Episode 47 - Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III - Combat, Counterinsurgency, Leadership, and the Future of War
Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III - Combat, Counterinsurgency, Leadership, and the Future of War
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, Lt. Gen. Stacy Clardy, USMC (Ret), whose military service spans infantry and reconnaissance command, combat operations in Iraq, and senior strategic leadership across the Indo-Pacific. In his final tour as Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Clardy was responsible for preparing 25,000 Marines and Sailors for competition and potential conflict with the People’s Republic of China - a fundamentally different strategic challenge than the wars of the past two decades.
We explore how his early experiences shaped a warfighting ethos grounded in discipline, accountability, and people-first leadership. Lt. Gen. Clardy reflects on lessons from conventional and counterinsurgency combat in Iraq, decision-making under pressure with incomplete information, and the leadership traits that are the most difficult to instill - even in high-performing organizations. The conversation also examines the future of warfare, the enduring relevance of ground combat, and how leaders can balance emerging technology with timeless principles of command.
Now retired from active military service, Lt. Gen. Clardy continues to advise public and private sector organizations, consults with start-ups, and conducts research as a Senior Fellow at Center of Naval Analyses. We conclude the discussion with his perspective on emerging national security risks, leadership gaps he sees outside the military, and his service on the board of 9.11 Promise - a nonprofit supporting veteran families through merit-based scholarships. This is a wide-ranging, candid discussion on leadership, modern conflict, and preparing people for the reality of the challenges ahead.
Guest Bio
Lieutenant General Stacy Clardy retired from the United States Marine Corps on January 1, 2022, after almost four decades of military service. In his final tour as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, he was responsible for developing strategies with partners and allies, experimenting with new operational concepts and capabilities, and preparing 25,000 Marines and Sailors for conflict with “our most consequential strategic competitor for the coming decades,” the People’s Republic of China.
Stacy enjoyed a wide-ranging career across the globe ensuring the Armed Forces of the United States were successful in crisis and war. He commanded infantry and reconnaissance units from platoons to divisions, fought twice in Iraq during complex conventional and counterinsurgency warfare, trained and educated tens of thousands of individuals and leaders across a wide range of specialties and functional skills, and advised senior executives throughout the U.S. government in organizational prioritization and operational efficiency and effectiveness. Throughout, he maintained an uncompromising warfighting ethos, commitment to excellence, and professional leadership standards.
Stacy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His military decorations include the Department of Defense and Navy Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and two Gold Stars, the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was also awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, the Republic of Korea’s Order of National Security Merit Gukseon Medal, and South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto.
Stacy now resides in his home state of South Carolina with his wife, Alison, and Labrador Retriever, Orion. He is an advisor to multiple business organizations, is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Naval Analyses, and volunteers with The 9.11 Promise, the University of South Carolina, Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church, and the Town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Catch the podcast episode online:
YouTube - click here to listen
Spotify - click here to listen
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive email updates on new Tipping Spears Podcast episodes!