In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, Lieutenant Colonel Pete Roongsang, provides a deep dive into the life, career, and insights of a seasoned Foreign Area Officer (FAO). LTC Roongsang shares his journey from his first assignment in Timor Leste to significant roles in Thailand and the Pentagon, highlighting key lessons and experiences gained along the way. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of FAO assignments, the strategic importance of FAOs within the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, and the critical values that guide an FAO's career. Additionally, LTC Roongsang, currently serving as the FAO Branch Chief, discusses new initiatives and changes within the FAO program and offers valuable advice to FAOs for professional development and personal conduct.
00:00 Introduction to the Foreign Area Officer Podcast
00:50 Guest Introduction: LTC Pete Roongsang
01:23 First FAO Assignment: Chief of Defense Cooperation in Timor Leste
03:33 Collaboration and Impact in Timor Leste
08:01 Working with International Partners
10:27 Developing East Timor's Defense Capabilities
18:39 Transition to Thailand: A Personal and Professional Journey
19:29 FAO Career Path: From West Point to Thailand
29:36 Strengthening U.S.-Thai Defense Alliance
35:38 The Power of Interagency Collaboration
39:37 The Importance of Communication Channels in Security Cooperation
40:28 Transitioning to Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Policy Work
41:33 The Unique Value FAOs Bring to OSD Policy
45:26 Challenges and Strategies for FAOs in Civilian Institutions
47:53 The Role and Impact of the FAO Branch Chief
51:23 Evolving FAO Assignments and the Introduction of DSCS
01:03:12 Optimizing the FAO Training Pipeline and Career Management
01:06:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for FAOs