Reynolds played an important role in U.S. Security 

Cooperation by teaching the "profession and 

art"of the mission set at its premier schoolhouse.

Dr. Ronald Reynolds served as Commandant of the Defense 

Institute of Security Assistance Management (DISAM), now 

known as the Defense Security Cooperation University-West 

(DSCU-West) for almost 20 years between September 2001 

and December 2020. While there, he worked for six DSCA 

Directors and five Deputy Directors.

BIOGRAPHY

Although the institution's name has changed several times,

Reynolds was a mainstay as its long-time Commandant. He

oversaw the instruction of thousands of U.S. and foreign 

partner military and civilian students. His role ensured they 

received the best training possible to support their roles in 

furthering U.S. Security Cooperation initiatives.

Reynolds first came to know DISAM after attending the

Overseas (SAO/SCO) Course himself in 1996 before his

assignment in Saudi Arabia. He decided to apply for the 

position as Commandant when it was advertised because 

he had been "truly impressed" with the quality of the 

school and its people.

After being hired by DSCA Director Lt Gen Tome Walters,

Reynolds was told that as Commandant he was not hired 

to teach. However, Reynolds said the real pleasure of his 

role was engaging with students personally and helping 

them to succeed.

September 1st, 2021 marks 50 years since the 

establishment of DSCA. 

In celebration of this milestone, DSCA is highlighting 

notable “Security Cooperators” who have served the 

Security Cooperation community over the past 50 years. 

These individuals, uniformed and civilian, all exemplify 

professionalism and public service, and embody DSCA’s 

ethos of “security through global partnerships.” 

“Faces of Security Cooperation” aims to provide a quick 

glance at the lives and legacies of those who have made 

impactful change in the history of Security Cooperation. 

From our past into our future, we honor those whose 

contributions have shaped DSCA into the agency

we know today.

Dr. Ronald Reynolds was born in Greenville, 

South Carolina on August 27, 1954.

Reynolds enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April 1976 in 

Intelligence Operations. He graduated from Air Force Officer 

Training School in December 1979, working in Administration 

and Personnel.

Over the course of his years as an officer, Reynolds held a 

number of education, training, instructor, and commander 

positions including Officer Training School, U.S. Air Force 

ROTC and Air University (International Officer School) at 

Maxwell Air Force Base. He also held several overseas 

assignments including in Honduras, the Republic of Korea, 

and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the U.S. Military 

Training Mission (USMTM) Security Assistance Officer.

Although Reynolds retired from the U.S. Air Force in 

November 2001, he started at DISAM on September 13, 

2001 – while on terminal leave from the Air Force, two

days after September 11th.

Reynolds retired from U.S. Government service on

December of 2020.

EDUCATING THE 

SC WORKFORCE

ABOUT “FACES OF SECURITY

COOPERATION”

Faces of Security Cooperation

FORMER SC EDUCATOR

DR. RONALD REYNOLDS