The Foreign Area Officer Podcast

#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

#15 - MAJ Mike White

Major Mike White, Persian instructor at West Point, shares his journey with the U.S. Army, starting from his enlistment in 2002 to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). Major White elaborates on his experiences learning Dari at the Defense Language Institute, the significance of cultural immersion, and his deployments in Afghanistan and Nepal, where he navigated complex relationships and critical missions. He also underscores the value of writing skills, adaptability, and family resilience. The narrative highlights the power of networking within the FAO community, recounting personal anecdotes on how these connections have supported successful operations, including during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Major White reflects on his storied career and future plans to continue contributing to the community, leveraging his language skills and cultural expertise.

#14 - BG Brad Nicholson

In this episode of The Foreign Area Officer Podcast, Brigadier General Brad Nicholson from the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama provides in-depth insights into the challenges and rewards of serving as a FAO, discusses the importance of mentorship, and offers guidance on navigating assignments, including dealing with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) challenges. The conversation also explores the evolving role of FAOs in global security contexts and the exciting future ahead for the FAO community.

#13 - LTC(P) David Bradley

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, I sit down with LTC(P) David Bradley, former Chinese instructor at the United States Military Academy, to explore the intricate dynamics of China's relationships and ambitions. We delve into the one China policy, the complex history and current situations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the broader security environment in Eastern Asia. Gain insights into U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and the crucial role of foreign area officers in navigating the challenging geopolitical landscape posed by China’s actions and strategies. This episode provides valuable insights for comprehending global diplomatic and economic interactions involving China.

#12 - LTC Will Hogan

Currently serving as the HQDA LNO to the French Army, LTC William Hogan, shares his unique experiences in language learning, IRT in Brazil, the interagency dynamics from Afghanistan to Haiti, and the political challenges as Army Attaché in Mexico and Nicaragua. Hogan reflects on his father's history in WWII as America's youngest tank battalion commander and the importance of preserving military records, which he captures in his recent book Task Force Hogan: The World War II Tank Battalion That Spearheaded the Liberation of Europe.The discussion highlights the complexities and adaptability required in various international assignments, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of interdepartmental and multinational cooperation.

#11 - BG Richard and Teri Quirk

Is there a path to General Officer for U.S. Army FAOs?
 
In this episode Brigadier General Richard Quirk and his wife Teri explore both professional and personal aspects of FAO careers in the Middle East and North Africa. BG Quirk delves into his journey through the FAO Corps, emphasizing the significance of writing skills, maintaining ethical standards, and transitioning into higher ranks. Teri shares her perspectives on balancing family life with the demands of FAO assignments and her experience working as Community Liaison Officer at the embassy. Join us as we talk about the unique career challenges and responsibilities of FAOs, the importance of adaptability, and the ethical standards they maintain. This episode also explores the dynamics of FAO family life, the challenges of raising children internationally, and the significance of a positive mindset. Essential listening for current FAOs and those considering an international military career.
 
01:28 Journey to Becoming a FAO
03:47 Choosing the Middle East Pre-9/11
04:36 Impact of 9/11 on FAO Career
05:44 Experiences in the Middle East
06:54 Perceptions of America in the Middle East
13:19 Living and Learning in Tunisia
18:02 Transition to Paris and AFRICOM
20:16 Challenges of Standing Up AFRICOM
26:21 Importance of Writing Skills for FAOs
32:14 First Country Team Assignment in Jordan
32:30 Teri's Role as Community Liaison Officer
35:48 Navigating Embassy Life and Housing
38:26 Ethics and Humility in FAO Career
46:29 General Officer Steering Committee (GOSC)
47:49 FAO Training and Career Progression
48:19 Collaborative Efforts and Key Allies
49:42 Current Focus Areas of the GOSC
49:52 Reviewing the FAO Training Pipeline
52:26 Alignment with National Defense Strategies
53:10 Opportunities for FAO Research
54:24 MEL 4 Pilot Program and Training Flexibility
55:26 Balancing Training Objectives and Resources
57:10 NDS Specific Challenges and Regional Specialization
01:01:19 The Role of FAOs in Counteracting Malign Influence
01:04:03 Communicating GOSC Objectives to the FAO Community
01:09:33 Transitioning from Colonel to General Officer
01:18:23 Supporting FAO Families and Spouses
01:28:35 Final Thoughts and Parting Message

#10 - MAJ Sergio Salazar

In this episode of The Foreign Area Officer Podcast, Major Sergio Salazar recounts his journey from Puerto Rico to becoming a Spanish instructor at the United States Military Academy. He reflects on his early life, influenced by his brothers and a USMC father, his ambitions in law enforcement and mixed martial arts, and his eventual career in the Army. Major Salazar discusses his extensive deployments in Europe, participation in military exercises such as Atlantic Resolve and Cobra Gold, and his path to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). We also discuss West Point's foreign language program and Projects Day, emphasizing the inclusion of security cooperation-focused projects and international collaborations, and the crucial role of cultural and linguistic expertise in military operations. 

#9 - COL(R) Brian and Anna Linvill

Is your FAO family prepared to evacuate?
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, @Anna and COL(R) @Brian Linville, reflect on their extensive experiences and challenges as a FAO family in Libya during the Arab Spring. Brian details his military background and transition to FAO while Anna shares her journey from U.S. Air Force linguist to musician and FAO spouse, culminating in the publication of her book “Broadway in Benghazi.” They discuss relationship-building, the importance of cultural immersion, and evacuation during the Libyan Revolution. The episode also touches on the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the importance of FAOs documenting their experiences for posterity and the community.  
 
Broadway in Benghazi details Anna’s personal and family life as an Airwoman, Musician, and FAO spouse.  It is an incredibly candid and personal account of life Anna’s and family leading up to the Arab Spring in Libya.  It is available in hardback, paperback and digital.  To purchase a copy, visit www.annalinvill.com or https://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Benghazi-Tragedy-Diplomatic-Gaddafis/dp/B0CTBH53RR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S24U1CLV64GE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kpmpGxd8EjeIlmUWKtnw6G6i4mstig2eNh10JDf5A_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.LjtjCyBpLhUy71VsZd6cK4DK-RhIXM9yvdf9E4qmT5I&dib_tag=se&keywords=broadway+in+benghazi&qid=1718324826&sprefix=broadway+in+ben%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1
 
 
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:42 Meet Anna and Brian Linville
01:04 Brian's Journey to Becoming a FAO
07:12 Anna's Unique Path to the Military
09:53 The Importance of Language Skills
14:23 The Role of FAO Spouses
16:49 Adventures and Challenges of Military Life
25:50 Anna's Musical Journey
32:32 Building Relationships in Libya
36:49 The Strategic Value of Relationships
46:06 Building Crucial Relationships
47:05 Unexpected Allies in the Revolution
49:00 Theater and Political Satire
51:58 The Revolution's Dark Turn
54:58 A Shift to Peace Activism
01:01:29 Writing 'Broadway in Benghazi'
01:05:37 Diplomatic Life and Personal Stories
01:11:56 Preparing for Libya
01:14:46 A Detainment Story
01:25:30 Post-Detention Reflections
01:26:03 The Importance of JMAS Training
01:27:22 Evacuation from Libya Begins
01:28:43 Tensions and Preparations
01:29:44 The Uprising and Its Impact
01:34:10 Evacuation Attempts and Challenges
01:37:25 Final Departure and Reflections
01:45:15 Tribute to Chris Stevens
01:50:23 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion

#8 - CSM(R) Randy Surles

Why isn't there a dedicated FAO career field for Army NCOs?
From Military Leadership to Literary Success: Randy Surles's Journey and Vital Tips for Retirees
In this compelling episode, retired Command Sergeant Major Randy Surles delves into his military career working with foreign partners, including his role in a nascent FAO NCO program and missions in South America and Africa. We also explore Randy's post-retirement journey as a book coach and editor, highlighting his efforts to guide others in transforming their ideas into published works. He provides invaluable advice on navigating VA and TRICARE benefits, especially for those planning to reside overseas, and shares the significance of early preparation for a smooth transition to civilian life. Randy also shares practical tips for integrating healthcare benefits and personalized guidance on military retirement and literary pursuits.