SCM-I-Training provides an overview of security cooperation (SC) programs followed by detailed instruction on training management.

Objective

The overarching objective of DISAM’s international curriculum is to help our students become better stewards of the resources they manage, whether from indigenous sources or from US grants and loans, so they can help develop the best possible defense posture for their countries.

SCM-I-Training is targeted at mid-level military and civilian officials involved in developing and implementing annual security cooperation (SC) training programs; student selection, preparation, and administration; and post-training student utilization. This encompasses not only personnel in defense ministries and service headquarters, but also international liaison personnel assigned to US organizations in CONUS, as well as defense attachés and other officials assigned to foreign embassies in Washington, DC.

A list of all DISAM courses available to international partners is at the DISAM Course Catalog.

Course Description

SCM-I-Training is divided into two parts.

The first part coincides with DISAM’s eight-day International Purchaser Orientation Course (SCM-IO, MASL D178088). It provides an overview of SC, addressing legislation, policy, and procedures; planning, programming, and budgeting; resource management; acquisition and sustainment; contract administration; and technology transfer and export controls, all within the context of a security cooperation relationship with the U.S.

The second component coincides with DISAM’s four-day International Purchaser Advanced Training Course (SCM-IT, MASL D178265). It focuses specifically on development of training programs, student selection and administration, and automated tools available to international SA/SC training managers.

Instruction is classroom based, with reading assignments and practical exercises reinforcing lectures. The curriculum also includes an extensive Field Studies Program (FSP) that introduces students to the American way of life, incorporating not only visits to local government, commercial, cultural, and educational entities but also to private homes as well.

All DISAM instruction is in English.

SCM-I-Training qualifies for expanded IMET (E-IMET). Note that DISAM can also offer a comparable course in-country, less the FSP, via a Mobile Education Team (SCM-I-MET, MASL D305024).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should occupy (or should have been selected to occupy) security cooperation training management positions.

Applicants who have attended DISAM’s Foreign Purchasers Course (SAM-F, discontinued in October 2006), International Purchasers Orientation Course (SCM-IO, MASL D178088), International Purchasers Logistics Course (SCM-I-Logistics, MASL D178264), or International Purchasers Financial Course (SCM-I-Financial, MASL D178263) should NOT enroll for SCM-I-Training. Instead, they should enroll in our four-day International Advanced Training Management Course (SCM-IT, MASL D178265).

All DISAM international courses require an English Comprehension Level (ECL) test score of 80.

FOR US GOVERNMENT LES: Locally Employed Staff (LES, a.k.a. Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) and/or Personal Services Agreement personnel (PSAs)) working in Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs) or political-military analysis offices in US embassies are NOT eligible to attend SCM-I-Training or any other course in DISAM’s international curriculum.

LES should instead enroll in SCM-LO, which is designed specifically for that audience.

DISAM’s Director of International Studies (DISAM/DI) will review requests for waivers of the above criteria on a case-by-case basis.

Security Clearance

None required.

Classes and Hours

SCM-I-Training is twelve days long, starting on Wednesday and running through Thursday of the second week thereafter. Classes start at 0800 hrs the first day and then generally run between 0815 hrs and 1530 hrs, Monday through Friday. The DISAM library and DISAM faculty members are available for individual research and faculty consultation before and after class. The curriculum also includes some FSP events on the weekend. Participation in these weekend events is voluntary but highly encouraged.

Applying for Admission

Applicants should request admission through their country’s FMS/IMET training office, which in turn should coordinate the request through the local SCO training manager. SCOs should submit requests to the U.S. Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT), which manages DISAM quotas.

Applicants requiring an ECL score should arrange for testing before arriving at DISAM, either through the SCO in country prior to departure or through attending the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC) en route. DISAM does not administer ECL tests.

Billeting and Transportation

• SCM-I-Training starts on a Wednesday
• Students traveling by air should arrive at the Dayton International Airport prior to 2200 hrs on the Tuesday immediately preceding the start of their course. DISAM will make our best effort to meet students at the airport upon their arrival. Accordingly, we request that SCOs and/or students provide DISAM Registrars with arrival flight information at least two (2) weeks prior to arrival date, either via the Security Assistance Network (SAN) or by e-mail. Registrars’ e-mail is registrars@disam.dsca.mil
• If we do not know when you are arriving, we cannot greet you at the airport
• Due to increased airport security, students should not schedule departure flights until after 1830 hrs on the last day of class. DISAM normally will not authorize early departures except for bona fide emergencies
• DISAM will arrange for student lodging, normally at the local Visiting Officers Quarters (VOQ) known as the Wright-Patterson Inn. We will make reservations starting the Tuesday prior to class start date. Reservations for rooms prior to Tuesday are on a space-available basis only
• DISAM recommends that students not bring family members, other dependents, or guests. The VOQ will not provide billeting facilities for them. Moreover, DISAM is not authorized to issue them the identification documents required for access to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB)
• Students choosing to stay in quarters other than those arranged for by DISAM, whether because they are accompanied by family members or for other reasons, must make their own arrangements, including transportation from the airport. Furthermore, DISAM cannot provide statements of non-availability for quarters if rooms are available for students at the VOQ
• DISAM provides free bus service between student quarters and the schoolhouse. Students choosing to live elsewhere must provide their own transportation to and from class
• DISAM also provides a free shuttle service from student quarters to local eating establishments in the evenings and on weekends

Classes	Start Date	End Date
SCM-I-TRAINING-4-12	7/18/2012	8/2/2012
SCM-I-TRAINING-5-12	8/15/2012	8/30/2012

The syllabus below reflects daily classroom activities during the school week. As mentioned above, DISAM’s FSP program also offers optional activities on the weekend, such as museum tours and visits to local cultural events. DISAM uses FSP funds to pay for transportation, entry fees, and most other expenses associated with these activities. Scheduled optional trips vary class to class.

Day 1

Administrative Orientation and In-processing

Outlines basic DISAM operating policies and procedures, explains standards of conduct, and completes registration procedures. 1 hour.

Course Introduction and Background

Explains course objectives and requirements for graduation. Provides detailed explanation of the syllabus. Provides an overview of DISAM’s role and mission. Introduces faculty and students to one another. 2 hours.

Communication Factors in the U.S

Examines factors of cross-cultural communications, providing techniques for overcoming communication and ethnocentric barriers. Topics include the role of a free press, the impact of mass media, diversity, the dynamics of social change, and how all of these elements of American democracy reflect our commitment to basic freedoms. 1 hour.

Introduction to Security Cooperation

Describes the nature and scope of security cooperation (SC) programs and explains how SC can contribute to a viable national defense posture. 1 hour.

Introduction to the U.S. Military

Explains the basic underpinnings of the U.S. military, emphasizing civilian control of the military. Presented in the context of a tour of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and a welcome reception with various U.S. military and civilian officials. 4 hours.

Day 2

Security Cooperation Legislation and Foreign Policy

Discusses security cooperation as a U.S. foreign policy and national security tool. Stresses the rule of law through a discussion of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, which provide authorities to engage in SC relationships with foreign countries but also establish restraints on those relationships. 3 hours.

Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) Responsibilities

Examines the various types of SCOs in US embassies around the world. Analyzes SCO responsibilities and relationships with the Department of State, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Military Departments (MILDEPs), geographical Combatant Commands (GCCs), the host country, and U.S. industry, all against the backdrop of civilian control of the security cooperation program. 1 hour.

Technology Transfer and Export Controls

Examines the authorities and procedures for the transfer of defense technology to international partners. Stresses the requirement for recipient nations to safeguard against improper use of U.S. technology or unauthorized transfer to third parties. Discusses the conditions under which classified information may be disclosed to other governments. Outlines commercial licensing procedures of the Department of State and Department of Commerce. 2 hours.

Day 3

Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Process: Preliminary, Definition, and Request

Outlines sources of information available to international partners for requirements determination and discusses options for fulfilling those requirements. Stresses the importance of a clear and comprehensive Letter of Request (LOR). 2 hours.

FMS Process: Types of Cases. Describes the format of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA)

Explains the characteristics of different types of FMS cases. 1 hour.

FMS Process: Offer and Acceptance

Explains actions taken by the U.S. government to write an LOA in response to an LOR. Stresses the importance of timely customer acceptance of an LOA. Outlines the duties and responsibilities of the U.S. FMS case manager. 2 hours.

FMS Process: Implementation, Execution, and Completion

Outlines actions taken by the U.S. to fulfill the contractual requirements laid out in an LOA. Discusses various case management tools. Compares and contrasts different methods for case closure. 1 hour.

Day 4

FMS Process: LOA Entries

Discusses information found in an LOA. 1.5 hours.

FMS Process: Practical Exercise

Reviews and applies information presented in previous blocks of instruction on FMS Process. 2.5 hours.

Introduction to Security Cooperation Training Management

Examines security assistance training management policies and procedures. Focuses on program objectives, types of training, locations, constraints, pricing policies, the DoD Field Studies Program, and program administration. Includes a detailed discussion of political issues related to security assistance training, such as student vetting and program suspension. 2 hours.

Day 5

FMS Agreements: Terms and Conditions

Describes the elements of a binding agreement. Explains the standard terms and conditions of an LOA. 2 hours.

FMS Agreements: Amendments and Modifications

Discusses the purposes, applications, and criteria for amendments and modifications to LOAs. 1 hour.

Field Studies Program (FSP) Practicum

Involves visits to local government, commercial, educational, or cultural entities. Varies with availability. Since this event is held during normal class hours and is an integral part of the curriculum, participation is mandatory. 4 hours.

Day 6

Acquisition Policy and Process

Examines DoD acquisition processes, including quality assurance, contract audit services, types of contracts, and unique FMS requirements. Explores the role of offsets in international sales. Focuses on the necessity to maintain the integrity of the acquisition system through strict adherence to laws and regulations. 3 hours.

Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS): A Comparison

Explains that international partners usually have the option of procuring defense articles and services from the U.S. via either DCS or FMS. Discusses the pros and cons of each method. Emphasizes the USG’s position of general neutrality with regard to FMS and DCS, but stresses that both avenues are governed by the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. 1.5 hours.

End Use Monitoring and Third Party Transfer

Outlines the requirement in U.S. law and regulations to monitor the end-use of U.S. defense articles and services transferred to international partners, whether by DCS or FMS. Describes the Enhanced End-Use Monitoring program (EEUM) for systems that embody controlled technologies. 1.5 hours.

Day 7

Field Studies Program (FSP) Practicum

Involves visits to local government, commercial, educational, or cultural entities. Varies with availability. Since this event is held during normal class hours and is an integral part of the curriculum, participation is mandatory. 8 hours.

Day 8

Introduction to Logistics Management

Provides an overview of DoD logistics and the role of selected logistics organizations in FMS. Addresses resource management issues involved in life-cycle support of major weapon systems. 2 hours. (Note: Applicants needing more in-depth instruction in logistics management should enroll in the twelve-day International Purchaser Logistics Course (SCM-I-Logistics, MASL D178264) or the four-day International Purchaser Advanced Logistics Course (SCM-IL, MASL D178267)).

Introduction to Financial Management

Provides an overview of FMS pricing, financing, and billing policies and procedures. 2 hours. (Note: Applicants needing more in-depth instruction in financial management should enroll in the twelve-day International Purchaser Financial Course (SCM-I-Financial, MASL D178263), or the four-day International Purchaser Advanced Financial Course (SCM-IF, MASL D178266)).

International Cooperative Programs

Provides an overview of joint ventures and other cooperative programs. Examines co-production, co-development, U.S. procurement of foreign equipment, technology transfer, personnel exchanges, and acquisition and cross-servicing agreements (ACSAs). Stresses international cooperation as another viable option for marshaling scarce resources to develop a sound national defense posture. 1 hour.

Introduction to the Security Cooperation Information Portal (SCIP)

Explains the purpose of SCIP, the various features that reside within it, and how it can be used as a management tool. Explains procedures for registering for SCIP access. 1 hour.

Day 9

Advanced Training Management

Discusses development of the two-year Country Education and Training Program Plan (CETPP) and the annual GCC Security Cooperation Education and Training Working Group (SCETWG). Discusses procedures and tools for developing individual student training programs that support the CETPP. 6 hours.

Day 10

Student Administration

Addresses policies and procedures for selecting and sending international students to the U.S. for training. Discusses preparation of the student prior to departure from home station, interaction with the U.S. schoolhouse while the student is in training, and post-training administrative requirements once the student returns home. 3 hours.

Field Studies Program (FSP) Practicum

Provides an introduction to the American citizen-soldier from the perspective of the US Army National Guard. Since this event is held during normal class hours and is an integral part of the curriculum, participation is mandatory. 4 hours.

Day 11

Training Management Automation Systems

Detailed discussion and hands-on training on the International Security Assistance Network (I-SAN), the International Training Management System (I-TMS), and U.S. military department (MILDEP) training management web sites. Culminates with a comprehensive exercise focused on formulating and managing a model SC training program. Addresses the full spectrum of training management, from the development of a multiyear country-level program to selecting and preparing individual students for specific courses. 6 hours.

Day 12

Training Management Automation Systems (continued)

Detailed discussion and hands-on training on the International Security Assistance Network (I-SAN), the International Training Management System (I-TMS), and U.S. military department (MILDEP) training management web sites. Culminates with a comprehensive exercise focused on formulating and managing a model SC training program. Addresses the full spectrum of training management, from the development of a multiyear country-level program to selecting and preparing individual students for specific courses. 2 hours.

FMS Customer Case Management

Emphasizes the role of international partners in actively managing their own FMS programs. Provides a review of “best practices” for organizing and staffing an SC management office, with an emphasis on staff training. 1.5 hours.

DISAM RACE (Retention and Comprehension Evaluation)

A review exercise where students are organized in small groups that compete against one another in a quiz game, providing timed responses to questions on course material. 2 hours.

Graduation

0.5 hour