AFAOA members,
Please see below for information on our upcoming Spring Social and more excellent FAO Podcasts by Mike Hill.
Spring Social:
FAO Podcasts:
#11 – BG Richard and Teri Quirk
#12 – LTC Will Hogan
Currently serving as the HQDA LNO to the French Army, LTC William Hogan, shares his unique experiences in language learning, IRT in Brazil, the interagency dynamics from Afghanistan to Haiti, and the political challenges as Army Attaché in Mexico and Nicaragua. Hogan reflects on his father’s history in WWII as America’s youngest tank battalion commander and the importance of preserving military records, which he captures in his recent book Task Force HoganThe discussion highlights the complexities and adaptability required in various international assignments, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of interdepartmental and multinational cooperation.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/12-ltc-will-hogan/
#13 – LTC(P) David Bradley
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, I sit down with LTC(P) David Bradley, former Chinese instructor at the United States Military Academy, to explore the intricate dynamics of China’s relationships and ambitions. We delve into the one China policy, the complex history and current situations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the broader security environment in Eastern Asia. Gain insights into U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and the crucial role of foreign area officers in navigating the challenging geopolitical landscape posed by China’s actions and strategies. This episode provides valuable insights for comprehending global diplomatic and economic interactions involving China.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/13-ltcp-david-bradley/
#14 – BG Brad Nicholson
In this episode of The Foreign Area Officer Podcast, Brigadier General Brad Nicholson from the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama provides in-depth insights into the challenges and rewards of serving as a FAO, discusses the importance of mentorship, and offers guidance on navigating assignments, including dealing with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) challenges. The conversation also explores the evolving role of FAOs in global security contexts and the exciting future ahead for the FAO community.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/14-bg-brad-nicholson/
#15 – MAJ Mike White
Major Mike White, Persian instructor at West Point, shares his journey with the U.S. Army, starting from his enlistment in 2002 to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). Major White elaborates on his experiences learning Dari at the Defense Language Institute, the significance of cultural immersion, and his deployments in Afghanistan and Nepal, where he navigated complex relationships and critical missions. He also underscores the value of writing skills, adaptability, and family resilience. The narrative highlights the power of networking within the FAO community, recounting personal anecdotes on how these connections have supported successful operations, including during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Major White reflects on his storied career and future plans to continue contributing to the community, leveraging his language skills and cultural expertise.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/15-maj-mike-white/
Yours in FAO,
AFAOA