#34 - LTC(R) Bill Woods

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