Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling
In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by Captain Mark Dreiling, Congressman Don Bacon’s Chief of Staff and a Legacy Guardian of the United States Space Force. Drawing on his background in missile warning and space operations, Dreiling discusses the creation and evolution of the Space Force, the role of space-based missile warning systems, and what he describes as a new “space race” with China. Unlike the Cold War-era race for prestige, Dreiling argues that today’s competition has direct implications for national security, economic power, GPS and navigation systems, communications, and the infrastructure Americans rely on every day. The conversation also explores what “peace through strength” means in the space domain and the importance of deterrence as the United States confronts emerging threats.
Later, Merrill Matthews joins the discussion as the panel turns to Ukraine, recent sanctions legislation, continued congressional support for Ukraine, and Congressman Bacon’s role in those debates. Dreiling also reflects on the reaction to Bacon’s recent comments on this podcast about considering a run for President in 2028, the interest those remarks generated, and his view that many younger voters are looking for political leadership focused less on acrimony and more on service, seriousness, and working across party lines.
Chapter List
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:34 Legacy Guardian Recognition
04:39 Why the Space Force Matters
08:08 Missile Warning: A No-Fail Mission
10:06 Space Force Progress and Growing Pains
15:03 Space-Based Missile Warning
18:41 Deterrence and the New Space Race
23:17 Ukraine: The War and Sanctions
27:49 Ukraine Policy and Congressional Action
31:25 Congressman Bacon’s Leadership
34:05 A More Constructive Political Future
36:20 The Future of the Republican Party
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