#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