#31 - COL(R) JP Gresh

What crisis was central to your experience working at a U.S. embassy abroad, for better or worse? Join me in a discussion with COL(R) JP Gresh to discuss his  experiences in Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans. The conversation highlights key moments such as the 2013-2014 Ukraine crisis, the challenges of security cooperation in Estonia, and the complexities of working in Russia. Additionally, Gresh shares insights into balancing professional and personal life with a spouse in the Department of State, and offers advice for future FAOs on training, career growth, and the importance of adaptability and maintaining strong interagency relationships. COL(R) Grech also serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the FAOA Journal.   Books/Organizations Discussed Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb All the Kremlin’s Men, Mikhail Zygar Between Two Fires, Joshua Yaffa Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, Peter Pomerantsev FPRI (Foreign Policy Research Institute), www.fpri.org  FAOA Journal, www.faoajournal.substack.com     00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers 00:46 Meet Colonel JP Gresh 01:33 Early Military Career 02:51 Discovering the FAO Path 03:51 Experiences in Germany and the Balkans 05:52 Reflections on Iraq 10:37 Ukraine: First FAO Utilization Tour 13:47 The 2014 Ukrainian Crisis 15:57 US-Ukraine Military Relations 19:52 Strategic Insights on Russia and NATO 29:44 Lessons from UCOM and Security Cooperation 50:54 Balancing Dual Careers in the FAO World 54:14 Reflecting on Professional Challenges and Lessons Learned 56:44 Navigating a Tandem Career in the Department of State 57:19 Insights on Managing Dual Professional Careers 59:33 Experiences and Challenges in Russia 01:01:10 The Complex Relationship Between the U.S. and Russia 01:05:48 Living and Working in Moscow 01:08:54 Surveillance and Daily Life in Moscow 01:12:46 Diplomatic Restrictions and Challenges 01:18:27 Family Life and Safety in Russia 01:23:33 Post-Retirement and Contributions to the FAO Community 01:28:28 Reflections on FAO Training and Career 01:44:22 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice