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The Foreign Area Officer PodcastAuthor: Michael Hill
A podcast for the Foreign Area Officer Community to encourage mentorship and solidarity. Language: en Genres: Government Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#29 - COL Matt Kopp, USA
Episode 29
Thursday, 8 May, 2025
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
