In this episode of The Foreign Area Officer Podcast, Major Sergio Salazar recounts his journey from Puerto Rico to becoming a Spanish instructor at the United States Military Academy. He reflects on his early life, influenced by his brothers and a USMC father, his ambitions in law enforcement and mixed martial arts, and his eventual career in the Army. Major Salazar discusses his extensive deployments in Europe, participation in military exercises such as Atlantic Resolve and Cobra Gold, and his path to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). We also discuss West Point's foreign language program and Projects Day, emphasizing the inclusion of security cooperation-focused projects and international collaborations, and the crucial role of cultural and linguistic expertise in military operations.

Is your FAO family prepared to evacuate?

In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, @Anna and COL(R) @Brian Linville, reflect on their extensive experiences and challenges as a FAO family in Libya during the Arab Spring. Brian details his military background and transition to FAO while Anna shares her journey from U.S. Air Force linguist to musician and FAO spouse, culminating in the publication of her book “Broadway in Benghazi.” They discuss relationship-building, the importance of cultural immersion, and evacuation during the Libyan Revolution. The episode also touches on the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the importance of FAOs documenting their experiences for posterity and the community.

Broadway in Benghazi details Anna’s personal and family life as an Airwoman, Musician, and FAO spouse. It is an incredibly candid and personal account of life Anna’s and family leading up to the Arab Spring in Libya. It is available in hardback, paperback and digital. To purchase a copy, visit www.annalinvill.com or https://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Benghazi-Tragedy-Diplomatic-Gaddafis/dp/B0CTBH53RR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S24U1CLV64GE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kpmpGxd8EjeIlmUWKtnw6G6i4mstig2eNh10JDf5A_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.LjtjCyBpLhUy71VsZd6cK4DK-RhIXM9yvdf9E4qmT5I&dib_tag=se&keywords=broadway+in+benghazi&qid=1718324826&sprefix=broadway+in+ben%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:42 Meet Anna and Brian Linville

01:04 Brian's Journey to Becoming a FAO

07:12 Anna's Unique Path to the Military

09:53 The Importance of Language Skills

14:23 The Role of FAO Spouses

16:49 Adventures and Challenges of Military Life

25:50 Anna's Musical Journey

32:32 Building Relationships in Libya

36:49 The Strategic Value of Relationships

46:06 Building Crucial Relationships

47:05 Unexpected Allies in the Revolution

49:00 Theater and Political Satire

51:58 The Revolution's Dark Turn

54:58 A Shift to Peace Activism

01:01:29 Writing 'Broadway in Benghazi'

01:05:37 Diplomatic Life and Personal Stories

01:11:56 Preparing for Libya

01:14:46 A Detainment Story

01:25:30 Post-Detention Reflections

01:26:03 The Importance of JMAS Training

01:27:22 Evacuation from Libya Begins

01:28:43 Tensions and Preparations

01:29:44 The Uprising and Its Impact

01:34:10 Evacuation Attempts and Challenges

01:37:25 Final Departure and Reflections

01:45:15 Tribute to Chris Stevens

01:50:23 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion