Defense Security Cooperation Agency

“The reach of this institution is critically important.. our relationships and our teamwork form the foundation of achieving peace through strength,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, a gathering place for military and civilian leaders of the Indo-Pacific region to address regional and global security. The Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies is one of five DoD regional centers of which Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is the executive agent.  

Amid a moment of historic unity and shared purpose, US Africa Command Commander General Michael Langley applauded the enduring US-Morocco partnership as Morocco took delivery of six AH-64E Apache helicopters at Morocco's inaugural Royal Air Force Base in Sale. “This ceremony goes beyond the mere acquisition of a weapon system, it celebrates a historic partnership that has lasted nearly 250 years,” General Langley said, recalling Morocco’s unwavering support for the US since its founding. The success points to decades of trust and cooperation that have fueled both nations' commitment to regional stability and security. “By purchasing these Apache helicopters, Morocco has made a significant step in investing in their security and in regional security. This investment now puts them in a new level of warfighting capability,” Langley said. Morocco's role in securing North Africa and the Sahel has set an example for others to follow. Morocco was hailed as a "reference in defense and stability" by General Langley, while renewing the United States' determination in this solid alliance of nearly 250 years. It is a legacy based on shared values and a mutual goal of promoting peace. Impressively, Morocco is also a major contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 1,700 troops deployed worldwide. The acquisition of these advanced Apache helicopters not only improves Morocco's defense potential but also collective efforts for regional and global security. As Aimee Cutrona, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Rabat, indicated, this partnership is increasingly growing, advancing progress and security beyond borders. Morocco's continued investments in defense, like being the largest African buyer of US arms, reflect a forward-leaning approach in maintaining peace and addressing crises. The US diplomat stressed that the two countries are enjoying “steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interests in the region and the world.” This week also saw the first planning conference for African Lion 2025, Africa's largest military exercise, which takes place annually in Morocco. Side by side, the US and Morocco are leading by example, showing that alliances rooted in mutual respect and shared goals are the cornerstone of lasting stability.

In alignment with United States Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5400.17 and recent Executive Orders issued by the President, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and DSCA component offices have reviewed and adjusted their social media content to ensure compliance with United States Department of Defense policies and priorities. As a result, certain posts have been removed or are in the process of being removed or modified to maintain consistency with federal guidance and uphold the integrity of our official communication channels. DSCA and its component offices remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and adherence to United States Department of Defense directives while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values. For any questions regarding social media policies, please refer to official United States Department of Defense guidance available at https://lnkd.in/gk3C8bu5.

Following the delivery of 220 boxes of supplies to over 58 islands in the Western Pacific, Operation Christmas Drop 2024 concluded earlier this month. The exercise is an annual U.S. Air Force tradition of packing and delivering food, tools, toys and clothing to remote islands in the Pacific. DSCA manages the DoD Humanitarian Assistance Transportation Program, allowing DoD to transport privately donated humanitarian assistance cargo on a space available basis. “Operation Christmas Drop 2024 showcased the strength of our international partnerships and our commitment to being a force for good in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Col. Brett Cochran, 374th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. Four partner nations, Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea, participated this year. The drops are the longest running humanitarian airlift operation; the origins trace back to the Christmas season of 1952, when an aircrew aboard a B-29 Superfortress noticed islanders waving at them from Kapingamarangi, about 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. The crew ultimately dropped a bundle of supplies to the island, hoping to spread a little Christmas joy, according to Andersen Air Force Base’s website. More information DSCA’s Humanitarian Assistance Transportation Program found here: Humanitarian Assistance Transportation Programs (HATP) | Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Prague, Czech Republic - DSCA Director Mike Miller met with Czech leadership to discuss the dynamic security environment in Europe, the Republic’s purchase of 24 F-35 aircraft in 2023, and the Republic’s vital role in protecting NATO’s eastern front. Before visiting Prague, Director Miller traveled to Poland, our partner and ally, to discuss security cooperation initiatives, priorities, and challenges. #NATO #SecurityCooperation

Last week, DSCA guaranteed a $4B Federal Financing Bank loan to Poland. This brings the total value of U.S. loans and loan guarantees to Poland to over $11B within the last two years. Poland is the cornerstone of NATO’s eastern front and a key strategic partner for the United States. Following Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, Poland embarked on a military modernization program focused on homeland defense. Poland’s defense upgrades include major acquisitions of U.S. systems and equipment such as Apache helicopters, the Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance System (ASRRS), High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and Patriot air and missile defense systems. The additional $4B loan guarantee highlights the United States’ commitment to Poland’s security, NATO’s eastern front, and the overall strengthening of NATO’s collective defense. #FMF #ForeignMilitaryFinancing #SecurityCooperation #NATO #Poland

Director Mike Miller visited AFRICOM and EUCOM headquarters today to gain an understanding of the SC priorities and challenges. Leaders discussed EUCOM’s “Alliance first” tactic and AFRICOM’s whole of government persistent engagement approach. In between security cooperation meetings, Mr. Miller had lunch with DSCA employees.

CMSgt Sundin, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Director of DSCA, recently attended the NCO Advanced Leadership course, a program designed to develop leadership skills for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in a multinational environment. “In a world where militaries are trying to emulate our NCO corps, the synergy, interoperability, and security that comes from our empowered NCOs cannot be replicated,” Sundin said. In his keynote address, Sundin emphasized the importance of empowering NCOs to lead and the collaboration of partners and Allies. “It is more important than ever that partners and Allies band together as the complexities of the international environment continue to threaten our sovereign territories and common security interests,” said Sundin in his keynote address. As part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, the NCO Advanced Leadership course is aligned with the NATO/PfP standards for senior NCOs. #NATO #securitycooperation #alliesandpartners

DSCA and DSCU Leadership Visit to DIILS The DIILS team was pleased to host Mr. Mike Miller, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency Director; Mr. Steve Derscheid, DSCA Chief of Staff; and Mr. Isaac Eagan, Defense Security Cooperation University Chief of Staff, at our headquarters in Newport, R.I. last week. Mr. Miller received updates on the DIILS mission and operations from the DIILS leadership team, hosted a town hall for DIILS colleagues, and presided at the graduation of our Legal Aspects of Combating Corruption resident course.

Director Miller attended the Bahrain International Air Show on November 13th &14th as the DoD delegation lead. The air show provided an opportunity to meet with regional partners, industry partners, and organizations actively executing the security cooperation mission in-country. The DoD tradeshow program directly supports the National Defense Strategy and the National Security Strategy by focusing on developing the capabilities of our allies and partners through the promotion of U.S. defense products. The trade show program is built to further the strategic objectives of the Combatant Command, the Service Components, the host nation embassy, and all participating organizations. #BIAS #securitycooperation