The Foreign Area Officer Podcast

Available Episodes

5 of 31

#31 - COL(R) JP Gresh
What crisis was central to your experience working at a U.S. embassy abroad, for better or worse? Join me in a discussion with COL(R) JP Gresh to discuss his experiences in Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans. The conversation highlights key moments such as the 2013-2014 Ukraine crisis, the challenges of security cooperation in Estonia, and the complexities of working in Russia. Additionally, Gresh shares insights into balancing professional and personal life with a spouse in the Department of State, and offers advice for future FAOs on training, career growth, and the importance of adaptability and maintaining strong interagency relationships. COL(R) Grech also serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the FAOA Journal. Books/Organizations Discussed Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb All the Kremlin’s Men, Mikhail Zygar Between Two Fires, Joshua Yaffa Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, Peter Pomerantsev FPRI (Foreign Policy Research Institute), www.fpri.org FAOA Journal, www.faoajournal.substack.com 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers 00:46 Meet Colonel JP Gresh 01:33 Early Military Career 02:51 Discovering the FAO Path 03:51 Experiences in Germany and the Balkans 05:52 Reflections on Iraq 10:37 Ukraine: First FAO Utilization Tour 13:47 The 2014 Ukrainian Crisis 15:57 US-Ukraine Military Relations 19:52 Strategic Insights on Russia and NATO 29:44 Lessons from UCOM and Security Cooperation 50:54 Balancing Dual Careers in the FAO World 54:14 Reflecting on Professional Challenges and Lessons Learned 56:44 Navigating a Tandem Career in the Department of State 57:19 Insights on Managing Dual Professional Careers 59:33 Experiences and Challenges in Russia 01:01:10 The Complex Relationship Between the U.S. and Russia 01:05:48 Living and Working in Moscow 01:08:54 Surveillance and Daily Life in Moscow 01:12:46 Diplomatic Restrictions and Challenges 01:18:27 Family Life and Safety in Russia 01:23:33 Post-Retirement and Contributions to the FAO Community 01:28:28 Reflections on FAO Training and Career 01:44:22 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice
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#30 - Julie and CAPT(R) Tully
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, I interview Julie Tully and her husband U.S. Navy CAPT(R) John Tulley. We discuss Julie's transition from a cowgirl in Northern California to a 'nomadic Navy spouse' and the dynamic journey from her career in agriculture to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) spouse, living and working in Europe and Africa for fifteen consecutive years. The conversation delves into the couple’s experiences living in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and the impact of their roles there. They touch on memorable challenges, the importance of self-reliance, and the significant contributions spouses make to the FAO mission. Julie also shares the inspiration and stories behind her book, 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl,' offering a deeper look into the FAO lifestyle and its challenges and rewards. Learn More about Julie’s work at www.JulieTullyWriter.com Books Discussed: Dispatches of a Cowgirl, by Julie Tully Broadway in Benghazi, by Anna Linvill Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers 00:45 Meet the Guests: John and Julie Tulley 01:19 Julie's Journey: From Cowgirl to Navy Spouse 03:37 Life on the Ranch and Transition to FAO 04:55 The FAO Lifestyle: Challenges and Adaptations 14:11 John's Naval Academy and Submarine Experience 19:16 Discovering the FAO Career Path 22:07 Julie's Perspective: Public Relations and FAO Life 25:46 Adventures and Challenges in Africa 34:16 The Importance of Teamwork in FAO Assignments 43:10 A Hospital Emergency Room in Nigeria 57:04 The Commissary Conundrum 59:10 Internet Surprises in Nigeria 59:47 Defining Home Across Continents 01:09:18 Experiencing Local Cultures Through Staff 01:34:19 Honoring a Fallen Hero in Djibouti 01:49:14 Reflections on the FAO Life
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#29 - COL Matt Kopp, USA
Join me for an illuminating discussion with Colonel Matt Kopp, a U.S. Army FAO. We explore Colonel Kopp's beginning as a 48B, focusing on pivotal partnerships in Latin America, particularly during the final phases of Colombia’s Civil War. Colonel Kopp shares insights into his transition to a 48J, concentrating on Sub-Saharan Africa, and the critical need to understand and respond to the human and institutional complexities in these regions. The conversation includes discussions on his operational challenges, such as managing high-profile visits and interagency coordination, and the role of psychology and sociology in his duties. We also touch upon his work with the Army Foreign Area Officer Association, focusing on mentorship, fostering academic discourse, and preparing FAOs for influential second careers. Books Discussed Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman https://a.co/d/fNUHTUn Neither Devil Nor Child: How Western Attitudes Are Harming Africa, by Tom Young https://a.co/d/9yv70Z8 On the Psychology of Military Incompetence, by Norman F. Dixon https://a.co/d/4nkJNIt 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers 00:42 Meet Colonel Matt Kopp 01:01 Career Choices and Transitions 02:22 Experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa 03:39 Challenges and Responsibilities at HRC 08:23 PhD Journey and Research 15:36 Transition to Africa FAO 23:02 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics 31:07 Insights on Leadership and Collaboration 43:46 Psychological Factors and Broader Perspectives 48:18 Understanding Heuristics in International Relations 50:28 Managing High Operational Tempo in Kenya 51:00 Military Operations and Planning in Diplomatic Missions 56:26 Lessons from Secret Service and VIP Visits 01:04:04 Transition to Army Service Component Commands 01:13:01 Experiences in Latin America and SOUTHCOM 01:26:32 The Role of the Army Foreign Area Officer Association 01:33:31 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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#28 - LTC Lemar Farhad, USA
This episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast delves into the unique background of LTC Lemar Farhad, USA, tracing his journey from a culturally diverse upbringing and Afghan heritage to his pivotal role in the U.S. Army. Lemar shares his transition into the FAO program, starting with his early assignments as an infantry and intelligence officer and detailing his first exposure to U.S. embassies and defense cooperation. Through captivating anecdotes, he highlights his significant assignments, including his work in Special Operations Command Europe, his impactful tenure as the ODC Chief in Kuala Lumpur, and his current role in Korea focusing on non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). The conversation also explores challenges in leadership, the importance of understanding cultural contexts, and the value of reading to gain diverse perspectives. Lemar's journey exemplifies the integration of strategic thinking and operational expertise, emphasizing the art of diplomacy and the FAO community's crucial role in global defense and cooperation. Articles: Reimagining Policing in America—A Complete Institutional Overhaul by LTC Lemar Farhad Books Discussed: 2034 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN 2054 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN Ghost fleet by P.W. Singer 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:46 Meet the Guest: Lemar Farhad 01:04 Transition to FAO: From Field to Strategy 02:04 First Impressions of FAOs 03:33 The Path to Monterey 04:36 Language Training at DLI 12:12 Unexpected Assignment: Malaysia 13:34 Experiences at the Malaysian Staff College 14:35 Return to the U.S. and Grad School 19:33 First Assignment at CENTCOM 21:20 Challenges and Lessons at CENTCOM 26:21 Mentorship and Professional Development 34:16 Transition to J2 at CENTCOM 36:34 Introduction to Central Asia Desk 37:05 Building Relationships in Central Asia 38:03 Challenges of Language and Culture 39:16 Innovative Security Cooperation Programs 41:21 Impact of COVID-19 on Operations 42:39 Personal Heritage and Career Impact 44:00 Father's Academic Journey 46:40 Early Life and Cultural Identity 47:51 Deployment to Afghanistan Post-9/11 48:53 Unique Assignment with Special Forces 01:05:37 Transition to MI and Multiple Deployments 01:07:52 Reconnecting with the Intelligence Community 01:08:37 Special Operations Command in Europe 01:09:08 First Country Team Assignment in Malaysia 01:11:20 Challenges with a Difficult Deputy 01:14:22 Leadership and Team Dynamics 01:20:50 Current Role in Korea: NEO Operations 01:39:48 The Importance of Reading and Fiction 01:45:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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1:47:38
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1:47:38
#27 - COL(R) USAF Matt Yocum
Join me for a conversation with USAF Col. (Ret.) Matt Yocum as we delve into his unique career trajectory, starting from his non-standard background in the Air Force's acquisition and engineering fields. Matt discusses his pivotal assignments, including his time in Israel as part of the Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program and later as an Air Force attaché, where he navigated through significant events like the Second Lebanon War. This episode also explores his role as a Commander's Action Group (CAG) director at CENTCOM, where he was instrumental in providing detailed and narratively rich reports on international engagements. Matt reflects on the importance of storytelling in military communication and its impact on effective diplomacy. The talk also covers his post-military career as a writer of comic books and graphic novels, highlighting his passion for the art form and his current projects, including a biographical graphic novel on a notable Pakistani figure. Throughout the episode, Matt emphasizes the significance of relationship-building, effective communication, and relentless helpfulness in both military and personal endeavors. Links: www.Hangar19Consulting.com www.MattYocum.com Closet World Kickstarter Books: The Twilight War by David Crist Brief by Joe McCormick Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson The New Map by Daniel Jurgen Power Broker by Robert Caro The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro The Vision by King, Waltaand Bellaire Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by King, Evely and Lopes Pluto: Urusawa x Tekuza by Nagasaki and Urasawa Bone by Jeff Smith Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers 00:46 Meet Colonel Matt Yocum 01:15 Colonel Yocum’s Air Force Journey 01:59 The Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP) 02:44 Life and Work in Israel 04:42 Challenges and Experiences in Israel 09:01 Language Learning and Cultural Insights 34:58 The Second Lebanon War 39:35 Observations and Responsibilities as an Attache 45:31 Career Transitions and Future Plans 50:37 Arrival in Amman, Jordan 50:46 The New Normal: ISIS Crisis 51:44 Embassy Life and Community 54:02 Building Relationships and Cooperation 55:19 Information Sharing and Collaboration 01:03:34 Training and Equipping the Jordanian Air Force 01:18:44 Commander's Action Group (CAG) Experience 01:37:51 Decision to Stay in CAG 01:39:06 Balancing Family and Duty 01:40:43 Returning to JSO and Preparing for Retirement 01:42:14 Final Assignment and Retirement Ceremony 01:45:37 Reflecting on a Military Career 01:47:30 Challenges and Triumphs in Promotions 01:55:37 Post-Military Career in Comics 02:02:18 The Art of Storytelling in Communication 02:14:07 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts
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2:24:21
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