What happens at the annual security cooperation planning meetings?

While the frequency of updates to formal, written CSCSs generally occur annually, country-level planning is continual. Of particular importance is the series of planning meetings that take place during the course of the year. While the particulars of each meeting vary by CCMD and by country, each CCMD generally meets annually to accomplish the functions described.

The CCMD hosts the Theater Strategy Conference to discuss policy direction and initiatives. It is attended by personnel from the embassies, typically the SDO/DATTs and the Deputy Chiefs of Mission, as well as policy makers from the CCMD HQ, OSD, DOS, and the military services components who have a role as implementers of the strategy.

While the Theater Strategy Conference focuses on direction and policy, the Regional Working Group (RWG) focuses on SC activities. Attendees include personnel from the SCO, the service components, OSD, CCMD, and the services. Work should focus on detailed event planning and program by program reviews.

The Security Cooperation Education and Training Working Group (SCETWG) is an annual meeting hosted by the CCMD, usually between March and June, to project training requirements one and two years out. Members of the SCO, DOS, and the services attend to coordinate and approve PN training requirements.

For the country-level planner, most actions taken with the PN will consist of education and/or training events or activities. The annual CETPP clearly spells out the timing of U.S. training courses, the attendees, and a wide variety of PN-related training information. The SCO Training Officer will have access to the CETPP, as should the SCO Chief and the CCMD SC training officer. Most of the planning is simply the synchronization of multiple events; the CETPP provides the information to create such a training synchronization matrix.

This CETPP focuses on the goals and objectives for DoW-sponsored education and training for the PN. Guidance for preparation is contained in the SAMM, section C10.5.1.2 and Figure C10.F1. The SCO uploads the draft plan electronically onto the SAN for CCMD review and approval. The approved plan is used each spring during the CCMD’s Security Cooperation Education and Training Working Group (SCETWG).

It is critical that the SCO develop a solid working relationship with the training departments of the PN military services early in the tour so PN desires can be incorporated into the CETPP.

The exact nature of these conferences varies widely, but all coordinate activities directly with PN militaries. The conferences occur in-country or at the CCMD headquarters. These conferences typically focus on coordinating military-to-military events but could also cover training. During these meetings, security cooperation plans are finalized with the partner nation’s concurrence.