Guide
Is there a penalty for canceling international military training?
Yes. A country that cancels or reschedules a U.S. military training course late, or whose student does not complete the course, can be charged part of the tuition, and all of it for contract courses and courses dedicated to international students, unless another student fills the seat. The charge falls on the country's case or grant program. No penalty applies when the cancellation is caused by a U.S. decision or by unavoidable circumstances in the country.
Is there a penalty for canceling international military training?
Because of the shortage of training quotas and the difficulty experienced by the military service training activities in adjusting to quota changes, the DoW has instituted a penalty charge for IMS no-shows and for late-notice cancellations. If the country cancels or reschedules less than 60 days before the start date, its or other grant program or case is charged 50 percent of tuition unless another student fills the seat. The assesses the charge. For certain contract courses and courses dedicated to international students, the penalty is 100 percent unless another student fills the seat.
References
SAMM
- SAMM C10.15.1.1
- SAMM C10.15.1.2
- SAMM C10.15.1 — Charges for Course Cancellations or Withdrawals.
Related
Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
A process, authorized by the Arms Export Control Act, through which eligible foreign governments and international organizations may purchase defense articles, services, and training from the United States Government.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
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IMET — International Military Education and Training
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
FMS — Foreign Military Sale
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Implementing Agency (IA)
The military department or defense agency responsible for the execution of military assistance programs. With respect to FMS, the military department or defense agency assigned responsibility by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to prepare an LOA and to implement an FMS case. The implementing agency is responsible for the overall management of the actions that will result in delivery of the materials or services set forth in the LOA that was accepted by a foreign country or international organization.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
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International Military Student (IMS)
A national of a foreign government, with military or civilian status of that government, who is receiving education or training or is touring USG activities under the sponsorship of the security assistance training program.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
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DLIELC — Defense Language Institute English Language Center
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Continuing Resolution (CR)
Continuing resolutions (CRs) are joint resolutions that provide continuing appropriations for part of a fiscal year or for a full fiscal year. A CR that covers only a part of a fiscal year is referred to as a "short-term" CR, and a CR that covers a full fiscal year is referred to as a "full-year" CR. A CR is often enacted when the Congress has not yet passed new appropriations bills by October 1 or when the President has vetoed congressionally passed appropriations bills. Because of the nature of a short-term CR, you should operate at a minimal level until after your regular fiscal year appropriations is enacted.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
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DSCA — Defense Security Cooperation Agency
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) →
State (PM) — Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026