Horizons: The Journal of the Army Foreign Area Officer Association is beginning to receive submissions and we need some assistance in the editing department. As the goal of Horizons is to highlight the FAO community’s analytical and writing skills while fostering a healthy exchange of ideas, thorough editing is a must. Please consider joining the editing team by replying to this email with your contact information.

Horizons is still seeking articles for publication. To standardize the format please use single spaced Times New Roman 12-point font and endnotes in Chicago Manual of Style format. Include a short biography as a separate document so that the editing team can review the paper anonymously. Contact armyfaoassociation@gmail.com to volunteer or submit.

#6 – COL(R) John Haseman

COL (R) John Haseman  is a member of the DIA Defense Attaché Service Hall of Fame and a specialist in southeast asian political-military affairs.  He served in Vietnam as a military intelligence officer and district-level advisor and is one of very few Military Intelligence officers to earn the Combat Infantryman Badge.  His Vietnam service led him into the Foreign Area Officer program where he served overseas tours in Indonesia, Burma and Thailand.  A prolific writer, COL Haseman is the editor of the Foreign Area Officer Association Journal of International Affairs.

https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/6-colr-john-haseman/

#7 – LTC Pete Roongsang

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, Lieutenant Colonel Pete Roongsang, provides a deep dive into the life, career, and insights of a seasoned Foreign Area Officer (FAO). LTC Roongsang shares his journey from his first assignment in Timor Leste to significant roles in Thailand and the Pentagon, highlighting key lessons and experiences gained along the way. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of FAO assignments, the strategic importance of FAOs within the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, and the critical values that guide an FAO’s career. Additionally, LTC Roongsang, currently serving as the FAO Branch Chief, discusses new initiatives and changes within the FAO program and offers valuable advice to FAOs for professional development and personal conduct.

https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/7-ltc-pete-roongsang/

#8 – CSM(R) Randy Surles

Why isn’t there a dedicated FAO career field for Army NCOs?

From Military Leadership to Literary Success: Randy Surles’s Journey and Vital Tips for Retirees

In this compelling episode, retired Command Sergeant Major Randy Surles delves into his military career working with foreign partners, including his role in a nascent FAO NCO program and missions in South America and Africa. We also explore Randy’s post-retirement journey as a book coach and editor, highlighting his efforts to guide others in transforming their ideas into published works. He provides invaluable advice on navigating VA and TRICARE benefits, especially for those planning to reside overseas, and shares the significance of early preparation for a smooth transition to civilian life. Randy also shares practical tips for integrating healthcare benefits and personalized guidance on military retirement and literary pursuits.

https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/8-csmr-randy-surles/

#9 – COL(R) Brian and Anna Linvill

Is your FAO family prepared to evacuate?

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, @Anna and COL(R) @Brian Linville, reflect on their extensive experiences and challenges as a FAO family in Libya during the Arab Spring. Brian details his military background and transition to FAO while Anna shares her journey from U.S. Air Force linguist to musician and FAO spouse, culminating in the publication of her book “Broadway in Benghazi.” They discuss relationship-building, the importance of cultural immersion, and evacuation during the Libyan Revolution. The episode also touches on the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the importance of FAOs documenting their experiences for posterity and the community.

Broadway in Benghazi details Anna’s personal and family life as an Airwoman, Musician, and FAO spouse.  It is an incredibly candid and personal account of life Anna’s and family leading up to the Arab Spring in Libya.  It is available in hardback, paperback and digital.  To purchase a copy, visit www.annalinvill.com or https://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Benghazi-Tragedy-Diplomatic-Gaddafis/dp/B0CTBH53RR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S24U1CLV64GE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kpmpGxd8EjeIlmUWKtnw6G6i4mstig2eNh10JDf5A_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.LjtjCyBpLhUy71VsZd6cK4DK-RhIXM9yvdf9E4qmT5I&dib_tag=se&keywords=broadway+in+benghazi&qid=1718324826&sprefix=broadway+in+ben%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/9-colr-brian-and-anna-linvill/

#10 – MAJ Sergio Salazar

In this episode of The Foreign Area Officer Podcast, Major Sergio Salazar recounts his journey from Puerto Rico to becoming a Spanish instructor at the United States Military Academy. He reflects on his early life, influenced by his brothers and a USMC father, his ambitions in law enforcement and mixed martial arts, and his eventual career in the Army. Major Salazar discusses his extensive deployments in Europe, participation in military exercises such as Atlantic Resolve and Cobra Gold, and his path to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). We also discuss West Point’s foreign language program and Projects Day, emphasizing the inclusion of security cooperation-focused projects and international collaborations, and the crucial role of cultural and linguistic expertise in military operations.

https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/10-maj-sergio-salazar/