In this episode I’m happy to welcome back LTC(P) Wes Chaney, US Army AFRICOM FAO. Wes shares his journey in establishing the Army Foreign Area Officer Association and discusses his first book, which delves into his experiences as a security cooperation officer in Africa. The conversation covers a variety of topics including the creation of his Africa OSC blog, the unique challenges faced by FAOs, the importance of mentorship, and the activities of the Army FAO Association. Wes also provides invaluable advice on managing expectations, senior leader engagements, and the specific 'shoulds' (don’t be that guy!)and 'traps' FAOs should be aware of. The episode is a goldmine of information for both current and aspiring FAOs, offering practical tips and reflective anecdotes from Wes's extensive career.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers
00:40 Welcoming the Guest: Lt. Col. Wes Cheney
01:13 The Birth of the Africa OSC Blog
04:12 Challenges and Realizations in Blogging
06:53 From Blog to Book: The Journey
07:31 Publishing Hurdles and Success
08:59 Content and Structure of the Book
10:38 Practical Advice for Security Cooperation Officers
14:54 The Importance of Adaptability and Learning
15:42 Travel Tips and Cultural Insights
40:21 The Should List: Dos and Don'ts for SCOs
47:36 Understanding Your Role and Building Consensus
48:36 Common Pitfalls in Security Cooperation
49:50 The African Love Traps and Other Hazards
50:48 Misuse of Government Resources
51:12 Managing Health and Stress
01:06:00 The Importance of Senior Leader Engagements
01:16:22 Managing Expectations and Avoiding False Promises
01:22:43 The Army FAO Association: Achievements and Future Plans
01:28:31 The Importance of Mentorship in FAO Careers
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1:34:40
#32 - MAJ(P) Jacob Myers
Meet MAJ(P) Promotable Jacob Myers, currently serving at the Military Advising Training Academy (MATA) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Our discussion covers the purpose and function of MATA, the development and training of military advisors, and the history and evolution of Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs). Myers elaborates on his experience in Latvia, the challenges of building rapport and training in a foreign country, and the rapidly changing dynamics in Eastern Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We also touch on FAO professional development, the importance of language skills, and the valuable interactions and learning opportunities throughout a FAO’s career.
Books Discussed:
Between Two Giants, Brit Batar
The Russians, Hedrick Smith
Kiril Yaskov, The Last Ring Bearer
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers
00:45 Meet Major Promotable Jacob Myers
01:11 Understanding the Military Advising Training Academy (MATA)
02:29 History and Evolution of Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs)
06:53 Training and Deployment of Military Advisors
10:22 Challenges and Realities of Military Advising
14:05 Combat Advisor Training Course (CATC) Overview
19:14 Practical Training and Exercises
28:50 Expanding Training to Joint Forces and Foreign Partners
35:25 The Role of FAOs in SFABs
39:52 Personal Experience and Future Aspirations
43:51 Understanding the FAO Roles and Responsibilities
46:02 Navigating Challenges in Latvia During COVID-19
47:20 Impact of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine on Latvia
51:02 Strengthening US-Latvia Defense Relations
01:10:07 Language and Cultural Dynamics in Latvia
01:20:21 Jacob's Journey: From Basic Training to FAO Program
01:21:35 Joining the National Guard and Pursuing Active Duty
01:21:58 Transition to Active Duty and Deployment to Afghanistan
01:23:02 Experiences in Afghanistan and Promotion to Captain
01:25:20 Pentagon Assignment and Introduction to FAO
01:26:14 Discovering the FAO Program and Early Influences
01:29:58 Training and Assignments as a FAO
01:30:42 Language Training and Family Experiences
01:32:27 Marshall Center and Regional Travels
01:42:35 Importance of Building Relationships and Staying Informed
01:47:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for FAOs
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#31 - COL(R) JP Gresh
What crisis was central to your experience working at a U.S. embassy abroad, for better or worse?
Join me in a discussion with COL(R) JP Gresh to discuss his experiences in Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans. The conversation highlights key moments such as the 2013-2014 Ukraine crisis, the challenges of security cooperation in Estonia, and the complexities of working in Russia. Additionally, Gresh shares insights into balancing professional and personal life with a spouse in the Department of State, and offers advice for future FAOs on training, career growth, and the importance of adaptability and maintaining strong interagency relationships. COL(R) Grech also serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the FAOA Journal.
Books/Organizations Discussed
Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb
All the Kremlin’s Men, Mikhail Zygar
Between Two Fires, Joshua Yaffa
Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, Peter Pomerantsev
FPRI (Foreign Policy Research Institute), www.fpri.org
FAOA Journal, www.faoajournal.substack.com
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers
00:46 Meet Colonel JP Gresh
01:33 Early Military Career
02:51 Discovering the FAO Path
03:51 Experiences in Germany and the Balkans
05:52 Reflections on Iraq
10:37 Ukraine: First FAO Utilization Tour
13:47 The 2014 Ukrainian Crisis
15:57 US-Ukraine Military Relations
19:52 Strategic Insights on Russia and NATO
29:44 Lessons from UCOM and Security Cooperation
50:54 Balancing Dual Careers in the FAO World
54:14 Reflecting on Professional Challenges and Lessons Learned
56:44 Navigating a Tandem Career in the Department of State
57:19 Insights on Managing Dual Professional Careers
59:33 Experiences and Challenges in Russia
01:01:10 The Complex Relationship Between the U.S. and Russia
01:05:48 Living and Working in Moscow
01:08:54 Surveillance and Daily Life in Moscow
01:12:46 Diplomatic Restrictions and Challenges
01:18:27 Family Life and Safety in Russia
01:23:33 Post-Retirement and Contributions to the FAO Community
01:28:28 Reflections on FAO Training and Career
01:44:22 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice
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1:45:53
#30 - Julie and CAPT(R) Tully
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, I interview Julie Tully and her husband U.S. Navy CAPT(R) John Tulley. We discuss Julie's transition from a cowgirl in Northern California to a 'nomadic Navy spouse' and the dynamic journey from her career in agriculture to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) spouse, living and working in Europe and Africa for fifteen consecutive years. The conversation delves into the couple’s experiences living in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and the impact of their roles there. They touch on memorable challenges, the importance of self-reliance, and the significant contributions spouses make to the FAO mission. Julie also shares the inspiration and stories behind her book, 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl,' offering a deeper look into the FAO lifestyle and its challenges and rewards.
Learn More about Julie’s work at www.JulieTullyWriter.com
Books Discussed:
Dispatches of a Cowgirl, by Julie Tully
Broadway in Benghazi, by Anna Linvill
Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers
00:45 Meet the Guests: John and Julie Tulley
01:19 Julie's Journey: From Cowgirl to Navy Spouse
03:37 Life on the Ranch and Transition to FAO
04:55 The FAO Lifestyle: Challenges and Adaptations
14:11 John's Naval Academy and Submarine Experience
19:16 Discovering the FAO Career Path
22:07 Julie's Perspective: Public Relations and FAO Life
25:46 Adventures and Challenges in Africa
34:16 The Importance of Teamwork in FAO Assignments
43:10 A Hospital Emergency Room in Nigeria
57:04 The Commissary Conundrum
59:10 Internet Surprises in Nigeria
59:47 Defining Home Across Continents
01:09:18 Experiencing Local Cultures Through Staff
01:34:19 Honoring a Fallen Hero in Djibouti
01:49:14 Reflections on the FAO Life
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#29 - COL Matt Kopp, USA
Join me for an illuminating discussion with Colonel Matt Kopp, a U.S. Army FAO. We explore Colonel Kopp's beginning as a 48B, focusing on pivotal partnerships in Latin America, particularly during the final phases of Colombia’s Civil War. Colonel Kopp shares insights into his transition to a 48J, concentrating on Sub-Saharan Africa, and the critical need to understand and respond to the human and institutional complexities in these regions. The conversation includes discussions on his operational challenges, such as managing high-profile visits and interagency coordination, and the role of psychology and sociology in his duties. We also touch upon his work with the Army Foreign Area Officer Association, focusing on mentorship, fostering academic discourse, and preparing FAOs for influential second careers.
Books Discussed
Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman https://a.co/d/fNUHTUn
Neither Devil Nor Child: How Western Attitudes Are Harming Africa, by Tom Young https://a.co/d/9yv70Z8
On the Psychology of Military Incompetence, by Norman F. Dixon https://a.co/d/4nkJNIt
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers
00:42 Meet Colonel Matt Kopp
01:01 Career Choices and Transitions
02:22 Experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa
03:39 Challenges and Responsibilities at HRC
08:23 PhD Journey and Research
15:36 Transition to Africa FAO
23:02 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics
31:07 Insights on Leadership and Collaboration
43:46 Psychological Factors and Broader Perspectives
48:18 Understanding Heuristics in International Relations
50:28 Managing High Operational Tempo in Kenya
51:00 Military Operations and Planning in Diplomatic Missions
56:26 Lessons from Secret Service and VIP Visits
01:04:04 Transition to Army Service Component Commands
01:13:01 Experiences in Latin America and SOUTHCOM
01:26:32 The Role of the Army Foreign Area Officer Association
01:33:31 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
USA