Buying Down Strategic Risk: Institutionalizing Security Force Assistance

Abstract

Abstract : The Armed Forces of the United States will continue to organize, train, equip and advise security forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other partner countries for the foreseeable future. This project examines ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense to bring irregular warfare, of which foreign security force assistance is a key component, into strategic balance with conventional (traditional) warfare. The research identifies gaps that exist between the new defense strategy, defense policy, and organizational structure, conventional force employment, and training. Recommendations are provided to address the identified gaps in order for the Armed Forces of the United States to better achieve an appropriate strategic balance, buy down strategic risk, and be more capable of responding to complex issues and operations associated with the current and future global security landscape.