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

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

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