Photo by Anton Lecock via Unsplash
Episode 3 of The Pardee Atlas Podcast focuses on the role of a Foreign Area Officer in global affairs with specific focus on the African continent. Our hosts, Karl Wright and Clare Budin, interviewed Major Jaytoine Milledge, alumnus of the Pardee School of Global Studies. Major Milledge talks about his personal experience serving with the US military, his personal connection with the African continent, the prominent role of the Continent and its diverse population in global affairs.
MAJ Milledge was born and raised in Detroit, MI with three other siblings. He attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2012. He also attended Boston University in Boston, MA where he earned a Master of Arts in International Relations in 2023. MAJ Milledge enlisted in the U.S. Army as an OCS candidate in 2012. He attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Moore, GA. Following BCT he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Moore, GA where he earned a commission in 2013 as a Field Artillery Officer.
In 2022, MAJ Milledge successfully transitioned to the Foreign Area Officer branch as a 48J, Sub-Saharan Africa Foreign Area Officer.MAJ Milledge has served in several key positions. He served as a Platoon Fire Direction Officer, Platoon Leader and Battery Executive Officer at 214th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, OK. He served as a Battalion Fire Support Officer at 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (1ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division where he deployed to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in 2018. He also served as a Battery Commander at the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1/1 CD.
He most recently served as an Advisor Team Leader in 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade where he planned, prepared and conducted advising missions in support of ongoing CENTCOM operations. MAJ Milledge’s most notable military education includes the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course, Defense Language Institute French Course, Joint Firepower Course, Joint Air Operations Command and Control Course, Echelons Above Brigade Air Planning Course and the Security Force Assistance Training Course. MAJ Milledge’s military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Army Achievement Medal (AAM) and the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC). He was also inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the patron Saint of Field Artillery.
MAJ Milledge is a proud husband to his wife Jasmine and a devoted father to his two young sons, Brayden and Camden. MAJ Milledge currently resides in Dakar, Senegal and his family resides in Dallas, TX.
Credits:
Host: Karl Wright and Clare Budin
Editor: Rachel Hull and Korkut A.
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the podcast and website are the interviewees own and do not necessarily represent the Pardee Atlas. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.