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SCM-O
Security Cooperation Management
Overseas Course (15-19 Days)
DetailsRegistrationClass DatesSyllabus

Objective

The Overseas Course (SCM-O) provides a functional knowledge of security cooperation and security assistance policies and procedures for DoD personnel with assignments to overseas Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs), Defense Attaché Offices (DAOs), the geographic combatant commands (GCCs) and their component elements. As an integral part of their studies, students are acquainted with current issues in US foreign policy and international affairs, USG business management practices in Foreign Military Sales, and the full spectrum of security cooperation programs.

Course Description

Instruction is provided on the many complex and interrelated aspects of security assistance and security cooperation. These include the role of the Department of State in foreign policy, that of the Department of Defense in national defense, and that of the Congress in the areas of authorization, appropriation, and oversight. The functions and responsibilities of the geographic combatant commands (GCCs), the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and the Military Departments are also addressed. The syllabus (below) lists the various topics covered in this course. The emphasis of the curriculum is on the policies and procedures involved in the operational management of security assistance and security cooperation activities in an overseas environment. Associated studies include cross-cultural communications, anti-terrorism and force protection, human rights, management of budget and other resources within the SCO, various automation programs, and international training management responsibilities. The course includes practical exercises and computer labs with typical scenarios for Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) personnel.

The curriculum also includes a regional studies program directed by DISAM area specialists. This covers regional and country-specific political, military, economic, geographic, and cultural considerations, plus historic and current relationships with the US. For this part of the curriculum, students are divided into five regional seminars – Europe, Africa, Middle East, Western Hemisphere, and the Asia-Pacific region, which generally matches the areas of responsibility of the GCCs. The regional studies seminars utilize presentations by guest lecturers from USG agencies, civilian universities, and private organizations, as well as by DISAM faculty members.

Selected students identified by the gaining GCC and/or SCO will receive additional instruction, known as specialized training, in some or all of the following areas: international training management, SCO resource management, armaments cooperation, and international logistics; there are a total of eight blocks of specialized training.

Eligibility Criteria

Only USG employees and contractor equivalents are eligible for attendance. Officials of other federal government agencies, such as the State Department, may also enroll in the course.

All DoD personnel assigned to overseas positions responsible for security assistance and security cooperation management, are required by DoDI 5132.13 to complete this course. Selected SCO personnel at the O-6 grade level and higher may, with the recommendation of the GCC and the approval of DSCA, attend the DISAM one-week Executive (SAM-E) Course in lieu of SCM-O.

A SECRET clearance is required for all students.

Personnel selected for attendance should be assigned to occupy security assistance or security cooperation management positions. These include billets in Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs) or Defense Attaché Offices (DAOs) overseas, GCCs and their component commands. Students must have at least one year remaining in their security cooperation assignment to be eligible for DISAM training. Exceptions to this minimum retention standard require the approval of the DISAM Commandant.

Note for personnel deploying to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A)

All personnel assigned to CSTC-A will attend Afghanistan-specific curriculum during the third week. DISAM attendance for all CSTC-A personnel is determined by the CSTC-A Reachback Cell in Washington, DC.

Spouses of students are welcome to attend SCM-O, space permitting. Contact the registrar to determine if space is available. The curriculum in the regional seminars, which address historical, political, economic, social, religious, and cultural issues, is typically quite beneficial for family members. The DISAM library also has current holdings on these subjects, including audio-visual media. DISAM assumes no financial responsibility for travel costs or living expenses for spouses.

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