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

This episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast delves into the unique background of LTC Lemar Farhad, USA, tracing his journey from a culturally diverse upbringing and Afghan heritage to his pivotal role in the U.S. Army. Lemar shares his transition into the FAO program, starting with his early assignments as an infantry and intelligence officer and detailing his first exposure to U.S. embassies and defense cooperation. Through captivating anecdotes, he highlights his significant assignments, including his work in Special Operations Command Europe, his impactful tenure as the ODC Chief in Kuala Lumpur, and his current role in Korea focusing on non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). The conversation also explores challenges in leadership, the importance of understanding cultural contexts, and the value of reading to gain diverse perspectives. Lemar's journey exemplifies the integration of strategic thinking and operational expertise, emphasizing the art of diplomacy and the FAO community's crucial role in global defense and cooperation.

Articles:

Reimagining Policing in America—A Complete Institutional Overhaul by LTC Lemar Farhad

Books Discussed:

2034 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN

2054 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN

Ghost fleet by P.W. Singer

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:46 Meet the Guest: Lemar Farhad

01:04 Transition to FAO: From Field to Strategy

02:04 First Impressions of FAOs

03:33 The Path to Monterey

04:36 Language Training at DLI

12:12 Unexpected Assignment: Malaysia

13:34 Experiences at the Malaysian Staff College

14:35 Return to the U.S. and Grad School

19:33 First Assignment at CENTCOM

21:20 Challenges and Lessons at CENTCOM

26:21 Mentorship and Professional Development

34:16 Transition to J2 at CENTCOM

36:34 Introduction to Central Asia Desk

37:05 Building Relationships in Central Asia

38:03 Challenges of Language and Culture

39:16 Innovative Security Cooperation Programs

41:21 Impact of COVID-19 on Operations

42:39 Personal Heritage and Career Impact

44:00 Father's Academic Journey

46:40 Early Life and Cultural Identity

47:51 Deployment to Afghanistan Post-9/11

48:53 Unique Assignment with Special Forces

01:05:37 Transition to MI and Multiple Deployments

01:07:52 Reconnecting with the Intelligence Community

01:08:37 Special Operations Command in Europe

01:09:08 First Country Team Assignment in Malaysia

01:11:20 Challenges with a Difficult Deputy

01:14:22 Leadership and Team Dynamics

01:20:50 Current Role in Korea: NEO Operations

01:39:48 The Importance of Reading and Fiction

01:45:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections