#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