The Foreign Area Officer Podcast The FAO Podcast

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
 
 
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:42 Meet Anna and Brian Linville
01:04 Brian's Journey to Becoming a FAO
07:12 Anna's Unique Path to the Military
09:53 The Importance of Language Skills
14:23 The Role of FAO Spouses
16:49 Adventures and Challenges of Military Life
25:50 Anna's Musical Journey
32:32 Building Relationships in Libya
36:49 The Strategic Value of Relationships
46:06 Building Crucial Relationships
47:05 Unexpected Allies in the Revolution
49:00 Theater and Political Satire
51:58 The Revolution's Dark Turn
54:58 A Shift to Peace Activism
01:01:29 Writing 'Broadway in Benghazi'
01:05:37 Diplomatic Life and Personal Stories
01:11:56 Preparing for Libya
01:14:46 A Detainment Story
01:25:30 Post-Detention Reflections
01:26:03 The Importance of JMAS Training
01:27:22 Evacuation from Libya Begins
01:28:43 Tensions and Preparations
01:29:44 The Uprising and Its Impact
01:34:10 Evacuation Attempts and Challenges
01:37:25 Final Departure and Reflections
01:45:15 Tribute to Chris Stevens
01:50:23 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion

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.

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.
00:00 Introduction to the Foreign Area Officer Podcast
00:50 Guest Introduction: LTC Pete Roongsang
01:23 First FAO Assignment: Chief of Defense Cooperation in Timor Leste
03:33 Collaboration and Impact in Timor Leste
08:01 Working with International Partners
10:27 Developing East Timor's Defense Capabilities
18:39 Transition to Thailand: A Personal and Professional Journey
19:29 FAO Career Path: From West Point to Thailand
29:36 Strengthening U.S.-Thai Defense Alliance
35:38 The Power of Interagency Collaboration
39:37 The Importance of Communication Channels in Security Cooperation
40:28 Transitioning to Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Policy Work
41:33 The Unique Value FAOs Bring to OSD Policy
45:26 Challenges and Strategies for FAOs in Civilian Institutions
47:53 The Role and Impact of the FAO Branch Chief
51:23 Evolving FAO Assignments and the Introduction of DSCS
01:03:12 Optimizing the FAO Training Pipeline and Career Management
01:06:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for FAOs

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.  
 
Check out his books!
In the Mouth of the Dragon: Memoir of a District Advisor in the Making Delta, 1971-1973. https://a.co/d/diqKv6m
The Thai Resistance Movement During World War II https://a.co/d/267J172 
 

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Morales was raised in Naranjito on the island of Puerto Rico and has been an Engineer Officer, Special Forces Officer, and finally a foreign area officer during his military career, now serving in Office of Defense Coordination in Mexico City.  Jason served previous tours in Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and as an army inter-agency fellow at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

MAJ Neil Law is a native of Queens, New York, Neil currently serves as a U.S. Army foreign area officer in Port-au-Prince Haiti. He received his commission as a transportation officer from SUNY Albany, and completed two deployments to Afghanistan before assessing into the FAO career field and completing in-region training in Mexico City. He is fluent in Chinese Mandarin, Chinese Cantonese and Spanish.