In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, host Michael Hill interviews retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Woods, an Eastern European FAO and current instructor at the Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS). LTC Woods shares his experiences and challenges faced during his career, including the undervaluation of FAOs in the past, his roles in Naples, Cyprus, and London, and the importance of building relationships in diplomatic and military contexts. The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of being an FAO, the impact of critical thinking and current doctrinal knowledge, and the unique experiences and opportunities presented by serving at JMAS. Bill reflects on the importance of having fun in the job and staying engaged in current assignments while planning for future roles.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:42 Welcome and Guest Introduction

00:59 Early Experiences as a FAO

02:13 Challenging Assignments and Career Growth

04:44 Political Advisor Role in Baghdad

07:47 NATO Advisor Experience

23:22 Greek Language and Cultural Immersion

41:39 Access and Opportunities in Foreign Military Education

43:06 Challenges and Misconceptions in Greek War College

44:19 Thesis Writing and Overcoming Language Barriers

44:58 Navigating Cultural and Academic Expectations

45:33 Ethical Dilemmas and Academic Integrity

46:31 Building Relationships and Gaining Respect

47:25 Experiences and Reflections on Military Assignments

49:45 The Importance of Fitting In and Building Trust

51:29 Protocol and Respect in International Military Relations

54:33 Career Path and Assignments in Military Diplomacy

55:59 Navigating the Attache Service and Career Challenges

57:54 The Role of FAOs in Multinational Operations

01:00:25 Balancing Operational Knowledge and Diplomatic Skills

01:07:31 The Value of War College and Continuous Learning

01:20:02 The Future of FAOs in a Changing Military Landscape

01:22:39 Experiences and Challenges in Cyprus

01:27:11 Minister's Support and Explosive Seizure

01:28:06 Meeting the Minister of Defense

01:28:59 The Explosion and Its Aftermath

01:30:14 Improving Relationships Post-Explosion

01:33:44 Challenges and Strategies in Diplomatic Relations

01:42:24 Reflections on Career and FAO Experiences

01:53:13 Working at the Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS)

01:58:28 Advice for Future FAOs and Instructors

02:08:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell