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