Episode #44: Solving National Security Problems with Military Entrepreneurs|Ben Kohlman Navy F/A-18 Pilot and Founder of Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

Ben Kohlmann is an Navy officer, currently serving as the speechwriter to the Commander of US Fleet Forces. He is a combat tested F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, and was a founding member of the Chief of Naval Operations Rapid Innovation Cell. He is also the founder and chairman of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum.

From D.E.F.:

“DEF is an independent group of emerging defense leaders that strive to solve national security problems from the bottom-up by exposing Defense professionals to the techniques and experiences of civilian innovators and social entrepreneurs. Our main focus is to build a cadre of creative leaders who foster the adaptation and innovation required to solve 21st century national security problems.

We promote collaboration and innovation between emerging military leaders and civilian counterparts, providing a professional network and tools to shape units and organizations for the future.

What is DEF?

An information age world requires information age solutions. Legacy institutional defense paradigms built for past eras, while effective previously, are insufficient to meet an ever evolving 21st century security environment. Changing realities require adaptable, multi-talented people.

Furthermore, the current generation of emerging military leaders interacts with their peers differently than generations past. Online platforms allow for the exchange of ideas more broadly and quicker than ever before – DEF brings these virtual friendships to the real world, facilitating face to face exchanges that will lead to future engagements.

The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum brings emerging military leaders together through the internet and in a real world setting to hear cutting-edge ideas and engage in cross-cultural networking opportunities. In partnership with leading universities, successful veterans and venture capitalists organizations, these innovative military thinkers are exposed to knowledgeable business leaders, instructors alongside successful innovators of all ranks. Unlike most National Security symposiums, the speakers and leaders featured at DEF are young, entrepreneurial and successful active duty personnel.”

For information please visit: TheDefenseEntrepreneurs.org