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
--------
1:43:15
#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
--------
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
--------
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.
--------
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.
Brasil