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Office of Security Assistance

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

The Office of Security Assistance develops military assistance policy and manages security assistance funding through three foreign assistance programs:  Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET), and Peacekeeping Operations (PKO).  The Office of Security Assistance works in in close cooperation with the Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance (F), regional and functional bureaus, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and U.S. Combatant Commands to determine military grant assistance policy, develop and manage program budgets, provide notifications to Congress, distribute funds, monitor and evaluate program implementation, and provide program oversight.

## Foreign Military Financing

FMF provides grant assistance for the acquisition of U.S. defense equipment, services, and training.  It furthers U.S. interests around the world by ensuring allies and partners are equipped and trained to work toward common security goals and share burdens in joint missions.  FMF provides grant assistance for the acquisition of U.S. defense articles, services, and training that promotes U.S. national security by contributing to regional and global stability; strengthening military support for democratically-elected governments; and containing transnational threats, including terrorism and trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and persons.  These grants help key allies and partners improve their defense capabilities and foster closer military relationships between the United States and recipient nations.  Increased military capabilities strengthen multilateral coalitions with the United States and enhance ally and partner interoperability with U.S., regional, and international military forces.

## International Military Education and Training

The IMET program is integral to U.S. security assistance efforts by promoting regional stability and defense capabilities through professional military training and education.  Through professional and technical courses and specialized instruction, IMET provides students from allied and partner nations valuable training and education on U.S. military practices and standards, including exposure to democratic values and respect for internationally recognized standards of human rights.  IMET helps strengthen military alliances and international coalitions critical to U.S. national security goals.  The program facilitates the development of important professional and personal relationships with defense leaders who often play a pivotal role in a country’s support for democratic governance.  IMET also helps international military students develop a common understanding of shared international challenges and fosters the relationships necessary to counter those challenges collaboratively.

## Peacekeeping Operations

The PKO account advances international support for voluntary multi-national stabilization efforts, including support for international missions not supported by the United Nations.  This account supports regional peace support operations for which international coalitions or neighboring countries take primary responsibility.  This account also helps build capabilities in countries seeking to participate in international peace support missions.  Additionally, the PKO account helps diminish and resolve conflict; enhance the ability of states to participate in stability operations and address counterterrorism and maritime security threats; and reform military establishments, in the aftermath of conflict, into professional military forces.

## Title 10 Coordination and Concurrence

Several DoD security cooperation programs require varying levels of coordination with the Department of State.  The Office of Security Assistance facilitates coordination and concurrence, and in some cases, joint formulation, on behalf of the Department of State for more than 20 different Title 10 authorities such as section 333, which is a global train and equip authority similar in scope to FMF and PKO.  In recognition of its role as the lead agency for foreign assistance, the Office of Security Assistance works to ensure DoD security cooperation programs align with U.S. foreign policy objectives.  The Office of Security Assistance facilitates State coordination and concurrence by:
        - Considering bilateral and regional foreign policy, human rights, and national security implications;
        - Determining whether State restrictions prohibit or limit proposed Title 10 assistance;
        - Verifying appropriate third-party transfer and end-use monitoring assurances are in place for the respective partner nation prior to the provision of assistance;
        - Liaising with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and military services to deconflict, and in certain cases, jointly formulate proposed Title 10 programming.

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Bureau of Political-Military AffairsPolitical-Military Cooperation

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