict frontlines. From US negotiations with Iran in Oman to Steve Witkoff's multifaceted diplomatic role, the conversation unpacks critical issues defining global stability today . Kempfer sheds light on nuclear di...

In this episode, STRAT host Retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol Hal Kempfer chats with Austin Westfall , digital and multimedia reporter for LiveNow from Fox , about how news broadcasting is changing and the rise of long-form content. They delve into Austin's exciting career journey from newspaper reporter to digital and multimedia journalist, highlighting Live Now's unique and dynamic setup...

In this insightful episode of STRAT , we dissect critical global conflicts and strategic developments that shape the geopolitical landscape. Our focus shifts to Ukraine's strategic offensive in the Russian Belgorod Oblast , a maneuver reshaping the dynamics of frontline operations. Analyzing Russia's economic struggles, we explore the ramifications of its reliance on oil exports to nations like Ch...

This episode of STRAT sees  retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol Hal Kempfer  analyzing stunning developments coming from an astounding breach of operational security . Kempfer delves deep into the  Signal App scandal involving high-ranking officials from the Trump administration. The inappropriate use of commercial apps for discussing sensitive military operations are paramoun...

In this insightful episode of the STRAT podcast, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer addresses pressing geopolitical and military challenges that draw global attention. Kempfer provides a deep dive into the complex conflicts unfolding in Yemen, highlighting recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis ordered by President Trump . He examines the far-reaching impacts on global s...

In this episode of the STRAT ( Strategic Risk Assessment Talk ) podcast, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer delves into the timely topic of tariffs and international trade . With a master's degree in international management, and work with U.S. Customs. Hal sheds light on the complex dynamics of tariffs in the global economy. He explains the historical context of trade agreemen...

In this episode of STRAT , host LtCol. Hal Kempfer engages in a dynamic conversation with journalist and anchor Andrew Craft of Live Now from Fox . The discussion dives into the transformation of news reporting landscapes with Live Now from FOX serving as a focal point, highlighting Craft's journey in the field and the challenges presented by live journalism . They contrast traditional broadcasts...