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The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) is a component of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) situated within the Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) International School of Education and Advising (ISEA).

APRIL 2022 ISSUE

EXCITING INSTITUTE NEWS

ISG Resident Advisors Receive the Joint Meritorious Unit Award

This past month, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service to Headquarters, United States Central Command and select subordinate units. We are proud to announce that included among the ranks of those awarded were eight Institute for Security Governance Resident Advisors, who were deployed in region at the time and contributed to the mission. Bravo Zulu!

ISG WELCOMES

Michael Cho

Senior Principal, Management, Operations, & Administration Division

Eric Larson

Middle East Regional Program Lead, Advising & Consulting Division

James Travis III

Cyber Capability Faculty, Peace & Security Division

ADVISING

ISG Supports Georgia to Build its Territorial Defense Capability

The current Russian aggression in Ukraine portends serious security concerns for other democratic nations in the region that similarly aspire to gain membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Like Ukraine, Georgia is a former Soviet republic bordering the Russian Federation. Georgia seeks to join the community of Euro-Atlantic democracies, not only as a means of strengthening its own security, but to contribute to regional security requirements as well. Indeed, Georgian military forces have participated in several NATO-led operations, including the Kosovo Force (KFOR), International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and the maritime operations Active Endeavor and Sea Guardian. Since the 2008 Summit in Bucharest, when NATO leaders welcomed both Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations – agreeing that both countries will become members of the alliance – Ukraine and Georgia have taken considerable steps to meet defense reform goals and demonstrate a shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic values.

“Georgian military forces have participated in several NATO-led operations, including the Kosovo Force (KFOR), International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and the maritime operations Active Endeavor and Sea Guardian.”

In support of U.S. national security goals, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has made significant contributions to the Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Georgian Defense Forces (GDF) in their defense capability modernization efforts. From 2018 to 2021, the focal point of bilateral Security Cooperation (SC) was the Georgia Defense Readiness Program (GDRP), a major effort to build Georgia’s territorial defense capability. GDRP enhanced Georgia’s ability to generate combat-ready forces for territorial defense and other assigned missions and was an important pillar of the U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership. A follow-on activity to GDRP is the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative (GDDEI), which continues bilateral efforts to enable Georgia to become fully capable of meeting its defense requirements. A significant component of GDDEI is institutional-level assistance, which facilitates and further develops capabilities in defense transformation, strategic planning, life cycle management, human resources, and military education.

The Institute for Security Governance – situated within the Defense Security Cooperation University’s International School of Education and Advising, and the DoD’s lead implementer for Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) – leads the effort in Georgia that supports GDDEI. ISG’s Resident Advising Program – more commonly known as the Ministry of Defense Advisors (MoDA) Program – has deployed four Resident Advisors to Tbilisi to work alongside MoD and GDF counterparts on defense reform projects. These projects include organizational change management, resource management, maritime domain awareness, and the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP), which is the main vehicle for practical cooperation between Georgia and NATO. Resident Advisors are typically deployed to Partner Nations for 12-24 months, enabling them to build strong relationships with Partners and to collaboratively develop enduring, local solutions that are essential for effective ICB.

An example of the impactful work led by an ISG Resident Advisor is the ongoing organizational change management program in Georgia. In 2021, ISG launched the organizational change management project with an inaugural meeting between the Georgian Minister of Defense, the Chief of the Georgian Defense Forces, the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, and senior leaders from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and U.S. European Command. The Honorable James Locher – the architect behind the Goldwater-Nichols DoD Reorganization Act of 1986 – facilitated the discussion as ISG’s lead subject matter expert. During the discussions, the Georgian and U.S. participants jointly recognized that change management principles and approaches are essential to enabling effective defense transformation, and the MoD and GDF have since taken practical, substantive steps in this direction. ISG’s deployed Resident Advisor currently oversees the effort as lead advisor, with Mr. Locher contributing considerable intellectual depth. ISG complements the effort by providing episodic, Non-Resident Advising support.

“An example of the impactful work led by an ISG Resident Advisor is the ongoing organizational change management program in Georgia.”

With the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, increased focus has been placed on providing military aid to enhance the security capacity and capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As in Ukraine, the U.S. government provides Georgia with defensive military equipment, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles. In both countries, ICB has been an important, albeit less visible component of Security Cooperation, though it is often mistakenly associated exclusively with arms transfers. In addition to helping Partners modernize military equipment, ICB supports Partner Nations in developing effective government processes, encourages civilian control of the military, and builds a full-spectrum, durable security capability. This enables Partners to achieve not only their own strategic security objectives, but also enhances overall U.S. security, maximizing its return on investment. ICB is an important tool that is helping build Georgia’s defense capability and resilience – a vital task that takes on additional emphasis in the long shadow of Russia’s aggressive behavior.

ISG Resident Advisors Support the Development of a Human Capital Plan in Romania

In 2019, the Institute for Security Governance first deployed Resident Advisors to Romania in support of its efforts to reform its human resource management systems. Romania seeks to fully retire its communist-legacy practices and implement a modern system consistent with an all-volunteer force that is operationally integrated with its capability development process. To do this effectively, Romania must increase capacity to generate, develop, and sustain forces in alignment with its strategic modernization objectives. This effort supports broader NATO and bilateral security goals to improve interoperability between partners and enhance deterrence in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

In a recent speech, Romanian Air Force Chief of Staff General Viorel Pana advised that the greatest challenge in modernizing its fighter program from the Vietnam-era MIG-21 to three fully operational F-16 squadrons by 2024 is preparing the pilots, technicians, and engineers to operate them. Romania has announced an aggressive twenty-year strategic transformation plan – Armed Forces 2040 – which calls for modernization, innovation, and reorganization. Human Resources Management reform is a specific priority under this plan for Romania’s Chief of Defense, General Daniel Petrescu. ISG’s Resident Advisor is working with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) Directorate General for Human Resources to build a strategically-driven, problem-focused, and partner-centric enterprise human capital plan. The plan will serve as a framework to connect the constellation of people-based programs that support the Chief of Defense’s directive to put “the soldier at the center of strategy.” This includes implementing a new military career guide – an interactive career management system to guide professional development – and curriculum redesign to link training outcomes to distinctly classified positions and occupational standards. Upon this foundation, Romania will build a long-range planning capacity that operationalizes human resources, and forecasts long-range organizational needs to provide personnel capabilities required for a lethal, ready force required to meet its strategic modernization objectives.

ISG Resident Advisors – also known as Ministry of Defense Advisors (MoDAs) – work with Partner Nations to improve management and efficiency of defense institutions. A trained and deployed Resident Advisor is a subject matter expert who enables enduring, local solutions that build partner institutional capacity. Finding tailored solutions to local problems is the primary objective of DSCA’s 31 Resident Advisor serving in 18 Partner Nations around the world. To learn more about these exciting positions and how to apply, check out the ISG Resident Advising primer as well as current openings listed here.

STANDING OVATION

Linwood Ham

Mr. Linwood Ham, ​the U.S. Indo-Pacific Principal with the Advising & Consulting (A&C) Division, joined the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) in October 2017. During his time at ISG, he has provided leadership and guidance on a wide array of ​ISG programs and initiatives. Notable among his many accomplishments has been his effort with the ICB Smart Sheet Tiger Teams, which produced a valuable series of resources for the ICB community of practice. According to Mr. Ham, “It was my first time participating in a project that drew from experts within each part of ISG. I am grateful to work with amazing colleagues, who have given their precious time to create the Smart Sheet Tiger Team process and products.”

When asked about ISG’s growth potential, Mr. Ham noted that – as ISG continues to fill critical positions and has a champion in Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) President Dr. Celeste Ward Gventer – the Institute has an opportunity to better integrate its advising, functional, and education services. In Mr. Ham’s view, seamless and routine integration of all ISG capabilities, where it makes sense, would strengthen the Department of Defense's capacity building efforts to meet our national security needs.

When asked what he brings to the role of ​an A&C Principal, Mr. Ham said he aspires to represent ISG’s Resident and Non-Resident Advising work within the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and before Security Cooperation stakeholders; to work within ISG to ensure the efforts of all are mutually supporting; and notably, to “roll up my sleeves and assume burdens” so Regional Program Leads may focus on the work. Mr. Ham holds strongly to the principle of ​personal accountability and, as his colleagues regularly attest, continually sets an example as a leader and mentor.

Prior to joining ISG, Mr. Ham worked at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he led inter-organizational projects on addressing fragile states; understanding risks to U.S. front line diplomats and development professionals; and UN peacekeeping reform. Mr. Ham spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, and more than 12 years developing, executing, and assessing national policy directives, and U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State strategies and plans. He held various posts throughout his distinguished career in the Western Hemisphere, including as the Chief of the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and as ​a Security Assistance Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Colombia.

Mr. Ham received a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College resident program, where he earned the Strategist designation. He was also a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University.

EDUCATION

Flag Officer’s Roundtable: Executive Program on Defense Decision-Making

Senior civilian and military officials throughout the international defense, intelligence, and law enforcement communities make daily strategic decisions in defense of their countries. In doing so, they encounter many of the same institutional, political, and resourcing challenges that their colleagues from other countries face. These challenges include the ability to effectively identify threats, assign roles and missions to security institutions, develop ministry-level strategies, enhance interagency coordination, and create strategic communication campaigns that ensure whole-of-government responses to national security challenges. At the strategic level, senior executives can transform their ministries, departments, and agencies to overcome these challenges. However, effective, long-term successful transformation depends on acquiring and utilizing specialized skills needed to address institutional challenges.

To support U.S. Partners and Allies in meeting these goals, the Institute for Security Governance offers a flagship seminar on defense decision-making twice per year in Monterey, California. This two-week course is designed for senior military officers and civilians (Military: O6 and above; Civilian Equivalents) from Security Cooperation Partners around the globe. The goal of this seminar is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills-sets needed to be effective decision-makers, and to act as agents of change to transform their security institutions and to address ever-evolving national security challenges.

The most recent iteration of ISG’s “Executive Program in Defense Decision-Making” Resident Course concluded in February 2022 and included 14 participants from 12 countries. Among the participants were three flag officers, who generously agreed to share their thoughts and their experiences during the course with us. They include Major General Gezim Harolli, Director of the Kosovar Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) Intelligence Directorate; Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL); and Brigadier General Joyce Sitienel, Director of the Kenyan International Peace Support Training Centre.

In your view, what do countries need to pay more attention to with regard to emerging national security threats?

MG Harolli: More attention is needed with regard to early detection; creating needed capabilities; and cooperating with neighboring countries and allies to be better prepared to counter emerging national security threats.

BG George: Sustained attention is needed for state threats; transnational threats; terrorism; the pandemic; natural and man-made disasters; and the transit of illegal drugs.

BG Sitienel: The increasing threat of terrorism as a cross-border phenomenon needs international intervention as well as whole-of-government approach. Additionally, there is a need to integrate a gender perspective in all operations, from a human security standpoint.

What would you say is the importance of institutions and the importance of individuals when it comes to a national response to security threats?

BG Sitienel: Institutions must be prepared in terms of planning, equipment, and personnel. They must continuously review their capabilities to address emerging threats. This includes embracing diversity. Individuals must be continuously trained and ready to take up their respective roles effectively. Capacity building is critical at all levels.

MG Harolli: It is important for both individuals and institutions to recognize their constitutional responsibility to address, prepare, and respond to national security threats.

What do you think makes an effective Senior Leader?

BG George: An effective senior leader is a communicator, motivating, supportive, and has interpersonal skills and intelligence.

BG Sitienel: The Executive Program in Defense and Decision-making has presented a great opportunity for me to reflect on my role as a leader. For a senior leader to be effective, he/she must have clear goals for their organization and communicate them clearly within the organization. An effective leader must also be a good example and be accountable to the organization and staff.

What did you gain from interacting with your fellow course participants?

MG Harolli: I appreciated exchanging ideas and experiences about how they approach different issues and challenges in their countries.

BG Sitienel: I gained quite a lot. Learning about different experiences and perspectives from different parts of the world have enriched my knowledge. The network we have established are invaluable.

The views expressed in this article are those of the participants alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the governments that they represent.

RESOURCES

ISG Course Catalog

ISG’s tailored education and professional development courses support the development of a comprehensive knowledge base and strengthen capabilities to confront complex security and defense challenges. This catalog provides an overview of ISG's unique course offerings that support our education and training objectives.

ISG Multilateral Virtual Course Offerings

ISG's Multilateral Virtual Course Offerings are conducted in a synchronous or combination synchronous/asynchronous format, and are tailored to the bilateral country or multilateral regional context.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George – the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) – is a female career soldier with extensive military leadership skills. To further hone those skills, she recently completed two Resident Courses at ISG headquarters in Monterey, CA: Executive Program in Defense Decision-making (January 2022) and Women In Strategic Defense & Security Decision-Making (February 2022). The overarching goal of both courses was to empower leaders with key knowledge and skills to be effective decision-makers, become agents of change, and to transform their institutions to address ever-evolving national security challenges. The latter course placed a special emphasis on women’s representation in decision-making positions in security and defense institutions in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 objectives and Women, Peace, and Security principles. However, these two highly relevant courses were not BG George’s first introduction to ISG.

In 2018 in Monrovia, Liberia, BG George participated in an ISG-led Mobile Education Team (MET) course focused on “Building Linkages between the Armed Forces and the Legislature.” This Partner-tailored seminar provided a unique opportunity for senior officers from the AFL and senior Ministry of Defense civilian officials to discuss opportunities to better collaborate with the Liberian Legislature. According to BG (Ret.) Russell Howard, a Subject Matter Expert and Instructor who led the 2018 in-country MET: “Based on our course, the Liberian military and legislature formalized a meeting structure loosely based on the U.S. Office of Legislative Affairs.” Having since reconnected with BG George during the recent Executive Program in Defense Decision-making course, Mr. Howard added, "In talking with General George, she’s indicated that a whole host of coordination problems were solved by implementing our suggested options. It is encouraging to learn about the long-term effectiveness of the ISG MET event. Working with leaders like BG George and seeing the results of a cooperative and very functional working environment is incredibly positive.”

BG George has plans to bring insights from her current courses to Liberia as well. With regard to her experience with the Women in Strategic Defense & Security Decision-Making course, BG George explained that through the recently established liaison office, there is now a system that enables her to apply what she brings back from courses. “For example, we have less than 5% of women in the military. With what I am learning in this course, it will lead to a discussion on how to increase the strength of women in the AFL. Out of that discussion, we will produce our recommendations and brief the legislature, obtain funding, and produce the training and implementation from the bottom to the top.”

The opportunity to reconnect with former course participants, like BG George, and to continue to support their professional development as leaders demonstrates how ISG’s multi-pronged approach to Institutional Capacity Building effectively contributes to Security Cooperation with Partners and Allies.

HQ UPDATES

Heron Spotting

The Heron is our organization’s unofficial mascot, roaming the ISG lawn looking for moles and nesting on nearby Lake Del Monte. Herons are also symbols of partnership, exploration, intelligence, guidance, determination, and transformation—all of which ISG embodies in the work we do.

ISG in the Media

Check out the recent article in Joint Forces Quarterly by ISG Europe Regional Program Lead Gary Espinas – and his coauthors Tigran Mikaelian, and Michael McCarthy – on Building Institutional Capacity in the Ukrainian Armed Forces in which they explore sustainment planning for U.S.-provided equipment. BZ, Gary!

Working with Us

ISG is hiring! Working with ISG brings you into a rich community of individuals striving to address emergent security challenges and grow global partnerships through Institutional Capacity Building. Check out the exciting opportunities to Join Our Team.

The ISG Heron Archive

If you are interested in previous issues of The ISG Heron, check out The ISG Heron Archive. Please continue spreading the word for us by signing up to receive The ISG Heron each quarter, visiting us on the web or following us on LinkedIn.