International Military Education and Training: Agencies Should Emphasize Human Rights Training and Improve Evaluations
Abstract
The IMET program was established in 1976 to provide military education and training to foreign security forces. The purpose of the program is to: encourage effective and mutually beneficial relations and increased understanding between the United States and foreign countries in furtherance of the goals of international peace and security; improve the ability of participating foreign countries to utilize their resources, including defense articles and defense services obtained by them from the United States, with maximum effectiveness, thereby contributing to greater self-reliance; and increase the awareness of foreign nationals participating in such activities of basic issues involving internationally recognized human rights. In 1990, Congress expanded the objectives of the IMET program to focus on fostering greater understanding of and respect for civilian control of the military, contributing to responsible defense resource management, and improving military justice systems and procedures in accordance with internationally recognized human rights. Congress also authorized civilians working in nondefense ministries, legislators, and nongovernmental groups to participate in courses that were developed to address the expanded IMET program objectives. State and DOD refer to the expanded IMET objectives as Expanded-IMET (E-IMET). State and DOD share responsibility for IMET. State, in addition to determining each countrys eligibility for security assistance programs as well as the scope of security assistance and funding level for each country, also identifies the annual IMET goals and objectives for each country through the Congressional Budget Justification. DOD, through DSCA, is responsible for developing the administrative policy and administering program guidance and direction to the military departments and their training field activities. The IMET program trains participants at more than 180 U.S. military schools and overseas, according to DSCA.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1106001
Entities
People
- Charles Jr M. Johnson
- David Domisch
- Debbie Chung
- Farhanaz Kermalli
- Jena Sinkfield
- Jennifer Bryant
- Joe Camey
- Joe Christoff
- Judith Mccloskey
- Mary Moutsos
- Tim Fairbanks
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office