DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor has fielded all sorts of assignments during his three-decade military career, from leading formations in Afghanistan to providing hurricane relief aid in New York.
He recently added a new role to his resume: podcast host.
Lalor, the commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), launched the “In General Terms” podcast in August. The latest episode premiered Oct. 9 and features a conversation with retired Gen. Robert B. Brown, president of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
The podcast gives Soldiers, DA Civilian employees and members of the public an inside look at the critical role TACOM plays in supporting U.S. Army initiatives around the world.
“If a Soldier drives it, shoots it, wears it or eats it, we sustain it,” Lalor said. “In a continually evolving digital information age, we now have a greater ability to reach a much broader audience about our role and responsibility to the Army. This podcast is one way to showcase that important work.”
“In General Terms” explores TACOM’s mission, capabilities and operations. The overall goal is to promote a deeper understanding of – and appreciation for – the organization and its commitment to the future.
Telling the TACOM story has been a priority for Lalor since he became commanding general on July 19, 2023. As a Major Subordinate Command of Army Materiel Command, TACOM manages the Army’s ground equipment supply chain, life cycle management and sustainment efforts around the world.
Organizations across the military are increasingly using podcasts as a way to share important news and connect with Soldiers, DA civilian employees and the public.
The latest episode of “In General Terms,” called “The Backbone of Readiness: How TACOM Powers the Future Force,” explored the heart of TACOM’s global logistics powerhouse. Lalor and Brown talked about several topics, such as the upcoming AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition and how TACOM is trying to attract fresh talent.
They also discussed the Army’s $18 billion, 15-year effort to modernize its Organic Industrial Base.
“It’s the biggest modernization for the Army in 40 years, and it’s incredibly necessary,” Brown said.
Lalor highlighted some of the ongoing modernization initiatives at TACOM, including work on a large-caliber artillery tube shop and new fire station at the Watervliet Arsenal.
“I have two priorities every day: Army readiness, and right now, Ukraine in contact,” he said. “That’s where we’re focused every day, and bringing to bear all that this great command and its workforce, nearly 15,000 strong on a given day, is bringing to our units worldwide.”
Brown told Lalor he appreciates TACOM and its workforce.
“It’s amazing what you all are doing, and I’m glad you’re telling the story," he said.
“In General Terms” has been a way for listeners to learn not just about the mission and inner workings of TACOM, but also about Lalor himself.
In the debut episode, Lalor shared that he loves physical fitness, welcomes opposing viewpoints – “I don’t mind a little disagreement” – and hopes to see TACOM become a modern innovation hub.
A huge sports fan, Lalor compared TACOM to the unsung defensive line of a football team that frees up the offense to move the ball down the field.
“The primary goal here is to make sure that we have the Army postured and the units around the world postured to fight and win,” he said.
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