One CA: Recent Episodes
Civil Affairs Association
Podcast about U.S. military Civil Affairs, European CIMIC, current events, and the work of partners around the globe. Sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. This week, Brian Hancock returns to finish his interview with Colonel James Turner about information operations and influence in strategic competition.
This is the second of a two-part episode. To hear part I, check out last week's episode.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association.
and brings in current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
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Great news Feedspot,the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
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Special Thanks to Morning Light Music for a sample of Fun and Exciting from the playlist Summer Background Music. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vFe5N7bvXXI?si=2Gsn9EuRp_rptDRh
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. This week, Brian Hancock interviews Colonel James Turner about information operations and influence in strategic competition.
This is the first of a two-part episode. The second half will be out next week.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association.
and brings in current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
--
Great news Feedspot,the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
--
Special Thanks to Morning Light Music for a sample of Fun and Exciting from the playlist Summer Background Music. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vFe5N7bvXXI?si=2Gsn9EuRp_rptDRh
Today, Danny Joseph interviewed Stephanie DeRiso about her work with cultural support teams and her transition to civil affairs.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact theshow, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up onthe Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, thepodcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to Meditation Melodies for the Sample of Tropical Summer. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7pt4FSViC8
Please welcome Bojan Pancevski, the Wall Street Journal's chief European political correspondent, who covers European and global affairs.
This is a two-part series. I interview Bojan in Part I, and Mariah Yager from SMA interviews him in Part II.
We discuss how the Russian war in Ukraine has spilled over into clandestine operations in Europe, resulting in a shadow war of espionage and sabotage between Russia and the West.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation'speople and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, thepodcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks toMorning Light Music for the sample of Summer Background. Retrieved fromhttps://youtu.be/FBHEF1nxbi0?si=r7DLKQA1Ch3t9C8q
Please welcome Bojan Pancevski, the Wall Street Journal's Chief European Political Correspondent, who covers European and global affairs.
This is a two-part series. I interview Bojan in Part I, and Mariah Yager from SMA interviews him in Part II.
We discuss how the Russian war in Ukraine has spilled over into clandestine operations in Europe, resulting in a shadow war of espionage and sabotage between Russia and the West.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation'speople and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, thepodcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks toMorning Light Music for the sample of Summer Background. Retrieved fromhttps://youtu.be/FBHEF1nxbi0?si=r7DLKQA1Ch3t9C8q
Today, Rob Boudreau interviews 1st CAG G-9 OIC LtCol. Chris Bridger (who recently left for a new billet) and G-9 Chief GySgt Brian Schultz discuss their experience working in Civil Affairs. Enjoy.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to Louis Bacalov for a sample of Ricatto Alla Malla. Retrieved fromhttps://youtu.be/XSJN1R29mHE?si=nGPBcD-J7XM4BEFZ
Today we welcome Retired Col Jon Shaffner, now with Liberty Alliance.
I first met Jon when he was an army strategist assigned to the Army chief of public affairs as their plans chief.
Jon is working with Liberty Alliance to help expand their work in South America.
So, let's get started.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to bushinside for the sample of Upbeat Background Music Instrumental "Dance ＆ Electronic." Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MzdQLTBPPo
Welcome to ONE CA Podcast. Today, Brian Hancock hosts Giancarlo Newsome, an Army Reserve Civil Affairs officer, to explore innovation in diplomacy, including using a hybrid financial equity approach to partner-nation projects, technology acquisition, and improving civil affairs reach with partner nations.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Today, we welcome retired colonel Ray Powell and retired Foreign Service Officer Jim Carouso to discuss their new show, "Why Should We Care about the Indo-Pacific?" The show is on YouTube and multiple podcast platforms.
I bring them on to discuss their experiences in the Indo-Pacific and their new role in speaking and hosting on foreign policy. So, let's get started.
To check out the show, here is the YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6TMufYaMcN5pmi1Xkf_g1g
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to JPVG Ambience for the sample of Puerto Rico Latin Jazz. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/PcYe8V075_4?si=JfG0XgBB6gJa6ODr
Welcome to One CA Podcast. This week, Assad Raza hosts John Nonemaker and Amanda Smolinski from Veterans Without Orders, a non-profit that recruits veteran Civil Affairs servicemembers to work in humanitarian assistance programs worldwide.
Information on Veterans Without Orders:
Website: https://veteranswithoutorders.org/
Contact: john@veteranswithoutorders.org
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Music: Special thanks to SYAH IW for a sample of Seventeen, April shower. Retrieved from
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VaX1ggLTlwo&si=WHxLcsfzmOgfaZ_4
Welcome to One CA Podcast. Today we welcome Ali Maisam Nazary, who represents the Afghan resistance forces to the United States. We talk about how the resistance is structured, updates from Afghanistan and what a post-resistance Afghanistan would look like.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to Royalty Free Music for a sample of Dawali Festival Music. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/BqIvkuLjxhk?si=ggMrmDEXRSIQoRpp
Please welcome Lieutenant Nick Dubaz, the G39 Director of the Southern European Task Force, Africa. Nick oversees Civil Affairs teams working across the continent to help U.S. Embassies build positive relations with partner nations' people and leaders.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Music: Special Thanks to the site "Relaxing jazz piano" for the sample from Warm March Jazz Music. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/m7WiikpM0J0?si=Ow6IiDktAqe6jykV
Please join me in welcoming Gretchen Peters, one of the best counter-network people I know.
Gretchen came in to discuss the current challenges with targeting kingpins and criminal organizations
and how she maps and targets a network to ensure that the leaders get prosecuted and that the arrests also collapse the criminal organization.
With our adversaries using criminal networks to forward their foreign policy goals, I felt this would be a pertinent discussion on how the US should respond. This is a two-part episode, so let's get started.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to Jazz…venue for the sample of Paris Jazz Lounge. Retrieved from https://youtube.com/shorts/E2i8w6cdQR8?si=UqceqAb1c3oeElTy
Please join me in welcoming Gretchen Peters, one of the best counter-network people I know.
Gretchen came in to discuss the current challenges with targeting kingpins and criminal organizations
and how she maps and targets a network to ensure that the leaders get prosecuted and that the arrests also collapse the criminal organization.
With our adversaries using criminal networks to forward their foreign policy goals, I felt this would be a pertinent discussion on how the US should respond. This is a two-part episode, so let's get started.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to Jazz…venue for the sample of Paris Jazz Lounge. Retrieved from https://youtube.com/shorts/E2i8w6cdQR8?si=UqceqAb1c3oeElTy
Today, we welcome Mick Mulroy to discuss Fogbow, his new humanitarian NGO, and their work in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. We also discuss the growing number of veteran humanitarian organizations getting involved in some of the most distressed places on Earth.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to Businside for the sample of Upbeat Background Music - Dance and Electronic Music. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/1MzdQLTBPPo?si=6cJR4qPYoJUaohh3
Rough transcript:
00:00:05 Open
Welcome to the 1CA podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. 1CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on ground with a partner nation's people and leadership. Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working the last three feet of foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at capodcasting at gmail dot com. or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www .civilaffairsassos .org. I'll have those in the show notes. Today, we welcome Mick Mulroy to discuss Fogbow, his new humanitarian NGO, and their work in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. We also discuss the growing number of veteran humanitarian organizations getting involved in some of the most distressed places on Earth. So let's get started.
00:00:57 MIC MULROY
I've been to Syria several times, but I haven't been there recently and not since all of the Assad regime. So we are looking at the potential for what we as a group who supports humanitarian efforts can do in Syria.
00:01:11 JACK GAINES
I hope Syria straightens out. The new government actually does build out something representative for the population and the economy, that it becomes more centrist. I have a lot of hope. I think we all should,
00:01:21 MIC MULROY
have a lot of hope. I think we all should, right? It's a good thing, obviously, that Assad's... gone. I mean, hundreds of thousands of deaths are on his hands. So certainly a good thing. The question is whether the incoming crowd who took government control by force are going to be the reformers they say they are, or are they going to go back to their roots? I think the verdict is still out. We should all hope that's the case. I think the incoming or now the team that's in place is a bit more skeptical than the last. You can tell by whether they call them Jelani or Al -Shirar. That's the first indicator when I was doing my rounds on both the Hill Congress and the Trump team. I think there's criticism on just how inclusive they're going to be. But we should all hope that that is the case and that there's an election soon rather than the four years that I think they've been saying. But certainly when it comes to sections that are more related to Assad. They should be reconsidered, and we should look at what we're doing there long term. With the SDF during the defeat of ISIS, the crisis, if we pull out precipitously, both for our partners, the SDF and for the counterterrorism effort, but also our strategy against Iran and Russia to a certain extent, which right now, I think everybody would stay on their backside, especially when it comes to Syria. But when it comes to humanitarian assistance, there is a dire need, for sure. And I think that is something that a lot of groups are looking at, how they can contribute to the rebuilding of Syria and the promotion of a stable country that looks more inward. Their own people vice becoming a client state to actors don't have best interests Syrians like Russia.
00:03:10 JACK GAINES
And it's interesting that with their change of government and Lebanon being able to form a government because Hezbollah has their fingers out of the pie right now. I see it as a real strategic opportunity because if Lebanon can get on its foot, Syria can get on its feet, there could be a whole sea change of policy in that region to where Iran's behaviors are balanced, Russia's behavior are balanced, the nations down there can actually rebuild and have a more stable government and a healthier international relationship. I agree with you,
00:03:40 MIC MULROY
I agree with you, Derek. I think this is a very big opportunity for the United States. I use boxing analogies because I used to box. I used to coach boxing in the Marine Corps. This is a point where you see your opponent on the ropes, right? You don't back up. You go in and try to end the fight. I know we're not going to end the fight or the competition between us and Russia, but Ayoun is a partner, obviously the former commander of Lebanese Armed Forces. We have supported them for a long period of time. They were a very effective partner with us, and he was the head of it. So that's a huge opportunity right there. Iran, I think, has many strategic mistakes, and they realize that now, and they've seen it both in their major losses with leadership across the board, their capability, and of course in Syria. I mean, their corridor to fund and supply groups like Hamas and Hezbollah has been cut off, and they just don't have the platform that they have. And I think we should capitalize on that. Our policy should be... The promotion of U .S. interests, part of that, I believe, I don't know if we're going to today, is the promotion of democracy and human rights. But certainly, this is an opportunity to do both, our strategic interests and promotion of democratic values.
00:04:55 JACK GAINES
With Fog Bow, you have a pretty heady team. Some folks that I've recognized from other efforts, some new. Ambassador Smith is awesome. Roger Thompson, you've got a lot of great people here.
00:05:06 MIC MULROY
of great people here.
00:05:08 JACK GAINES
By name only.
00:05:08 MIC MULROY
name only.
00:05:10 JACK GAINES
Well, Chris, he'd be right there with him.
00:05:11 MIC MULROY
be right there with him. Yeah, so FABO is primarily veterans, but we have our humanitarian. And the skills that we have that I think are additive to the whole endeavor, which are air delivery. We've done that in Sudan. We've done maritime delivery in Gaza. We know Austere Logistics. We're a very small company, but we really focused on doing that. And that's why I said Roger's the MVP, right? So we have a lot of former SOF folks. We have a lot of... former special operations veterans, whose skill includes all the delivery and the planning and kind of figuring out hard problems where there's no easy solution. But Roger's done Marine Infantry, but he was also a Marine Logistics Officer. So that's why I say he's the MVP, because that's what we do essentially is logistics. Our mission accomplished, it's food delivered, people in need.
00:06:03 JACK GAINES
Right. I've had a couple people on talk about the Triton Pier. Some of the challenges with prepping in Cyprus for it, putting the peer out, getting as much aid as possible out, and how the thing broke up. But similar to that, Fogbo seems to be focused on some of the harder areas to reach with aid. It's not a typical aid organization. You go into very restrictive areas that have real security challenges, and you help make sure that humanitarian effort arrives. so that people can continue to survive until conflicts, until crisis or disasters are resolved. That's a tough space to work in. And that's why we get requested to come in.
00:06:42 MIC MULROY
to work in. And that's why we get requested to come in. When it comes to the pier, I would say this. We, Sam Mundy, Ricard General, you probably saw on the site, we briefed the last administration several times on the idea of bringing in aid. The Ameritimese, they came up with the JLOPS, the Joint Logistics on the Shore system. To be frank, we didn't think it was the best. Because of the sea states at the time, it could have been done a different way. But we're Americans, and by God, if the U .S. military is going to push up here from Virginia to Gaza, we're going to support it out of pocket. There's not a whole lot of countries that do something. In the United States, it did something, and it might not have been perfect, but it did still over 33 ,000 tons of food into Gaza when it's needed. So that's done, and we're still working to build facilities that can assist the storage of... Critical food aid, medical aid. For NGOs. The other point on how difficult, just to give you a highlight, in Sudan there was a very substantial population that got cut off from ground delivery of food because of that. Primarily the rainy season cut off the roads and the fighting, of course. They were out of food. And all it took was somebody who could come in there and deliver food via air in a very tightly controlled area because of the conflict. And that's where we fit in. That's de -conflicting battle space and airdrops, austere environments. That's what not just people in Fogbo, but that's what the U .S. military is pretty damn good at. So that's what we did for three months, and I think we did a lot of good. And now the situation has changed. It can get ground to leverage. But that's just an example of what we're doing. We're also looking to expand in others. And it's certainly not just about us. There's a lot of groups doing this out there. And if they see a need for our skill set, Give us a call.
00:08:35 JACK GAINES
And I'll put it on the show notes as well. I'm sure this must be an adrenaline rush for a lot of the veterans to actually be out in the mix delivering humanitarian supplies, which is a great reward for the skills that a lot of people have. What kind of feedback have you gotten from your logistics teams, your pilots, your air crew, about what it's like to work for the organization? It really comes down to a mission,
00:08:56 MIC MULROY
It really comes down to a mission, right? So we're all there because of mission, which is to enable humanitarian operations. We are a private company. That's why it's really incumbent on us to assist NGOs that are out there doing great work. I think the most feedback I've gotten is actually taking the skills that they learned over 20, sometimes 30 years, in our case, the U .S. military, a lot of it in conflict, and do something like this. So it's, and myself included, have really taken this mission on as important as any mission I've ever had. And that's what I hear. But of course, it isn't about us. I mean, there's other groups that are doing this, and there's certainly other groups that can do this, that get veterans that are really looking for something other than your standard jobs. This is an area where they can really have an impact really quick.
00:09:50 JACK GAINES
The reason I bring it up is that I had Scott Mann on, and one of the things he really challenged with, we're all cause -based in the military. We work to a cause. We have a bigger thing we're trying to reach. And people get out. Some go to church, some start a business, some start a pizzeria or a workout joint. But some just struggle with trying to find that sense of cause and how they place it, what they can do with it. And his challenge was it drove him to suicide because he couldn't find his place in life after getting out of the military. And so that's why he looked into other things like acting and writing books and lectures and veterans of care programs. Veterans Without Orders, who does water delivery, because I want to show veterans that there are opportunities out there. We can apply that sense of cause to make a difference so that they don't feel like they're alone in this world. When I was talking to the Veterans Without Orders folks, what they found is being on the ground, a lot of the NGOs were surprised at how fast and efficient they were. They went to Haiti and some of the World Food Program folks were like, wow, how long have you guys been working together? It seems like you've been friends for years. And he's like, no, actually, We had a phone call for 20 minutes, landed, met, got on it. But we just have a common language. We understand what each other's doing. We know we're both here for the right reasons. And you just build that instant trust in order to do a mission. And that's what I assume you guys are seeing there as well. I worked pretty closely with him on the Afghan evacuation.
00:11:15 MIC MULROY
I worked pretty closely with him on the Afghan evacuation. My group was called Dunkirk. We weren't a Team America Elite. We also did a lot with Scott. Because that was such a cause near and dear to their heart, that was the first. foray into humanitarian work. And I think that's stuck with a lot of them. And we're seeing a lot of that continue around the world where veterans say, oh, we can really do something here. I think that's great.
00:11:41 JACK GAINES
With Kabul on the midst of collapsing, I saw a lot of veterans rallying together to figure out how to get private logistics in there, getting buses, getting private planes. One thing that I bumped into was a lot of NGOs that were desperately trying to get help because they had people that were working with aid and with state and with the military that were not represented on those lists that needed to get out of there because they were part of the cigar report or they were part of distribution and the Taliban knew who they were and they were going to come after them. My part was just plugging those NGOs in with veterans who had logistics, who had access to help them get some of those folks out. But I did notice that... Once people got involved, it's just almost like there was a light came on and said, oh, I don't have to wait for the U .S. government to order me to do something. I can actually go make a difference. I can take my skills and help be a part of the whole foreign policy scheme and actually do stuff. I can do it without having to be a part of aid o
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. Today, Brian Hancock interviewed Ismael Lopez about OHDACA and Humanitarian Relief and his experiences as a Marine Civil Affairs Officer.
Brian's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-hancock/
Ismael's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishrlopez/
Transcript available below.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to the creators of Jazz & Bossa Cafe for the sample of Positive March Music. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHeCxa0rMQ4
Transcript:
00:00:10 BRIAN HANCOCK
Welcome to One Civil Affairs Podcast. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hancock, and I will be your host for this session. Today we have with us Major Ishmael Lopez to discuss civil affairs and the ongoing relief effort in the Gaza Strip. Let's talk a little bit more about that training piece. Part of readiness is being able to do your job. The Marine is an expeditionary force, perhaps becoming even more expeditionary with the expeditionary advanced base operations. construct, the chief of the Navy signed off on. So very interesting training opportunities for the fleet right now. And you mentioned Balakatan and some of those other exercise type missions that you've done.
00:00:53 BRIAN HANCOCK
And I know you've probably done Marine Corps Warfighting exercise and mentioned JRTC. But what are some of these other missions you've done? You've talked about a dock up. A dock up is joined at the hip with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, HADR. The Navy has a huge role in HADR for just a whole bunch of reasons. Has your detachment participated in any HADR missions? Is that another training opportunity that you have with your Marines in detachment?
00:01:21 ISMAEL LOPEZ
We as a detachment have not. However, I do have individual Marines who have participated in HADR missions. Not a whole lot of experience, but there's some resident within the detachment. And to your point, there is huge training opportunity there for understanding how to integrate into an HADR response specific to DOD's role in supporting the State Department. We do have the opportunities for training with USAID, but that's all classroom. And we try to get as much exposure to that as possible. But as far as real-world HADR scenarios where we're able to integrate with the State Department and even into a joint task force or a multinational task force, it is very limited. I know that that is being discussed for future iterations of Balakatan specifically to have a HADR response, which makes sense, right? Because Balakatan is becoming a massive multinational exercise that features activities across the spectrum of military operations. Once that piece of it is integrated, then it's truly a well -thought -out, deliberate exercise on how to integrate HADR, whereas right now it's sort of sprinkled on top. The Marines, sailors, and even the Army, civil affairs practitioners that are supporting, are supporting steady -state engineering projects. And I think that's a missed opportunity because there's so much more that we can provide than project management. And there are opportunities there, but... If I'm a commander sitting on top of a joint task force, that's not where I would place those assets because it's going to happen. They're not caught off guard and they understand, okay, where is the USAID person that I need to be linked up with? Who do I need to be syncing up with? Again, looking for those opportunities.
00:03:22 BRIAN HANCOCK
opportunities. I hear you. I know you've done a fair amount of work in South America with all the attention on ACOM and sometimes UCOM. I don't think we talk enough about, I think there are many opportunities in South America to do great things. And if we take a look at the Tierra del Fuego with all the earthquakes and the volcanoes and the things happening there and climate change and disasters, there seems to me more disasters, which is going to increase the chance that our government is temporarily overwhelmed and might have to issue a diplomatic cable and request assistance. For us in Title X, that's probably just some of our unique capabilities like rotary wing, pull up a nuclear ship and just start giving power to a large area. There's amazing things that we can do. And I know that there are disasters happening in South American countries, which tend to be a little more fragile. Do we have those opportunities? Is that something that we just haven't mapped out? How would we go about helping our South American brothers?
00:04:25 ISMAEL LOPEZ
struggle with this because like you, I see the opportunities that are down there and they're plentiful. I worked down at the embassy in Bogotá, Colombia for three years during my FAO tour. And while I was there, I was a counter -narcotics maritime operations planner. So really fancy title for managing Section 333 funding programming. But our partners in that region are all about working with us. training with us, opening up their countries for us to train. They want to fight with us. In Colombia, we were trying to organize an additional exercise outside of the standard unit toss that goes on in South America. So as we started trying to test, does this concept work? What are going to be some of the challenges? What does it look like for closing ship to shore in a contestant environment? Colombia has amazing terrain that is very similar to that that you will find in the first island chain, surprisingly. A lot of people wouldn't know that, but it's there. So when you consider distance and cost associated with being able to provide realistic training that mimics the future fight, you have it in the same hemisphere. The challenge is, the NDS calls out very specifically, services, your priority is... UCOM. Your priority is AFRICOM. Your priority is CENTCOM. Your priority is writ large is Indopaycom. We'll focus on that. And so that automatically causes the services to look elsewhere rather than looking down south. And so that means that resources, manpower, etc. are going to get pulled to support efforts down there because it's not called out specifically in the NDS. And now it's being focused on other parts of the world. Fortunately, Marine Forces Reserve has shifted from trying to compete with the active component to adding relevancy by focusing on developing those opportunities in Latin America. I know the Army does a lot with the TSOCs down there, but more can be done and should be done, in my opinion. I think the relevancy is there and transferable to other parts of the globe. It's just getting past the, hey, I understood that this document calls this out. but there are opportunities here that align to what we're trying to get after in the NDS. And the other piece of that too is when you consider if we're having assets down there, it reduces the number of available resources that can respond to contingencies. And I think that's part of that equation.
00:07:09 BRIAN HANCOCK
I think so. It's really not a bridge too far from our existing mental models. The energy may be in PayCon, but at the same time, you're still going to JRTC. Is that the Deep Pacific? No, not at all. But there's still value in that training. If you can go to Columbia and move through similar islands, have similar river problem sets, similar terrain problem sets, and get that experience at a fraction of the cost of going to the Deep Pacific, that's not something we should overlook. And we can't ignore the fact that there's increasing levels of adversary activity in South America, I don't think we should take that for granted. And doing these mill to mill and working together side by side on various projects, there's nothing but good stuff there. So I'm hopeful that we may in the future put a little bit more energy into that theater.
00:08:02 ISMAEL LOPEZ
Yeah. And the one last piece of it I think that we take for granted is the belief that our partners in the Western Hemisphere are going to stay aligned to us. because we have those shared values. But when you have our competitors knocking on the door and saying, hey, we want to train with you. We want to provide you money. We want to do all these things. And we're taking for granted that relationship. It's only going to last so much longer before the number of partners that we have on there are going to be very limited. Yeah.
00:08:33 BRIAN HANCOCK
You know, it kind of reminds me of the Sims game. I don't know if you've played this. But there's a relationship meter. And if you want to have positive relationships with another avatar in this simulation, you have to interact with them. You have to do that fairly regularly because over time, that relationship meter decays. Relationships aren't static like that. They're usually moving forward or they're sliding backwards. And if we're not in that game and we have hungry competitors, we can see where that could go. Let's talk about some of your work as a foreign area officer. That's a very coveted job for civil affairs and folks who think they may have a future intent to work for Department of State. A lot of folks don't get there. What did you do as a foreign area officer, and how do you get involved in that kind of work?
00:09:25 ISMAEL LOPEZ
For the Marine Corps, I was actually able to use my experience as a civil affairs officer to springboard. into becoming a Latin America FAO. So in the Marines, we have two different ways of becoming a foreign area officer. There is the experience track, which is the one I fell into. And then the other one is a study track. So either route, you have solicitation for candidates, individuals who have experiences overseas, working specifically on the civ. side of the house, not necessarily the mill -to -mill piece, right? Because we're looking at international relations, foreign relations, etc. And then you have the study track, which is you get selected, you get sent to Monterey to earn a master's degree in international relations. Then they send you to the language school, DLI, for a language, and you get assigned a region. And then you get sent either to combatant command to work as a desk officer. or you get sent to a country overseas and you're going to work out at the embassy. So for me, I was able to parlay my experiences as a civil affairs officer, and then the board selected me as a Latin America foreign area officer. And what that did was that it opened me up to that role in the embassy. So my wife's active duty Air Force, and she's also a Latin America foreign area officer. She got sent to Naval Postgraduate School, earned her master's. Didn't have to go to DLI because she already spoke Spanish. And then she got orders to the embassy in Columbia. Family and I obviously went along. And as we were doing our introduction with the scout chief, she mentions my husband's a civil affairs officer and a FAO. And his eyes just lit up. He's like, we haven't had a Marine sitting in the naval mission for the Section 333 program in quite some time because we just don't have them. Part of the challenge is the cost associated with bringing one down. But since I was already there, in his eyes, he was getting two fails for the price of one. So because I had that, I was able to meet the requirement for the billet. And then I was able to serve as the program manager for the Section 333 program for roughly three years.
00:11:38 BRIAN HANCOCK
Well done. And what an exciting mission. If I was younger, I'd want to run off there too and do something like that. I mean, my Spanish needs to be a little bit better, but I know I could brush it up. Hey, let's talk about the... Very difficult situation in Gaza right now. I don't think we can approach that with anything but sympathy for all involved. Certainly there's great suffering there by many different parties. And I know you were one of those folks who raised his hand and said, hey, I will help with some of that Gaza relief and did that mission, at least for some time. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience with the Gaza relief mission? And are you comfortable sharing any lessons learned from your time?
00:12:20 ISMAEL LOPEZ
Yeah, so it was very interesting when the Gaza relief mission kicked off for several reasons, right? The challenge there, very, very dynamic event, very tragic event. And then on one hand, we have to support our ally in Israel. But on the other hand, great suffering occurring to the people in Gaza as a result of the mission out there. So the struggle within DOD at the time was, what should we do from an ATA perspective to help those that are suffering in Gaza? So when we look at it from within DSCA, we were really waiting for inputs from OSD and even the NSC as to what is an appropriate humanitarian aid response. One that's not going to undermine our partner. But at the same time, sending a strong message to the people in Gaza and the international community that the United States is not going to sit idly by while people are suffering. So it's a very delicate balance that had to be found. So from an access property standpoint, I was looking into what could we do and how close could we get to provide items from the inventory that could provide life -saving support or even just support for those that are being displaced. into neighboring countries. What ended up happening was we, DSCA, specifically the humanitarian aid and the humanitarian demining division, was ordered to reallocate all the ODACA funding that had already been provided to the combative commands and used to support the Gaza relief missions, specifically the maritime bridge. So we had to deliver the bad news to the combative commands, like, hey, Any money that you have not obligated at this point, we have to pull. You were going to utilize that specifically for this mission. Concurrently, we had
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. Today, Brian Hancock interviewed Ismael Lopez about OHDACA and Humanitarian Relief and his experiences as a Marine Civil Affairs Officer.
Brian's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-hancock/
Ismael's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishrlopez/
Transcript available below.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special Thanks to the creators of Jazz & Bossa Cafe for the sample of Positive March Music. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHeCxa0rMQ4
Transcript:
00:00:05 BRIAN HANCOCK
Welcome to One Civil Affairs Podcast. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hancock, and I will be your host for this session. Today we have with us Major Ismael Lopez to discuss civil affairs, special missions, and the ongoing relief effort in the Gaza Strip. Mr. Lopez is the Excess Property Program Manager for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. He's also a major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. where he serves as the Latin American Foreign Area Officer and Detachment Commander with the 1st Civil Affairs Group. At DSCA, he oversees ODACA -funded Humanitarian Assistance, HA, supporting disaster relief and capacity -building efforts in over 28 countries, including the responses in the Afghanistan refugee crisis, the Ukrainian crisis, and humanitarian support to Gaza. In his expanded role, he acts as a liaison for civil affairs, focusing on training, project continuity, and aligning civil affairs efforts with strategic goals.
00:01:09 BRIAN HANCOCK
With over 15 years of experience in security cooperation, Mr. Lopez has supported humanitarian assistance operations globally, including key relief efforts following Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Iota. Major Lopez, welcome to the show.
00:01:25 ISMAEL LOPEZ
Thank you, Brian.
00:01:26 BRIAN HANCOCK
Boy, you've been busy.
00:01:27 ISMAEL LOPEZ
I certainly have. Unfortunately, I've been really busy to do the things that I love.
00:01:32 BRIAN HANCOCK
Now, let's talk a little bit about this mysterious full -time job that you do, the excess property manager for a defense security cooperation agency. Security cooperation being one of the three most important missions in the world, in my opinion. Can you tell us a little bit about what you do as the excess property manager? And if you're in the business of giving away property, how do I sign up for this?
00:01:54 ISMAEL LOPEZ
What's funny is that, as you mentioned that, There is a running joke down at the Southcom HA office where they say, if you need a new refrigerator, Ish is the guy to call. Basically, what I do in a nutshell is I work with the combat commands and all the way down to the country teams to identify partners, to provide them non -lethal excess property in an effort to achieve very specific objectives in the country. What the program does is it'll take items that are basically pretty much brand new to a little bit of wear and tear, which we can refurbish in our warehouses. And then we issue them out or we donate them to the partner with the intention of meeting a very specific objective in that country. So aside from that, I also support DOD humanitarian aid efforts for any initiatives that are... utilizing the overseas humanitarian disaster and civic aid. So in a nutshell, that's pretty much what I do. And yeah, if you need a fridge, if you need a microwave, if there is an effect that could be achieved by me donating it to you, sure.
00:03:06 BRIAN HANCOCK
We're expanding NATO a little bit. And many of the NATO countries, about 32 of them, they're putting a little bit more money into defense these days for a wide variety of reasons. And if they decide they want to send up a new office somewhere in Poland or something like that, How would they go about saying, hey, all those esks and chairs and things that you have in Dermo, we'd like some of that. And who pays the shipping?
00:03:29 ISMAEL LOPEZ
The folks sitting in NATO would have to work with ODC and Poland first. They will validate that requirement, then submit it on up to UCOM. UCOM will have their lawyers look at it. And then from there, it will make its way up to DSCA for execution. Now, what pays for all this is the Odaka appropriations that gets earmarked from the Odaka budget that provides transportation for this program. So the program comes at no cost. It's all funded exclusively through the Odaka appropriation.
00:04:05 BRIAN HANCOCK
Awesome. Let me talk a little bit more about that and ask you a few questions. Odaka is kind of a hidden gem that a number of us in the civil affairs community know about. Many other people don't, and you can definitely achieve effects with this, especially in competition, which is something that we're, I think, as a joint combined army, really struggling with, is how we get after having those influence and deterrence effects in the competition phase. ODACA is one of those tools that's available to us. It's the Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid Fund. Now, I have very limited experience with that program. Can you tell the audience a little bit more about the ODACA creation, how large it is, what it usually funds?
00:04:54 ISMAEL LOPEZ
Yeah, absolutely. I'm able to see it from two perspectives, right? I'm able to see this from my seat at DSCA and then my seat in the reserve component as a civil affairs officer, where to your earlier point, ODACA is a bit of this hidden gem and it could be leveraged to help. achieving effects in the competition phase, but where there are issues is the lack of understanding of what you can and cannot do with the appropriation or how you can actually link it to creating those effects. And I get that because rewind the clock back to 2013 when I first delved into civil affairs, one of the metrics that are utilized to determine our success in country is How many projects can you nominate or how many projects did you complete? So then when you're aiming to achieve or hit that metric, you're not necessarily looking at the linkage. You're almost betting on that someone will create that linkage for you that you're providing the activity in support of. So Odaka, generally speaking, we're looking at about $26 to $30 million a year. But then that money... gets divvied up across the combatant commands and is prioritized based off of national defense strategy. So if it's called out very specifically country X or region Y is the priority when it comes to DoD humanitarian aid efforts, then preponderance of that money will be earmarked for that country or that region globally. Once you pull the thread on that, then there's different tiers. for the countries that are located in that combatant command or in that region of the world, and we're able to allocate money for those countries as well. Where it gets tricky is that what will factor into it is how proactive and how thorough the ODCs and the SCOs are with executing those HA projects and then the end -use monitoring piece of it. So their requirements are tied to these project nominations. The country team, the HA managers, the civil affairs teams that are assigned to or are deployed in that country are not providing the feedback necessary to determine the return on investment. Then the following year, what could end up happening is this country is a priority, but what we're not able to tell Congress is, are we actually achieving the effects that we're desiring in that country or in that region? And if we can't answer that with tangible metrics, then that will factor into a reduction of ODACA funding for the following year. Recently, in Indo -PACOM, the focus has been very heavy on the mill -to -mill engagement piece. What is starting to catch up now is the sieve mill piece. And so we have money allocated, but they're sort of playing catch up with the rest of the COCOMs as it pertains to. getting those funds and then executing projects and us being able to sustain them over an extended period of time.
00:08:01 BRIAN HANCOCK
Yeah, it is a challenging problem set. One of the taskers that we get annually here in our command is to measure the strategic effect of DACA projects, which are largely tactical, in a bunch of different countries. and were given one week. Now you've got a rotational force here of about 15 civil affairs folks of various persuasions. Maybe a couple of them can be dedicated to that task. They had nothing to do with the inception of these projects. They were not part of the construction. They saw none of the... assessment or staff estimate documents related to them. All they saw was probably, if they're lucky, the proposal that went into the website to get them. And they don't have time to do extensive interviews or measurement. And it's pretty tricky to take something very tactical and then indicate not as an MOP you completed the project, but as an MOE it actually influenced the local populace towards U .S. and NATO objectives. That is a very tough thing to do mathematically, especially without the data, documents, and time to be able to do that.
00:09:18 ISMAEL LOPEZ
is a
00:09:28 BRIAN HANCOCK
What is the standard that is accepted by the panel who's controlling those funding and appropriations? What realistically do you have to prove?
00:09:39 ISMAEL LOPEZ
So this has been a challenge for several years now. I saw it firsthand. As a civil affairs team leader in the South Com AOR, where I deployed to support a very specific commander, but as a, hey, by the way, while you're down there, there's these products that were funded several years ago. Do you mind taking a look? No context behind it. I can't do pre and post surveys on the local populace because I don't know what it was or what the baseline was prior to the construction or the completion. And then now. So it was very arbitrary. It was very much, yeah, it's good. Is the government still funding it? Sure. Are they employing people that are maintaining it? Sure. And I think back then, 2013, 2014 timeframe, I think the blanket answer to all that was, we're countering Russia, China. And so as long as you were saying that, then it was all gravy. And we've obviously have evolved from that to we're now tying these very tactical actions. to operational objectives, right? So are we supporting CoCom LOEs? And if we're supporting CoCom LOEs at the minimum, we understand that we should be integrated into strategic objectives, right? Because the LOEs are derived from those strategic documents. And we've gotten to that point, but now where we are able or unable to get that data or the metrics. really falls on the lack of funding to do it. So the easy button is, well, you have your security cooperation professionals that are assigned to the embassies. They should be. They can do that. Yeah. But the reality is all embassies, regardless of the size, they are overextended and under -resourced. So they're always dealing with VIP visitors. They're dealing with taskings from the State Department. They have their steady state activities they have to be supporting, and they're falling in on, let's just say, 30 projects over the last three years. And, oh, by the way, all these assessments need to be done, but your TDY funds are X. And there's no way of doing it. So then it trickles down to, hey, do we have any civil affairs teams coming downrange? Can they support? And I think we've gotten to a bit of a sweet spot. is this mutual understanding that civil affairs teams in country, as long as they're not being detracted from their main mission, are able to provide some sort of support in conducting those surveys and assessments. However, it's still not the right answer because they're falling in on rudimentary information, background information, and it's still very much from their perspective. At DSCA, we have increased our budget for AM &E purposes to help country teams that are in the red, so to speak, when it comes to conducting these assessments, especially countries that are a priority where we understand, hey, we need to continue engaging on the HA side of things and not the MIL side of things. So we need to get as close to valid or reality as we can. So we have contractors now that are assigned to the combat commands, folks within my office that can. be requested to go out and support. And again, we're working across the command and commands to see as appropriate where we can support. So a lot of work still has to be done there. But again, looking back to 10 years ago, even five years ago, I think across the board, DOD has gotten significantly better at providing metrics to validate activities vice. simply stating we're countering Russia and China and we're going to call it good.
00:13:35 BRIAN HANCOCK
As they should. All of these projects should be tied to a line of effort, tied to a strategic effect that's in line both with the COCOM and the chief of mission. And then you would need a way to measure them at a granular level and then aggregate them to measure progress against a line of effort aligned to strategic intent. I don't think that framework has been built. I hope we eventually get there. If you ask some of the SCAs in the embassy, at best, they're going to give you anecdotal information. So there's a lot of things that we would have to do. And if we send a civil affairs team, depending on their training and background, that can be more or less successful. Now, you're probably tracking that in the Army side of civil affairs, we've built that 38 golf program where I can have an engineer with 20 years of experience. It seems to me that's the guy we should be attaching. to a civil affairs team to go do one of these assessments. What do you think?
00:14:33 ISMAEL LOPEZ
I completely agree with that. And that's 100 % a step in the right direction. O
Today, we welcome Colleen Ryan from OSCE, border training and management. We brought her on today to discuss the current challenges of border security in Europe.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to the site "Rockstar Beats" for the sample of Taylor Seift "Midnight."
Retrieved from: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXyd0iAdUYUWN7ifYYoqymNqJsaE0vEDC&si=-Vp6gUuRpqpHq66D
Transcript:
00:00:04 Introduction
Welcome to the 1CA Podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. 1CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on ground with the partner nation's people and leadership. Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working the last three feet of foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at capodcasting@gmail.com. Or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassos.org. I'll have those in the show notes.
00:00:39 Colleen Ryan
My name is Colleen Ryan. I'm currently the Border Advisor to the OSC in Vienna. I'm seconded by the United States. So I do need to make it clear that I'm not speaking on behalf of the OSC or on the broader political or organizational context right now. I'm specifically focusing on my work and my experiences. Wow. You're seconded? What does that mean? Yeah, I'm essentially loaned out by the U .S. to the OSCE to serve in this role. They pay my salary.
00:01:13 Jack
Nice. How did you get nominated? Where do you normally work?
00:01:15 COLLEEN RYAN
In a past life, I was a police officer back in the U .S. before transitioning to working internationally. So I came to find out about OSCE and opportunities while I was doing my master's back in the States. And then I just ended up applying for the special monitoring mission to Ukraine. So I was out there as a monitoring officer up until Russia's full -scale invasion. And then went back during the war with a non -governmental organization working on humanitarian protection in the South. And then made my way to this current role. That's great. So you've been part of living history in a way. Yeah, to be out in Donetsk up until a couple days before the invasion. Working with border guards all across Europe and the changing security landscape has been an interesting role so far.
00:02:04 JACK GAINES
So you've lived what soldiers call the moment before. There's a feel in the air, and it makes you edgy, it makes you a little twitchy, because you know that you're about to go down with an enemy. And so did you get that sense? Did you get that feel that things were coming close in Donetsk?
00:02:23 COLLEEN RYAN
We were there at the time to monitor the Minsk agreements, which was a ceasefire at the time. It wasn't until when the U .S. evacuated all U .S. personnel that you started to realize that, you know, it may actually happen.
00:02:36 JACK GAINES
Right. And so your current position is now training the border guards of Ukraine.
00:02:44 COLLEEN RYAN
Yes, I manage a project that trains border guards across the OSCE, specifically on detecting porch documents and imposters. So if it's a forged passport presented at the airport or at the road crossing or for the train, we train the border guards, whether it's from Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Albania. So it really depends on the needs of OSC participating states in this realm. It's obviously a field that requires recurrent training because travel documents like passports are constantly updated. that national authorities can stay ahead of forgers. So it is something that we have to continue training on. And with the current war against Ukraine, they have the most need. They're one of the bigger border services in Europe. And then just the need in terms of half their border guard is currently engaged in combat operations, while you have the rest who are working to secure their western and southern borders and the surge in western and southern border crossings with the closure of Ukraine's airspace. You know, all of that contributes to an ongoing need for these skills and updated training on detecting passport forgeries and detecting imposters. And then you see that on the flip side with Moldova, they've seen a surge in the border crossings because a lot evacuated from Ukraine into Moldova. A lot of humanitarian NGOs and other people now fly into Kijanel to go to Ukraine. And so they've seen just a huge... spike in terms of the number of travel documents and also diversity in terms of different countries, different types of documents. And so that's why we've also been training Moldovan border police as well.
00:04:29 JACK GAINES
Sure. So you're there to teach them how to spot forged documents, but is there also a follow on either by that nation's foreign affairs office or their law enforcement that tries to find the forger and remove them?
00:04:43 COLLEEN RYAN
Yeah, there is very likely follow on. in terms of criminal investigations when they find forged documents or if they identify an imposter. But our project primarily focuses on those who are working on the first line and second line document checks to just spot the person posing as someone else. And then we do some work with the forensic experts after the fact to make sure that they've got that next level of training as part of their investigations. But primarily it's focusing on the first and second line officers.
00:05:14 JACK GAINES
I'm sure they see all kinds of crazy stuff. Everything from the amateur glue stick to people who actually have passport printer creating forged documents.
00:05:24 COLLEEN RYAN
Yeah, it's sad and it's also really interesting, the surge in the use of artificial intelligence and seeing the ways that they're incorporating things like morphing into the passport to their forgeries where two people can now travel on one passport using morphing images and things like that. It really just shows how quickly this field in terms of document forgeries is evolving and how much border services are struggling to keep up and to maintain their training so they can spot these techniques. Right, which is why they're starting to put chips and other special films that have a radio signature and stuff like that.
00:05:53 JACK GAINES
they're starting to put chips and other special films that have a radio signature and stuff like that. You could print it, but to actually find those films or chips that have that radio signature has got to be a lot tougher.
00:06:08 COLLEEN RYAN
Yeah, and a lot of it is just down to, like, Order guards are under a lot of stress and pressure and they don't have much time to spot the fakes. They're getting crushed by people. Yeah. So a lot of it is just making sure that they can spot some of these easier to identify orgery trends and to make a quicker decision before it gets to the point of really having to do an in -depth examination of the document.
00:06:32 JACK GAINES
Yeah, I would imagine that you would see forgery trends because people would be going to the same forger and they would be doing similar patterns until that turned away.
00:06:41 COLLEEN RYAN
Yeah.
00:06:41 JACK GAINES
And what's it like working with all these different border guards from different countries? I mean, everyone has got to be a little different, but the same.
00:06:49 COLLEEN RYAN
For me, it's interesting because I'm one of the few who has worked in policing, worked in this operational arena, kind of understands a lot of what they've done. And so you kind of speak the same language. It's interesting to hear from them, like what they view as their biggest security challenges and what their biggest day -to -day challenges are in terms of their work life. Because you see common trends across a lot of the services. A lot of them can be underpaid and that contributes to staff turnover. And so then that means you go back to a country to do more training because you have new staffs. But then to see how a country's security... You know, their perspective in terms of their biggest border security threats in Albania, where I trained in June, might be different from Bulgaria, where I trained last month. But, you know, it's still the commonalities of document forgeries, imposters, making sure your airports are secure and things like that. So I like talking with the border guards, such a different perspective across each country. Right.
00:07:51 JACK GAINES
I think that's really helpful that you have a law enforcement background. helps break that ice.
00:07:58 COLLEEN RYAN
I understand the perspective, but we're really just there to help and to fill the gaps that their service might not have the time or the funding to provide additional training because they've got the whole spectrum of border security issues to deal with within their service. And so that's where our organization or other international organizations doing these types of projects come in is just fill the gaps and help them develop their capacity. Especially with some other countries we train for where Frontex, maybe they're not working in that country. So then we can help supplement other EU or Frontex or IOM or UN initiatives and help to harmonize border security standards across Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia.
00:08:45 JACK GAINES
I don't want to just keep circling around Ukraine. Is there any stories you have from some of the other countries you worked with? What's your favorite beer hall story on those?
00:08:53 COLLEEN RYAN
Yeah, I mean, most of my stories are with Ukraine because I've trained Ukraine so much. So I'm happy to talk about that. Yeah, I feel very fortunate so far in the last year and a half to have trained almost 50 Ukraine border guards. And I was able to go to meet with their administration and their main forensic center in June to do a needs assessment to see how we could keep supporting. to make sure we weren't duplicating efforts from other international organizations or other bilateral initiatives there because we do know it's a crowded space there.
00:09:28 JACK GAINES
I'm sure talking to them, you could figure out pretty quickly what those border guards needed, even if they were getting training from two or three organizations, if they weren't hitting it on the head. Yeah. And what was nice for us is we were able to actually shadow them on their train from out west as entered from.
00:09:38 COLLEEN RYAN
was nice for us is we were able to actually shadow them on their train from out west as entered from. Shamashil, Poland, and went to Lviv. And so we got to board on the Ukrainian side and just seeing what they're dealing with in terms of doing document checks aboard the trains now and the different challenges they have with that as opposed to what it would be like to check a document at the airport. It's a very different perspective and it gives you insights on things like lighting and being able to see different security features in the passport. With the lighting on the train and the time of day when they're doing the document check, the technical equipment that they have aboard and that may not be connecting to the cell tower or have service as the train moves. And so it gives you a different perspective to actually be there and see it instead of just hearing about it over a Zoom call or in a sterile training environment. And so then building on that. We've been able to take some of those lessons learned and put them into our training where we're encouraging them and reminding them to say, hey, how would you see this in different types of light settings, running different types of simulations, so it more accurately reflects the conditions that they'll be doing the document checks in. So what's coming up next?
00:10:57 JACK GAINES
What's the future of training? Do you have anything interesting coming up that you want to promote?
00:11:02 COLLEEN RYAN
Yes, through the rest of the year, we have a couple more study visits. And these are important because they help the border guards to learn from other counterparts. They will look through how this country that they're visiting manages their forgery desk at an airport or in their border service. And it really helps with networking and sharing more information in terms of what they're seeing in terms of detecting trends or alerts on forged documents. We've got a couple of study visits coming up next week. I'll be in Madrid with another group from Ukraine. The following week, I'll be with Albania and Milan. And then a week after that, I'll be in Dublin, Ireland with forensic experts from Ukraine's border service to round out the year. So it's a busy stretch right now. That's very cool.
00:11:50 JACK GAINES
Do these multinational engagements, do they ever end up with countries with border guards doing a bilateral agreement on border protection? Or do they ever work on... building something like Eurogest, where if they find a forger from multiple countries, they'll work together to try to find out where the route is. Is that multinational cooperation starting to build, or have you seen it?
00:12:14 COLLEEN RYAN
On a smaller level with us, we do see that. So at the operational level with these border guards, even in -country, being able to message colleagues around their own country. Or the experts that do our trainings are active document experts serving in their border service. So now they've got another resource, say, if we're using experts from Spain or the Netherlands or UK or Italy, then these trainees now have another resource to flag potenti
Today, Sam Cooper, founder of the news outlet The Bureau, guest hosts Christopher Meyer, a former U.S. official and China expert during the Bush One and Two Administrations. Meyer currently serves as the head of the U.S. Micronesia Council and founded Wide Fountain, a platform for in-depth geopolitical analysis.
In this the second of a two-part episode, Sam and Christopher discuss PRC strategic corruption and political warfare. So, let's get started.
Sam Cooper's The Bureau: https://www.thebureau.news/
Christopher Meyer's Wide Fountain platform: https://widefountain.substack.com/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association a
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to Cozy Ambience for a sample of "February Cafe Jazz - Instrumental Bossa Nova Music for Work, Study and Relax - Background Music" retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmq8Ht-sNwQ
Today, Sam Cooper, founder of the news outlet The Bureau, guest hosts Christopher Meyer, a former U.S. official and China expert during the Bush One and Two Administrations. Meyer currently serves as the head of the U.S. Micronesia Council and founded Wide Fountain, a platform for in-depth geopolitical analysis.
In this the first of a two-part episode, Sam and Christopher discuss PRC strategic corruption and political warfare. So, let's get started.
Sam Cooper's The Bureau: https://www.thebureau.news/
Christopher Meyer's Wide Fountain platform: https://widefountain.substack.com/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association a
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Cozy Ambience for a sample of "February Cafe Jazz - Instrumental Bossa Nova Music for Work, Study and Relax - Background Music" retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmq8Ht-sNwQ
Transcript
00:00:01 Introduction
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on ground with the partner nation's people and leadership. Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working the last three feet of foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at capodcasting@gmail.com. or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org. I'll have those in the show notes. Today we welcome Sam Cooper, founder of the news outlet The Bureau, as he interviews Christopher Meyer, a former U.S.
00:00:44 SAM COOPER
official and China expert during the Bush I and II administrations. Meyer currently serves as the head of the U.S. Micronesia Council and is the founder of Wide Fountain. a platform for in -depth geopolitical analysis. This is the first of a two -part episode. Sam and Christopher discuss PRC strategic corruption and political warfare. So let's get started.
00:01:07 SAM COOPER
Today I'm excited to introduce Chris Myers. Chris is a longtime China expert and former U .S. government diplomatic and economic issues officer, and he explains how military intelligence and influence networks embedded deeply with organized crime are a central feature of the global strategy employed by the families that really are running communist China. And when I say that, we're going to discuss your research on the family of Xi Jinping, the Xi family, and you call it the Yezi clique. But first, tell our viewers your background in getting into China and your career.
00:01:46 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
Thank you very much, Sam. I started a keen interest in China when I was 16. And I read the history of the opium wars and I was outraged. And I decided I wanted a career to be involved in business and diplomacy between the U .S. and China. And then as an undergrad student, I did research on the special economic zones. This was in the early 80s and the special economic zones were just announced. And my research led me to see the geopolitical aspects. There were some. across from Macau, across from Hong Kong, and across from Taiwan. So I sort of had an eye to that. And then I did business. I was, for five years, I was with a Fortune 500 company. And I had the opportunity to do some business in Xiaomon. And I saw some things that set off alarm bells in my mind. And I kind of filed that. And I had some experiences that informed my research later. I worked in the government in Bush 1 and Bush 2. I was involved in Indo -Pacific affairs. really helping American companies do business in the region, and then became a consultant to part of the government that administered our territories in the Pacific. So I saw some things there that, again, set off alarm bells in my mind. And in 2016, I happened to cross an old colleague who kind of gave me some more information. And basically from 2016 until 2022, I conducted a lot of independent research. I decided I wanted to know exactly what was going on because proxies in the region seemed emboldened to take on the U .S. And they didn't have a government portfolio, but they acted like they did. And so my research sort of started in Micronesia. I had the great opportunity to come across your book. You totally informed. parts of what I was looking at and kind of put the spotlight on what happened in Canada. And I kind of worked the two sides to the middle and conducted most recently research that kind of takes us from Mao Zedong's death until the 90s. And I believe that there was a click. I call it the yes, she click. There were scores to settle. There were powerful families that were on the cusp of greatness or recognition for all their good work, and they were purged. And it led some individuals to become extremely militant in their conduct of political warfare against the U .S. So that sort of sets the table for what we might be talking about.
00:04:28 SAM COOPER
Yeah. So to get into this, let's start with the Ye family. They're mysterious, but for experts, they're very clearly a clan that has tremendous kingmaking power in China. So maybe let's start with who they are and then bridge into how they connect with Xi's father.
00:04:46 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
So the patriarch, Lie Jianying, was literally the kingmaker of Mao Zedong. He came from Guangdong province, and he was involved in the very earliest movements of the Communist Party in China. And he fled one of those, I think it was the Guangzhou uprising, with Zhou Enlai, and they escaped to Hong Kong. So Ye Jianying is one of the original revolutionaries in China, and he had the title of Marshal Ye. And when he crossed paths with Mao Zedong, he was actually the aide -de -camp to a very powerful Communist Party operator out of Beijing who had an army of tens of thousands. And he rolled up to Mao and his very small group of long marchers and said, follow us, we're going to Sichuan province. And Mao was like, no, I don't think that's a safe bet. The locals are going to tear you up. And Ye Jianying kind of heard a truth in Mao and he deserted this powerful general and with him brought the code books. So Mao gets Ye Jianying and the code books and he's able to communicate with the Comintern. And lo and behold, that general did get wiped out in Sichuan. He returned to Mao's base. With a few thousand troops from then, Mao became the most powerful leader in the communist ecosystem. So Ye Jianying had a very high regard for Mao. Mao called him the savior of the Communist Party and the Communist Revolution. And so fast forward it right through the revolution. Ye gets a very top position as the party secretary for Guangdong province, the largest and economically most powerful province in the country. And Mao wants to conduct his land reform in Guangdong, just as he does everywhere. And it's a violent thing where landowners are hunted down and put to death. Yeah, because he was a native Cantonese, understood that the landowners in Guangdong were not of the same ilk as those throughout China. They actually worked the lands. They had a very cooperative relationship with labor. And he tried to resist. But Mao forced Lin Biao into Guangdong. And Ye lost his government role. And if he hadn't been in the military, he would have been completely out of power. But because he had a military portfolio, he was able to stay on the peripheries. And he was actually part of the small group that brought down the Gang of Four and ended the Cultural Revolution. So Ye Jianying went through the Mao Zedong grinder, but he did it so early in the 50s that he was able to... maintain power and have it going forward. Another Long March hero was Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhong Chun. And his claim to fame in the Communist Party was he maintained security over the area where Mao was camped in Yan 'an. And he was able to provide Mao and his group with enough security that they could camp there through a winter and survive. Not only that, but he negotiated and he conducted diplomacy with the tribesmen in the Northwest, in Qinghai, in Xinjiang, and in Tibet. And he was loved. And he got a lot of rebels and insurgents among these minority populations to join the Communist Party. And Mao gave him great profs for that and referred to him as one of the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period. brilliant statesman who was able to ingratiate with the minorities and make them part of the Chinese nation. Unfortunately, though, Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongchun, he was purged, but he was purged later. He was purged in 1962. And from Xi Jinping's age nine until he was 25, Xi Jinping's father was under arrest. Without trial, it was just the culture revolution. He was under arrest because his office published a book that was deemed not flattering to Mao Zedong. Basically, he was promoting some thought within the Communist Party that Mao didn't like. So Xi's father is in jail from 62 to 78. And because Ye Senior and Xi Zhongchun had a relationship, Ye Jianying kind of became a godfather of sorts for Xi Jinping. Xi was sent to work in the countryside and he escaped and he tried to get back to Beijing and it wasn't safe for him to be reunited with his family. And Ye intervened. And Ye made sure that Xi joined the Communist Party, even though these tragedies were all around him, and made sure that he got the semblance of an education, although he really never did. He was a guide for Xi Jinping throughout his younger years. in place of his father.
00:10:02 Sam Cooper
Before we continue how those families dovetail together, can you describe in China's political economy, what is the power of Marshal Ye?
00:10:13 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
So in the 50s, he was jettisoned out of the political arena. His main work was in the PLA. He was a marshal and he became minister of defense in China. And he was responsible for procurement. And to sort of give you a sense, when the Korean War started, the United Nations put a blockade on trade with China because they were arming the North Korean army. Marshal Yeh was responsible for making sure that supplies got to North Korea. And that was a big role that he fulfilled. And his sons kind of brought that along. So it's curious because Marshal Yeh was one of the most powerful stars in the communist lineup, but he was also a minority. He was from Guangdong and he was a Haka Chinese. So some people would say that Haka Chinese within China, there's a lid sometimes on their ability to move up. And so perhaps he was never considered for the echelon, but he did arise very high. But in some ways, and his sons adopted this even more so, they had to become very combative. in their political dealings. But no doubt about it, Marshal Yeh had a chance to handle huge volumes of military supplies, and there was an opportunity to skim and generate great wealth, which probably was the case. The way that Marshal Yeh fulfilled the supply chains for the North Korean army was through organized crime. And it just happened that two of The individuals, Henry Falk and Stanley Ho, were also Hakka Chinese. And they became the kingpins of organized crime in Hong Kong and Macau. Both of them are on record as saying they made their fortunes supplying the Korean War.
00:12:15 SAM COOPER
Right. So people that read my book are very familiar with Stanley Ho, according to U .S. government intelligence. the absolute king of Chinese international mafia with connectivity to casinos, banking, political influence operations in Canada, triad leadership in Canada. So I think we've set the table for the 90s in Guangdong, Fujian. Xi Jinping is now starting to come on the scene politically there. The Ye family, who were partners essentially of Xi's father. had a little bit of a godfather eye on Xi's movements within the party. We can say that they're the power behind a throne that they want to see continue to rise. So can you take us into the 90s, the sort of Stanley Ho connectivity to Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and how that combines the Hong Kong tycoons slash triad leaders with the communist powers in Fujian?
00:13:21 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
Yes. Mao passed away in 78. Deng Xiaoping came to power. And Deng was all about economic reform and catching up to the West. So in southern China, Fujian and Guangdong province, Deng looked to Ye Jenying and his sons. His sons were in their 30s now. And he also looked to Xi Zhongshan. Xi Zhongshan became party secretary for Guangdong province. in the early 80s. And Deng kind of put toget
Today, Sam Cooper, founder of the news outlet The Bureau, guest hosts Christopher Meyer, a former U.S. official and China expert during the Bush One and Two Administrations. Meyer currently serves as the head of the U.S. Micronesia Council and founded Wide Fountain, a platform for in-depth geopolitical analysis.
In this the first of a two-part episode, Sam and Christopher discuss PRC strategic corruption and political warfare. So, let's get started.
Sam Cooper's The Bureau: https://www.thebureau.news/
Christopher Meyer's Wide Fountain platform: https://widefountain.substack.com/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association a
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to Cozy Ambience for a sample of "February Cafe Jazz - Instrumental Bossa Nova Music for Work, Study and Relax - Background Music" retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmq8Ht-sNwQ
Transcript
00:00:01 Introduction
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on ground with the partner nation's people and leadership. Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working the last three feet of foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at capodcasting@gmail.com. or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org. I'll have those in the show notes. Today we welcome Sam Cooper, founder of the news outlet The Bureau, as he interviews Christopher Meyer, a former U.S.
00:00:44 SAM COOPER
official and China expert during the Bush I and II administrations. Meyer currently serves as the head of the U.S. Micronesia Council and is the founder of Wide Fountain. a platform for in -depth geopolitical analysis. This is the first of a two -part episode. Sam and Christopher discuss PRC strategic corruption and political warfare. So let's get started.
00:01:07 SAM COOPER
Today I'm excited to introduce Chris Myers. Chris is a longtime China expert and former U .S. government diplomatic and economic issues officer, and he explains how military intelligence and influence networks embedded deeply with organized crime are a central feature of the global strategy employed by the families that really are running communist China. And when I say that, we're going to discuss your research on the family of Xi Jinping, the Xi family, and you call it the Yezi clique. But first, tell our viewers your background in getting into China and your career.
00:01:46 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
Thank you very much, Sam. I started a keen interest in China when I was 16. And I read the history of the opium wars and I was outraged. And I decided I wanted a career to be involved in business and diplomacy between the U .S. and China. And then as an undergrad student, I did research on the special economic zones. This was in the early 80s and the special economic zones were just announced. And my research led me to see the geopolitical aspects. There were some. across from Macau, across from Hong Kong, and across from Taiwan. So I sort of had an eye to that. And then I did business. I was, for five years, I was with a Fortune 500 company. And I had the opportunity to do some business in Xiaomon. And I saw some things that set off alarm bells in my mind. And I kind of filed that. And I had some experiences that informed my research later. I worked in the government in Bush 1 and Bush 2. I was involved in Indo -Pacific affairs. really helping American companies do business in the region, and then became a consultant to part of the government that administered our territories in the Pacific. So I saw some things there that, again, set off alarm bells in my mind. And in 2016, I happened to cross an old colleague who kind of gave me some more information. And basically from 2016 until 2022, I conducted a lot of independent research. I decided I wanted to know exactly what was going on because proxies in the region seemed emboldened to take on the U .S. And they didn't have a government portfolio, but they acted like they did. And so my research sort of started in Micronesia. I had the great opportunity to come across your book. You totally informed. parts of what I was looking at and kind of put the spotlight on what happened in Canada. And I kind of worked the two sides to the middle and conducted most recently research that kind of takes us from Mao Zedong's death until the 90s. And I believe that there was a click. I call it the yes, she click. There were scores to settle. There were powerful families that were on the cusp of greatness or recognition for all their good work, and they were purged. And it led some individuals to become extremely militant in their conduct of political warfare against the U .S. So that sort of sets the table for what we might be talking about.
00:04:28 SAM COOPER
Yeah. So to get into this, let's start with the Ye family. They're mysterious, but for experts, they're very clearly a clan that has tremendous kingmaking power in China. So maybe let's start with who they are and then bridge into how they connect with Xi's father.
00:04:46 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
So the patriarch, Lie Jianying, was literally the kingmaker of Mao Zedong. He came from Guangdong province, and he was involved in the very earliest movements of the Communist Party in China. And he fled one of those, I think it was the Guangzhou uprising, with Zhou Enlai, and they escaped to Hong Kong. So Ye Jianying is one of the original revolutionaries in China, and he had the title of Marshal Ye. And when he crossed paths with Mao Zedong, he was actually the aide -de -camp to a very powerful Communist Party operator out of Beijing who had an army of tens of thousands. And he rolled up to Mao and his very small group of long marchers and said, follow us, we're going to Sichuan province. And Mao was like, no, I don't think that's a safe bet. The locals are going to tear you up. And Ye Jianying kind of heard a truth in Mao and he deserted this powerful general and with him brought the code books. So Mao gets Ye Jianying and the code books and he's able to communicate with the Comintern. And lo and behold, that general did get wiped out in Sichuan. He returned to Mao's base. With a few thousand troops from then, Mao became the most powerful leader in the communist ecosystem. So Ye Jianying had a very high regard for Mao. Mao called him the savior of the Communist Party and the Communist Revolution. And so fast forward it right through the revolution. Ye gets a very top position as the party secretary for Guangdong province, the largest and economically most powerful province in the country. And Mao wants to conduct his land reform in Guangdong, just as he does everywhere. And it's a violent thing where landowners are hunted down and put to death. Yeah, because he was a native Cantonese, understood that the landowners in Guangdong were not of the same ilk as those throughout China. They actually worked the lands. They had a very cooperative relationship with labor. And he tried to resist. But Mao forced Lin Biao into Guangdong. And Ye lost his government role. And if he hadn't been in the military, he would have been completely out of power. But because he had a military portfolio, he was able to stay on the peripheries. And he was actually part of the small group that brought down the Gang of Four and ended the Cultural Revolution. So Ye Jianying went through the Mao Zedong grinder, but he did it so early in the 50s that he was able to... maintain power and have it going forward. Another Long March hero was Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhong Chun. And his claim to fame in the Communist Party was he maintained security over the area where Mao was camped in Yan 'an. And he was able to provide Mao and his group with enough security that they could camp there through a winter and survive. Not only that, but he negotiated and he conducted diplomacy with the tribesmen in the Northwest, in Qinghai, in Xinjiang, and in Tibet. And he was loved. And he got a lot of rebels and insurgents among these minority populations to join the Communist Party. And Mao gave him great profs for that and referred to him as one of the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period. brilliant statesman who was able to ingratiate with the minorities and make them part of the Chinese nation. Unfortunately, though, Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongchun, he was purged, but he was purged later. He was purged in 1962. And from Xi Jinping's age nine until he was 25, Xi Jinping's father was under arrest. Without trial, it was just the culture revolution. He was under arrest because his office published a book that was deemed not flattering to Mao Zedong. Basically, he was promoting some thought within the Communist Party that Mao didn't like. So Xi's father is in jail from 62 to 78. And because Ye Senior and Xi Zhongchun had a relationship, Ye Jianying kind of became a godfather of sorts for Xi Jinping. Xi was sent to work in the countryside and he escaped and he tried to get back to Beijing and it wasn't safe for him to be reunited with his family. And Ye intervened. And Ye made sure that Xi joined the Communist Party, even though these tragedies were all around him, and made sure that he got the semblance of an education, although he really never did. He was a guide for Xi Jinping throughout his younger years. in place of his father.
00:10:02 Sam Cooper
Before we continue how those families dovetail together, can you describe in China's political economy, what is the power of Marshal Ye?
00:10:13 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
So in the 50s, he was jettisoned out of the political arena. His main work was in the PLA. He was a marshal and he became minister of defense in China. And he was responsible for procurement. And to sort of give you a sense, when the Korean War started, the United Nations put a blockade on trade with China because they were arming the North Korean army. Marshal Yeh was responsible for making sure that supplies got to North Korea. And that was a big role that he fulfilled. And his sons kind of brought that along. So it's curious because Marshal Yeh was one of the most powerful stars in the communist lineup, but he was also a minority. He was from Guangdong and he was a Haka Chinese. So some people would say that Haka Chinese within China, there's a lid sometimes on their ability to move up. And so perhaps he was never considered for the echelon, but he did arise very high. But in some ways, and his sons adopted this even more so, they had to become very combative. in their political dealings. But no doubt about it, Marshal Yeh had a chance to handle huge volumes of military supplies, and there was an opportunity to skim and generate great wealth, which probably was the case. The way that Marshal Yeh fulfilled the supply chains for the North Korean army was through organized crime. And it just happened that two of The individuals, Henry Falk and Stanley Ho, were also Hakka Chinese. And they became the kingpins of organized crime in Hong Kong and Macau. Both of them are on record as saying they made their fortunes supplying the Korean War.
00:12:15 SAM COOPER
Right. So people that read my book are very familiar with Stanley Ho, according to U .S. government intelligence. the absolute king of Chinese international mafia with connectivity to casinos, banking, political influence operations in Canada, triad leadership in Canada. So I think we've set the table for the 90s in Guangdong, Fujian. Xi Jinping is now starting to come on the scene politically there. The Ye family, who were partners essentially of Xi's father. had a little bit of a godfather eye on Xi's movements within the party. We can say that they're the power behind a throne that they want to see continue to rise. So can you take us into the 90s, the sort of Stanley Ho connectivity to Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and how that combines the Hong Kong tycoons slash triad leaders with the communist powers in Fujian?
00:13:21 CHRISTOPHER MEYER
Yes. Mao passed away in 78. Deng Xiaoping came to power. And Deng was all about economic reform and catching up to the West. So in southern China, Fujian and Guangdong province, Deng looked to Ye Jenying and his sons. His sons were in their 30s now. And he also looked to Xi Zhongshan. Xi Zhongshan became party secretary for Guangdong province. in the early 80s. And Deng kind of put together this group. The Ye's and the Xi's were family friends. They celebrated Chinese holidays together. The Xi's were northern Chinese, but they kind of encamped in Guangdong province after a certain amount of time. And that's where Xi's father retired. But in Guangdong, the son of Ye, his name was Ye Xuanping. Basically, he was mayor of Guangzhou and the governor of Guangdong. And very quickly, he was referred to as the emperor of the south. So in the 80s, he was running Guangdong province. And he became so powerful that the CCP sought to have him step down. And he actually threatened to withhold tax to Beijing from the province of Guangdong unless they negotiated with him. He wanted a vice chair of the CPPCC, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee. And he wants to be a vice governor of the CPPCC. And he wanted to be allowed to maintain his power base in Guangdong. And this is a rare case where the CCP actually deferred to these wishes. Just to get him out of running the most powerful province in China, they said okay. So he goes over the CPPCC. And he takes with him the kingpins of organized crime in Hong Kong and Macau. Stanley Ho never had a position, but Henry Falk and the other top lieutenants in these organized crime entities all wound up on the CPPCC. And to give you a sense of like, what was some of the magic Stanley Ho had when he won the monopoly on gaming in Macau? He devised this VIP room conc
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. I'm your host, Jack Gaines.
Today, Colonel Andreas Eckel, commander of the NATO CIMIC Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss the center's work to prepare the alliance for future crises or disasters.
So, let's get started.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to Jan Křtitel Novák, Jimmy McHugh, and Dorothy Fields for the original version of Diga Diga Do, which aired in 1928 and was then performed by Duke Ellington.
Ellington's version can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aJ_9IAIjQ&t=1s
Transcript
00:00:05 JACK GAINES
Welcome to the One CA podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. Today, Colonel Andreas Echel, commander of the NATO Civic Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss the center's work to prepare the alliance for future crisis and disasters. So let's get started.
00:00:19 ANDREAS ECKEL
What we need to understand a little bit better, and I think that was a very brutal lesson we identified in Afghanistan and in Mali as well, is that military functions in different societies. very, very differently. We have an idea how military looks like and how it works. It might work more the Italian style or the German style or the US style. But basically, I think we have a common set of ideas how military works. And military works completely different in Mali than in Afghanistan than in Germany. And that is based on different societies. So how do we figure that out? It's a very good question. If I had a quick and sharp answer to that one, I think I would be the winner of the $1 million question. There are some ingredients to tackle that problem. And one of the ingredients is to understand the environment a little bit better. And that leads to civil military cooperation. The one centerpiece of civil military cooperation is to understand the environment better. to nest military activities in the civil environment in a better way. It creates more converging effects and creates less harm to the civil population. And I think the next thing is you need to have long -lasting relationships. Relationship that is built up, that's great. If it lasts one year, that's great. And if you just end it then, Basically, you have achieved almost nothing. So long -lasting relationships and to understand the civil environment better. And we have to understand that we are not the ivory tower of knowledge. What do we know? What does the military know about Mali and Afghanistan? Basically nothing. We have to be more and better in contact with the civil organizations, with academia, with knowledge centers. that are engaged in those areas since 20, 30, 40, 50 years. And we have to be in a dialogue with them and have to extract their knowledge about the key civil factors and have to integrate that better in military considerations.
00:02:32 JACK GAINES
So you have to be a diplomat in two directions because you've got to be reaching out to the partner nation like Mali, working with her counterparts there. You have to be a diplomat with partner agencies within the government and academia, as you were saying, or else you're going to miss a step. So you really have to work your way across the spectrum.
00:02:52 ANDREAS ECKEL
Yeah, I like your picture of being a diplomat because exactly as you mentioned, it's a diplomat in both ways, but you have to be a translator as well. So civil environment, civil actors, civil counterparts speak a different language than we. And we really have to make sure that what they say. is understood by the military and what the military means properly translated in how the civilians understand it.
00:03:17 JACK GAINES
You know, and that's a good point because I've seen civil affairs civic officers come in and try to brief leadership on certain issues. And if it wasn't absolutely clear and in the language that that matter knew, they usually were dismissed and it wasn't as effective an operation because of it.
00:03:34 ANDREAS ECKEL
And by the way, at the beginning of my career in the military function of CIMIC, it happened to me too. So one of my first appearance of the stage briefing the commander about some civil factors was a complete disaster because I underestimated how many minutes I only have to bring over some key messages to the commander. So I talked too long and did not come to the point. And I think that's the point where the CCOE is really in a responsibility. We have to provide in our courses the overview, the background, and we provide expertise and challenge them with tasks to apply the expertise. But at the very end of every course, we tell them, hey, CIMIC is important, and it is important to understand the environment, and it is important to integrate civil factors and military considerations. However, when you are confronted with decision makers, Your product needs to be crisp and sharp. If you provide a product to your commander, which exceeds three pages, then you can throw it in the dustbin. By the way, one page is better than three pages. And I think simakers have the tendency, and I include myself specifically into that one, to speak too long and to explain too long and not to come to the point. And if at the end of your statement there is no so what and what's next, well, then don't say anything. That's better.
00:05:08 JACK GAINES
Well, for this podcast, I appreciate you speaking too much. That's a good thing. But I also understand it's a challenge, but once you get used to it, I think it's super, super helpful.
00:05:19 ANDREAS ECKEL
helpful. What we both concluded coming to the point should not be mixed up with not doing your analysis. Only because you have two minutes to brief your commander about a major actor that will impact his operation. doesn't mean that your analysis should only be two minutes. So you have to provide the analysis for an in -depth briefing, if required, to integrate that knowledge and your assessment in the staff work of the other branches. So it needs to be both a very in -depth, precise analysis and assessment. And then it is your time on the stage. The light will shine on you for two minutes. That's it.
00:05:59 JACK GAINES
That brings up a story on my side. sent one of my pitch decks to a former boss. And he took it, he read it, and then he read all of the sources that I had put in the back. And so he knew the subject just as well as I did when we met. And I was like, holy cow. Yes, it's important to do good research before you put together your summary because you never know how deep somebody's going to dive into an issue. And if you've done bad research and they catch it, you're done. So one of the things that... Being that diplomat, both to the military and to other government bodies. One thing that I found at the Strategic Foresight Conference, and it was in your report as well, is that SIMIC needs clarification of capabilities in peace and crisis. And what feedback I got from meetings was that not all militaries have a strong relationship with their public. That's a big concern because if a military doesn't have the trust. When you get to a crisis or a disaster, you've got to really overcome a lot in order just to provide aid and support.
00:07:07 ANDREAS ECKEL
Yeah, that's a crucial point. I have two takes on that. The first one is we have nations that do allow, on the very lowest tactical level, the interaction between military and the civil world. But it is a question of being honest to ourselves. That is not applicable in all countries. Our countries in the alliance are very restrictive interaction with civil environment, with civil authorities, at least on the lower tactical level. And that brings me to my second point. It's a national responsibility. So when we talk about CIMIC as a military function, then we have to look at it from two sides. One is NATO CIMIC is embedded in a NATO command structure, NATO force structure. However, NATO is operating. on the soil of sovereign nations. So we promote and stimulate that nations build up, maintain, and integrate a kind of simic capability. We call that domestic simic. We made a proposal for what domestic simic is. However, nations are completely free to fill that skeleton with their structures. They can call it a domestic simic. They can call it territorial forces. They can call it Homeland Defense Forces. It doesn't matter how they fill in that skeleton as long as they do provide civil factor integration, as long as they execute civil -military interaction. And for the Alliance as a whole to plan and prepare and conduct successful operations, we need to plug in to the national simic domains and the domestic simic domains. And we have to do that. via the national military structures. So what we do in deterrence and defense -related scenarios is a little bit differing from what we have done in international crisis management in the past. When CIMIC teams from the alliance or whatever security force was implemented in that, we very often did the civil -military interaction with civil partners on the ground by ourselves without using any layer in between us. But when we do that now as NATO in Germany and Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and we have to plug into their military structures and via them with the civil actors on the ground. And nations consider that very differently. So there are nations that say, hey, great that you're in. Please feel free to speak to our civil organizations by yourself. It would be nice if you inform us afterwards. Everything's great. The nations are more restrictive and say, hey, guys. a ministry, whenever you talk to an organization, whenever you talk to civil partners, please do that via us and ask us first. So there is a variety of how nations would like to have that executed, and we as Symmakers have to adapt.
00:10:08 JACK GAINES
Right. What I've seen is that disaster relief and crisis coordination between the military and the civil governments is fairly good, but I'm not seeing the emotional side as much. What I mean is, We just had the Marine Corps Marathon. And people all crossed D .C. and around the country came. They ran their 24 miles. These kind of military events where people go, they see some type of form of patriotism, honor guards at sporting events or marathons or the military band performing on the park plots. Those things make a difference. And I don't know if that was also included in your... Have you seen anything like that?
00:10:55 ANDREAS ECKEL
In the last years, when we talked about the use of military assets in our nations, it was to overcome disasters. It was to provide military assistance to civil organizations to overcome flooding, fires, or whatever. But the situation has changed a little bit. And now it is not so much about military assistance in case of man -made big disasters. It's more about civil defense. It's more about stimulating the civil support to military operations and the mutual support in case of crisis and war. And I think that notion is quite new to many European countries. In Germany, it was... support of the military to the civil authorities in case of disasters. But when you look into Sweden, Norway, and Finland, they have since decades a kind of total defense strategy. They have a DNA about that the whole of the nation needs to be ready to defend the nation. And that starts already when you go into your cellar. Is there water? Is there food? Are there batteries? And when you do that in Finland, Sweden, Norway, the answer is yes, there is food and there is water. And I was quite astonished. A couple of years ago, I had a NATO course in Helsinki. At that time, when Helsinki was still a NATO partner and not a NATO nation. And it was an exported course from NATO School of Ammergau. And during the weekend, we had the opportunity to visit Helsinki. And we... came across a protection infrastructure was located to protect the civilians. And the lady asked us, do you have an idea for how many citizens of Helsinki we have shelter? And I said, well, 50%. And she was smiling and she was collecting all the numbers. And then she came up and said, for every citizen in Helsinki, there is shelter. And that's the difference. A regularly trained system of civil defense. And military defense working hand in hand. I think that makes a difference. And I see that coming up in Europe. And again, I would like to use the example of Germany. Since the last couple of years, a lot of more effort has been put into the training and the exchange of information and the exercising of those structures. And I think we are getting there. The point is... When you have dismantled those structures, those strategies since 1990, because our enemy was disappearing, never disappeared. He was just dormant and has been woken up a couple of years ago. But to reinstall that, reactivate that, revitalize that, that takes years and years. So we are at the beginning. I'm a very optimistic person. I strongly hope that we are getting to a point quick enough that when The Russian beer is looking again to Europe when he has solved his problem in Ukraine, that we are ready at that point. And there are substantial measurements that we need to be ready latest in four to five years. And CIMIC plays a role in that because your armed forces can be as good as possible when the civil environment is vulnerable and stays vulnerable and is not able to absorb shocks and to compensate the shocks at a better level after the shock. then you will lose the conflict. That's crystal clear. Even in that time in 2023, where it seemed, at least for some time, that the Ukrainians have regained the initiative, the Russians did attack the civil infrastructure, the energy infrastructure, the transport infrastructure, the health infrastructure. And they were still winning at that battlefield, although they had massive casualties on the fighting battlefield. And I think where Ukraine will run into massive problems this
In this episode Brian Hancock talks with Kurt Dykstra and Joshua Weikart to discuss the 38 Golf Program, the Functional Specialty Team Construct, and the recent Functional Specialty Team Symposium. Major Dykstra and Captain Weikert, welcome to the show. Thank you very much. Wonderful to be here.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in current or former military personnel, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with the people and leadership of a partner nation.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Great news!
Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:
https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
Special thanks to Art Music for a sample from the song "January | Instrumental Background Music."
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0orz_C33I
Transcript
00:00:03 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 1CA Podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. 1CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on ground with a partner nation's people and leadership. Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working the last three feet of foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at capodcasting@gmail.com or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org. I'll have those in the show notes.
00:00:39 BRIAN HANCOCK
I'm Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hancock, and I will be your host for this session. Today, we have with us Major Kurt Dykstra and Joshua Weikert and Joshua Weikert and Captain Joshua Weikert to discuss the 38 golf program and the recent Functional Specialty Team Symposium. Major Dykstra and Captain Weikert, welcome to the show. Thanks very much. Wonderful to be here. Thank you, sir.
00:01:26 BRIAN HANCOCK
A quick disclaimer while we're here that the remarks of myself and the participants are solely ours. All right, gentlemen, let's jump into it. From the beginning, what attracted you to U.S. Army civil affairs? Well, I can start that answer. So I'm a bit older, as you might have gathered from my bio.
00:01:43 KURT DYKSTRA
a bit older, as you might have gathered from my bio. And at various points in my adult life, I had thought about entering into military service. And for one reason or another, It just didn't happen. And it was always a great regret in my life that I had not served and saw it as something that I wish I would have done. And then about four or so years ago, I got a call from a friend of a friend who at the time was a major who was recruiting for this new golf program. And we really didn't know each other, but we sort of had moved in similar circles and knew the same people and those sorts of things. And my wife and I were hiking the Appalachian Trail and I was having breakfast one morning and got a phone call from Colonel Koinga, as he retells the story, I think within an hour or two, I said something like, sounds good to me, let's do it. Of course, I did talk with my wife and those sorts of things, but that's my pathway in and a bit unique perhaps, but I think a story that has some resonance with many of the other gulfs, particularly those who were not prior service, that this was fulfilling an opportunity that they had, that they had wished that they had taken earlier, which was to serve the country through the military.
00:02:51 BRIAN HANCOCK
the country through the military. Well, first of all, Kurt, you're not that old. You look very young and healthy to me. And so you're doing something right. So good for you. I'm thrilled that you have chosen to give both the Army and civil affairs a chance. We definitely need the type of skills that you bring to the table. Now, let me turn to you, Captain Weicker. Tell me a little bit about your journey getting here. Well, I was a prior service soldier.
00:03:16 JOSHUA WEIKERT
prior service soldier. Also being the pre -law advisor at my university, I had a pre -law student who was interested in the Army JAG program. And she had asked me to look into direct commissioning programs in the Army in general, knowing that I was a veteran and had some experience in this area. And I stumbled across the 38 Gulf page on the Army Talent Management website. And it was such an immediately obvious fit because I teach politics, but I also do politics. I work for the House of Representatives. And for that matter, when I go out looking for faculty members to hire, I like looking for people who are practitioners as well as being scholars. And this really dovetailed very nicely into that model. And it struck me as something with a very clear need. It also struck me as something that, especially as we think about lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan and 20 years of deployments, that this was an area where the Army could really bone up its skills and get more into capacity building both within our formations and also the places where we operate. So it struck me as something that was both important and extremely interesting.
00:04:13 BRIAN HANCOCK
Well, very glad that you're here. The background that you both have in politics and helping. do governance on an almost daily basis. It makes me wonder, how would we train something like transitional governance? This is one of our core capabilities. I don't know if the program does things like that. I think there's a big future for us in this area. And both of you have the background to help us move in that direction. Well, in the early 2000s,
00:04:44 JOSHUA WEIKERT
the DOD had... conducted a review of all the civil administration and civil affairs tasks that were out there that the Army engages in. And they came up with a list of something like 1 ,400 different tasks. And they combed through this list and started identifying things that are not currently met. So where are the areas where the Army needs help? And out of that derived these 18 skill identifiers within the 38 Gulf program, covering a broad range of civil skills. And these include things like... finance, education, and border security, and law, regulation, and policy, and this cultural heritage and property protection. And the goal of the program is essentially to enhance a commander's ability to operate in a stable civil environment, to foresee and address any likely challenges that should crop up, so that commanders can focus on accomplishing their primary image.
00:05:33 KURT DYKSTRA AND JOSHUA WEIKERT
Yeah, if I might jump in a little bit on that as well, either read the book or see the movie Monuments Men, then that gives you a little bit of a sense. In World War II, The U .S. were heading across Western Europe. They needed help to identify certain things, whether it's art, whether it's the significance of structures. And those are skills that the Army just didn't have. So the George Clooney's of the world, who at the time were art historians and museum curators, were brought into the Army's orbit to assist in those tasks. And that's kind of the history of the program that goes way back when, and then it was recently restarted in many ways and broadened as Captain Weigert. has been describing. So in some ways, I describe our role as consultants with specific civilian side expertise that the Army simply does not have to assist the Army to be able to do things that it otherwise might not be able to do. So we get called upon to assist in some of those areas that are more specialized than what the Army generally might have. And in other ways, like other civil affairs officers, you know, we're kind of the Army's diplomatic corps. So it's really those combinations, but the Gulf program specifically brings a very specific and in -depth civilian skill set to be used for Army purposes.
00:06:47 BRIAN HANCOCK
set to be used for Army purposes. It sounds a little bit similar to some of the specialists we have with surgeons and lawyers, but also different at the same time. When we were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, we definitely could have used these capabilities in all of these special functional areas. The Department of State tries their best to fill that gap, but the reality is that they're a relatively small organization that isn't necessarily equipped to go to non -permissive environments for extended periods of time. So for transitional governments, I think the heavy lift tends to fall on the military, and you really can't rebuild a government without trying to rebuild the economy and those other threads that tie into that tapestry. I'm very excited for the future with you guys on board. One of the initial challenges is that there wasn't necessarily a clear career progression through every rank for these soldiers. They couldn't follow the 38 Alpha career progression. Has that been relooked at? We do have a quasi -path through your military education.
00:07:57 JOSHUA WEIKERT
a quasi -path through your military education. We do not yet have a basic officer leadership course, though we are currently piggybacking on Medical Services Bullock down here at Fort Sam. which is actually where they both are right now. But my understanding is that a 38 golf at CA Bullock course is in development, and I volunteered some of my time doing some of the course materials for that. And of course, we do have the civil affairs captain's course as well as an option. Beyond that, I'm not certain at all. But for Major Dykstra, if he has more information on that.
00:08:26 KURT DYKSTRA AND JOSHUA WEIKERT
Much of this has been like jazz. There's been a certain underlying beat that's there, and there's a lot of improvisation that happens along the way. And Captain Weikert is exactly correct that we do DCC largely with the JAG DCC. And then we sort of peg on BOLIC, either AG or AMED, and AMED seems to be the preferred course right now. And to me, this is an area for improvement. We've gone through two school experiences without having any sort of direct training for what it is that we do. And that feels to me like an area that we can improve upon. And I think that is in process, as Captain Weikert mentioned with. With large organizations, particularly the U.S. Army, all that sort of thing takes time. Yeah, it does. But I do think that as the program matures, as there are more people within it for longer periods of time, a lot of the questions about career path and specifics along those lines, frankly, either be worked out by doctrine or they'll be worked out by the process of having people going through these programs and through the ranks and getting OERs and those kinds of things. So I'm not as concerned about that. A ladder piece is what I think that it would be beneficial for the golf program to have better formal education laid out sooner as we see with most other MOCs.
00:09:37 BRIAN HANCOCK
other MOCs. It makes sense to me. It is clever, though, to piggyback on a professional MOS. Many reservists have a similar challenge who aren't 38 golfs because a lot of the professional military education that we funnel through. is geared towards combat arms. And of course, for reserve soldiers, what we do is largely support. But in terms of professional military education, understanding some of these other professions like medicine and pieces of logistics and information operations, professional military education historically has not been geared to advance the tradecraft of those individuals. So I think there's a larger movement within the Army at large, though, to create more specialized training. Unlike the Marine Corps, where they have fewer MOSs and folks have to be a little bit more of a generalist, the fact that we have so many specialty MOSs in the Army, I think, lends itself to the ability to stand up individual branches that can run its own training. And within the functional specialties of the 38 golf program, you might even need an entire course dedicated. to each of those functional areas because they're really quite different. 38 golfs are contained within the functional specialty team construct, like the building where they live within a civil affairs unit. Some folks tend to conflate the 38 golf program with the functional specialty team, not the same. But let's take it a step further. Since the functional specialty team which houses the 38 golf program is a military unit, It, of course, has non -commissioned officers in it as well as officers. Three of us happen to be officers, but non -commissioned officers are very important for us to get things done in the Army. What right now is the role of the non -commissioned officer within functional specialty teams? And gentlemen, where do you see that going? Go ahead, Captain Martin. I think that's exactly right.
00:11:40 JOSHUA WEIKERT
right. And in addition, the just traditional roles that NCOs play in almost any unit in formation in terms of like training plan development and... upward input and things like that. I think the role of NCOs is all the more valuable and important in an FXFB section that includes a significant number of direct commission officers. You need that reinforcing experience even more in that set. And also, as we found out at the symposium in April, many of we had NCOs in attendance, and many of these NCOs are themselves fairly accomplished within their careers on the civilian side. So they have SI. contributions to make as well. So they're an essential part of this formation.
00:12:19 KURT DYKSTRA AND JOSHUA WEIKERT
Yeah. One of our NCOs was a lawyer of 35 plus years, had done really remarkable things in the civilian side. So the idea that I, as a newly commissioned officer, would come in as the experienced person on the civilian side and he was more experienced on the Army side was true on the one hand, but it also was so much more than that because his civilian expertise was also first rate and really quite impressive.
00:12:41 BRIAN HANCOCK
first rate and really quite impressive. That's amazing. And I don't know if the functional specialty teams will select for that type of talent. It certainly exists, at least within the Army Reserve. We're very skill -rich. That is exciting to me. Now, prior to the establishment of the 38 golf program, who was ma
Today, we welcome Rocco Santurri, who wrote "Spoils of the Status Quo," an article that describes the current stalemate in Korea as the best option for the international community.
Spoils of the status quo: https://divergentoptions.org/category/writers/rocco-p-santurri-iii/
Other points in the discussion
1-Beginning with the historical and current foundations of KJU’s legitimacy as Supreme Leader, how those could be degraded, and which internal groups could exploit that degradation. Given KJU needs the US “threat” to substantiate his narrative to his domestic audience, how de-escalating tensions through de-escalatory IO works against the KJU regime.
2-Expanding bilateral and trilateral relationships, and/or new relationships with NATO countries or the bloc itself to offset increased Russian influence in the region (more of a Eurasian Theatre-outlook, versus EUCOM and PACOM).
3-The rapidly expanding relationship between RUS/DPRK also presents an opening for the US; DPRK is still heavily dependent on China, especially economically, far more than any other country. China might be receptive to assisting US efforts to remind RUS/DRPK of their standing as lesser powers in the region.
4-The dream of denuclearization might need to die; it is very difficult to imagine a scenario in which KJU would voluntarily agree to any level denuclearization, and even if so, proof of compliance would be problematic. Taking that off the table could advance other foreign policy efforts, many of which it currently inhibits.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Music by
Escape One
Best of Japanese Jazz Fusion and Japanese Jazz Funk with Japanese Jazz and Japanese Jazz Music
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z64nA4F_pbQ
Welcome. Today, we bring Dr. Stanislava Mladenova to discuss the NATO CIMIC Foresight Conference.
Book: Rambo Meets the Red Cross. Found at: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538187722/When-Rambo-Meets-the-Red-Cross-Civil-Military-Engagement-in-Fragile-States
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Ambience Lord for the sample of OKTOBERFEST Music
Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/Kb_lr32vcrk?si=_V4vM_4BBv2zNxY2
Welcome to One CA Podcast. Today, Brian Hancock talks with Master Sergeant Andrew Gonzalez about how the Marine Corps modernization is shifting Civil Affairs' roles and duties in the force and how those changes impact their work in the Pacific.
MSgt Andrew Gonzalez joined the USMC-CA community in October 2015 as an E7. CA activations of note include OCT 2017 CJTF-OIR, clear and hold Mosul after displacing ISIS, DEC 2021 in support of Operation Allies Welcome operating out of Fort Pickett, VA, a rare opportunity to support a Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission. MSgt Gonzalez was most recently activated in support of JTF-Red Hill, the safe and expedient refueling of the underground fuel storage facility on the island of Oahu. Allowed to meet with the Waianae Kupuna Council to discuss the transition from JTF-Red Hill leadership and mission to the Red Hill – Navy Closure Task Force.
MSgt Gonzalez has supported 1st Civil Affairs Group for nearly 10 years and continues to drive USA-USMC CA collaborative efforts, civil information management best practice, and USMC - Civil Military Operations training standards in direct response to OSD/INDOPACOM/MARFORPAC/IMEF demand for CA and Civic Action Team support.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to "Cool Jazz Hot Bossa" for the sample of Energy Jazz Music Playlist - Jazz Instrumental Upbeat - High Energy Jazz Music Mix. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/bdWUj2NYDYQ?si=_bLf2fdTw6Ba93oh
Welcome to One CA Podcast. Today, Brian Hancock talks with Master Sergeant Andrew Gonzalez about how the Marine Corps' modernization is shifting Civil Affairs' roles and duties in the force and how those changes impact their work in the Pacific.
MSgt Andrew Gonzalez joined the USMC-CA community in October 2015 as an E7. CA activations of note include OCT 2017 CJTF-OIR, clear and hold Mosul after displacing ISIS, DEC 2021 in support of Operation Allies Welcome operating out of Fort Pickett, VA, a rare opportunity to support a Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission. MSgt Gonzalez was most recently activated in support of JTF-Red Hill, the safe and expedient refueling of the underground fuel storage facility on the island of Oahu. Allowed to meet with the Waianae Kupuna Council to discuss the transition from JTF-Red Hill leadership and mission to the Red Hill – Navy Closure Task Force.
MSgt Gonzalez has supported 1st Civil Affairs Group for nearly 10 years and continues to drive USA-USMC CA collaborative efforts, civil information management best practice, and USMC - Civil Military Operations training standards in direct response to OSD/INDOPACOM/MARFORPAC/IMEF demand for CA and Civic Action Team support.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to "Cool Jazz Hot Bossa" for the sample of Energy Jazz Music Playlist - Jazz Instrumental Upbeat - High Energy Jazz Music Mix. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/bdWUj2NYDYQ?si=_bLf2fdTw6Ba93oh
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. Today, Commander Jörg Grössl from the NATO Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence will discuss the center’s contribution to the maritime domain.
From research, I found that 80 percent of the world’s population lives near a coast, and 90 percent of world’s trade is carried by ships.
So, we are bringing in Commander Grössl to discuss the CIMIC role in the maritime environment and cooperation with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to build awareness and mitigate the potential impact of military operations at sea or in the littoral regions.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Music
Afternoon Lounge Jazz - Relaxing Jazz Music for Work & Study
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRyJe-0Uie0
Today, Brian Hancock hosts Col. Jeffrey Fiddler to discuss his work helping manage the DOD response to the Gaza relief mission.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Natalia Lafourcade for the sample of Tú Sí Sabes Quererme (En Manos de Los Macorinos). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLT6hdgEek
In this episode, Mariah Yager is interviewing David Luna and Jack Gaines as they discuss how adversaries use criminality to achieve their foreign policy goals while removing U.S. influence and capability.
The interview is based on a presentation at SMA (Strategic Multilayer Assessment), an online Pentagon forum. Link to the show and resources: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_22august2024/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to the Epidemic Blues channel for the sample of Peter Crosby - Jailhouse Blues. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyc-bIjQ10
Today, we welcome back the author, actor, public speaker, Ret. Lt Colonel Scott Mann to discuss his new book "Nobody is Coming to Save You" https://scottmann.com/
The website Nobody is Coming to Save You is a practical guide for leaders who want to make a bigger impact in the world now. It distills what I’ve learned over my three-decade career as a Green Beret into strategies you can use to lead others through hard change. These are the same tactics Green Berets use to get vital stuff done when stakes are high and conditions impossible. You’ll also learn about human behavior, strategic influence and dynamic storytelling because relationships are rocket fuel for getting big sh*t done.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Ahimsaz for the sample of “Shahamat." Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wmoH-fHhwQ
Today, Brain Hancock hosts Col. Jeffrey Fiddler to discuss his career and his experience at the Pentagon helping manage the DOD response to the COVID 19 outbreak.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Natalia Lafourcade for the sample of Tú Sí Sabes Quererme (En Manos de Los Macorinos). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLT6hdgEek
Today, we welcome Cleo Paskal, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a frequent lecturer for the U.S. military about the Indo-Pacific region.
Cleo came in to discuss the PRC's efforts to infiltrate Guam and the regional islands to undermine US relationships with those communities, the threat it creates to national security, and how we need to do to respond.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
--
Special thanks to Noel Flores for the sample of the Album Eat Your Greens and song Anger Management by Anita Schwab on his channel Jazz of the South Pacific. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/zfRUrnNhwfs?si=Afcsham-r5Gjnjaj
Today Brian Hancock interviews Patrick Stevens who is an expeditionary pastor, working faith-based diplomacy to improve international relations. The discussion is on his work travelling to partner nations to reach out to locals and leaders to overcome social trauma from war, genocide and help rebuild communities.
Patrick Alley:
Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/
Book, Terrible Humans: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/patrick-alley/terrible-humans/9781800962385/
Book, Very Bad People: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/blog/very-bad-people-inside-story-fight-against-corruption/
Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/lUIrYBtkfl4
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Links mentioned: Hope international ministries: Hope4nations.org
Special thanks to Dimitar Dodovski for sampling Keith Jarrett's album Spirits 20. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yeh7OX5m4E
Host: Brian Hancock
Edits: Jack Gaines
Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness.
Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.
The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.
They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s.
Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity.
Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.
This is part two of a two part episode with Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence.
Patrick Alley:
Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/
Book, Terrible Humans: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/patrick-alley/terrible-humans/9781800962385/
Book, Very Bad People: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/blog/very-bad-people-inside-story-fight-against-corruption/
Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/lUIrYBtkfl4
SMA version of the interview: SMA version of the interview: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_31july2024/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to the Juanes Channel for the intro sample of Desde Que Despierto Hasta Que Duermo. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZCeqUVeRMU
Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness.
Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.
The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.
They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s.
Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity.
Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.
This is a two part episode. Next week we bring in Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence. So, stay tuned.
LInks:
Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness.
Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.
The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.
They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s.
Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity.
Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.
This is part two of a two part episode with Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence.
Patrick Alley:
Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/
Book, Terrible Humans: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/patrick-alley/terrible-humans/9781800962385/
Book, Very Bad People: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/blog/very-bad-people-inside-story-fight-against-corruption/
Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/lUIrYBtkfl4
SMA version of the interview: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_31july2024/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to the Juanes Channel for the intro sample of Desde Que Despierto Hasta Que Duermo. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZCeqUVeRMU
Today, Assad Raza interviews Drew Biemer, an energy outreach strategist and senior advisor to the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Drew has experience leading domestic and international campaigns to support energy sector projects and came on the show to discuss how Civil and Public Affairs are key to building positive relationships between projects and the population.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to Sahraoui and Fadela for providing the sample of "Mani" from the album Arabic Groove. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCJI52eWDLw&list=PLloxRkIwt8TNujJnQFxjH7kJ0yjKJkpeg&index=7
Credits:
Host: Assad Raza
Showrunner: Jack Gaines
Today, we welcome Pavlo Kukhta, Ukrainian Economist and Special Advisor on Reconstruction. Additionally, Mariah Yager from SMA joined me as cohost of the conversation.
We brought in Pavlo to discuss the current state of conflict reconstruction, the strategy for post-conflict reconstruction, and how to overcome challenges like balancing government oversight with designing a system that removes major corruption while managing Ukraine's transition into the EU.
I set up this interview because I know that many diplomats, aid workers, and servicemembers are focused on helping Ukraine now and after the conflict.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Pavlo's info: https://ua.linkedin.com/in/pavlo-kukhta-93190091
SMA version of the interview: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_20june2024/
Special Thanks to Jamming Edward for the music sample. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/lRboIm0tlqE?si=be0Mai-k4EsIQr3h
Welcome to One CA Podcast.
Today, Brian Hancock talks with Phillip Smith about his experience as commander of the 451 Civil Affairs Brigade, his time as a student at the Army War College and his work designing how Civil Affairs can respond to domestic crises and disasters.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to "Traveller" for the sample of Federico Abuele's "Contigo." Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-AL7q5mDSc
Please welcome Mickey Bergman, lead author of the book "In The Shadows," where he discusses his experiences negotiating the release of hostages and people unlawfully imprisoned in some of the most restrictive places on Earth.
In the book, Mickey takes the reader through his time working with Governor Bill Richardson and, after his death, transforms his legacy into the non-profit Global Reach, where he now brings in a community of people to continue the work.
This is part two of a two-part episode. Check out last week's episode to hear part one.
Global Reach Website: https://www.reach.global/
Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-High-Stakes-Negotiations-Americans-Captured
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Today's music is a tribute to James Chance, who passed away this week. The solo is from his album White Cannable. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vUfcWDHMEQY?si=gPGLKe6_05aFSE24
Host Jack Gaines
Please welcome Mickey Bergman, lead author of the book "In The Shadows," where he discusses his experiences negotiating the release of hostages and people unlawfully imprisoned in some of the most restrictive places on Earth.
In the book, Mickey takes the reader through his time working with Governor Bill Richardson and, after his death, transforms his legacy into the non-profit Global Reach, where he now brings in a community of people to continue the work.
This is the first of a two-part episode. The second part will come out next week.
Global Reach Website: https://www.reach.global/
Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-High-Stakes-Negotiations-Americans-Captured
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Today's music is a tribute to James Chance, who passed away this week. The solo is from his album White Cannable. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vUfcWDHMEQY?si=gPGLKe6_05aFSE24
Host Jack Gaines
Today, we welcome back Major Gustavo Ferreira, a Civil Affairs agriculturalist.
Gus originally came on episode 123 to discuss agriculture's impacts on foreign policy.
Gus has published two articles,
"Does China Have Enough Food to Go to War?" and
"Taiwan's Food Resiliency—or Not—in a Conflict with China."
After publishing, Gus was interviewed on this show, which resulted in an interview with the Economist, a session at the Center for Strategic and International Studies,
and now resulting in a congressional testimony with the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Gus was joined by two others but for this episode, I will only focus on his testimony and discussion with the commission. I'll include links for the full testimony and papers in the show notes.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Links: Commission link: https://www.uscc.gov/hearings/chinas-stockpiling-and-mobilization-measures-competition-and-conflict
Does China Have Enough Food to Go to War? https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/PDF-UA-docs/Ferreira-UA.pdf
Taiwan's Food Resiliency—or Not—in a Conflict with China
https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters/vol53/iss2/10/
Special Thanks to Joyful Jamboree · CM BGM Room Bossa Nova In The Café ℗ Cloud Media Released on: 2023-05-16 Producer: CM BGM Room Composer: CM BGM Room Music Publisher: CM BGM Room.
Retrieved from https://youtube.com/watch?v=YCTzOnKNaSQ&si=v2hajnhu77yw3FzU
Showrunner: Jack Gaines
Please welcome Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann.
As a Green Beret, Scott designed and led the local village stability operations program in Afghanistan.
After leaving the military, he began to focus on using his experience with the struggle of transitioning from a fast-paced and high-risk lifestyle to build a healthy transition to the civilian world of work and family. As a result, he launched "Heroes Journey" to help servicemembers, first responders, and their families cope with post-crisis trauma through storytelling.
Scott also wrote and featured in the play and film "Last Man Out," which portrays the impacts of war on our Veterans and their families
Additionally, after Kabul fell to the Taliban, Scott and others launched Task Force Pineapple Express to help Afghan partners leave the country.
Lastly, Scott has made three appearances on TEDx to discuss his work with veterans and first responders and is announcing his new book, "No One is Coming to Save You," which will be released in October.
This discussion is split into two separate episodes.
The first one is to discuss Scott's work prior to the book "No One is Coming to Save You," which airs in October. The Second episode releases in September and is a discussion and the book.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Ahimsaz for the sample of “Shahamat." Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wmoH-fHhwQ
----Credits----
Host: Jack Gaines
Welcome to the ONE CA Podcast. I’m LTC Brian Hancock, and I will be your host for this session. Today, we have Major Megan O’Keefe-Schlesinger with us to discuss Civil Affairs, Information Operations, and the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). MAJ Schlesinger, welcome to the show!
Megan O'Keefe-Schlesinger is an Information Advantage practitioner. She has served in the Nevada National Guard medical detachment, the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East in various capacities from the Army Medical Department to civil affairs planner and leader with special operations. In her downtime she volunteered with Team Rubicon assisting with disaster relief in the Mid West and COVID vaccine events. As a student at the command and general staff officer college she studied Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Security at the University of Kansas School of Law. She went on to study the impacts of automation on the Army and applying emerging concepts in multi-domain operations to large scale military exercises.
Disclaimer: A quick reminder for the audience that all remarks are solely those of the presenters.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to BluntedBeatz for the sample “Summer Breeze.” Retrieved from https://youtu.be/3P8Xz71BLes?si=r4-xvwcG21cLMWrO
----Credits----
Host: Brian Hancock
Production: Jack Gaines
Welcome to the ONE CA Podcast. I’m LTC Brian Hancock, and I will be your host for this session. Today, we have Major Megan O’Keefe-Schlesinger with us to discuss Civil Affairs, Information Operations, and the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). MAJ Schlesinger, welcome to the show!
Megan O'Keefe-Schlesinger is an Information Advantage practitioner. She has served in the Nevada National Guard medical detachment, the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East in various capacities from the Army Medical Department to civil affairs planner and leader with special operations. In her downtime she volunteered with Team Rubicon assisting with disaster relief in the Mid West and COVID vaccine events. As a student at the command and general staff officer college she studied Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Security at the University of Kansas School of Law. She went on to study the impacts of automation on the Army and applying emerging concepts in multi-domain operations to large scale military exercises.
Disclaimer: A quick reminder for the audience that all remarks are solely those of the presenters.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to BluntedBeatz for the sample “Summer Breeze.” Retrieved from https://youtu.be/3P8Xz71BLes?si=r4-xvwcG21cLMWrO
----Credits----
Host: Brian Hancock
Production: Jack Gaines
Today we welcome Natasha Zieski and discuss her journey from growing up in Zaire to becoming a US citizen and joining Civil Affairs and the State Department's Office of Conflict Stabilization. This episode is a little different, but there is a lot of good stuff in it.
Enjoy.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to the Cafe Music BGM channel for sampling Hip Hop Jazz & Chill Jazz Summer Beach Mix - Instrumental Cafe Music. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROyrBBf9WQ
Credits
Sponsor: Civil Affairs Association
Host: Jack Gaines
Today Assad Raza hosts Pawel Bernat, Juneyt Gurer, and Cyprian Kozera, authors of Proxy Wars From a Global Perspective: Non-State Actors and Armed Conflicts: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/proxy-wars-from-a-global-perspective-9781350369283/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Rajhesh Vaidhya and Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava for the audio sample. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_iVM-6z2j4
Credits
Sponsor: Civil Affairs Association
Host: Assad Raza
Showrunner / editor: Jack Gaines
Today, Jack Gaines hosts Doctor Sandor Fabian, who published
"The Illusion of Conventional War: Europe is Learning the wrong lessons from the conflict in Ukraine."
This ten-point contrarian op-ed is focused on helping smaller nations build better national defense programs.
Article link: https://mwi.westpoint.edu/the-illusion-of-conventional-war-europe-is-learning-the-wrong-lessons-from-the-conflict-in-ukraine/
Sandor Fabian's Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandor-fabian-ph-d-3422b639/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Jazz Bois for the sample of Mellow Hive Live @ Root Budapest. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/EhGCsaiVm0I?si=zG3B1_1zaHjC_K2j
Brian Hancock hosts Brad Hughes in a two-part discussion on how Civil Affairs and the 38G civil society programs are helping the U.S. in its foreign policy outreach in the Pacific. This is part one of two.
Brad Hughes Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordhughes/
Brian Hancock Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-hancock/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to DrSaxLove for the sample of "Nearness of You." Found on Cocktail Party - 40s Music. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvH-nbindvk
Brian Hancock hosts Brad Hughes in a two-part discussion on how Civil Affairs and the 38G civil society programs are helping the U.S. in its foreign policy outreach in the Pacific. This is part one of two.
Brad Hughes Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordhughes/
Brian Hancock Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-hancock/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to DrSaxLove for the sample of "Nearness of You." Found on Cocktail Party - 40s Music. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvH-nbindvk
Today, we welcome Patrick Passewitz, who authored the Monograph "The Sicilian Connection: A Story of Allied Military Governance in 1943" while attending the Army's School of Advanced Military Studies. We brought him over today to discuss his findings and how they apply to current events. We will share the article link when it is published.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks for SensualMusic4You producing "Hip Hop Jazz & Hip Hop Jazz Instrumental: 10 Hours of Hip Hop Jazz." Sample found at https://youtu.be/XEa0Xn9XAzk?si=eeWyVqE3c1uL6d2Q
dependent. How can the military, diplomacy, and development workers manage the process to ensure a successful transition to becoming an independent partner in the international community?
Special thanks to DrSaxLove for the song "Happy Hour." Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8YIlU_30Kk
Brian Hancock hosts J. David Thompson, a Civil Affairs planner out of U.S. Africa Command, to discuss
Special thanks to FeedSpot for ranking One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks for SensualMusic4You producing "Hip Hop Jazz & Hip Hop Jazz Instrumental: 10 Hours of Hip Hop Jazz." Sample found at https://youtu.be/XEa0Xn9XAzk?si=eeWyVqE3c1uL6d2Q
dependent. How can the military, diplomacy, and development workers manage the process to ensure a successful transition to becoming an independent partner in the international community?
Special thanks to Tribal Groove for recording and broadcasting Matt James playing and performing his album Transporta. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSPOuGdk83E
Brian Hancock hosts J. David Thompson, a Civil Affairs planner out of U.S. Africa Command to discuss
Thank you FeedSpot for ranking One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks for SensualMusic4You producing "Hip Hop Jazz & Hip Hop Jazz Instrumental: 10 Hours of Hip Hop Jazz." Sample found at https://youtu.be/XEa0Xn9XAzk?si=eeWyVqE3c1uL6d2Q
dependent. How can the military, diplomacy, and development workers manage the process to ensure a successful transition to becoming an independent partner in the international community?
Special thanks to Tribal Groove for recording and broadcasting Matt James playing and performing his album Transporta. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSPOuGdk83E
Assad Raza hosts Heather Cotter, who recently gained a direct commission into the Army and Civil Affairs. In this episode, she talks about what it's like to go through the process and her first impressions of the Army.
Thank you FeedSpot for ranking One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to KaraokeMedia
for sharing Manu Chao's "Me Gustas Tu," instrumental version.
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZsSs9aIDqM
Recently, I partnered with SMA's Mariah Yager to talk with Professor Beatrice Houser about post-conflict stabilization.
“In Kuwait, preparing for the Iraq invasion, I asked the leadership, ‘Could you give us a little more detail about after we get to Baghdad and topple the regime? ' [The answer] was more than inadequate.’” -David Petraeus, speaking at Carnegie.
The U.S. and the West recently suffered monumental failures in planning and implementing post-conflict stabilization, resulting in massive corruption, instability and loss of foreign policy goals.
[Charley Wilson’s War]. “These things happened. They were glorious, and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the endgame.” -Charley Wilson’s end-of-film quote.
In this session, we turn the corner from commiserating on past failures to discussing solutions to planning and implementing the transition from conflict to post-conflict stabilization. To help partner nations regain their stability, security and partnership in the international community.
To help, we have brought in Professor Beatrice Heuser, renowned Chair in International Relations at the University of Glasgow and second to the General Staff Academy of the Bundeswehr, as Head of Strategy.
Dr. Heuser recently published a paper on post-conflict Gaza stabilization and reconstruction and wanted to discuss strategies for building an effective post-conflict strategy and operation.
Jack Gaines, showrunner and host of the One CA Podcast, is joining SMA to co-host the discussion.
In this session, Dr. Heuser, Jack Gaines, Mariah Yager and the audience will try to address three themes:
1. Planning the transition from conflict to post-conflict. How should the military shape the end of an active conflict to help the transition to post-conflict stabilization?
-
How to support the post-conflict stabilization. Typically, during stabilization, insurgencies rise, popular movements grow, and extremist groups attempt to usurp the transition for their political ambitions; how does conflict stabilization work with the military to minimize usurping groups while spotting and enabling popular movements?
-
Spotting and supporting the post-conflict transition and transitioning a post-conflict state that depends on aid and support to become independent. How can the military, diplomacy, and development workers manage the process to ensure a successful transition to becoming an independent partner in the international community?
Thank you FeedSpot for ranking One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks for SensualMusic4You producing "Hip Hop Jazz & Hip Hop Jazz Instrumental: 10 Hours of Hip Hop Jazz." Sample found at https://youtu.be/XEa0Xn9XAzk?si=eeWyVqE3c1uL6d2Q
Recently, I partnered with SMA's Mariah Yager to talk with Professor Beatrice Houser about post-conflict stabilization.
“In Kuwait, preparing for the Iraq invasion, I asked the leadership, ‘Could you give us a little more detail about after we get to Baghdad and topple the regime? ' [The answer] was more than inadequate.’” -David Petraeus, speaking at Carnegie.
The U.S. and the West recently suffered monumental failures in planning and implementing post-conflict stabilization, resulting in massive corruption, instability and loss of foreign policy goals.
[Charley Wilson’s War]. “These things happened. They were glorious, and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the endgame.” -Charley Wilson’s end-of-film quote.
In this session, we turn the corner from commiserating on past failures to discussing solutions to planning and implementing the transition from conflict to post-conflict stabilization. To help partner nations regain their stability, security and partnership in the international community.
To help, we have brought in Professor Beatrice Heuser, renowned Chair in International Relations at the University of Glasgow and second to the General Staff Academy of the Bundeswehr, as Head of Strategy.
Dr. Heuser recently published a paper on post-conflict Gaza stabilization and reconstruction and wanted to discuss strategies for building an effective post-conflict strategy and operation.
Jack Gaines, showrunner and host of the One CA Podcast, is joining SMA to co-host the discussion.
In this session, Dr. Heuser, Jack Gaines, Mariah Yager and the audience will try to address three themes:
1. Planning the transition from conflict to post-conflict. How should the military shape the end of an active conflict to help the transition to post-conflict stabilization?
-
How to support the post-conflict stabilization. Typically, during stabilization, insurgencies rise, popular movements grow, and extremist groups attempt to usurp the transition for their political ambitions; how does conflict stabilization work with the military to minimize usurping groups while spotting and enabling popular movements?
-
Spotting and supporting the post-conflict transition and transitioning a post-conflict state that depends on aid and support to become independent. How can the military, diplomacy, and development workers manage the process to ensure a successful transition to becoming an independent partner in the international community?
Thank you FeedSpot for ranking One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks for SensualMusic4You producing "Hip Hop Jazz & Hip Hop Jazz Instrumental: 10 Hours of Hip Hop Jazz." Sample found at https://youtu.be/XEa0Xn9XAzk?si=eeWyVqE3c1uL6d2Q
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. In this episode Assad Raza hosts Henrique Garbino, Joao Mauricio Dias Lopes Valdetaro, and Jonathan Robinson as they discuss their paper and the competing concepts around civil military planning and operations.
You can find "Civil Military What?" online at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378267976_Civil-military_what_Making_sense_of_conflicting_civil-military_concepts
Special thanks for Nakaboncajon for posting pandeiro // bossa nova. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npixMWE0QWk
Today, we have a special guest episode.
Dana Lombardy of Lombardy Studios hosts talks on military history and current events. To find out more about Dana's work, check out LombardyStudios.com.
For this episode, he brings in retired Rear Admiral Michael Baker, a general surgeon who travels to Ukraine to teach combat first aid.
It's a great story about volunteering and working in a war zone to help Ukrainians save soldiers' lives.
Great news: FeedSpot ranked One CA Podcast as one of their top 10 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Max Jansson for posting the
Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins instrumental "I'll see you in my dreams," performed live at Secret Policeman's Third Ball 1987. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wTVLIZaxMk
Please welcome Maria Yager and Bas Waters to One CA Podcast.
Originally, I was cohosting the show with Mariah, but I got OBE'd (or overcome by events), so Maria covered until I arrived and helped with questions and answers.
This is part two of a two-part episode on influence and persuasion.
FeedSpot ranked One CA Podcast as one of their top 20 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Max Sedgley for remixing Sarah Vaughan's iconic signing of the theme to the show Max Gunn. Found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33GglmH6U1k
Please welcome Maria Yager and Bas Waters to One CA Podcast.
Originally, I was cohosting the show with Mariah, but I got OBE'd (or overcome by events), so Maria covered until I arrived and helped with questions and answers.
This is part one of a two-part episode on influence and persuasion.
FeedSpot ranked One CA Podcast as one of their top 20 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Max Sedgley for remixing Sarah Vaughan's iconic signing of the theme to the show Max Gunn. Found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33GglmH6U1k
LTC Brian Hancock interviews CW5 Michael Gudmundson on electronic warfare (EW) and how it shapes current and future conflicts. Gudmundson spent four years at I Corps and then transferred to the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa to plan and advise on EW.
FeedSpot ranked One CA Podcast as one of their top 20 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Zlatno Doba for arranging "Amazing Theramin Music Compilation." Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDYvQ8FsZB4&t=502s
With the death of Alexei Navalny, I called Ilya Zaslavsky, A Russian anti-Putin activist, and asked him to come on the show to give some perspective on what happened and its ramifications.
This show was a quick turnaround, so I apologize for the editing. I wanted to get it out to you as soon as possible.
Also, a quick heads-up: FeedSpot just ranked One CA Podcast as one of their top 20 foreign policy podcasts. Check it out at:
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to the PilSkills Cheftain Channel for creating 11 hours of hip hop instrumentals for the sample. Found on YouTube at (+/-2:40:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgl9ZsT3jKs
Today, Courtney Mulhern interviews Dan Joseph, Author of the Combat Psych website and the book Backpack to Rucksack: Insight Into Leadership and Resilience From Military Experts.
His articles and tools are to help soldiers and families build mental fitness and overcome past trauma so that they can live healthier / happier lives.
As you know from Courtney Mulhern's episode, she is a practicing therapist and a terrific interviewer, so I put the two together for this episode.
Dan Joseph's info:
https://combatpsych.com
"Backpack to Rucksack: Insight Into Leadership and Resilience From Military Experts":
https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Rucksack-Leadership-Resilience-Military
Website "Combat Psych" where you can find more information about him and the things he's working on: https://www.combatpsych.com
Instagram: @mhen2.mentalhealth
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of US foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to Amr Diab for the song and album "Amarain."
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6RC2T3Q7rs
Today, Courtney Mulhern interviews Dan Joseph, Author of the Combat Psych website and the book Backpack to Rucksack: Insight Into Leadership and Resilience From Military Experts.
His articles and tools are to help soldiers and families build mental fitness and overcome past trauma so that they can live healthier / happier lives.
As you know from Courtney Mulhern's episode, she is a practicing therapist and a terrific interviewer, so I put the two together for this episode.
Dan Joseph's info:
https://combatpsych.com
"Backpack to Rucksack: Insight Into Leadership and Resilience From Military Experts":
https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Rucksack-Leadership-Resilience-Military
Website "Combat Psych" where you can find more information about him and the things he's working on: https://www.combatpsych.com
Instagram: @mhen2.mentalhealth
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of US foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to Amr Diab for the song and album "Amarain."
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6RC2T3Q7rs
Today, we welcome Sam Cooper, an author and journalist based in Ottawa.
He came in to talk about his reporting on PRC political and economic warfare, its impact on Canada and the United States, and how those tools are being used worldwide, including Taiwan, to undermine the rule of law and each nation's sovereignty.
This episode goes fast and has a lot of great information on how China sets conditions for winning without fighting.
The One CA Podcast is here to inspire anyone interested in working in US foreign relations. - Often called the last three feet of diplomacy. We bring in practitioners from all walks of foreign service including the military, diplomacy, nongovernmental, development, and field agents to talk about their experiences and work.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail (dot) com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special Thanks to Cafe Music BGM channel and their release, "Hip Hop Jazz & Smooth Jazz Instrumental." Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5yTtDZZiHg
This week, Rob Boudreau hosts Joel Searl, who created and runs the U.S. Marine, 1st CAG, podcast "The Human Dimension," their social media and public outreach programs.
The original is located at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpdSA_Z7pAs
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of US foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
Special thanks to Gloria Estefan and Sony Music Media for a sample of Dingui-Li Bangui. Released 1990-09-16. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7J_DVryF-g
Today, we welcome back Curtis Fox, author of Hybrid Warfare: The Russian Approach to Strategic Competition & Conventional Military Conflict, which is now hot off the presses and in stores.
We discuss the book's concepts and how they apply to current events. This is part one of two, so sit back, enjoy and come back next week for part two.
Link to Biography: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-fox-mba-pmp-59b74223/
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Please email us to either speak or guest-host at capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's music is from the Disney film COCO and is a tribute to Ana Ofelia Murguia, whom I once met at a San Diego Latin Film Festival. Ana passed away this week at age 90, so this episode's music is her tribute.
Murguia: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/movies/ana-ofelia-murguia-coco-dead.html
Link to music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJfoPUOUWBw
Today, we welcome Curtis Fox, author of Hybrid Warfare: The Russian Approach to Strategic Competition & Conventional Military Conflict, which is hot off the presses and in stores now.
We discuss the book's concepts and how they apply to current events. This is part one of two, so sit back, enjoy and come back next week for part two.
Link to Biography: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-fox-mba-pmp-59b74223/
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's music is from the Disney film COCO and is a tribute to Ana Ofelia Murguia, whom I once met at a San Diego Latin Film Festival. Ana passed away this week at age 90, so this episode's music is her tribute. See you next week.
Murguia: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/movies/ana-ofelia-murguia-coco-dead.html
Link to music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJfoPUOUWBw
Today we welcome Albert Augustine, the G9 at V Corps.
Albert came on the show to discuss the changes in army training in Europe and how they impact civil affairs.
Additionally, we discuss how CA members can get a tour and how to prepare for a gig at V Corps or in Europe.
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special Thanks to Backing Track Music for sharing Track C of Big Band Blues. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=bWzuzLgde28
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
This week, we introduce the USMC 1st CAG Human Dimension Podcast.
This is the first pilot episode 1st and hosted by Major Searls, with guests including Major Antonov, Captain Johnson, and Staff Sergeant Camos. The Marines discussed their experiences at Operation BRIGHT STAR 2023.
The original is located at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpdSA_Z7pAs.
One CA is a product of the civil affairs association
and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.
We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of US foreign relations.
To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail dot com
or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org
I'll have those in the show notes.
Lastly, special thanks to 90sHipHop Instrumental for sharing a sample of the song Jump Around by House of Pain. You can find the source at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szn7VARgmyo
Today, we welcome back to the second half of the interview with retired Col. Robert Curris, who drafted the opinion piece, "The Army needs to invest in Psychological Operations and not cut them." in the November first edition of the Military Times:
https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2023/11/01/the-army-needs-to-invest-in-psychological-operations-not-cut-them/
This is the first time I have had the honor of bringing in an expert on Psychological Operations. With the Army Reserve combining some Civil Affairs, Information Operations, and PSYOP commands, this is an excellent opportunity to give the community a voice.
Robert Curris Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-curris-29887188
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks for Jeffrey Friedman and Water Tower Music for todays theme song "OOOH". Found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11ksJXPrZfk
Today, we welcome retired Col. Robert Curris, who drafted the opinion piece, "The Army needs to invest in Psychological Operations and not cut them." in the November first edition of the Military Times:
https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2023/11/01/the-army-needs-to-invest-in-psychological-operations-not-cut-them/
This is the first time I have had the honor of bringing in an expert on Psychological Operations. With the Army Reserve combining some Civil Affairs, Information Operations, and PSYOP commands, this is an excellent opportunity to give the community a voice.
Robert Curris Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-curris-29887188
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks for Jeffrey Friedman and Water Tower Music for todays theme song "OOOH". Found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11ksJXPrZfk
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today, we are rebroadcasting a Carnegie Connects interview with retired General David Petraeus about his new book and current world events.
I will have a link to the source in the show notes.
Carnegie interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=druqmRdjOow
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Broke For Free for releasing the song "Something Elated." Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxh4S2A8Q4U
Please welcome Angie Smith, environmental Scientist and Civil Affairs Officer.
Angie and her team travel globally to partner nations to assess resource use and advise on sustainable development.
Her team has helped countries like the Marshal Islands with resource management to mitigate climate change.
In this episode, Angie will talk about her trade, and how it helps the U.S. build foreign relations with the international community.
In a future episode, she will return with their new partner, Wisconsin University.
One CA Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jimmy Eden Moon for sharing the compilation "Hip Hop 1995 XIII Instrumentals." Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vnXH18FMoc
Welcome to One CA Podcast. This episode is from the archives. The former host, John McElligott traveled to AUSA in 2018 and interviewed participants on Civil Affairs. It's a quick episode, but a fun one for the Veteran's Memorial Weekend.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Broke For Free for releasing the song "Something Elated" (No Copyright Music). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxh4S2A8Q4U
Recently, I organized a panel discussion on Taiwan with the Joint Staff SMA program (Strategic Multilayer Assessment), which is similar to a think tank but within the DOD.
They bring in people to present their work and discuss national security.
I had reached out to Dan Blumenthal and Fred Kagan at the American Enterprise Institute and thought it would be good to include SMA in the discussion.
Mariah Yager is running the SMA portion, and I am guiding the discussion. This is a two-part episode, so enjoy.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Perri Yellow Bird for the song "Tradish," retrieved from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKmaoHBI7A
Recently, I organized a panel discussion on Taiwan with the Joint Staff SMA program (Strategic Multilayer Assessment), which is similar to a think tank but within the DOD.
They bring in people to present their work and discuss national security.
I had reached out to Dan Blumenthal and Fred Kagan at the American Enterprise Institute and decided to include SMA in the discussion.
Mariah Yager is running the SMA portion, and I am guiding the discussion.
This is a two-part episode, so enjoy.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Perri Yellow Bird for the song "Tradish," retrieved from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKmaoHBI7A
Today, we welcome Captain Daniel Moriarty, Professor John Melkon, and Captain Tommy Daniel to talk about Westpoint's Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations and the exciting new programs for students to learn CMO within the school and abroad.
They also requested that I add that their comments are their own and do not officially represent any institution or organization.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's theme is "On, Brave old Army Team" the Westpoint fight song.
Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/AKkAqIvFdAo?si=ctqv5MIlc4yZj7EO
This version of “On, Brave Old Army Team” is in the public domain.
Brain Hancock hosts Colonel Tony Vacha
They discuss his experiences as the Civil Affairs planning chief for the US Army Europe and Africa,
as well as his thoughts on the new Civil Affairs 38-Golf program and discussions about the new transitional governance doctrine.
This is part one of a two-part episode, so stay tuned.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's theme is brought to you by
Brain Hancock hosts Colonel Tony Vacha
They discuss his experiences as the Civil Affairs planning chief for the US Army Europe and Africa,
as well as his thoughts on the new Civil Affairs 38-Golf program and discussions about the new transitional governance doctrine.
This is part one of a two-part episode, so stay tuned.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's theme is brought to you by
Sabrina Barton brought me on to her channel to talk about my experiences with the One CA Podcast as I reached my first year hosting the show.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
In this episode, Brian Hancock interviews Jess Langerud, who works in medical security cooperation in Poland for the U.S. Army. Jess talks about the value of medical outreach as a form of diplomacy and how Civil Affairs can better integrate into security cooperation and security force assistance programs.
I also want to highlight LC38 Brand for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Rock Tee From ''East End'' for producing the Rip Slyme - Searchin' (Instrumental) (1998) (90's Japanese Hip Hop) (Jazzy/Lofi Hip Hop). You can find the music at this link: https://youtu.be/k8TQXU9Snas
Today, we welcome Courtney Mulhern, a professional therapist (MSW) and team sergeant for the 492 Civil Affairs Battalion.
Courtney talks about using her skills while working with partner nations' people and leaders to build lasting relationships and provides tips to help others with outreach. So please welcome Courtney to the show.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site. Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Today's theme is brought to you by The Shadows album "Apache". The recording was retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TELLAKvwK50
We bring back CMS Garrick Banfield to discuss the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade with host John McEllicot
Garric Banfield's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garric-banfield-aa13212a/
95th CA website: https://www.soc.mil/95th/95thhomepage.html
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site.
Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Broke For Free for releasing the song "Something Elated" (No Copyright Music). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxh4S2A8Q4U
Today we welcome Richard Messick,
who served 14 years with the World Bank, advising on the rule of law and anti-corruption issues.
Richard now leads the Messick Group out of DC and recently traveled with UNODC to Southeast Asia to advise on anti-corruption in governance.
and also to Ukraine to advise the Ministry of Infrastructure on reconstruction.
There was a lot to unpack in this episode,
and we meander a little bit,
but I think you will enjoy the discussion,
so let's get started.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site.
Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
Thank you to NIGMA for providing the mix "Habano." Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAxAxwE0Dgg.
Today we welcome Colonel Scott DeJesse, who is rebuilding the US Army Civil Affairs monuments program. Dejesse is an Army Reservist who works at the Department of State in cultural diplomacy.
For the monuments program, Dejesse is partnering with the Smithsonian Institute, The Met in New York, academic institutions and others to revitalize and develop CA teams who can work in crisis and conflict to protect a nation's cultural heritage.
We brought Scott in today to talk about the monuments program, its tie to the Civil Affairs 38 G program, and cultural diplomacy's impact on national security, so please welcome him to the show
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site.
Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Music: Special thanks to Fasol Productions for NEO SOUL Instrumental Music. The song is called "Cool Jazz." It's a terrific album, so check them out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VNm3rGXPXs&t=3s
U.S. State Department Trafficking Tip Lines: https://www.state.gov/domestic-trafficking-hotlines/
DOD (CTIP): https://ctip.defense.gov/Domestic and DOD inspector general, 800-424-9098
DOJ: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en
UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/track4tip/contact-us.html
Today we have a special rebroadcast of the Jordan Harbinger Show. Jordan interviews Paul Hutchinson about the film "Sound of Freedom" and the human trafficking trade. In the full show, Jordan threads the needle to disclaim the interview from any political bents and conspiracy theories that cloud the topic and just wanted to expose the trade and damage it causes.
As we work overseas on foreign policy issues, I suspect our soldiers, diplomats, development officers, and field agents will cross paths with this growing illicit trade. To help the team, in the show notes, I'll add the Department of State, DOD and UN contacts who can help you respond.
Show background and contacts:
Jordan Harbinger: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Sound of Freedom: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_of_Freedom_(film)
Paul Hutchinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhutch/
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site.
Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Welcome to the One CA Podcast. In this episode, we set up a new remote studio for Brain Hancock. It was the first run, so you will hear some background noise, but it was a terrific conversation about Civil Affairs work at the 4-star level command and some of our work in Europe and Africa, so stay tuned.
Special thanks to LC38 for celebrating our People's Choice Awards nomination by offering listeners 10 percent off anything at the site.
Check them out at https://lc38brand.com/
10% promo code: oneca10
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Thank you to the folks at Afro Beats + Instrumentals for providing this episode's welcome music. Afro Beats features tracks from across Africa, exclusive remixes, and original instrumentals for DJs and artists. Check them out at: https://www.youtube.com/@afrobeatsyt
Today, we welcome John Cassara.
John started his career as a CIA covert operations officer, then moved to the US Treasury as a special agent, where he worked in counter-terrorism and financial intelligence. During that time, he was also detailed to the State Department's INL or International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to support counter-terrorism finance and anti-money laundering. John also worked at US Customs on counter illicit trade and illicit arms smuggling.
John is also a board member of Global Financial Integrity and the Coalition against Illicit Economies and a guest instructor at George Mason University for the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center.
Additionally, John Cassara published the book: Specified Unlawful Activities in China's illicit economy.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Links:
Book: Specified Unlawful Activities: https://www.amazon.com/China-Specified-Activities-Transnational-Laundering/dp/B0BW2S2SKN
John Cassara bio: http://www.johncassara.com/
CIA covert operations officer program: https://www.cia.gov/stories/intelligence-operations/
US Treasury as a special agent program: https://home.treasury.gov/about/offices/terrorism-and-financial-intelligence
State Department's INL or International Narcotics and Law Enforcement: https://www.state.gov/about-us-bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs/
US Customs, counter illicit trade and illicit arms smuggling program: https://www.cbp.gov/about
Global Financial Integrity: https://gfintegrity.org/
Coalition against Illicit Economies: https://icaie.com/
George Mason University for the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center: https://traccc.gmu.edu/
Music: Thank you to DJ WhiteShark from Barranquilla, Columbia. The album is Urban Beats, Vol. 1. DJ WhiteSharks SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whitesharkmusic. Music retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMcNiB_Wvmc&authuser=0
Dr. Joseph Long comes on the show to discuss his theory on relational leadership, based on his new publication, The Future of Conflict: How Super-Empowered Populations Will Change Warfare, published at the Irregular Warfare Initiative. Joe is a retired Green Beret and is now a senior Lecturer at the Defense Security Cooperation University in Virginia.
Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joseph-long-9021821a/
Article: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/the-future-of-conflict-how-super-empowered-populations-will-change-warfare/
Other references from the episode:
Naval War College, Monterey: https://nps.edu/web/naval-war-college
SWIC, Robin Sage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMVnHMYxDGU
2017 Niger Investigation: https://dod.defense.gov/portals/1/features/2018/0418_niger/img/Oct-2017-Niger-Ambush-Summary-of-Investigation.pdf
3212 Un-Redacted: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15909364/
12 Strong: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Strong
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to JD Kid for producing Mac Miller Chill x Summer Type Beat // "Higher." Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Z9K6-hDtyjU
Dr. Joseph Long comes on the show to discuss his theory on relational leadership, based on his new publication, The Future of Conflict: How Super-Empowered Populations Will Change Warfare, published at the Irregular Warfare Initiative. Joe is a retired Green Beret and is now a senior Lecturer at the Defense Security Cooperation University in Virginia.
Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joseph-long-9021821a/
Article: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/the-future-of-conflict-how-super-empowered-populations-will-change-warfare/
Other references from the episode:
Naval War College, Monterey: https://nps.edu/web/naval-war-college
SWIC, Robin Sage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMVnHMYxDGU
2017 Niger Investigation: https://dod.defense.gov/portals/1/features/2018/0418_niger/img/Oct-2017-Niger-Ambush-Summary-of-Investigation.pdf
3212 Un-Redacted: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15909364/
12 Strong: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Strong
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to JD Kid for producing Mac Miller Chill x Summer Type Beat // "Higher." Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Z9K6-hDtyjU
We bring back Joe Pastorek's discussion on the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade's Advanced Skills Detachment with host Sean Acosta.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Broke For Free for releasing the song "Something Elated" (No Copyright Music). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxh4S2A8Q4U
In this episode, Mr. Carlos Dias from Global Integrity interviewed me on anti-corruption programs I have been working on for Civil Affairs and DOD. I also turned the tables on him to discuss current events and his experience growing up on the border of Columbia and Venezuela. This one is slightly different because I was interviewed, but it would make a great show.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Music: Gotta Serve Somebody, Thank you, Bob Dylan, and The Orchard Enterprises for the karaoke version. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYecYWQRuUI
Today we welcome Calvin Chrustie, a retired member of the RCMP who worked in conflict negotiation with the UN and
Canadian armed forces during the Bosnian war.
After the conflict, Calvin used his skills also to conduct international hostage negotiation
and then got into counter-criminal and state-sponsored threat networks.
In this episode, Calvin talks about his experience in conflict and hostage negotiation
and shares tips and tricks on negotiations.
Calvin Chrustie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-chrustie-llm-03b4686/
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Also, thank you to Taylor Swift for the music. The song is "Cruel Summer" instrumental. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_MHSLNtuTc
U.S. Marine, Sergeant Greg Schaefer, and Major Jimmy Johnson, from the 4th Civil Affairs Group, helped Afghans escaping Kabul in 2021 resettle in the U.S. for Operation Allies Welcome. This is episode part two of two. One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to @jambcbaba for the music from the Album Afghani BABA. Retrieved from YouTube.
U.S. Marine, Sergeant Greg Schaefer, and Major Jimmy Johnson, from the 4th Civil Affairs Group, helped Afghans escaping Kabul in 2021 resettle in the U.S. for Operation Allies Welcome. This is episode part one of two. One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to @jambcbaba for the music from the Album Afghani BABA. Retrieved from YouTube.
Assad Raza hosts Alexander Kenna and Matthew Alexander to discuss their research on climate impacts on foreign policy. The interview is based on their thesis, Climate Insecurity and Governance Competition: The Near-Term Geopolitical Consequences of Destructive Climate Events. See the link below in the show notes.
Thesis:
Climate Insecurity and Governance Competition: The Near-Term Geopolitical Consequences of Destructive Climate Event, Naval Postgraduate School, December 2022 https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/71489
Thesis Presentation (Video):
https://nps.edu/web/nps-video-portal/-/challenges-of-climate-security-governance-competition
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to Jacob Gibson Free Instrumental for the beats.
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today we bring Chris Hyslop, the Executive Director of the Montana World Affairs Council, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global awareness and understanding in Montana’s classrooms and communities.
On the show, Chris talks about his experience in the United Nations; human rights work worldwide.
LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hyslop-a438b7/
The Montana World Affairs Council: montanaworldaffairs.org
Video on the United States Peace Corps: https://youtu.be/xAJHr_Ce6po
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to Pilskills Chefhane for the music. You can find him @PilskillsChefhain or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgl9ZsT3jKs at 3:30:00
Dr. Carrick Longley and Stephen Hunnewell of IST Research discuss Digital Civil Reconnaissance and how it supports Civil Affairs missions.
About Dr. Carrick Longley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carricklongley
About Stephen Hunnewell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunnewellstephen
About IST Research: https://www.linkedin.com/company/istresearch
Book: "The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare," by Christian Brose.
One CA brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
To contact the show:
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Broke For Free for releasing the song "Something Elated" (No Copyright Music)
Today we welcome Josh Bedding-field,
who is studying at the Army's School of Advanced Military Studies or SAMS
I brought Josh in today to talk about his upcoming paper,
The Value Proposition of Shadow Governments in Resistance Operations
Which should be out this summer.
Josh will give us a preview of his findings and discuss how they are applied.
This is part two of a two-part series. Check out part I in the show history.
So, let's get started
Why civil resistance works: https://g.co/kgs/1LMQzM
Waiting for dignity, legitimacy, and authority in Afghanistan: https://g.co/kgs/6v8Vfp
Rights as weapons: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691166049/rights-as-weapons
SAMS podcast, The Operational Arch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-operational-arch
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
We are here to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground diplomacy to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
The Civil Affairs Association website: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Music: Special Thanks to Wagram Music, Dokidoki éditions for the Rouge Rouge Music Ensemble, found on the Ce soir, après dîner album
Today we welcome Josh Bedding-field,
who is studying at the Army's School of Advanced Military Studies or SAMS
I brought Josh in today to talk about his upcoming paper,
The Value Proposition of Shadow Governments in Resistance Operations
Which should be out this summer.
Josh will give us a preview of his findings and discuss how they are applied.
This is part one of two, which will be out next week
So, let's get started
Why civil resistance works: https://g.co/kgs/1LMQzM
Waiting for dignity, legitimacy, and authority in Afghanistan: https://g.co/kgs/6v8Vfp
Rights as weapons: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691166049/rights-as-weapons
SAMS podcast, The Operational Arch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-operational-arch
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
We are here to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground diplomacy to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
The Civil Affairs Association website: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Music: Special Thanks to Wagram Music, Dokidoki éditions for the Rouge Rouge Music Ensemble, found on the Ce soir, après dîner album
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today we have Juan Quiroz from the Civil Affairs capabilities integration and development office. Juan discusses his paper, "The oblique approach to irregular warfare: Civil Affairs as the main effort in strategic competition."
Article: https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/oblique-approach-irregular-warfare-civil-affairs-main-effort-strategic-competition
LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-q-457a8853/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
We are here to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground diplomacy to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
The Civil Affairs Association website: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org
Also, thank you to Pilskills Chefhane for the music. You can find him @PilskillsChefhain or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgl9ZsT3jKs at 4:10:00
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today we bring Chris Hyslop, the Executive Director of the Montana World Affairs Council, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global awareness and understanding in Montana’s classrooms and communities.
On the show, Chris talks about his experience in the United States Peace Corps and NGO work around the world.
LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hyslop-a438b7/
The Montana World Affairs Council: montanaworldaffairs.org
Video on the United States Peace Corps: https://youtu.be/xAJHr_Ce6po
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to Pilskills Chefhane for the music. You can find him @PilskillsChefhain or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgl9ZsT3jKs at 3:30:00
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
This week we pull a past episode from the Jordan Harbinger Show with H.R. McMaster.
One CA will continue bringing new content every two weeks, then use the other weeks to bring in shows from our vaults, partners, and special extended interviews.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Special thanks to Jordan Harbinger for sharing episodes from his show. He also has a free course on professional networking that is terrific. Check him out at the Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
Also, thank you to Pilskills Chefhane for the music. You can find him @PilskillsChefhain or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgl9ZsT3jKs at 4:04:50
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today we have Gustavo Ferreira, an agricultural economist for USDA and the Civil Affairs 38G program. Gustavo continues the discussion on agriculture's impacts on foreign policy.
LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-ferreira-71825729/
One CA brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
To contact the show:
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Music: Special thanks to Joe Leytrick. Prod. Riddiman for the beats. Found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEiZiMzKRvk
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
Today we bring Jamie Critelli to discuss assessing food stocks during peacetime and conflict and agriculture's role in foreign policy.
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/critelli/
For more information on Critelli, here is a link from the farmer veteran coalition: https://farmvetco.org/stories/4027-2/
On CA brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Our goal is to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground to forward U.S. foreign policy.
To contact the show:
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Music: Special thanks to Joe Leytrick. Prod. Riddiman for the beats. Found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEiZiMzKRvk
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
This week we talk with David Maxwell, a retired Army Colonel who now works with the Defense of Democracies and other institutions to achieve a peaceful reunification for Korea.
In the episode, David discusses current conditions, events that have made a difference, and strategies for peaceful reunification.
One Podcast aims to inspire people interested in working on-ground diplomacy to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
Have a story to tell? Email us to either speak or guest-host at: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Maxwell's bio on Defense of Democracies: https://www.fdd.org/team/david-maxwell/
Special thanks for Pat Benatar and Legacy Records for the song "We Belong," Which is an excellent fit for the story.
Thank you to the Irregular Warfare Podcast for sharing Episode 54: Plan Colombia: Anatomy of a Successful Counterinsurgency Campaign.
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
We are here to inspire anyone interested in working on-ground diplomacy to forward U.S. foreign policy.
We bring in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences and recommendations for working the "last three feet" of foreign relations.
If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Link to the original episode: https://mwi.usma.edu/plan-colombia-anatomy-of-a-successful-counterinsurgency-campaign/
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
In this episode, Brian Hancock guest hosts and interviews Marine Maj. Rob Boudreau on his experience deploying as a CA officer with the 31 MEU.
Brain Hancock LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-hancock/
Rob Boudreau LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rboudreau55/
The One CA Podcast info:
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Thanks to Assad Raza for guest hosting and Frank Sobchak for coming on.If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
This is part two of the interview with former Defense Undersecretary "Mick" (Michael Patrick) Mulroy. If you missed the first episode, check it out on the episode list or at this link:
Links mentioned in this episode and the last show:
If you would like to come on the show or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
About Michael Patrick Mulroy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Patrick_Mulroy
Lobo Institute: https://www.loboinstitute.org
Case study on improving collaboration between CIA field operations and the military (MEI): https://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/Irregular%20Warfare%20-%20A%20Case%20Study%20in%20CIA%20and%20US%20Army%20Special%20Forces%20Operations%20in%20Northern%20Iraq%2C%202002-03.pdf
My Star in the Sky (Child Solder documentary): https://www.loboinstitute.org/my-star-in-the-sky/
ABC article on covert action: http://abcnewsradioonline.com/national-news/covert-action-and-national-security.html
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon: Daughters of Kobani: (MIlitary.com article) https://www.military.com/off-duty/books/2021/02/18/daughters-of-kobani-tells-riveting-story-of-women-combat.html
Music: Special thank you to The Cranberries
Today we welcome Michael Patrick Mulroy, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. This episode is part one of two.
"Mick" worked for Secretary Mattis, Esper, and the transition to the new administration. He is also a retired CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer and a United States Marine. Today he is discussing the integration between field operations, Civil Affairs, and diplomacy. Mick Mulroy is currently running the Lobo Institute, a National Security analyst on ABC News, and an advocate to end Child Soldiering.In part two, Mick Mulroy talks about China competition.
Links mentioned in the show:
If you would like to come on the show or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
About Michael Patrick Mulroy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Patrick_Mulroy
Lobo Institute: https://www.loboinstitute.org
Case study on improving collaboration between CIA field operations and the military (MEI): https://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/Irregular%20Warfare%20-%20A%20Case%20Study%20in%20CIA%20and%20US%20Army%20Special%20Forces%20Operations%20in%20Northern%20Iraq%2C%202002-03.pdf
My Star in the Sky (Child Solder documentary): https://www.loboinstitute.org/my-star-in-the-sky/
ABC article on covert action: http://abcnewsradioonline.com/national-news/covert-action-and-national-security.html
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon: Daughters of Kobani: (MIlitary.com article) https://www.military.com/off-duty/books/2021/02/18/daughters-of-kobani-tells-riveting-story-of-women-combat.html
Music: Special thank you to The Cranberries
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.Assad Raza is your guest host and is talking with (Ret.) Col. Frank Sobchak.Frank researched Iraqi and Afghan units that performed well against their adversaries, and what made the difference in training. He discusses the value of speaking the local languages, the ratio of trainers/advisors to troops, and the training consistency. Assad talks with Frank about his findings. So, stay tuned.
LinksFrank Sobchakhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sobchak-phd-a76b1b6/
Assad Razahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/assadraza1/
Books mentioned:The Dictator's Army, Caitlin Talmadge, JSTOR: www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.7591/j.ctt20d89pv.8.pdf
Deny and Destroy, Michael Gordan, Politics and Prose: https://www.politics-prose.com/book/9780374279899
The U.S. Army and the Iraq War report, Army War College: https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/?s=The+U.S.+Army+and+the+Iraq+War+report&ct_post_type=post%3Apage%3Apublication
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Thanks to Assad Raza for guest hosting and Frank Sobchak for coming on.If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Music: Special thanks to the Cranberries for the beats
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.Assad Raza is your guest host and is talking with (Ret.) Col. Frank Sobchak.Frank researched Iraqi and Afghan units that performed well against their adversaries, and what made the difference in training. He discusses the value of speaking the local languages, the ratio of trainers/advisors to troops, and the training consistency. Assad talks with Frank about his findings. So, stay tuned.
LinksFrank Sobchakhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sobchak-phd-a76b1b6/
Assad Razahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/assadraza1/
Books mentioned:The Dictator's Army, Caitlin Talmadge, JSTOR: www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.7591/j.ctt20d89pv.8.pdf
Deny and Destroy, Michael Gordan, Politics and Prose: https://www.politics-prose.com/book/9780374279899
The U.S. Army and the Iraq War report, Army War College: https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/?s=The+U.S.+Army+and+the+Iraq+War+report&ct_post_type=post%3Apage%3Apublication
One CA Podcast email: capodcasting@gmail.com
One CA Podcast webpage: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/podcast
Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Thanks to Assad Raza for guest hosting and Frank Sobchak for coming on.If you or someone you know would like to come on the show, or guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
Welcome to the One CA Podcast, This is JackToday we are bringing in a special episode from the Irregular Warfare Podcast called SLOW BURN: HOW US SECURITY COOPERATION SHAPES OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS.
A special thanks to Benjamin Jebb for helping make this happen.The show has an excellent discussion between retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, Professor Derek Reveron from the US Naval War College and the hosts Ben Jebb and Barbara Elias.
The episode is the full uncut version. I wanted to share it because it's relevant to our work with the last feet of foreign policy and to introduce the Irregular Warfare Podcast and its sponsor, the Modern Warfare Institute.
If you are interested in coming on the One CA Podcast or guest hosting an episode, contact us at CApodcasting@gmail.com
the Civil Affairs Association sponsors the One CA Podcast. Check them out at https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
On this episode, we have Jodi Harman for the HillVets Foundation (www.hillvets.org)
HillVets helps service members and their families gain policy positions on Capital Hill and is an excellent resource for accessing military support and Veterans advocacy programs.
If you are interested in coming on the One CA Podcast, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/.
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
On today's show, David Maxwell talks about grand strategy.
Col. Retired Maxwell is currently a senior fellow at FDD. He is a 30-year veteran of the United States Army, retiring in 2011 as a Special Forces Colonel with his final assignment serving on the military faculty teaching national security strategy at the National War College.
If you are interested in coming on the One CA Podcast, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com.
One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/.
Brigadier Chris Stockel comes on One CA to discuss his experience integrating Civil Affairs and Security Cooperation to improve how forces work with partner nations.
BG Stockel held various command positions within the Infantry, special forces, and Civil Affairs.
His last position was as the Commanding General of the 351 Civil Affairs Command out of Mountain View, California
In that position, he was also the senior civil affairs advisor for INDOPACOM, which included synchronizing almost all CA forces within the region.
BG Stockel worked various leadership positions outside the Reserves, including a tour with the State Department Counter-Terrorism Bureau.
Additionally, he spoke at the Council on Foreign Relations in China and testified before Congress to the House Committee on State and Foreign Operations about Iraq.
He also is the current Vice President of the Civil Affairs Association - a proud sponsor of this show.
BG Stockel has a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Trenton State and a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. He and his family live in New Jersey.
For more information, Click here for his Bio
To celebrate the holidays, One CA Podcast is featuring CSM Rick Riccio, 353 CACOM, on the piano, performing both Christmas and contemporary music for you to enjoy - whether at home or away.
The show is about 1.5 hours long, so I loaded it on four days so that people can have it repeat if they want.
List of songs (not in the play order)
God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenHome for the HolidaysI Heard the Bells on Christmas DayNighttime Reflections in E FlatSatin JazzSilver and GoldThe Most Wonderful Day of the YearRight Here WaitingLost in the 50's TonightHelloHow Deep is your loveSerenity in A MinorHoly NightRemember WhenSilent NightSunday Morning SerenityTrulyWhat Child is ThisApril LoveThe Christmas Canon
To celebrate the holidays, One CA Podcast is featuring CSM Rick Riccio, 353 CACOM, on the piano, performing both Christmas and contemporary music for you to enjoy - whether at home or away.
This is CSM Rick Riccio's (353 CACOM) second concert on the piano, performing both Christmas and contemporary music for you to enjoy - whether at home or away.
The show is about 1 hour long. This is one of four concerts.
The song list:
O Christmas Tree
Night Time Reverie
Going Home
Moon River
The Beautiful Queen
If you could read my mind
The Town's a Christmas Tree
Midnight Reverie
In the Morning Light
Beethoven R.E.
Riccio Keyboard mix
Sound of Silence
The Christmas Song
To celebrate the holidays, OneCA is featuring CSM Rick Riccio, 353 CACOM, on the piano, performing both Christmas and contemporary music for you to enjoy - whether at home or away.
List of songs (not in the play order)
God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenHome for the HolidaysI Heard the Bells on Christmas DayNighttime Reflections in E FlatSatin JazzSilver and GoldThe Most Wonderful Day of the YearRight Here WaitingLost in the 50's TonightHelloHow Deep is your loveSerenity in A MinorHoly NightRemember WhenSilent NightSunday Morning SerenityTrulyWhat Child is ThisApril LoveThe Christmas Canon
Col. John Hutcheson discusses his experience with Hiring for Heroes training, coaching, and mentoring service that helps service members and families prepare for a career outside the military.
For more information on Hiring our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org
and our guest: John Hutcheson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jshutcheson
Host: Jack Gaines: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-h-gaines/
The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Tesla Government and LC38 Brand sponsor this episode.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Jack at One CA Podcast.The music in this advertisement is from CSM Rick Riccio of the 353 Civil Affairs Command playing the piano.
CSM Riccio provided music for everyone to enjoy over the holidays as a treat for service members and families.
We have the concert starting on the 22nd and repeating through the 26th.
The concert is 1.5 hours. If you want to hear it early, the link is https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/m962hz/Riccio_Christmas_II7lfiy.mp3Enjoy
Col. Gregory Fontenot, USA Ret., is a guest host and interviews BG Pat O'Neal, USA Ret. CA operations during the launch of Operation Joint Endeavor.
Col. Fontenot commanded the First Armored Brigade of the First Armored Division and reported to BG O'Neal, the ADCS, during Operation Joint Endeavor. In this episode, Greg and Pat reflect on the Civil Affairs' role and key points to help the force.
Special thanks to our sponsors LC38 and Tesla Government
If you are interested in interviewing, have an idea for the show, or would like to guest host, contact us at capodcasting@gmail.com
Welcome to OneCA Podcast. This is a special episode to introduce CSM Rick Riccio, 353 CACOM, who plays piano and is sharing his music with the CA community. In this episode, I release one of his songs, but will also release a collection of his works on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Enjoy!
Special episode. John McElligott announces that he is leaving OneCA Podcast and introduces Jack Gaines as the new host.
If you're a show fan, it's a chance to listen and wish John well. Also, you are welcome to like, subscribe, and thank our sponsors for helping support the show.
Host: John McElligott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcelligott/
Co-host: Jack Gaines: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-h-gaines/
The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
MAJ John Burns talks about the evolution of Ghost Team at the National Training Center in California and why it matters for the future training of Civil Affairs forces.
MAJ Burns is the Senior Civil-Military Operations Trainer and Operations Officer for Ghost Team at the National Training Center.
MAJ Burns previous Civil Affairs assignments include serving as the G9 for the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Hood, TX, Commander of E Company, 83rd Civil Affairs BN, CMOC Chief for E Company, 83rd Civil Affairs BN, Team Chief for CAT 723, Bravo Company, 97th Civil Affairs BN, and Assistant Operations Officer for the 92nd Civil Affairs BN.
MAJ Burns’ Civil Affairs Deployments include Civil-Military Support Element Cambodia and supporting US Pacific Fleet in Pacific Partnership 2017 and 2018.
The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Welcome to the One CA Podcast.
In this episode, our guest host Assad Raza speaks with Stanislava Mladenova, a doctoral candidate at King’s College London, on the relationship between military and civilian entities on low-intensity conflict and state fragility.
Assad Raza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assad-raza-557727a5
Stanislava Mladenova: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stanislava-mladenova-b55aa02
The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
“Special operators may be professionals of a sort. However, until special operations designate a jurisdiction over which it has the autonomy to exercise judgment, the organization is better characterized as a bureaucracy that manages a highly skilled force.”
Host Benjamin Ordiway in conversation with professor C. Anthony Pfaff, Ph.D. of the Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute, to discuss his recent article in Parameters, “Professionalizing Special Operations Forces.”
We also talk a little about my ongoing work on coaching moral reasoning & ethical decision-making in field-training environments. This work is sponsored by the 1st Special Forces Command.
Benjamin Ordiway, former 92 CA and now a philosophy instructor at US military academy, interviews Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff (Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.), who is currently the research professor for Strategy, the Military Profession and Ethics at the Strategic Studies Institute and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
Dr. Pfaff has published "Proxy War Ethics" by the Journal of National Security Law and Policy, Military Ethics below the Threshold of War, in Parameters (Vol 50, No. 3), "The Ethics of Acquiring Disruptive Military Technologies," in the Texas National Security Review (Vol. 3, No. 1), "Western and Chinese Ways of War and their Ethics," in Parameters (Vol. 52, No. 1), "The Future of US-Iraq Relations," by the Atlantic Council.
Host: Benjamin Ordiway, https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminordiway
Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-anthony-pfaff-phd-2b42349/
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org.
Sponsorship links:
Tesla Government: https://teslagov.com
LC38 Brand: https://lc38brand.com
Third Order Effects: https://www.thirdordereffects.com
Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich discuss their study of US civil affairs and NATO CIMIC doctrine.
Commissioned by the NATO CIMIC Centre of Excellence, the document compares and contrasts the two capabilities’ doctrinal tasking and highlights shared challenges.
The CIMIC doctrine also charts a potential path forward, through which civil affairs and CIMIC might make an evidence-based case to the forces they support for the value of their outputs and their worthiness for better integration and resourcing.
Dr. Krohley is the founder of FrontLine Advisory and proprietor of www.civilreconnaissance.com. Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich is the branch chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities at the NATO-accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich discuss their study of US civil affairs and NATO CIMIC doctrine. Commissioned by the NATO CIMIC Centre of Excellence, the document compares and contrasts the two capabilities’ doctrinal tasking and highlights shared challenges.
It also charts a potential path forward, through which civil affairs and CIMIC might make an evidence-based case to the forces they support for the value of their outputs and their worthiness for better integration and resourcing.
Dr. Krohley is the founder of FrontLine Advisory and proprietor of www.civilreconnaissance.com. Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich is the branch chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities at the NATO-accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich discuss their study of US civil affairs and NATO CIMIC doctrine. Commissioned by the NATO CIMIC Centre of Excellence, the document compares and contrasts the two capabilities’ doctrinal tasking and highlights shared challenges.
It also charts a potential path forward, through which civil affairs and CIMIC might make an evidence-based case to the forces they support for the value of their outputs and their worthiness for better integration and resourcing.
Dr. Krohley is the founder of FrontLine Advisory and proprietor of www.civilreconnaissance.com. Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich is the branch chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities at the NATO-accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
US Army Reserve Majors Brian Hancock and Jack Gaines discuss the Theater Information Advantage Element (TIAE). Major Hancock is G9, 79th Theater Sustainment Command. Major Gaines is CA and Public Affairs Officer, who consults on strategy and policy in the DC area.
For more information about the TIAE, check out the presentation Majors Hancock and Gaines provided as a part of the SMA Speaker Series in January 2022.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
US Army Reserve Majors Brian Hancock and Jack Gaines discuss the Theater Information Advantage Element (TIAE). Major Hancock is G9, 79th Theater Sustainment Command. Major Gaines is CA and Public Affairs Officer, who consults on strategy and policy in the DC area.
For more information about the TIAE, check out the presentation Majors Hancock and Gaines provided as a part of the SMA Speaker Series in January 2022.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
John McElligott, host of the One CA Podcast, reflects on the past 100 episodes. He shares some statistics of the most downloaded shows, information about the growing audience, and ideas for the future of the show.
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
John McElligott, host of the One CA Podcast, reflects on the past 100 episodes. He shares some statistics of the most downloaded shows, information about the growing audience, and ideas for the future of the show.
The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
US Army Reserve Majors Brian Hancock and Jack Gaines discuss the Theater Information Advantage Element (TIAE). Major Hancock is G9, 79th Theater Sustainment Command. Major Gaines is Public Affairs Officer, Cyber National Mission Force.
For more information about the TIAE, check out the presentation Majors Hancock and Gaines provided as a part of the SMA Speaker Series in January 2022.
Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Brigadier General Chris Dziubek, Commanding General of the 351st Civil Affairs Command, US Army Reserve, talks about his priorities, training exercises in the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility, and how you can get honest feedback from Soldiers before jumping out of an airplane. General Dziubek enlisted in 1986 into Field Artillery, commissioned through ROTC, and entered active duty in Aviation. He completed the Armor Officer Advanced Course and served in a few Engineer units. He later joined Civil Affairs and commanded troops at the company, battalion, and brigade echelons.
Hosted and produced by John McElligott. One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Mark Delaney, who served for the US Army in the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, talks about why he chose CA and how skills he gathered translate into life after the military. Hosted by John McElligott.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Music by Coma Studio.
Colonel Marco Bongioanni, a US Army Reserve Civil Affairs officer, discusses the Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer program and how it connects to Civil Affairs. We discuss what missions EPLOs conduct, where they serve, who qualifies to become an EPLO, and how people can apply. Hosted by John McElligott.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Music by Coma Studio.
Contact your US military command for details about the EPLO program and how to apply.
Major General Jeffrey C. Coggin, Commanding General, U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) presents updates called “USACAPOC(A) and Global Civil-Military Networking in an Era of Strategic Competition." His remarks were delivered during the 2022 CA Roundtable hosted by the Civil Affairs Association. Moderated by retired Major General Daniel R. Ammerman, Vice President, Civil Affairs Association.
Recorded during the 2022 CA Roundtable.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Colonel Caroline Pogge leads a discussion about Operation Allies Refuge to evacuate at-risk Afghans and resettle them in the United States. Colonel Pogge is G39 Civil Affairs Planning Team Chief, U.S. Army Europe & Africa.
Guests include: Deanna Swainer, American Red Cross; Colleen Denny, Spirit of America; Tyler Waterhouse, Department of State - Population, Refugees and Migration; Josh Mater, Department of State - Population, Refugees and Migration; Gina Kassem, Department of State - Population, Refugees and Migration (Camp Liya); Master Sergeant Larry Lloyd, USAREUR-AF G39 OAR Lead Planner; Major Susan Graler, 361st Civil Affairs Brigade Detachment Leader; and Captain Josh Black, B Company, 415th Civil Affairs CAT Leader, Camp Liya (Kosovo).
Recorded during the 2021 CA Symposium.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Vish Odedra works for the National Health Service and St. John Ambulance in London. He also serves as a reservist in the British Army and is an active member of the Civil Affairs Association and UK Fight Club. Vish is sharing his experience from the whole of society approach to the national COVID-19 vaccination in 2021, which included civil-military, law enforcement, and private organizations coordination and cooperation in the UK. Hosted by Assad Raza. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Greg Banner, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the US Army, discusses his recommendations for training for unconventional warfare. He wrote an article for the December 2021 issue of Army Magazine published by AUSA. Lt Col Banner spent time with US Army Special Forces and Civil Affairs.
Hosted and produced by John McElligott. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Chris Bryant, special operations medical sergeant with the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, discusses social media and how it applies to CA forces. Chris handles some social media accounts for the Civil Affairs Association.
Hosted and produced by John McElligott. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Part 3 of the Civil Affairs Issue Papers presented during the 2021 Civil Affairs Symposium. Facilitated by retired Brigadier General Bruce Bingham. Presenters are Major Jim Munene and Staff Sergeant Courtney Mulhern, who discuss ways to build a global civil-military network by going back to the basics.
Produced by John McElligott. Music by Broke for Free. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Part 2 of the Civil Affairs Issue Papers presented during the 2021 Civil Affairs Symposium. Facilitated by retired Brigadier General Bruce Bingham. The first presenters are Colonel Brad Hughes, Lieutenant Colonel Tyson Voelkel, and Major Giancarlo Newsome, who discuss innovation as a weapon system. After the break, Sergeant First Class Nicholas (Jon) Kempenich, Jr., argues for expansion of operations NCOs for security cooperation.
Produced by John McElligott. Music by Broke for Free. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Part 1 of the Civil Affairs Issue Papers presented during the 2021 Civil Affairs Symposium. Facilitated by retired Brigadier General Bruce Bingham. The first presenters are Hayden Bassett, PhD, and Lieutenant Kate Harrell, PhD, who discuss the 38G Military Government Specialist program. After the break, Colonel Marco A. Bongioanni discusses individualism and collectivism.
Produced by John McElligott. Music by Broke for Free. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38 Brand. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Brigade commanders of the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC) speak as panelists for USACAPOC(A) Command Strategic Initiatives in Civil-Military Networking. The panel discussion was a part of the virtual 2021 Civil Affairs Web Symposium. Facilitated by Colonel Marshall Straus Scantlin. Panelists include Colonel Keith K. Kelly, Commander, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade; Colonel Reginald J. Kornegay, Commander, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade; and Colonel William J. Smith, 308th Civil Affairs Brigade.
Edited by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Part 2 of a two-part series. Ryan McCannell moderates an interagency panel discussion about Civil Affairs in the U.S. National Security Strategy. Speakers include Andrea Freeman of the National Security Council, Jason Ladnier of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations, Ciara Knudsen of the USAID Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation, and Pat Antonietti of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Stability & Humanitarian Affairs.
The discussion was recorded during the 2021 Civil Affairs Roundtable.
Edited and produced by John McElligott.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Part 1 of a two-part series. Ryan McCannell moderates an interagency panel discussion about Civil Affairs in the U.S. National Security Strategy. Opening remarks from retired Colonel Chris Holshek. Speakers include Andrea Freeman of the National Security Council, Jason Ladnier of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations, Ciara Knudsen of the USAID Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation, and Pat Antonietti of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Stability & Humanitarian Affairs.
The discussion was recorded during the 2021 Civil Affairs Roundtable.
Edited and produced by John McElligott.
Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Zach Hyleman and Captain Kevin Chapla discuss the Foreign Area Officer program and the connection with Civil Affairs.
Hosted by John McElligott. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government and LC 38.
Part 2 of a two-part series on Civil Affairs in Regional Competition for Influence. Moderated by retired Brigadier General Chris Stockel, panelists include Dr. R. Evan Ellis of the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute and retired Colonel Timothy Faulkner of the United States Army Pacific Command G-2.
This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government.
Part 1 of a two-part series on Civil Affairs in Regional Competition for Influence. Moderated by retired Brigadier General Chris Stockel, panelists include Howard Gambrill Clark, PhD, retired Colonel David Des Roches, and retired Colonel Daniel Hampton, all of whom work at the National Defense University.
This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government.
Sergeant First Class Josh Spiers shares his perspective of a deployment his Civil Affairs Team had to San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government. Hosted and produced by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Major Lauren Holl discusses the deployment of her Civil Affairs Team to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsored by Tesla Government. Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
CPT Josh Bedingfield discusses Human Network Analysis with host Sean Acosta. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government and the Civil Affairs Association.
This is part 2 of a two-part discussion with retired Lieutenant General Eric Wesley, who was keynote speaker at the 2021 CA Roundtable. The former Deputy Commanding General, US Army Futures Command, discusses "Civil Competition - Civil Affairs in the era of Great Power Competition."
This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
This is part 1 of a two-part discussion with retired Lieutenant General Eric Wesley, who was keynote speaker at the 2021 CA Roundtable. The former Deputy Commanding General, US Army Futures Command, discusses "Civil Competition - Civil Affairs in the era of Great Power Competition."
This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
U.S. Army Major General Hugh Van Roosen reflects on his career in Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations. He offers some keen insight and recommendations for the future force.
Sponsored by Tesla Government. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Hosted and produced by John McElligott. Music by Broke For Free.
Brigadier General Jeffrey Coggin, Commanding General of USACAPOC(A), discusses his vision of Civil Affairs, what role CA may play in large scale combat operations, and whether CA, Psychological Operations, and Information Operations may increasingly train together in the future.
Episode sponsored by Tesla Government.
Colonel Mattia Zuzzi, Commander of the Multinational CIMIC Group, discusses the organization's mission and capabilities. Hosted by Major James Micciche. Sponsored by Tesla Government.
Jonathan Papoulidis, Fellow at Columbia World Projects and Executive Advisor on Fragile States for World Vision, discusses country coordination platforms, a new path for development cooperation, and how CA personnel play a role.
Sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Colonel Frank van Boxmeer, Director of the NATO Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence, discusses the CCOE, its priorities, and a CA-CIMIC synch project, with host Major Assad Raza. Sponsored by Tesla Government. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
LTC Matthias Wasinger, PhD, a General Staff Officer for the Österreichisches Bundesheer (Austrian Armed Forces) discusses European strategy and security policy with host CPT James Micciche of the US Army. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
This short episode requests guests who are ready to share what they include in a capabilities brief. We also request individuals willing to conduct some interviews for the show. Please rate the show so others can find it and enjoy the guest speakers.
Maj Rob Boudreau interviews Lt Col Jahn Olson and Lt Col Korvin Kraics about their experiences with Civil Affairs in III Marine Expeditionary Force. Music by Broke For Free. The One CA Podcast is supported by the Civil Affairs Association.
LTC Albert Augustine, G9 of the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), discusses CA missions in Africa. Hosted by CPT James Micciche. Music by Broke For Free. The One CA Podcast is supported by the Civil Affairs Association.
Maj Rob Boudreau speaks with retired Lt Col Justin Constantine about his deployment to Iraq, projects his team continued or created, and overcoming adversity.
John Steed, Director of Geospatial Services for Tesla Government, discusses geographic information systems (GIS) and how they apply to Civil Affairs forces. One CA is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. Music by Broke For Free.
Dr. Carrick Longley and Stephen Hunnewell of IST Research discuss Digital Civil Reconnaissance and how it supports Civil Affairs missions. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government. It was produced by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is supported by the Civil Affairs Association. Music by Broke for Free. The book referenced is "The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare," by Christian Brose.
Joe Pastorek discusses 95th Civil Affairs Brigade's Advanced Skills Detachment with host Sean Acosta. This episode was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Lauren Ladenson, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Holmes, and Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Kouri discuss US Africa Command's Defense Support to Stabilization (DSS) with host Sean Acosta. This episode was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
CPT Al Oh and SGM Chris Melendez discuss civil reconnaissance including the fundamentals of reconnaissance and its application across multiple domains. This episode is hosted and produced by Sean Acosta. This episode was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
E. Casey Wardynski, PhD, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, discusses the modern talent management system and how it applies to the CA force. Dr. Wardynski is the godfather of Army talent management. This episode was produced and edited by John McElligott. Tesla Government is the sponsor. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel T. Scott Dickerson discusses outcomes from the Civil Affairs Force Modernization Assessment. This episode was produced by Sarah Kelly. Tesla Government sponsored the episode. The One CA podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.
Major Ashley Holzmann discusses his research on the history of US propaganda and psychological operations. Hosted by Major Assad Raza. Produced by Captain John McElligott. This episode was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Doowan Lee of Zignal Labs discusses innovating influence intelligence, collaborative information systems, network analysis and great power competition. Hosted by LTC Arnel David. Produced by CPT John McElligott. This episode was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Lieutenant Colonel Marco Bongioanni discusses the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and how it applies to the civil affairs community.
Hosted and produced by John McElligott. Sponsored by Tesla Government. Sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Paul Giannone served with the 29th Civil Affairs Company as an Army medic and public health advisor during the Vietnam conflict. Through a career in public health and development work, Paul witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in recent history. Paul wrote about these adventures in his memoir, A Life in Dark Places, published by Torchflame Books. Learn more about Paul on his website.
This episode was hosted and produced by John McElligott. It was sponsored by Tesla Government. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
LTC Jeff Uherka and COL Steve Barry of Joint Task Force - Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, discuss Civil Affairs forces in Central and South America. Episode sponsored by Tesla Government. Hosted by John McElligott, under the auspices of the Civil Affairs Association.
John Barsa, Acting Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), discusses how his experience in Civil Affairs informs his work at USAID. He also mentions the breadth of USAID work around the globe, how COVID-19 may change USAID operations, the staff reorganization at USAID, and advice for young NCOs and officers in the CA community. Hosted and edited by John McElligott. Brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association. This episode is sponsored by Tesla Government.
Host Sean Acosta discusses Narrative Warfare with Dr. Ajit Maan. Dr. Maan is CEO of the award winning think-and-do-tank Narrative Strategies, Professor of Politics and Global Security at Arizona State University, Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Narrative Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, Faculty at the Center for the Future of War, Member of the Brain Trust of the Weaponized Narrative Initiative, and author of seven books including Counter-Terrorism: Narrative Strategies, Narrative Warfare, and Plato’s Fear.
Karen Walsh and Bron Morrison of Dexis Consulting Group share their perspectives on development, working with the military, and the Dexis approach.
MAJ Brian Hancock and Dr. Timothy Darr discuss their submission to the Civil Affairs Association "Call for Papers." Their submission, titled Integrating Civil Affairs Through the Application of Battlefield-Relevant Civil Information Management, discusses a future product of Civil Information Management and its relevance.
The submission can be read at: https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/post/2019-20-civil-affairs-issue-papers-integrating-civil-affairs
U.S. Army Colonel Steve Battle discusses the Civil Affairs staff responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Korea. Colonel Battle serves as the G9 for Eighth Army.
U.S. Army Civil Affairs officers Lieutenant Colonel Rachel Sullivan and Major Mike Karlson discuss their work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea and how they adapted to deliver valuable Civil Information Management products and CA support to staff operations.
Lynn Copeland, PhD, Civil Information Chief for the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence discusses the future of Civil Information Management, including tools CA forces will use in the field to collect and analyze civil information. Dr. Copeland encourages anyone in industry with tech solutions to support CA to contact her by email and pitch your concept. Produced and edited by John McElligott.
Part 2 of an interview with SFC Peterson and SSGs Bryant and McKneely. In this part of the interview we discuss recruiting through social media platforms, where we fall short in training, and how Civil Affairs NCOs can leverage the resources available and NCO experience to train develop soldiers at the unit level.
SFC Matthew Peterson and SSGs Christopher Bryant and Hailey McKneely join the podcast to give NCO perspectives on improving Civil Affairs doctrine, training, team organization and more in this two part series.
"If you just keep it all internalized, all it does is create this vicious cycle where people like complaining and there is never a solution. You just end up wallowing in your own discontent, rolling around in it, getting dirtier and it just brings each other down."
- SFC Peterson on issues from the Team Room
MAJ Ian Duke discusses his recent paper, "Civil Knowledge Battalion: Integrating Civil Affairs Information with the Information Environment." MAJ Duke placed 3rd in the Civil Affairs Issue Papers presented in Tampa, Fl at the 2019 CA Symposium. His paper is one of five that will be published by the Civil Affairs Association's partners.
This interview is with MAJ James Ontiveros, whom has published an article in Special Warfare about "Megacities and Dense Urban Areas." He discusses many of the issues facing both the Civil Affairs Community and the US Military with the rise of these dense urban areas. He also discusses the importance of the 38G program and how important CA doctrine will be as the future of CA operations is changing.
Captains Kevin Chapla, James Micciche, and Kyle Staron discuss their paper "Civil Affairs as a Function of Smart Power: Redefining Assessments, Reporting, Education, and the Role of Civil Affairs within the Evolving Paradigm of Great Power Competition." Theirs was one of a few CA Issues Papers selected by the Civil Affairs Association for publication.
Lieutenant Colonel Sue Gannon reflects on her time as commander of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, discussing her experience leading an Army Reserve CA Battalion, what it's like to be a Ready Force unit, and airborne training in the reserve.
Author Sean McFate, PhD, discusses his book The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder and its application to Civil Affairs. Episode sponsored by Third order Effects at www.thirdordereffects.com
Author Sean McFate, PhD, discusses his book The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder and its application to Civil Affairs. Episode sponsored by Third order Effects at www.thirdordereffects.com
Abubakr Elnoor, PhD, discusses life in Darfur, the conflict there, and his research into the driving forces for violent extremism and terrorist recruitment.
Major Devin Conley discusses the Civil Affairs experience at National Training Center rotations. Hosted by Sergeant Sarah Kelly. Sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Retired General Anthony Zinni presents his argument for a unified, interagency command to bring together Civil Affairs forces and personnel from the Department of State, USAID, etc. General Zinni also tells the story of his nickname "The Godfather."
CSM Garric Banfield, Command Sergeant Major of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade at Fort Bragg, NC, discusses the 95th mission and organization and offers tips for current and future CA non-commissioned officers.
Justin Richmond describes the Impl. Project, a non-profit Justin founded which brings together professional expertise from the fields of diplomacy, development, and technology. The Impl. Project is known for community-led, data-driven solutions for international development and stability.
Connect with Justin Richmond on LinkedIn.
Alexandra Lamarche, Advocate for Sub-Saharan Africa at Refugees International, discusses the internally displaced people and humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.
Alexandra was interviewed by J. David Thompson in his first episode as One CA podcast host. He is a Civil Affairs Major in the Army Reserve. We're so fortunate he agreed to join the One CA team! Connect with Major Thompson on LinkedIn.
Jamie Schwandt, Major in the Army Reserve, talks about swarm intelligence, swarm learning, red teams, and how they relate to Civil Affairs. We also discuss lessons learned from Ender's Game. Major Schwandt is a prolific writer. Learn more about him and his ideas at https://www.jamieschwandt.com/
Colonel Jay Liddick and Lieutenant Colonel Scott Dickerson discuss the ongoing Force Modernization Assessment, its phases, and potential outcomes for Army Civil Affairs. Colonel Liddick is the CA Commandant and Lieutenant Colonel Scott Dickerson is the Chief of Concept Development, JFK Special Warfare Center and School.
Narayan Khadka, PhD, discusses Nepal, the caste system, and training Army and Marine Corps Civil Affairs. Dr. Khadka is a Psychological Cultural Anthropologist, and holds a doctorate in ethnic and cultural conflict from Nova Southeastern University, and three master’s degrees in conflict resolution, political science, and law from New Delhi, Katmandu, and Greensboro, NC. Originally a refugee from civil war in Nepal, he specializes in the pathology of family and community trauma and breakdown from violent extremism and extremist identity ideology.
Colonel Jay Liddick, CA Commandant, and Lieutenant Colonel Scott Dickerson, Chief of Concept Development, discuss CA in large scale combat operations.
COL Liddick and LTC Dickerson co-authored with Major Linda Chung a paper titled, "Calibrating Civil Affairs Forces for Lethality in Large Scale Combat Operations. Published in Small Wars Journal, the authors argue that, in the future operating environment of Multi-Domain Operations, "CA must counter enemy hybrid warfare in the expanded battlefield, specifically in operational and tactical support areas, as part of an integrated security team through civil reconnaissance, civil network analysis, and civil network development."
Major Giancarlo Newsome and Captain Jesse Elmore discuss taking the 38G Military Government Specialist program from strategy to reality.
Their article, "Civil Affairs 38G Functional Specialists: From Strategy to Reality," tied for third place at the 2018 CA Symposium. It was published in the 2018-2019 Civil Affairs Issue Papers on "Optimizing Civil Affairs." Copies are available to download on the Civil Affairs Association website.
Nicholas Krohley, PhD, Founder of FrontLine Advisory, and author of "The Death of the Mehdi Army," discusses human terrain and the need for better processes to integrate the mission of Civil Affairs with other elements of the military.
Dale Yeager, CEO, Seraph the Problem Solving Company, provides tips to keep you safe when traveling abroad.
Host John McElligott. Background song "Something Elated" by Broke For Free.
Cori Wegener, Director, Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative, discusses cultural heritage preservation, Monuments Men, black market sales of antiquities, the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield, and work in Syria and Iraq.
Background song "Something Elated" by Broke For Free.
Major General Darrell Guthrie, Commander, US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), discusses the command, his priorities and vision for Civil Affairs, and whether CA has a sales problem.
Kwadjo Owusu-Sarfo, PhD, is a cultural conflict sociologist with Valka-Mir Human Security, LLC. We discuss Ghanaian culture, the Dagbon conflict, his research related to Boko Haram, and how Civil Affairs forces could better integrate with host communities.
Manya Dotson shares her views of a career in the NGO community and differences between development and defense. We also discuss the need for more mental health support for NGO workers. Music courtesy of Broke for Free.
Major Wyatt Hughes discusses his experience training the Central Readiness Force, a component of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. Major Hughes had been a member of the Army Reserve Engagement Team - Japan. Haiko drum music courtesy of Bensound.
Bonus episode with Ryan McCannell of USAID. We discuss the future of Civil Affairs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ryan McCannell of USAID discusses his paper "The Evolution of Civil Affairs and Interagency Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa," which won the top prize among the Civil Affairs Issue Papers presented at the 2018 Symposium at Ft. Bragg, NC.
Lieutenant Colonel Arnel David, co-author of Strategy in the 21st Century: People, Connectivity, and Competition, discusses the book and offers some tips for junior NCOs and officers in Civil Affairs. Available on Amazon, the book calls for rethinking how the U.S. national security community approaches population-centric warfare and strategic competition in the 21st century.
Michael Coates and Mark Grimes, creators of the Startup Radio Network, discuss their programs and how Civil Affairs members and veterans can start their own ventures.
Sergeant First Class Max Steiner and Major Mazi Markel discuss recommendations in their CA Issue Paper titled, "Developing Civil Affairs: Increasing Soldier Flexibility and Doctrinal Specificity."
Diana Parzik, Major in the Army Reserve, discusses the role and capabilities of the USAID Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation.
Captain Will Ibrahim, S-9 of 2/1 CAV, discusses how an Armored Brigade Combat Team sees Civil Affairs and how CA units can work successfully with a heavy unit.
Attendees of the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting answer the question of "What is Civil Affairs?"
Scott Fisher is an Army Officer whom has worked alongside CA in Information Operations. He is an Assistant Professor at NJ City University and has just received his PhD. His focus areas are: Information Warfare, US National Security Challenges in East Asia, and Open Source Intelligence.
Aleks Nesic and James Patrick Christian of Valka-Mir discuss advanced social science research and courses they've designed for Civil Affairs and the human domain.
Norm Cotton, retired Colonel of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) discusses his career in Civil Affairs and current work for the IDA on Department of Defense policy.
Recommended reading from Colonel Cotton includes: A Bell for Adano, by John Hersey, and Clausewitz Delusion: How the American Army Screwed up the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (A Way Forward), by Stephen L. Melton
Kevin Melton, Senior Civil-Military Transition Assistance Specialist, USAID Office of Transition Initiatives, discusses OTI's structure and functions and connection to Civil Affairs. He highlights the Stabilization Assistance Review, a report drafted by DoD, State, and USAID.
Dr. Larry Hufford from St. Mary's Universary of San Antonio, TX, discusses the current situation in Northern Ireland, why lasting peace is so difficult, and what effect Brexit might have.
Recorded and edited by Sarah Kelly. Music "Kowloon Park Singers" by Robert Gilks
SFC Valor Breez and CPT Jarrett Redman discuss their winning paper titled, "Beyond Hearts & Minds: Transforming the Civil Affairs Regiment to Consolidate Gains in 21st Century Warfare." The paper was published in Volume 4 of 2017-2018 Civil Affairs Issue Papers published by PKSOI. Their co-author was SFC Sean Acosta.
John Stefula, Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, discusses the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) and the implications of their mission for Civil Affairs. He also talks about the value of company and field-grade CA members sharing their lessons learned from training and deployments.
Call for Papers by the Civil Affairs Association.
Michael Schwille, Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, discusses his growth in Civil Affairs, experiences in Iraq and Djibouti, and how civilian work with the RAND Corporation relates to CA.
Find Major Schwille on LinkedIn.
Check out the Civil Affairs Association online for a Call for Papers and upcoming events.
Gonul Tol, founding director of the Middle East Institute's Center for Turkish Studies, discusses Turkey and Turkish relations in the region.
Roberto Carmack received his PhD in Central Asian and Russian history. He is a Specialist at the 450th Civil Affairs Batallion (Airborne), U.S. Army Reserve. Roberto discusses Russian actions and the way ahead in the region.
Sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association. Produced and edited by John McElligott.
Sean Acosta, Sergeant First Class, USA, is an Instructor at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS). He discusses lessons learned from deployments and how his current role at the CA "schoolhouse" is helping to create the next generation of CA Soldiers.
Sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association. Hosted and edited by John McElligott.
Valerie Jackson, Colonel, USMC, is Commander of the 4th Civil Affairs Group, US Marine Corps. She discusses her journey in Civil Affairs and how the Marine Corps differs from the Army approach to Civil Affairs. She closes with some helpful tips for junior Marines.
Hosted and edited by John McElligott.
Episode 1 of One CA features Jon May, Research Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern California. Dr. May describes his work on a DARPA-funded artificial intelligence project called Low Resource Languages for Emergent Incidents (LORELEI) and its connections with HA/DR operations for Civil Affairs. One CA is sponsored by the Civil Affairs Association.
Hosted and edited by John McElligott.