Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) teams, including the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) and a U.S. Ministry of Defense Advisor (MoDA), recently met with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian Air Force to further their F-16 program, ahead of the delivery of the aircraft. Additionally, DSCU MoDA, Mike Counsellor, was recently recognized by the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria for his advising on Bulgaria’s F-16 program. 

DSCU teams have long supported North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries transitioning from legacy Soviet-era warplanes to fourth and fifth generation Western multi-role fighter aircraft. These country-specific and regional ICB initiatives were designed to develop shared solutions consistent with NATO standards and principles.

ISG’s ICB engagement, which included ISG Director Ian Wexler, centered around Human Resource Management (HRM) and Strategy, Plans, and Policy functional areas in Bulgaria. In advance of the arrival of new F-16 aircraft, the focus was on Bulgaria’s critical planning elements for HRM to support NATO interoperable air combat capability. 

Counsellor’s recognition by the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria highlighted the important relationship he has built with senior Bulgarian Ministry of Defense leaders. His comprehensive initiatives aligned with the Partner and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) strategies and are all aimed at supporting country objectives.  As a MoDA working with the U.S. Air Force program office and various DOD Security Cooperation teams, these connections, as well of those with the Partner, led to a stronger operations and sustainment plan for every aspect of the Bulgarian F-16 program. 

In the FY2024 NDAA, DSCA’s DSCU was tasked with the “management and provision of ICB services executed by the DOD.” The legislation bolsters DSCU’s existing ICB mission and brings additional importance to DSCU’s ICB elements and implementing components. ICB expert teams are comprised of faculty, staff, and supporting subject matter experts from the DSCU ICB Directorate, the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS), ISG and the MoDA program.