WHO MANAGES INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS?

  The U.S. Congress establishes the laws, authorizes program, appropriates funds and has an oversight role in SA. Within the Executive Branch, the DOS, National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce and others all have responsibilities concerning International Programs.

  Aside from the President, the principal responsibilities fall to the DOS and DOD. The Secretary of State provides continuous supervision and general direction for International Programs, including determining whether there will be a program for a country or activity and, if so, its scope and the timing of the particular sale.

 The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) implements programs to transfer defense articles and services; DSAA is the principal DOD organization for Security Assistance Programs. Within DOD, the MILDEPs and Defense Agencies manage individual country programs, including development of LOAs, case management and supply of articles and services. Financial management of accepted LOAs is the primary responsibility of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

 Each SA-recipient country has U.S. representation, usually a Security Assistance Organization (SAO), under the direction of the chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission for in-country management of SA programs. In addition to in-country management assistance, the SAO provides oversight for SA programs within its assigned country in conjunction with country counterparts, the country team within the diplomatic mission, the regional Commander-in-Chief of the Unified Command, Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff, DSCA and MILDEPs.

AND IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Security and Law Enforcement Branch (PLU-SA/FMS) is the USMC International Programs sponsor. Responsibilities include Security Assistance policy, joint service programs, and regional plans. Marine Corps Systems Command, International Programs (IP) plans, coordinates, implements, and executes all Marine Corps related SA acquisition and logistics matters. The management and implementation of a Marine Corps SA training program is executed by Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Coalition Special Warfare (CSW).