Episode 7

Bridging Battlefields and Classrooms: LTC Chris Graves on Civil Engineering, Research, and Real-World Impact

Published on: 15th January, 2026

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy, engages in a compelling discussion with Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves. A 2003 West Point graduate, LTC Graves shares his extensive military career journey from the infantry to special forces, his significant research and leadership roles, and his experience in Ukraine supporting the Commander of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine.

Back at West Point as the Civil Engineering Program Director, he discusses his award-winning research on assessing critical infrastructure using photogrammetry and remote sensing to enhance military operations. The episode further explores the integration of academic rigor with practical military applications, the importance of integrity and humility in leadership, and the unique mentorship and developmental experiences provided at West Point.

00:00 Introduction to Inside West Point

00:24 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves

02:33 Chris Graves' Military Journey

02:56 The Engineering Enthusiast

05:11 Teaching and Mentoring at West Point

08:25 Lessons from the Field

12:22 Deployment and Adaptability

14:50 Problem Solving and Resilience

17:03 Problem-Solving Perspectives

17:25 International Collaboration and Ukraine

18:50 Research on Military Infrastructure

23:24 Cadet Capstone Projects

25:49 Mentorship and Development

28:28 Leadership Lessons and Humility

32:02 Rapid Fire Questions

34:29 Conclusion

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Resources found in this episode:

Learn more:

  1. Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics
  2. Interested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWP

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

  1. Ukraine Symposium: https://press.westpoint.edu/books/ukraine-symposium/


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Credits:

  1. Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves - https://www.westpoint.edu/directory/william-c-graves
  2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)
  3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information
  4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)
  5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)


This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

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About the Podcast

Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact
Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point, as he takes you behind the scenes to explore the applied research and cross-disciplinary work being done by the Academy's scholars.

From high-energy lasers and artificial intelligence to civil-military relations and ethics, this podcast goes beyond the textbook to give you a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping the modern battlefield. Hear directly from the experts as they make even the most complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Get inside access to West Point's work and see how it's being applied today.

Tune in for upcoming episodes by following us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram (@dean.usma), Facebook (Dean of the Academic Board-West Point), and Twitter (@DeanUSMA) for updates.

Learn more about West Point’s academic program at https://www.westpoint.edu/academics

Disclaimer: This podcast does not imply Federal endorsement.
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