The Foreign Area Officer Podcast

Available Episodes

5 of 28

#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
#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
#26 - FA59 COL Nathan Finney, Army Strategist
Join me for an interview with U.S. Army Colonel Nate Finney, an Army Strategist (FA59), discussing the roles and training of FA59 strategists, their relationship with FAOs, and the importance of building interdisciplinary teams. Finney shares insights from his career, including positions at HQDA, USARPAC, and Indo-Pacific Command, highlighting the need for strategists and FAOs to collaborate effectively. The conversation also explores Finney's involvement in founding writing and strategy-oriented organizations like the Strategy Bridge and the Military Writers Guild, emphasizing writing as a critical tool for professional development. The episode concludes with a discussion on recent changes in U.S.-China relations, China's military modernization, and the strategic challenges faced by the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region.
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1:27:56
#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.
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1:39:47
#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.
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1:41:03