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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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#33 - LTC(P) Wes Chaney
Episode 33
Thursday, 6 November, 2025
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
