Thursday, September 4th
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: At Home & Abroad
Their missions range from the deserts of Iraq to the wetlands of the United States, involving construction support in war zones and protection for our water supply at home. Who are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? Where do they fit into our strategy overseas, and how are they responding to domestic issues like the recent hurricanes and floods? Join us for a special interview with Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, on Front & Center with John Callaway.
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Thursday, June 26th
SOLDIER'S HEART: Reading Literature Through Peace & War at West Point
In Prof. Elizabeth D. Samet's English class at West Point, cadets discuss the poetry of Wilfred Owen and Randall Jarrell, and read books ranging from the Aeneid and War and Peace to White Teeth and Catch-22. But why should cadets study literature when it is completely different from the rest of their curriculum? How does it benefit one former student to have the work of Wallace Stevens stuck in his head as he patrols the deserts of Iraq? Join John Callaway and his guest, Elizabeth Samet, for a conversation about the value of reading and imagination in soldiers’ lives.
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Thursday, May 29th
The Politics of Defense & National Security:
Where do the U.S. Presidential Candidates Stand?
As the 2008 presidential election nears, all of the major candidates have taken steps to burnish their credentials on national security in the eyes of the electorate. But where do they stand on specific issues of intelligence and defense, and how would their respective administrations transform our nation’s approach to homeland security? Join us for a look at the Politics of Defense and National Security on Front & Center with John Callaway.
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Thursday, April 24th
The Two Koreas: What is the Way Forward?
North Korea recently threatened to turn South Korea into a "sea of fire", and reduce its neighbor to "ashes". After the apparent progress of last fall's six-nation talks, what does this return to nuclear rhetoric mean? The North is heavily dependent on China for food and fuel, while the South is one of America's strongest allies. What is our strategic position in the region? What is in store for the two Koreas, their neighbors and the world?  Join us for an exploration of the two Koreas on Front & Center with John Callaway.
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Thursday, March 27th
Israel: A Strategic Review
With the Iraq war a key focal point in the presidential primaries, Israel garners few headlines. Yet the strategic interests of this long-time American partner are critical to the future of stability in the Middle East. How do the goals and ambitions of Israel mesh with U.S. policy and what are the main points of strategic difference?  Join John Callaway for an exploration of "Israel: A Strategic Review".
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Thursday, February 28th
High Schools, Military Academies and JROTC:
On Target, or Off the Mark?
What role should the US military have in over 3200 high schools across the United States?  How does the City of Chicago maintain and support the largest and fastest growing JROTC program in the country, including five Military High School Academies?  Can America teach students effectively and find people willing to serve in the military without JROTC?  What does it cost, who really benefits, and what is the future of High Schools, Military Academies and JROTC?
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Thursday, January 31st
The War on Terror: Progress or Regression?
As we approach the 5th anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, where do America and her allies stand in the "Long War" in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world?  Has "the surge" brought progress, as claimed by the military?  Can the Iraqi leadership stabilize the country?  How will the revised intelligence assessment affect our course with Iran and its nuclear program?  Afghanistan is coping with a resurgent Taliban, and Pakistan is facing a volatile domestic situation. How do they play into the mix? Join John Callaway and his guests as they analyze the status of the War on Terror on "Front & Center."
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Thursday, November 1st
Iran: the Next Military Frontier?
The September 2007 visit of Iran's president, Dr. Ahmadinejad, to the United States has brought U.S. relations with Iran into sharp focus.  Iran's relationship with Iraq and role in the Middle East is complex. What role is Iran playing in the war on terror and in the U.S. role in Iraq?  Does Iran's apparent supplying of weapons and supplies to Iraqi insurgents justify calls for action against that country? Join us for an exploration of the role of Iran on Front & Center with John Callaway.
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Thursday, October 4th
Ed Tracy interviews John Callaway
In this special edition of Front and Center, the Library’s Executive Producer, Ed Tracy will interview John Callaway on his extraordinary 50 years in television. 

After five decades of interviews, panel discussions, debates, articles, books, stage shows, singing engagements and a serious addiction to sugar and salt, John Callaway remains the best pure interviewer of his time. Join us for an evening of spirited conversation, startling new revelations and shocking admissions when Ed Tracy puts John Callaway and his book, The Thing of It Is, Front and Center.
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Thursday, September 6th
Today's National Guard: Ready or Wanting?
Whether it's extended deployment, inadequate equipment or returning veterans with serious medical problems, the National Guard has struggled with significant new challenges since the Iraq war began. Please join John Callaway and a panel of top National Guard leaders including Major General Randal Thomas, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, as they evaluate the health and readiness of today's National Guard on Front and Center.
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Thursday, July 12th, 2007
Returning Veterans: How Warm A Welcome?
The war in Afghanistan and Iraq has put tremendous pressure on America's ability to deal with the health and welfare challenges facing returning veterans, particularly those with serious injuries. New initiatives have been put in place to deal with inadequate medical care, confusing red tape and financial problems with which veterans must struggle.
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007
The War of Law: The Balance of International Law, Military Law, and Constitutional Law in the War on Terror
As American troops battle in Afghanistan and Iraq in the War on Terror, attorneys, judges and politicians engage in what might be called The War of Law as they consider, litigate and help determine the fate of those captured and detained, in and out of uniform. What constitutes torture, who has access to counsel or trial - and under what jurisdiction?

International Law, Military Law, and Constitutional law all may apply; but sometimes don't - depending on who is talking. Balancing individual rights and fair treatment with the needs of security and obtaining information underlie the debate. What are the rights of the accused? Who can be prosecuted and under what rules? Joining John Callaway were panelist and legal experts Gary Isaac, Dr. Alberto R. Coll and Steven Presser to explore the intricacies of war and the law.
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Thursday, April 5th, 2007
Military Blogs: Independent Voices or Security Risk?
As in politics and for corporate America , the blog is a powerful new communications fact of life in the military. For the soldier in the field, a blog maybe an emotional lifeline back home.  For the advocate, a blog aggregates friends and foes.  For military leaders, the troops' postings may represent grave security risks. With nearly 2000 active military-related blogs and more online every day, both veterans at home and armed forces abroad are actively engaged. What impact is blogging having on the flow of information in the military? Join John Callaway and his guests - Matthew Currier Burden, Paul Rand and Army Lt. Col. Paul Sweirgosz as they explore this fast-growing phenomenon.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2007
First Into Nagasaki: A One on One Interview with Anthony Weller
Anthony Weller, author and son of respected Chicago Daily News reporter George Weller, joined John Callaway for an in-depth discussion about his father's career as a reporter, combat correspondent and how his unique experiences and reports from post-war Japan were censored by military authorities as outlined in Weller's book, First into Nagasaki."
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Thursday, February 1st, 2007
The Turning Point: A New Agenda for Iraq
Following the publication of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group report, the Democratic Party's control of Congress and a revised line-up of military commanders and diplomats, the White House is embarking on its new strategy for the war in Iraq.  In the aftermath of the execution of Saddam Hussein, Iraq's government faces new tensions as it struggles to quell violence. Join John Callaway and his panel of experts - Cherif Bassiouni, Joseph A. Morris and William Howell as they explore the military and political implications of America's policy in Iraq and the Middle East under these new conditions.
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Thursday, November 30th, 2006
Suicide Bombing: Who, Why and What Can Be Done About It
One of the most challenging weapons used by terrorists is the suicide bomber. Low in cost and highly lethal, suicide bombing has appeared throughout history as a political as well as a military tactic. Since the 1980s, it has been utilized most frequently in conflicts throughout the Middle East. John Callaway and his panelists include Robert Pape, professor of political science at University of Chicago, Thomas Mockaitis, professor of history at DePaul and Dr. David M. Terman is the Director of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, who will explore and debate the history, psychology, impact and military implications of the suicide bomber.
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Thursday, October 19th, 2006
Captain James A. Lovell
Captain James A. Lovell joined the space program in 1962 following extensive experience as a Naval Aviator and Test Pilot. Lovell executed various commands in the Gemini mission program, including; backup pilot for the Gemini 4 flight, and backup commander for Gemini 9 flight.  He was the pilot on the history making Gemini 7 flight, which saw the first rendezvous of two manned spacecraft in 1965, and the commander of the Gemini 12 mission in 1966 that perfected astronaut extra vehicular operations.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2006
The Politics of War
With the continued instability in Iraq and the Middle East and the ongoing war on terror, the political implications of war are the dominant theme impacting both international and domestic affairs in the United States. Likewise in Iraq and throughout the Middle East, various factions vie for both political and military control. Joining John Callaway as panelists are: Bruce DuMont, John Allen ("Jay") Williams and Timothy J. (Tim) McNulty.  They will explore the politics of war and their impact on US policy on Front and Center.
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Thursday, July 20th 2006
The Middle East: Crisis and Conflict
With the establishment of a new government in Iraq offering limited amnesty to insurgents, reports of a US strategy to reduce troop levels, and the continuing political debate in the US, is there a new era dawning in America's relationship with Iraq? John Callaway and his guests examine the changing tide in the US engagement in Iraq  on Front & Center.
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Thursday, June 29th 2006
Battlefield Ministry: The Chaplains Challenge
The military chaplain faces extraordinary challenges. Soldiers face life and death situations on a daily basis, yet are often spiritually unprepared for the stress of battle or the sacrifices war requires. The chaplain is expected to be a religious leader, a moral advisor, and a source of comfort in the face of horrific events.
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Thursday, May 25th 2006
The Military Impact on the Frontlines of Medicine
Throughout history, the medical profession has literally been in the trenches on the battlefield. This necessary relationship between the military and the medics has saved untold numbers of wounded soldiers. It has also led to many new challenges and new solutions as technology has advanced to meet the needs of the wounded.
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Thursday, April 27th, 2006
THE BATTLE FOR PEACE: A Frontline Vision of America's Power and Purpose
Why are a growing number of high ranking retired officers speaking out for a sweeping change in administration strategy and leadership? How effective are we as a nation in recognizing  our international objectives and meeting global challenges? How can America leverage its power and influence in the war on terror?  Join John Callaway for a discussion featuring General Anthony Zinni, Benjamin Page and Charles Glaser on Zinni's new book, The Battle For Peace.
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2006
THE ECONOMICS OF NATIONAL SECURITY: The Cost Today, the Price Tomorrow
The cost of the war in Iraq, homeland security in the US, and deployment of American troops around the globe are both taxing the U.S. treasury and generating heated debate in Congress. What is the financial impact of increased national security? How is military spending affecting the rest of our economy today and tomorrow?  Join John Callaway and his panel of experts to explore the real cost of the war on terror and its implications for the future.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2006
36 DAYS ON IWO JIMA
It was the largest battle ever for the United State's Marine Corps, and, in total, nearly 50,000 killed in action or wounded on both sides in the 36-day battle involving over 90,000 troops. The pivotal island of Iwo Jima would be the first landmark that any invading force had claimed as their own in Japan's history. Join John Callaway tonight for a special Front & Center featuring an interview with two veterans of the battle - William Hudson and Col. Gerald Russell, USMC (Ret.) on Front & Center with John Callaway.
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Thursday, January 26th, 2006
A New Year Ahead in Iraq
With Iraq's first parliamentary election now history, the U.S. policy in Iraq continues to evolve. President Bush has acknowledged the challenges America faces as pressures to reduce or withdraw U.S. Troops mount. Join John Callaway and his panel of experts who will look at the year ahead for U.S. involvement in Iraq.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2005
The Journalist's Challenge
A journalist on the U.S. military beat has unique challenges: evaluating military briefings, developing one's own sources, and dealing with classified information. How can readers, viewers, and listeners get a good sense of what's going on in Iraq when security concerns are so great that reporters often cannot get into the field to report in any meaningful way?
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Thursday, October 20th, 2005
One on One with Charles Moskos
Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Northwestern University, Charles Moskos is one of today’s leading thinkers on military issues. The author of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, his books include The Military - More Than Just a Job?, A Call to Civic Service, The New Conscientious Objection, Black Leadership and Racial Integration the Army Way, and The Postmodern Military. His research has taken him to combat units in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. In addition to numerous scholarly articles, Moskos has written for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly and Foreign Affairs. Join John Callaway for an in-depth exploration of Professor Moskos’ perspective on issues ranging from the draft, to gays in the military to the current situation in Iraq.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2005
We Were Soldiers Once... and Young
A journalist on the U.S. military beat has unique challenges: evaluating military briefings, developing one's own sources, and dealing with classified information. How can readers, viewers, and listeners get a good sense of what's going on in Iraq when security concerns are so great that reporters often cannot get into the field to report in any meaningful way?
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Thursday, September 15th, 2005
The U.S. Military in Iraq: Who is Winning?
As the debate intensifies over the success of the U.S. policy in Iraq, public support for maintaining a military presence in Iraq is diminishing. Can the U.S. effectively fight an insurgency where no frontline exists? What has the United States learned from battling insurgencies in the past? And how will the strain of a national emergency at home affect our armed forces' ability to maintain operations abroad? Join John Callaway and his guests as they explore the current impact of U.S. armed forces in Iraq as that country struggles to adopt a democratic form of government.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2005
Women in the U.S. Military: A Changing Role?
As the war in Iraq continues, death and casualty figures include increasing numbers of women. Although women are technically not assigned to combat, the lack of a frontline in Iraq puts women soldiers at a risk similar to men. What is the role of women in the military today? Join John Callaway and his guests as they explore how the role of women has evolved in today's military.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2005
Gays in the Military: A Policy Review
As the Pentagon announces a three year decline in discharges of personnel found to be gay, the Government Accounting Office reports that the Pentagon has spent $100 million to replace those discharged since 1994 for being gay. On March 2, Rep. Martin Meehan of Massachusetts introduced legislation adopting a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
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Thursday, May 26th, 2005
Sun-Times Wounded Warriors Series Prompts Actions
The invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq has focused new attention on veterans and the help they get.or don't get.when they come home. Here in Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times has been at the forefront with in-depth coverage of the challenges facing veterans and their families. As we approach Memorial Day, join John Callaway for this month's "Front and Center" as he explores the impact of the Sun-Times' "Wounded Warriors" series on the Department of Veterans Affairs and policy makers.
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Thursday, April 28th, 2005
The Recruiting Office: The New Front Line?
The Army and the Army Reserves missed their March recruiting goals, as they had in February for the first time since May 2000. While the Navy and Marines successfully met their March goals, the role of all recruiters is more challenging in the face of the American presence in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2005
The Cost of War: The Family Perspective
While American troops are serving overseas, their families here at home must deal with both the anxiety of loved ones in combat as well as the day to day challenges of getting along without fathers or mothers, husbands or wives, and brothers or sisters. Join John Callaway for this month's "Front and Center" when we'll meet some of the families whose loved ones have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2005
Special Edition with Alex Kershaw
Alex Kershaw is the author of the widely acclaimed book, The Bedford Boys, and two biographies: Jack London, and more recently, Blood and Champagne: The Life and Times of Robert Capa. He lives in Vermont.
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Thursday, January 20th, 2005
Soldiers' Best Friends: Animals in the Military
From Hannibal's elephants to Patton's passenger pigeons, animals have been an important component of military operations. Today, many animals both on land and at sea are integral to research and combat operations for our armed forces. Join John Callaway and his panel for an historic perspective on the integration of animals in warfare and an exploration of the issues surrounding the use of animals in the military today.
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Tuesday, November 16th, 2004
Full Reckoning: Life After Combat
Over 8,000 US military personnel have been injured in Iraq. While many have received excellent medical care, others, particularly those in the Reserves and the National Guard, have met unanticipated problems obtaining medical care, sorting through red tape, and getting the support they need when they return home. Despite wide publicity surrounding the issue, Congressional hearings, and improvement in some areas, the problems continue. John Callaway and his panel will examine the challenges facing returning veterans and look at the efforts of the military to deal with them.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2004
Coming Home: The Veterans Story
Service in Iraq is offering American military personnel new challenges in the field and at home. What are our soldiers experiencing in Iraq and what are they facing when they return home? John Callaway asks Iraq veterans to tell their stories.
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2004
The Shape and Mission of the U.S. Military: What's Ahead for America?
From Iraq to Korea , the US military makes daily headlines.  Our presidential candidates both speak of a strong American military, but what does that actually mean? How will the shape of our armed forces be affected by the election? What contrasting visions are the presidential candidates presenting for the future of the United States men and women in uniform?  September 29th, 2004, John Callaway asked the presidential campaigns to weigh in on forward plans for the US Military.
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Tuesday, July 20th 2004
What Really Happened at No Gun Ri?
In July of 1950, during the first month of the Korean War, near the village of No Gun Ri, U. S. soldiers reportedly opened fire on a group of civilians gathered under a railroad bridge allegedly killing anywhere between 50 and 350 civilians. Over 50 years later, debate continues over what really happened. Join host John Callaway as he welcomes to the Pritzker Military Library Charles Hanley, co-author of The Bridge at No Gun Ri: A Hidden Nightmare from the Korean War, and Robert L. Bateman, author of No Gun Ri: A Military History of the Korean War Incident, as they explore the different historical interpretations surrounding this event.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2004
Iraq in Transition: What Next?
With the United States transferring power to an interim government, what will be the ongoing role of the United States in Iraq? How effective can the United Nations and the international community be in supporting a democratic society there? Is there an end in sight to the ongoing violence and terrorism in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East?
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Monday, May 24th, 2004
USA Patriot Act: Security or Suppression
Ever since President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law in October of 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, a national debate has raged on whether the act provides necessary tools to fight terrorism or deprives Americans of basic civil rights. Callaway and his guests explore the Patriot Act and its impact on American security and liberty.
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Wednesday, April 28th, 2004
The U-505 Submarine Story
Gordon F. Hohne, Zenon B. Lukosius, Wayne M. Pickels and Phillip N. Trusheim veterans of USS Pillsbury and members the USS Guadalcanal 's U-505 Boarding Party and Keith Gill, U-505 Curator, Museum of Science and Industry
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Thursday, March 29th, 2004
Homeland Security: Is Chicago Prepared?
What state and city agencies have developed strategies for dealing with the post 9/11 reality?  How is our metropolitan area coordinating with the federal Department of Homeland Security and how are we dealing with the additional cost of such preparations.
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2004
The Future of U.S. Intelligence in the War on Terror
Should we mount a national initiative to expand language and cultural studies to upgrade our understanding of the world?  How can we improve military intelligence so that our peace keeping and nation building missions can be safer and more successful? Can the intelligence and operational policies used in World War II and the Cold War inform our approach to challenges we face today or are these same policies clouding our ability to wage an effective war on terror?  Did the success of technology in the Gulf War give us false confidence in our ability to create a democratic Iraq?
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Wednesday, January 29th, 2004
First Line of Defense?
Emmy Award winning broadcast veteran John Callaway moderates a new public affairs forum focusing on critical issues related to the military and our society.
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