What does a combatant command (CCMD) do in security cooperation?

Concerning SA/SC, the functions of the CCMDs include the following:

• Make recommendations to the Joint Staff and the Secretary of War on any aspect of SA/SC programs, projections, or activities
• Keep informed on all SA/SC matters, including programs, projections, and activities
• Command, supervise, and support the SCOs in matters that are not functions or responsibilities of the chiefs of the U.S. diplomatic missions, including the provision of necessary technical assistance and administrative support to SCOs
• Coordinate and assist DoW components in the conduct of regional SA/SC programs and activities when required and practical
• Develop and submit, as directed by the Joint Staff, recommendations regarding the organization, staffing, and administrative support of SCOs
• Keep the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, and MILDEPs informed on matters that could have an impact on SA/SC programs or actions that could impact other DoW programs under their cognizance
• Ensure coordination of regional SA/SC matters with U.S. diplomatic missions and DoW components as appropriate
• Conduct activities as directed and, when required, to ensure the efficient and effective administration of SA/SC activities
• Provide evaluation, as required, of the efficiency and effectiveness of DoW overseas SA/SC organizations

The relationship between the SCO and the CCMD can generally be categorized as operational and administrative. Operationally, the SCO executes the CCMD’s campaign plan and assists the CCMD in the development of sub-components of this plan, including the country-specific security cooperation section (CSCS). Administratively, the CCMD is required to perform these functions, among others, to support the SCO:

• Rate/endorse SCO personnel on their evaluation reports. For the SDO/DATT, U.S. ambassadors may provide letter input, and their evaluation reports are completed by DIA and the CCMD
• Control and coordinate the SCO joint manpower program requirements
• Coordinate the administration of SCO financial and personnel records
• Administer SCO direct hire programs
• Fund and administer quality of life programs for the SCO
• Serve as the focal point for reviewing and consolidating SCO operational budgets and forwarding these to DSCA

The CCMD and the ambassador should strive to ensure that the SDO/DATT does not receive conflicting guidance, instructions, or priorities. If this occurs, the SDO/DATT must seek clarification or resolution. While the SDO/DATT occasionally is in the difficult position of responding to two masters, he/she is also uniquely able to understand both the CCDR and the ambassador, balancing their respective priorities and leveraging their collective resources. In particular, the SDO/DATT must be alert to take advantage of the wide range of support and expertise available from the CCMD, despite the distances separating the two activities. It is imperative for the SDO/DATT to maintain routine and timely communications with the CCMD on behalf of both the COM and the host nation.