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

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, I interview Julie Tully and her husband U.S. Navy CAPT(R) John Tulley. We discuss Julie's transition from a cowgirl in Northern California to a 'nomadic Navy spouse' and the dynamic journey from her career in agriculture to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) spouse, living and working in Europe and Africa for fifteen consecutive years. The conversation delves into the couple’s experiences living in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and the impact of their roles there. They touch on memorable challenges, the importance of self-reliance, and the significant contributions spouses make to the FAO mission. Julie also shares the inspiration and stories behind her book, 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl,' offering a deeper look into the FAO lifestyle and its challenges and rewards.

Learn More about Julie’s work at www.JulieTullyWriter.com

Books Discussed:

• Dispatches of a Cowgirl, by Julie Tully
• Broadway in Benghazi, by Anna Linvill
• Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers

00:45 Meet the Guests: John and Julie Tulley

01:19 Julie's Journey: From Cowgirl to Navy Spouse

03:37 Life on the Ranch and Transition to FAO

04:55 The FAO Lifestyle: Challenges and Adaptations

14:11 John's Naval Academy and Submarine Experience

19:16 Discovering the FAO Career Path

22:07 Julie's Perspective: Public Relations and FAO Life

25:46 Adventures and Challenges in Africa

34:16 The Importance of Teamwork in FAO Assignments

43:10 A Hospital Emergency Room in Nigeria

57:04 The Commissary Conundrum

59:10 Internet Surprises in Nigeria

59:47 Defining Home Across Continents

01:09:18 Experiencing Local Cultures Through Staff

01:34:19 Honoring a Fallen Hero in Djibouti

01:49:14 Reflections on the FAO Life

Join me for an illuminating discussion with Colonel Matt Kopp, a U.S. Army FAO. We explore Colonel Kopp's beginning as a 48B, focusing on pivotal partnerships in Latin America, particularly during the final phases of Colombia’s Civil War. Colonel Kopp shares insights into his transition to a 48J, concentrating on Sub-Saharan Africa, and the critical need to understand and respond to the human and institutional complexities in these regions. The conversation includes discussions on his operational challenges, such as managing high-profile visits and interagency coordination, and the role of psychology and sociology in his duties. We also touch upon his work with the Army Foreign Area Officer Association, focusing on mentorship, fostering academic discourse, and preparing FAOs for influential second careers.

Books Discussed

• Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman https://a.co/d/fNUHTUn
• Neither Devil Nor Child: How Western Attitudes Are Harming Africa, by Tom Young https://a.co/d/9yv70Z8
• On the Psychology of Military Incompetence, by Norman F. Dixon https://a.co/d/4nkJNIt

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers

00:42 Meet Colonel Matt Kopp

01:01 Career Choices and Transitions

02:22 Experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa

03:39 Challenges and Responsibilities at HRC

08:23 PhD Journey and Research

15:36 Transition to Africa FAO

23:02 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics

31:07 Insights on Leadership and Collaboration

43:46 Psychological Factors and Broader Perspectives

48:18 Understanding Heuristics in International Relations

50:28 Managing High Operational Tempo in Kenya

51:00 Military Operations and Planning in Diplomatic Missions

56:26 Lessons from Secret Service and VIP Visits

01:04:04 Transition to Army Service Component Commands

01:13:01 Experiences in Latin America and SOUTHCOM

01:26:32 The Role of the Army Foreign Area Officer Association

01:33:31 Final Thoughts and Recommendations