S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
From the little league coach to the former addict helping those still struggling, hear from people from all walks of life how they show up as a vessel for service and drive for transformational change. Hosted by Theresa Carpenter, a 28-year active duty U.S. naval officer who found service was the path to unlocking trauma and unleashing your inner potential.
S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
Free speech for troops: fact or fiction? | Dr. Chase Spears - S.O.S. #163
Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, how do we also encourage innovation and support those willing to step forward with bold ideas to solve complex challenges?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chase Spears, a former U.S. Army public affairs officer who recently completed his Ph.D. dissertation on the diminishing First Amendment protections for service members. We explore how this erosion came to be, the impact on military culture, and what Dr. Spears envisions as possible steps to strengthen both free speech and the effectiveness of our armed forces.
Dr. Chase Spears retired in 2023 as a Major (Promotable) after a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army, where he served in various critical roles, including Brigade Communication Director, Company Commander, and Public Affairs Training Advisor. His passion for civil-military relations and communication ethics has led to widespread publication in respected outlets such as The American Mind, Real Clear Defense, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His insights also appear in academic book chapters for Army University Press and Routledge.
Dr. Spears holds a Ph.D. in leadership communication from Kansas State University, where he focused his research on military norms, culture, and political influences. In 2024, he founded a coaching practice dedicated to helping leaders cultivate courage and lead with conviction.
Find Dr. Spears on X, LinkedIn, Substack, and YouTube at @drchasespears.
Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
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