#28 - LTC Lemar Farhad, USA

This episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast delves into the unique background of LTC Lemar Farhad, USA, tracing his journey from a culturally diverse upbringing and Afghan heritage to his pivotal role in the U.S. Army. Lemar shares his transition into the FAO program, starting with his early assignments as an infantry and intelligence officer and detailing his first exposure to U.S. embassies and defense cooperation. Through captivating anecdotes, he highlights his significant assignments, including his work in Special Operations Command Europe, his impactful tenure as the ODC Chief in Kuala Lumpur, and his current role in Korea focusing on non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). The conversation also explores challenges in leadership, the importance of understanding cultural contexts, and the value of reading to gain diverse perspectives. Lemar's journey exemplifies the integration of strategic thinking and operational expertise, emphasizing the art of diplomacy and the FAO community's crucial role in global defense and cooperation.   Articles: Reimagining Policing in America—A Complete Institutional Overhaul by LTC Lemar Farhad   Books Discussed:  2034 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN 2054 by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis USN Ghost fleet by P.W. Singer   00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:46 Meet the Guest: Lemar Farhad 01:04 Transition to FAO: From Field to Strategy 02:04 First Impressions of FAOs 03:33 The Path to Monterey 04:36 Language Training at DLI 12:12 Unexpected Assignment: Malaysia 13:34 Experiences at the Malaysian Staff College 14:35 Return to the U.S. and Grad School 19:33 First Assignment at CENTCOM 21:20 Challenges and Lessons at CENTCOM 26:21 Mentorship and Professional Development 34:16 Transition to J2 at CENTCOM 36:34 Introduction to Central Asia Desk 37:05 Building Relationships in Central Asia 38:03 Challenges of Language and Culture 39:16 Innovative Security Cooperation Programs 41:21 Impact of COVID-19 on Operations 42:39 Personal Heritage and Career Impact 44:00 Father's Academic Journey 46:40 Early Life and Cultural Identity 47:51 Deployment to Afghanistan Post-9/11 48:53 Unique Assignment with Special Forces 01:05:37 Transition to MI and Multiple Deployments 01:07:52 Reconnecting with the Intelligence Community 01:08:37 Special Operations Command in Europe 01:09:08 First Country Team Assignment in Malaysia 01:11:20 Challenges with a Difficult Deputy 01:14:22 Leadership and Team Dynamics 01:20:50 Current Role in Korea: NEO Operations 01:39:48 The Importance of Reading and Fiction 01:45:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections