From combat flights over Afghanistan to overseeing two-thirds of the U.S. nuclear triad, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington has shaped some of the most critical defense strategies of our time. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Weatherington for a wide-ranging conversation on military innovation, deterrence theory, and the operational realities of running America’s bomber fleet. With firsthand experience across Air Force Global Strike Command, NORAD, and strategic cyber operations, Weatherington reflects on what it takes to defend a nation in the age of AI, hypersonics, and digital warfare. Diving deeper into the nuances of military modernization, Weatherington explains the behind-the-scenes challenges of sustaining decades-old aircraft, advancing technologies like the B-21 Raider, and coordinating kinetic and non-kinetic strategies across a global battlefield. He also discusses the evolving landscape of unmanned systems, the increasing importance of microelectronics, and the overlooked role of sustainment in national security planning. His message is clear: the mission can’t succeed without adaptability, anticipation, and collaboration between government, industry, and allies. Whether you’re flying a 36-hour bomber mission or securing satellite communications from a cyberattack, success depends on more than firepower—it depends on foresight.
