Defense Primer: Security Cooperation
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) uses the term security cooperation (SC) to refer broadly to DOD interactions with foreign security establishments. SC activities include transferring defense articles and services, military-to-military exercises, ministerial advising, and train and equip programs.SC programs are intended to encourage and enable partner nations (PNs) to work with the United States to achieve strategic objectives. They are considered a key tool for achieving U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. These activities are executed through both DOD-managed and -administered SC programs and DOD administered State Department (DOS) security assistance(SA) programs. Those DOS SA programs that DOD administers are considered an element of SC that is funded and authorized by DOS. Both types of programs receive congressional appropriations and are legally authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act. Beyond SC grant programs, SC encompasses the Foreign Military Sales program and enables U.S. and PN collaboration on defense articles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1169656
Entities
People
- Christina L. Arabia
Organizations
- Library of Congress