Is there a path to General Officer for U.S. Army FAOs?
 
In this episode Brigadier General Richard Quirk and his wife Teri explore both professional and personal aspects of FAO careers in the Middle East and North Africa. BG Quirk delves into his journey through the FAO Corps, emphasizing the significance of writing skills, maintaining ethical standards, and transitioning into higher ranks. Teri shares her perspectives on balancing family life with the demands of FAO assignments and her experience working as Community Liaison Officer at the embassy. Join us as we talk about the unique career challenges and responsibilities of FAOs, the importance of adaptability, and the ethical standards they maintain. This episode also explores the dynamics of FAO family life, the challenges of raising children internationally, and the significance of a positive mindset. Essential listening for current FAOs and those considering an international military career.
 
01:28  Journey to Becoming a FAO
03:47  Choosing the Middle East Pre-9/11
04:36  Impact of 9/11 on FAO Career
05:44  Experiences in the Middle East
06:54  Perceptions of America in the Middle East
13:19  Living and Learning in Tunisia
18:02  Transition to Paris and AFRICOM
20:16  Challenges of Standing Up AFRICOM
26:21  Importance of Writing Skills for FAOs
32:14  First Country Team Assignment in Jordan
32:30 Teri's Role as Community Liaison Officer
35:48  Navigating Embassy Life and Housing
38:26  Ethics and Humility in FAO Career
46:29  General Officer Steering Committee (GOSC)
47:49  FAO Training and Career Progression
48:19  Collaborative Efforts and Key Allies
49:42  Current Focus Areas of the GOSC
49:52  Reviewing the FAO Training Pipeline
52:26  Alignment with National Defense Strategies
53:10  Opportunities for FAO Research
54:24 MEL 4 Pilot Program and Training Flexibility
55:26  Balancing Training Objectives and Resources
57:10  NDS Specific Challenges and Regional Specialization
01:01:19  The Role of FAOs in Counteracting Malign Influence
01:04:03  Communicating GOSC Objectives to the FAO Community
01:09:33  Transitioning from Colonel to General Officer
01:18:23  Supporting FAO Families and Spouses
01:28:35 Final Thoughts and Parting Message