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The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently marked its 30th anniversary celebrating three decades of dedication to strengthening international partnerships through education, training, and Institutional Capacity Building (ICB). Established to support U.S. Security Cooperation, ISG has evolved into an institution focused on fostering sustainable defense partnerships worldwide.
The Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) ISG is the Department of Defense’s (DOD) leading implementer for ICB and one of its primary international schoolhouses. As a component of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), ISG is charged with building partner institutional capacity and capability through tailored advising, education, and professional development programs grounded in American values and approaches.
Origins and Evolution
In 1994, the Center for Civil-Military Relations (CCMR) was founded with Dr. Paul Stockton as its first director when the Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA)—renamed DSCA in 1998—began a collaboration with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. CCMR promoted democratic principles, civilian oversight, and effective defense resource management, preparing defense officials and military personnel to navigate civil-military relations in democratic contexts.
CCMR established a new model of defense education. Instructors designed courses that blended military and civilian perspectives, employing decision-making simulations, case studies, and interactive problem-solving. This collaborative, neutral environment helped build a foundation for future defense institution building—a focus that would shape ISG’s mission in years to come.
A New Strategic Approach to Building Defense Institutions
In the early 2000s, CCMR introduced innovative programs that addressed emerging security needs. Among these was the Defense Institution Building (DIB) initiative, which aimed to create stable and transparent defense institutions, particularly in newly democratizing states.
In 2006, the DOD formalized DIB as a priority within its Warsaw Initiative Fund, supporting countries in NATO’s Partnership for Peace. CCMR was tasked with leading these efforts.
The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act codified ICB into U.S. law. By emphasizing a comprehensive approach to Security Cooperation, the legislation formalized the importance of defense institution building as a central component of U.S. strategy. ICB encouraged creating sustainable, resilient defense systems in partner nations.
Growing into ISG
In 2019, CCMR transformed to the Institute for Security Governance under the DSCA umbrella. This transition aligned with the DOD’s broader Security Cooperation reforms, which aimed to consolidate and standardize defense education and training programs across agencies.
Active in more than 80 countries, ISG supports tailored advising, education, and professional development engagements around the world that tackle complex issues.
In its Regional Advising work, ISG focuses on Strategy, Policy, & Planning; Human Resource Management; Financial Management; Logistics; Cyber Capability; Intelligence; and Professional Military Education.
In its Education and Professional Development work, offered via overseas and U.S.-based education programs, ISG focuses on Security Governance & Civil Military Relations; Peacekeeping, Conflict, and Terrorism; Maritime Security; Emergency Management & Resilience; Cyber Capability; International Defense Acquisition Resource Management; Logistics Capability Building; Women, Peace, and Security; Climate Security; and Civilian Harm Mitigation.
Innovating and Delivering for Modern Challenges
ISG’s team of more than 150 government personnel and staff, adjunct faculty, and subject matter experts strive to meet the specific needs of each partner nation.
Notably, between FY2018 and FY2024, ISG conducts 2,600 Non-Resident ICB Advising activities, 130 Resident courses, 500 Mobile Education Training courses, 70 U.S. Bilateral and Multi-lateral Exercise Support activities, and trains between 2,500-7,500 international military students.
ISG Looks Ahead
In reflecting on ISG’s impact, Mr. Ian Wexler, ISG Director, emphasized that building strong, capable defense institutions is essential to global security. “The work we do at ISG is about more than just education and advising,” he said. “It’s about building enduring partnerships that are grounded in shared values and mutual respect. As we move forward, we’re committed to working with our partners to shape a safer, more secure world for future generations.”
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2024 14:02 |
| Story ID: | 485556 |
| Location: | MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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