STUDENT INFORMATION GUIDE

Background Information

The Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management (DISAM) conducts a series of instructional programs designed to enhance security assistance management capabilities of DOD military and civilian personnel assigned to CONUS and overseas security assistance activities, purchaser country representatives, and defense industry personnel. DISAM operates under the overall guidance and direction of the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

DISAM currently offers the following resident courses:

Each course varies in length from 2 days through three weeks, each course is offered a number of times annually. The curriculum is designed to provide the highest quality education and tailored to meet student specific needs at all levels of security assistance management.

Course content is a blend of instruction on the governing policies concerning security assistance, implementation and execution by various government agencies, and associated management processes. Throughout the curricula there are subjects intended to broaden the scope and depth of a manager's knowledge of the total security assistance spectrum. This concept is emphasized in contrast to a more narrow functional specialist approach. The objective is security assistance managers with a broad understanding of security assistance programs, policies, procedures responsibilities and organizations -- individuals capable of using advanced concepts and techniques in their respective managerial areas.

DISAM's educational program quality is maintained by (a) limiting the number of students per class offering, thereby fostering an effective seminar environment; (b) integrating current policies and management concepts with practical security assistance problems; (c) using management exercises; (d) using advanced technology for instruction; (e) selecting faculty with extensive practical knowledge, and a strong desire to be instructors; and (f) using guest lecturers recognized as authorities in their field by virtue of their official position or long years of study and experience, or both.

DISAM recognizes that equal opportunity programs are essential to the accomplishment of the missions of both DoD and DISAM. In keeping with this commitment, discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical disability or age is prohibited. DISAM pledges to eliminate barriers and practices that impede opportunity for all students, including sexual harassment, and architectural, transportation, and other barriers affecting people with disabilities.

Academic Freedom

DISAM supports a policy of academic freedom. Guest lecturers, faculty and students are encouraged to state their opinions, support or criticize any objective, policy, or procedure, in the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, or improvement of the management of security assistance. Such comments made by individuals or groups in the academic forum will be safeguarded through the practice of non-attribution.

Grievances

The Department of Defense has established procedures for relief of matters of personal concern or dissatisfaction that are within the control of DISAM's management. If you have a grievance for which you seek redress for any dissatisfaction, the Class Manager should be notified. If this manager is unable to resolve your problem, your concerns may be addressed in turn by the appropriate DISAM director, the DISAM commandant, the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the Department of Defense Inspector General. As an avenue of last resort, grievances may be sent to the Council of Occupational Education; 41 Perimeter Center East, NE, Suite 640, Atlanta, GA 30346 (707) 396-3898.

DISAM Enrollment Procedures

Prospective military and civilian students within the Department of Defense should contact their education and training officers for assistance in applying for DISAM attendance. The Defense Management Education and Training Catalog, DoD 5010.16-C, procedures apply. Personnel from other federal governmental organizations should coordinate their applications through their respective agencies. On-line registration forms for industry personnel.

Requests for attendance must go through the following offices or organizations:

Military department education and training offices must furnish the DISAM Registrar (DISAM/DAS), 2475 K Street, Bldg 52, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, a completed Student Registration Application for individuals nominated to attend a resident DISAM course based on an issued allocation. The Registration Application must arrive at DISAM not earlier than 90 days and not later than 30 days before the course start date. DISAM accepts or rejects a nominee based on information contained in the enrollment request.

Course Information

Classroom Decorum.

Food and drink are not permitted in the DISAM auditorium at any time. Food items are not permitted in the classroom when scheduled instruction is being conducted. Coffee and soft drinks are permitted in the classrooms and seminar rooms during class periods. Students may eat lunch in classrooms and seminar rooms during the lunch period. Care should be taken to protect materials and furnishings from spills.

Smoking is authorized in designated smoking areas only. A designated smoking area is established outside and adjacent to Building 52. This area will be identified to students during the class introduction on the first day. Personnel smoking in this area are requested to use the receptacle provided for disposal of residue.

DISAM makes extensive use of computers in out classroom. To minimize the likelihood of liquid damage to these computers no paper, wax, or Styrofoam cups are permitted in DISAM classrooms. All other cups must be covered. Bottles and cans are acceptable in the classroom. DISAM has covered mugs, available for purchase for a nominal fee (cost of the mugs only) to students. DISAM also provides students a "coffee mess" membership for $5/week or $.50/cup.

DISAM Library

DISAM maintains a library for student use and research. The library contains an extensive collection of materials, textbooks, periodicals (foreign and domestic) and publications on all aspects of security assistance, U.S. foreign policy, regional area studies and cross-cultural understanding. Foreign language tapes and tape recorders may be checked out by students. The library also provides reference, bibliographic, interlibrary loan and other related services for faculty and students.

Classified materials are available in the DISAM library collection for those students who have a "need to know" and proper security clearance. Materials will be issued only to those students having a Secret clearance and a valid U.S. government identification card. Classified materials should be returned to the librarian for proper storage as soon as possible, but not later than 1630 daily. The individual who has signed for the classified materials is responsible for the safekeeping and protection of the material until returned to the DISAM Librarian. Classified materials will NOT be reproduced without permission of the DISAM Librarian or the Director of Academic Support.

All unclassified materials must be returned to the DISAM library not later than noon on the day prior to graduation. DISAM library materials will not be taken from the Institute by departing students.

Early Release

Students will not be released early for personal reasons. In cases of emergency leave or other mission related requirements, out processing and departure will be coordinated by the Registrar.

Reporting to DISAM.

Students should report to DISAM, Area B, Building 52, not later than 0800 on the first day of class. Students are required to provide two copies of their TDY orders to the Registrar on class start date.

A sign directing students to DISAM's classrooms is posted at the main entrance of Building 52.

Telephone Messages

Routine messages received on lines (DSN 785-2962/5333/5421 OR COMMERCIAL (937)255-2962/5333/5421) during normal duty hours will be placed on the student message board in the student lounge area. Students should check the board daily for messages.

Emergency calls received during normal duty hours should be directed to the Student Operations Office at DSN 785-4144 or Commercial (937)255-4144. Students will be called from class to take emergency calls.

After Duty Hours Messages. Personnel residing in the Wright Patterson Inn may be reached at DSN 787-3451/Comm (937)257-3451 followed by your room number.

General Information

Geographical Information

DISAM is located in Area B, Building 52, Wright-Patterson AFB OH. The base is located in Fairborn OH, approximately ten miles NE of Dayton.

Precipitation averages about 37 inches per year and is evenly distributed throughout the year. High relative humidity prevails much of the time. On the average there are about 129 days per year with measurable precipitation. The seasonal snowfall average is 19 inches. Average monthly temperatures range from about 30 degrees in January to 80 degrees in July. The extreme temperatures recorded are 106 degrees in July and -19 degrees in February. Click here for today's weather.

Arriving at Wright-Patterson AFB OH

Students arriving at Dayton International Airport may hire a commercial taxi (cost approximately $50.00). Also available at the airport is Charter Vans Service, Hours are 0530-2325 daily, (telephone: (937) 898-4043). Approximate cost of transportation to the Wright-Patterson AFB billeting office is $37.45, $69.87 round-trip (for round-trip ticket purchased in advance). Calling in advance for reservation with Charter Vans is recommended. Rental cars are also available at the airport.

Students arriving via military air may obtain ground transportation from the base flight line to the Wright Patterson Inn by calling the Base Motor Pool, extension 7-3755.

Students should report to the Wright Patterson Inn Office, building 825, Area A, for quarters assignment. There are a number of Wright Patterson Inn buildings, some located a distance from building 825; students are also sometimes billeted off base in a local hotel. Recommend students not release a commercial taxi until a room is assigned in case transportation is required to another building or hotel.

Base Access

Students arriving via private or rental automobile should enter the base through Gate 12A (for the Wright Patterson Inn ).

All valid DOD vehicle identification bumper decals are honored at Wright-Patterson AFB.

RENTAL CARS and other vehicles without a DOD Vehicle Decal. For personnel not possessing a bumper decal, initial base admittance must be gained by obtaining a temporary vehicle pass at the Welcome Center in Area A, gate 12A (0500-1800 M-F and 0530-1700 S&S) or Area B, gate 1B (0700-1600 M-F). If entering the base after above mentioned hours, a temporary vehicle pass will be issued by the gate guard.

When entering the base, you must show the on duty security policeman a valid government issued ID card and possibly a copy of your TDY orders. These items should be in your possession at all times.

The following are the 24hr gates for each area: Area A&C - gate 12A&9A, Area B – gate 19B, and Kittyhawk Center - gate 38C.

Billeting

The DISAM Registrar will make all billeting reservations through the Wright Patterson Inn office, building 825, Area A. Current Wright Patterson Inn rate is $37.50. Check-in time is after 1400. Your room will not be held past 1700 on your arrival day unless you notify the Wright Patterson Inn sometime during the week prior to class start date of a late arrival. DISAM will not fund a hotel should you lose your Wright Patterson Inn reservation by failing to call the Wright Patterson Inn to confirm a late check-in. DISAM will only fund a hotel when your organization/unit provides special justification not less than two weeks in advance of course start date to DISAM. DISAM and WPAFB Billeting will review the justification. Approvals will be rare exceptions and based upon a determination that Wright Patterson Inn facilities do not meet the identified special needs or Wright Patterson Inn facilities are not available. They accept VISA and Master Card for payment. The Wright Patterson Inn 's phone number is DSN 787-3810 or Commercial (937)257-3810. Weekend calls to the Wright Patterson Inn should be directed to Commercial (937)257-3451.

Students attending SCM-O course are encouraged to bring their spouses since some blocks of instruction have information of value to spouses accompanying sponsors to overseas locations. Decisions to bring spouses, however, must be personal ones since DISAM cannot authorize funding for spouse TDY. Students must make their own arrangements, including transportation, if electing to billet off base. Statements of non-availability for quarters will not be provided when quarters for students are available.

Transportation

DISAM arranges for base bus service between billeting and DISAM. Buses depart Wright Patterson Inn buildings 825/826 at approximately 0705 and 0736. For residents of building 832 through 836, buses depart at approximately 0708 and 0733 enroute to Building 52 (DISAM) in Area B. Return bus transportation to billeting depart Building 52 at approximately 1600 and 1700 each day.

Base transportation is provided from the Wright Patterson Inn to and from the DISAM facility on weekdays. DISAM has contracted for a shuttle van service from the Wright Patterson Inn to off base eating establishments during non-duty hours. This service is free of charge for all DISAM students. Most base facilities such as the Base Exchange, Commissary, clubs and recreational facilities are not located near the Wright Patterson Inn . Government transportation is available but extremely limited and inconvenient. The DISAM contracted shuttle van can also be used for transportation to these areas. Each student will receive a card from DISAM with the Charter Van phone number and the contracted hours of operation. This service does not operate during the weekends unless DISAM classes are currently in session and extend through the weekend. DISAM has determined that it is not cost effective for the USG to provide rental cars to students due to the availability of the above resources. If you are traveling on a DISAM fund cite and your organization determines that a rental car is justified and elects to fund a rental car, then you are required to include this authorization and the organizational fund cite on your TDY orders.

For DISAM funded TDY’s, special authorizations such as rental car are normally not permitted. However, the Director, Academic Support (DISAM/DA) may approve requests for round trip travel to DISAM via rental car if the total cost is clearly more advantageous to the government. FAX requests for travel by rental car not less than two weeks in advance of desired departure date to DISAM/DA, Commercial (937) 255-4319, DSN 785-4319, to include complete cost comparison of rental costs, fuel, tolls, etc. Vs. commercial airfare. A sample Rental Car Authorization Request is available. The request must be signed by the special authorization approval authority for a student's organization. If a student desires to drive their privately owned vehicle to Wright-Patterson, the student's TDY orders must reflect that mileage reimbursement and per diem is limited to the constructive cost of common carrier transportation and related per diem as determined in the Joint Travel Regulation.

Automobile Parking

The only authorized student parking areas are as follows:
Wright Patterson Inn parking lots surrounding buildings 825/826 and 832 through 836 are to be used by TDY students residing in these buildings.

Students may drive their rental or private vehicle to DISAM. Students must not park in the following labeled areas around Building 52, Area B: "Permit, Handicapped, Car Pool, Reserved, Reserved for DISAM Guest and Government Vehicles Only". Unauthorized vehicles will be ticketed by the base security police or parking monitors and may be towed away. A large parking lot for student parking is available northwest of Building 52, across Fifth Street.

Uniform/Clothing Requirements

The following uniforms/clothing are appropriate and recommended for wear while attending courses at DISAM.

Military: Any authorized military uniform to include Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU) and flight suits. Civilian attire is not appropriate.

Civilians: Business or Business Casual is acceptable. Business casual is considered to be at a minimum open neck sport shirt with collar and dress pants for men and equivalent for women.

Students not observing these standards will be allotted 24 hours to obtain appropriate attire. Failure to conform with in that time may result in expulsion from the school.

Finances

To preclude financial hardship while TDY at DISAM, students must insure they have sufficient funds. It can extremely difficult to cash a large personal check on Wright-Patterson AFB or in local banks. Second party checks, insurance dividends, are also not recommended. Some students have experienced difficulties with these in the past.

There are numerous ATM machines available on and off base which may be used to obtain cash from using either government travel credit card or personal credit cards.

Chase, a local bank, has a branch office located in the BX/Commissary complex, Building 1250, Kittyhawk Center. Chase will cash personal checks with a limit of $200.00 upon presentation of TDY orders and proper ID. Checks may also be cashed at the BX. For personnel requiring additional money from home once they have arrived, the most acceptable way is through the use of the Federal Reserve Wire. This is a bank-to-bank service direct from the student's home station bank (or a participating bank) to the on-base bank, Chase; to execute a wire transfer, a student must open an account with the bank.

Authorized students may also cash a check at the Wright-Patt Club & Banquet Center; a student must show a home station club card, a copy of their TDY orders and ID card.

Student Funding

The DISAM fund citation is used for the sole purpose of TDY at Wright-Patterson to attend courses at DISAM. Training officers, orders publishing officials and finance and accounting personnel must insure that other items such as PCS moves, other TDY enroute and car rental are not charged to DISAM's fund citation. DISAM is responsible for funding DISAM security assistance management training only.

DISAM's student fund citation may be used for:
Travel to DISAM from a CONUS activity and return to the CONUS home station.

Travel to DISAM while enroute to a PCS assignment. Funds may be used to travel from the last duty station (CONUS only). PCS or other TDY fund citations must be used for travel from DISAM to the next station and other expenses.

Travel to DISAM prior to a PCS move. DISAM funds may be used to travel to DISAM and return to the assigned CONUS unit prior to PCS.

Funding of Overseas travel: (Students already assigned to an overseas theater)

If training is performed as an adjunct to travel in support of DOD programs, then overseas travel shall be funded by the applicable DOD appropriation.

If training is performed as an adjunct to travel in support of an FMS case, then overseas travel shall be funded by applicable FMS case funds.

If the sole purpose of travel is to attend a DISAM course, DISAM will only fund travel from CONUS port-of-entry (POE) and return to CONUS POE and CONUS authorized per diem.

Special Authorizations

For DISAM funded TDY’s, special authorizations such as mileage in and around the TDY area, special transportation and rental car are normally not permitted. However, the Director, Academic Support (DISAM/DA) may approve requests for round trip travel to DISAM via rental car if the total cost is clearly more advantageous to the government. FAX requests for travel by rental car not less than two weeks in advance of desired departure date to DISAM/DA, Commercial (937) 255-4319, DSN 785-4319, to include complete cost comparison of rental costs, fuel, tolls, etc. Vs. commercial airfare. A sample Rental Car Authorization Request is available. The request must be signed by the special authorization approval authority for a student's organization.

If a student desires to drive their privately owned vehicle to Wright-Patterson, the student's TDY orders must reflect that mileage reimbursement and per diem is limited to the constructive cost of common carrier transportation (airfare) and related per diem as determined in the Joint Travel Regulation.

Mail

Students TDY at DISAM enroute on a permanent change of station assignment and anticipating the receipt of any mail, should insure they complete a change of address card at their previous duty station.

Students planning to reside with local friends or relatives or in an off base motel should have their personal mail sent to that address.

The following address should be used for students residing in the Wright Patterson Inn :

Name & Grade
General Delivery
5435 Hemlock
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-5000

You must then pick up your mail at the post office located in Kittyhawk Center.

Official mail only may be sent to the following address:

DISAM/DAS
2475 K Street
Bldg 52, Area B
ATTN: Name & Grade
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433

School Supply Items

Expendable supplies are not issued to students but may be purchased at the AFIT Bookstore, which is located in building 642 Area B. A copy of your TDY orders may be required by non-military personnel to make a purchase. Expendable supplies are also available at the BX and local stores.

Service Unique Administration

DISAM is not staffed to handle service unique administration. While DISAM personnel will attempt to assist students, students should insure that all administrative requirements, such as leave, orders, passports, visas, shipment of automobile and household goods, port calls, physicals, identification cards, are completed prior to arriving at Wright-Patterson AFB. This is especially critical for all non- Air Force personnel, as the base personnel support is not able to handle service unique administrative requirements.

Handicapped Personnel

The facilities at DISAM and Wright-Patterson AFB are not entirely handicapped accessible. DISAM is located on the second and third floors of Building 52. Handicapped parking is located at the South end of the building. A freight elevator is also located at the South end of the bldg and available for use to get to the third floor, classrooms, and second floor, ADA restroom.

We will also notify billeting and base transportation of a student's special requirements.

Emergency Leave

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During duty hours, students should contact their class manager and the DISAM Registrar. During non duty hours, students should contact their class leader or designated alternate. If neither is available, contact the class manager. Student Operations will make appropriate arrangements for class termination and assist with departure preparations.

The following information will be required:
Name
Destination (address) and telephone number
Reason for departure
Supervisor's name and telephone number

Students should also notify their supervisor or commander as soon as practical. For military personnel, DISAM DA personnel will assist with necessary emergency leave documentation.

Base Facilities & Services

Civilians residing at the Wright Patterson Inn should present a copy of their TDY orders to the Wright Patterson Inn registration desk clerk for endorsement. This endorsement, together with a valid government identification card, entitles the student to purchase authorized items at the Base Exchange, to attend movies at the base theater, etc. WPAFB base services.

The WPAFB information home page. The base also has an automated telephone information line; to access, dial 257-1111 (7-1111 from on base phone).

Some of the base's many facilities, with on base phone numbers are:

Base Bowling Center (7-7796)

Located in building 1221, Kittyhawk Center. Twenty lanes are available. Hours vary, please call for times.

Base Theater (7-4697)

Located in building 1239, Kittyhawk Center. See base newspaper, "The Skywriter", for schedules and features, or call the theater.

BX/Commissary Complex

Both located in Kittyhawk Center, building 1250. BX (879-5730) hours are 0900-2000, Monday through Saturday, 1000-1800 Sunday and 1000-1800 on Holidays. The Commissary hours are 0900-1930 Monday through Saturday, and 0900-1700 on Sunday. The Commissary's early bird (20 items or less) shopping hours are 0700-0900 Monday through Friday. NOTE: Civilians are not authorized to shop in the Commissary.

Chapels

A listing of chapel services is posted on the student bulletin boards. Also, call the base information line at 7-1111.

Dodge Gymnasium (7-4225)

Located next to the Officer's Club in Area A. Activities include swimming, tennis, sauna, steam room, workout rooms, etc. A jogging path is located behind the gym. Hours are 0500-2000 Monday through Friday, 1000-1800 Saturday, Sunday & Holidays (CLOSED Christmas and Thanksgiving).

Jarvis Gymnasium (7-3607)

Located in building 1245, KittyHawk Center. Facilities include: basketball and racquetball courts, weight/workout room and a sauna. Hours are 0500-2200 Monday through Friday, and 0800-2000 Saturday and 0800-1800 Sunday and Holidays. (CLOSED Christmas, New Year's Day and Thanksgiving).

Wright Field Fitness Center

Located in building 22, Area B. Facilities include basketball and racquetball courts, weight/workout rooms, indoor running track. Hours are 0530-2000 Monday through Friday, 0800-1800 Saturday, closed Sunday and Holidays.

Golf (7-7961)

Two 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole course are available to DISAM students. All are located in Area A.

Arts & Crafts Center (7-7025)

Located in building 1084, Kittyhawk Center. Facility includes: frame shop, photography layouts (family photos), plaques, silkscreen classes, fine arts, weaving, pottery and woodshops.

Medical Care

All DISAM TDY students may receive medical care at the U.S. Air Force Medical Center (building 830, Area A). Civilian students may be seen for emergency purposes only.

Students should inform Class Leader or Class Manager of an illness and report to Student Operations.

Dining Facilities

Wright-Patt Club and Banquet Center (Area A, 7-2216) - hours are:
BRUNCH: 1000-1330 - Sunday only
Main Dining Room closed Monday & Tuesday
DINNER: 1730-2030 Wednesday and Thursday, 1730-2100 Friday & Sat
CLOSED HOLIDAYS

Members of any other Base Club are extended reciprocal privileges at the Wright-Patt Club.

Personnel who are not members of an Club at their permanent duty station, and in the grade of GS-9 or above may join this facility for $6.00 per week.

Dress Requirements

Daytime: Duty uniform including utility uniforms such as flying suits, BDU's or hospital "whites", or appropriate civilian attire. A collared shirt is the minimum standard for men. Ladies, no shorts. Shorts are not permitted for anyone.

After 1730 hours: For military - Uniform of the Day (no flying suits, shorts BDU's or hospital "whites"). For civilians - a collared sport shirt is the minimum standard for men. Ladies may wear slacks, street length dress, or skirt.

The Wings Lounge in the Wright-Patt Club. Dress is casual: Hours are:
1100-2200 Monday through Thursday
1100-2400 Friday
1100-2200 Saturday
1330-2030 Sunday
CLOSED Holidays

Mo' Joe's Burritos serves Mexican Food and is located in Area B, adjacent to the Air Force Institute of Technology. The hours are:
Breakfast: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Monday - Friday
Lunch: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Monday - Friday
CLOSED - Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Kittyhawk Center, Pitsenbarger Dining Hall (Building 1214, 7-7151) is open seven days a week to all enlisted students. The hours of operation are:
BREAKFAST 0600-0800
LUNCH 1100-1300
DINNER 1700-1900

Packy's (Sports Trivia Restaurant) - (building 823, Hope Hotel, Area A, 879-2696) is open seven days a week 0600-2200 Sunday through Thursday & 0600-2300, Friday and Saturday.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Cleaning, pressing, alterations and laundry service may be accomplished at the main store in Area C, Building 209. Hours are:
0900-1730 Monday through Friday
0900-1500 Saturday

or in the BX/Commissary complex, Building 1250, Kittyhawk Center. Hours are: 0900-1800 Monday through Friday and 0900-1700 Saturday.

Note: Hours listed for all facilities are subject to change without notice. Dial the telephone number listed after each facility to confirm hours of operation.