U.S. Central Command has launched a podcast, “Inside CENTCOM,” whose first episode features commander Adm. Brad Cooper discussing light topics such as his love of french fries, drawing criticism because it arrived during the command’s ongoing operations in the Iran war, Stars and Stripes reported on Nov. 6.
Related: U.S. Offers Up to $20 Million for Tips on Iran’s Nuclear Program as Trump Weighs New Strikes.
What is in the episode
The episode was released Thursday and hosted by Fleet Master Chief Lateef Compton, CENTCOM’s senior enlisted leader, Stars and Stripes reported. Over about 12 minutes, the two largely avoided discussing operations, aside from a passing reference to Cooper’s workouts during Epic Fury, the name of the war’s first phase from Feb. 28 to May 5, according to the report.
It also touched on Cooper’s lunch routine, mentors and basketball at sea, Stars and Stripes reported.
The criticism
Washington Post military affairs reporter Dan Lamothe likened the set to the mock talk show “Between Two Ferns,” Stars and Stripes reported. Washington Times Pentagon reporter Mike Glenn wrote on X that “a press conference with the admiral would also be much appreciated.”
Cooper appears to have last taken part in a Pentagon press briefing on the Iran war on April 16, according to Stars and Stripes.
CENTCOM’s response
CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said the show was launched “to highlight and inform the men and women who make up our team,” Stars and Stripes reported. He said the next episode will focus on fitness and staying connected with family while deployed. Hawkins said “CENTCOM is always busy, which is why we prioritize continued communication and transparency.” The command declined to discuss the timing, the report said.
The war’s toll
Nearly two dozen U.S. service members have died in the Iran war, including 11 killed in combat, and 866 have been wounded in action, according to Pentagon casualty data cited by Stars and Stripes. Follow the conflict on the Iran War Tracker and War News.
Sources
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