Welcome to the Institute for Security Governance

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The Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) Institute for Security Governance (ISG) is the Department of Defense’s leading implementer for Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) and one of its primary international schoolhouses. As a component of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), ISG is charged with building partner institutional capacity and capability through tailored advising, education, and professional development programs grounded in American values and approaches.

Latest News

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October 2024 Heron

October 15, 2024

Announcing the latest ISG Heron – a quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on our work in Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building, and showcases the dedicated individuals behind these important initiatives.

In this issue, ISG:

• Marks the Institute's 30th Anniversary with an in-depth article looking back on its unique history 

• Welcomes brilliant new colleagues including a Deputy Director, a Maritime Senior Lecturer, four Regional Program Leads, and three Travel Specialists

• Profiles a combined DSCU Advising engagement in support of Bulgaria's F-16 program 

• Offers a Standing Ovation to Europe Regional Program Lead, Ms. Jessica Kehl 

• Spotlights Mr. Ian Wexler's inaugural year as ISG Director 

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ISG Principles of Defense Procurement & Contracting Course

October 8, 2024

The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting resident course in Monterey, California. This International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) course provides a theoretical and practical examination of fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting.

Institute for Security Governance Defense Security Cooperation University Celebrating 30 years

The Institute for Security Governance: A Look at Three Decades of Impact

October 7, 2024

In October 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, the Institute, its predecessor organizations, and its team of dedicated experts, have shaped and advanced the mission of Security Cooperation through determination, innovation, and dedication.

DSCU Georgia Team

DSCU Georgia Team Receives 2024 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award

October 1, 2024

The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Ministry of Defense Advisor team in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been awarded the

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ISG Women, Peace, and Security in Peacekeeping Operations Course

September 20, 2024

Congratulations to the latest cohort of graduates from the Institute for Security Governance's "Women, Peace, and Security in Peacekeeping Operations" course.

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ISG Strategic Planning Workshop in Ecuador

September 20, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance recently concluded a series of workshops with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense, focusing on enhancing their strategic planning capabilities.

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ISG Building Institutional Capacity in the Maritime Security Sector Course

September 17, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance recently concluded its course: Building Institutional Capacity in the Maritime Sector.

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ISG Hosts Inaugural 'Climate and Environmental Security' Course

September 11, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded its inaugural "Climate and Environmental Security" Regional Course in Quito, Ecuador.

ISG Armenia MET: Women's Integration into the Armed Forces

ISG Armenia MET: Women's Integration into the Armed Forces

September 5, 2024

The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded a weeklong workshop on “Women’s Integration in the Armed Forces” in Yerevan, Armenia. Led by ISG Security Governance faculty member, Cary O’Connell, the event was hosted by the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation.

The intended outcome of the weeklong workshop was to develop policies to recruit and employ more women in the Armenian Armed Forces. Integrating women fully and equally can be valuable to a country’s national security sector.

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ISG Support to PKO Engagement with Serbia

September 3, 2024

The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently led a peacekeeping operations workshop in Garmisch, Germany, with nine personnel from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian Armed Forces.

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ISG Principles of Defense Acquisition Management

August 30, 2024

Congratulations to the latest cohort of the Institute for Security Governance's International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) "Principles of Defense Acquisition Management" course graduates. This course provides a theoretical and practical examination of the underlying concepts, fundamentals, and philosophies of the international defense acquisition management process.

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Mobile Education Trainings (METs) in Bogota, Colombia

August 30, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently delivered three Mobile Education Trainings (METs) in Bogota, Colombia. The METs included two courses in support of Women, Peace and Security, titled “Women’s Integration into the Armed Forces,” and “Women, Leadership and National Defense”—the latter with an emphasis on the important role that Gender Advisors can play in support of military planning and operations.

Developing Cyber Organizations and Workforces

Developing Cyber Organizations and Workforces

August 14, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance recently concluded its "Developing Cyber Organizations and Workforces" resident course in Monterey, California. This course acknowledges the importance of strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration in creating an effective military defense cyber organization to protect and defend military relevant and mission critical cyber terrain. Allies and partner nations sending students to the course understand that, to conduct defensive cyberspace operations, it is crucial to have a well-planned cyber organization with a well-managed and highly-skilled workforce.

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Strategic Planning Success: Panama Signs First Joint Operating Concept

July 25, 2024

PANAMA CITY — The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently attended the inauguration of the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security’s (MINSEG) first Joint Operating Concept (JOC). The JOC provides a vision for how MINSEG will plan and conduct future large-scale, complex Ministry-led operations of a joint nature (i.e., across MINSEG air/naval, border, police, and migration security services) in support of Panama’s security.

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ISG Defense Planning Seminar in Budapest

July 23, 2024

The Institute for Security Governance (ISG), in partnership with the Defense Planning Department of the Hungarian Ministry of National Defense, recently held a seminar on defense planning in Budapest.

About Institutional Capacity Building

Wondering about the approach of DSCA and its components to institutional capacity building (ICB)? Check out this video, which explains how ICB encompasses Security Cooperation activities and directly supports ally and partner nations; how DSCA manages and executes ICB initiatives; and how building capacity extends beyond the provision of defense articles and services to ensure full-spectrum capabilities.