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