The Foreign Area Officer Podcast

#25 - COL Christian Werner

Join me for a conversation with Colonel Christian Werner, who currently serves at the U.S. Army War College. COL Werner shares his origin story of joining the Army influenced by his family's military background, his transition from Armor to FAO, and his extensive career path through various European assignments. He highlights his experiences in command and staff roles, the importance of language skills, and his impactful stint in Somalia as SDO/DATT. Werner also discusses his personal challenges, concepts like moral injury, and the importance of behavioral health. He explains the role and operations of the U.S. Military Observer Group and shares insights into SSC opportunities, language sustainment, and the rigorous BCAP/CCAP screening processes for command roles.

#24 - CAPT USCG Aaron Delano Johnson

USCG Captain Aaron Delano Johnson is the U.S. Coast Guard Liaison Officer (CGLO) to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida. IN this interview CAPT DJ provides detailed insights into his career, spanning multiple international deployments and engagement with various partner nations. He discusses the diverse roles and missions of the Coast Guard, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, drug interdiction, and international cooperation, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America. Johnson highlights the specific challenges and interactions the Coast Guard faces in countries like Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. He also elaborates on the Coast Guard's involvement in broader security cooperation activities, security training, and humanitarian assistance. Beyond his Coast Guard duties, Johnson serves on the board of the Foreign Area Officer Association, promoting advocacy, professional development, and networking among FAOs across different services. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the strategic importance of the Coast Guard's international role and the value of strong inter-agency and international relationships.

#23 - COL(R) Rick Cassidy

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, we hear from U.S. Army COL(R) Rick Cassidy. Cassidy shares a detailed account of his military career, beginning with his involvement in the ROTC program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and subsequent commissioning as an infantry officer in 1969. His military journey included assignments in Germany and a combat tour in Vietnam.  Cassidy transitioned into the Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program in 1975, where ultimately focused on Japan. His language training included a year at DLI and the Foreign Service Institute in Yokohama, Japan. Cassidy recounts his experiences managing significant bilateral relations and intelligence collection, notably as an attache in Japan and Thailand. He closes with his post-retirement career as a defense consultant, sharing insights into the business practices and challenges in international military sales.

#22 - COL(R) Denny Lane

This conversation with COL (R) Denny Lane covers his unexpected path to becoming a FAO, his initial appointment as a Southeast Asian desk officer at the Pentagon, and his subsequent assignments in critical geopolitical regions including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during tumultuous times. Lane details his work on the Yellow Rain investigations, his advisory roles in the Thai and Cambodian armies, and his linguistic prowess in French, Chinese, and Thai. The dialogue also covers his later roles in Hong Kong, Beijing, and with the United Nations Border Relief Operation (UNBRO) in Thailand, where he reported on the Khmer Rouge. 

#21 - LTG(R) Charles Hooper

When I started this project, LTG(R) Charles Hooper at the top of my list of FAOs I wanted to interview. Our discussion begins with a tribute to the late Colonel Sue Ann Sandusky, detailing her pioneering career in the FAO community and her impactful service in Sub-Saharan Africa. General Hooper reflects on his personal and professional relationship with Sandusky, highlighting her fearlessness and groundbreaking achievements. The conversation then delves into Hooper’s own FAO journey, describing the development and evolution of his career, including the challenges and triumphs of being dual-tracked in the early years of the program. We touch on the historical context of U.S.-China military relations, the importance of understanding China’s strategic culture, and General Hooper’s advocacy for cross-fertilization and single-tracking in FAO careers. The episode also features discussions on the value of Pentagon assignments, strategies for effective leadership and management as a FAO, and the need for FAOs to engage in writing and contributing to the discourse on international affairs.

#20 - Lt Col (R) Duilia Mora Turner

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast Lt Col (R) Duilia Mora Turner, the first Air Force FAO on the show, shares insights into her post-retirement work at Florida International University, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. focusing on women's leadership in Latin American militaries. The conversation delves deeply into the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, covering its origins, implementation, and global impact. Dui recounts her experiences developing the WPS program at SOUTHCOM, emphasizing the importance of including women's perspectives in security and defense strategies. She also discusses her background, from growing up in Brazil to her career in the U.S. Air Force, and her transition to academia. This episode sheds light on the vital role of women in peace and security initiatives and highlights Dewey's contributions to this field.

#19 - COL Jonathan and Margy Dunn

U.S. Army Colonel Jonathan Dunn and his wife, Margy delve into Colonel Dunn's career journey from military upbringing to teaching at West Point and becoming an FAO. Margy shares her experiences balancing family life with the demands and challenges of military service, particularly as a mother of EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) children. The discussion covers topics such as the intricacies of the FAO training pipeline, the challenges of unaccompanied tours, and the importance of mentorship. The episode also explores the financial logistics for EFMP families, their experiences traveling with children, and the essential role of communication and support systems in making it all work.

#18 - MG(R) Jack Leide

This episode features an in-depth interview with MG(R) Jack Leide, one of the U.S. Army's most senior Foreign Area Officers (FAOs). The conversation delves into MG Jack Leide’s extensive and multifaceted military career, including his early involvement in the Foreign Area Specialty Training (FAST) program, his work at NSA and DIA, and multiple combat deployments. MG Jack Leide discusses his specialty in China, linguistic training, and deployments, including his experience in the Dominican Republic during Operation Power Pack, multiple combat deployments to Vietnam, and his impactful role during the Tiananmen Square incident. He highlights the evolution of U.S.-China relations and offers insights into the importance of predictive analysis, language, area studies, and professional courage in military intelligence. We also cover his time as the J2 during Desert Storm and the publication of his book, "Professional Courage: My Journey in Military Intelligence Through Peace, Crisis, and War", providing a repository of lessons learned for FAOs and military leaders. You can purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/1tfl679 

#17 - LCDR Alec Emmert

LCDR Alec Emmert, US Navy Reserve FAO recounts his upbringing in Rio de Janeiro, his military career from being a submariner to serving in Bahrain and Italy, and his subsequent transition to the private sector with firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and McKinsey. He elaborates on his discovery of the Reserve FAO career path, the requisite qualifications, and the significance of language skills and regional expertise. He is also the CEO of Service to School, aiding veterans in transitioning to college. Join us as we discuss the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging networks for growth within the FAO community.
 

#16 - The 5 FAO Truths - COL(R) Mike Burgoyne & LTC(R) Jim Marckwardt

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer we delve into the critical role of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) with COL(R) Mike Burgoyne and LTC(R) Jim Marckwardt. Mike and Jim discuss their recent article  ‘Five Foreign Area Officer Truths,’ published in Joint Forces Quarterly. Below are the 5 Truths, listen in to hear more.
1.⁠ ⁠FAOs Are Most Effective in the Gray Zone Between Peace and War
2.⁠ ⁠Networks Cannot Be Built After a Crisis Begins
3.⁠ ⁠FAOs Are Regional Experts, Not Generalists
4.⁠ ⁠Language and Culture Provide FAOs’ Unique Access
5. FAOs Are Raised by their Services but Operate in Joint and Interagency World