In this episode of the MWI Podcast, we’re joined by Col. Curt Taylor, commander of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB). The SFAB he commands is the final of five such units that the Army has established. It was formally activated in May, but he took command a year ago, which means he has an interesting perspective on everything that goes into creating such a unique unit.

He describes that process of standing up an SFAB, including how SFABs recruit and select officers and noncommissioned officers for the advising mission. The conversation also covers a range of other topics, including the role of advising in an era of great-power competition. Col. Taylor makes a compelling case that this capability—of advising partner military forces around the world—is especially important in that context.

Listen to the full conversation below, and be sure to subscribe to the MWI Podcast wherever you get your podcasts—Apple PodcastsStitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favorite podcast app.

 

Image credit: Spc. Andrew McNeil, US Army