#33 - LTC(P) Wes Chaney
Notas do episódio
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