160: Lessons Learned From Two Decades Of Senior Military Leadership | Colonel Ed Arnston

2026-02-09

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I sit down with Colonel Edward Arntson III, who has 24 years of military service, to unpack what leadership really demands when it counts. We start with self-leadership: how you show up, how you carry yourself, and why humility isn’t optional. We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and ch...

We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and character.

If you’re building a team, leading a family, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

More about Colonel Ed Arntson:

Ed Arntson, from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, graduated from Concordia College (2002) and commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate infantry officer through NDSU. He led rifle and company units in Alaska, Afghanistan, and Iraq, was wounded in combat, and later served with The Old Guard, including a landmark deployment to Taji, Iraq. After CGSC and SAMS, he held planning and operations roles with 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Korea and Baghdad, and served on the Joint Staff. He commanded 3-187 Infantry and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His education includes Ranger and airborne schools. He’s married with two children.

Tone Range Fan:

https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2025/09/08/the-tone-range-fan-a-tool-for-leaders-at-all-levels/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

05:07 The Importance of Leadership Development

15:31 The Role of Feedback in Leadership

27:22 The Power of Tone in Leadership

41:59 The Power of Tone in Communication

48:25 Building Effective Teams Through Peer Leadership

52:37 The Importance of Humility and Tone in Leadership

01:06:04 Early Military Career and Deployment Experiences

01:21:01 Dedication and Commitment in the Military