Breaking Down Barriers: An Army Linguist’s Journey from Iraq to Tesla Government

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Episode Description

Now a Data Curator at Tesla Government Inc, U.S. Army Veteran Andrea Castle helps her clients realize the full potential of their data by directing outreach, knowledge management, and training efforts. In conversation with host Mike Abrams, Andrea recalls why she joined the Army, and recounts what it was like to enlist for a “peacetime Army” in a pre- 9/11 world and end up being deployed to a “wartime Army” in a post- 9/11 world.

Andrea describes her unique experience over two deployments to Iraq as an Arabic linguist with the U.S. Army; discusses her transition to the civilian workforce and her current role at Tesla Government; and shares her experience & expertise in data management.

With more than 15 years of experience supporting U.S. Government and military clients, Andrea excels at breaking down information sharing barriers and building collaborative teams.

Before joining Tesla, Andrea served in the U.S. Army as an Arabic linguist from 2001-2008, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also managed a media monitoring project in Central Asia.

About Us

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term “Three Block War” to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.