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The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance is the Department of Defense’s leading implementer for Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) and one of its primary International Schoolhouses.

JANUARY 2023 ISSUE

This issue bids farewell to its Director, Steve Peterson • Takes a look at notable Security Cooperation eventsReports on the recent Ukrainian National Resilience Workshop • Offers a standing ovation to Africa Regional Program Lead Jessie Evans  Highlights Resident Education contributions from the "Strategies and Capabilities for Cyber Challenges" course Marks ISG's successful participation in the 2022 Gobi Wolf Exercise Wishes farewell to ISG Regional Advising colleagues, Linwood Ham and Gary Espinas Provides updates from ISG HQ

INSTITUTE NEWS

ISG Bids Farewell to its Director

Institute for Security Governance Director Steve Peterson, who steadfastly served this organization in its many iterations since 2010, has moved to the national capital region and taken up the post of Deputy Assistant Director for Institutional Capacity Building. Mr. Peterson was a critical member of the team who made ISG what it is today. The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institutional Capacity Building Division will benefit from both his experience and his insight in building out this new capability. Mr. Peterson’s colleagues, new and old, wish him the best and take comfort in knowing that we are all part of the same university and working to further institutional capacity building together!

Rear Admiral (Ret.) David Manero, who has served as Senior Principal for Regional Advising at ISG for the past year, has graciously accepted the role of Acting Director. Mr. Manero’s impressive and diverse career spans the globe. His leadership and mentorship have already made an impression on his colleagues during his tenure at ISG, and we are all grateful to have such a charismatic and capable colleague at the helm during this pivotal transition period. Best of luck to Mr. Manero as he steps into these important shoes!

SECURITY COOPERATION EVENTS ROUND-UP

Advancing Security Cooperation through Women, Peace, and Security

The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) led a Professional Military Education Academic workshop, titled “Advancing Security Cooperation through Women, Peace, and Security (WPS),” on September 26 – 27, 2022 at DSCU HQ in Virginia. The event gathered 65 WPS academics and professionals to discuss practical and practiced implementation approaches. Twelve WPS-centered papers were presented by 14 authors across four panels, which sparked thoughtful and impactful discussions focused on practitioner perspectives and solutions.

DSCU President Dr. Celeste Gventer opened the conference and welcomed the participants. Congressman Mike Waltz – co-chair, U.S. House of Representatives Women, Peace, and Security Caucus – joined the conference virtually to discuss what action Congress wants to see in the WPS space as well as to express his support for these professionals. The conference was led and organized by DSCU’s Dr. Susan Yoshihara and her team of WPS researchers and lecturers, Dr. Grace Hoffman, Dr. Rabia Zafar, and Ms. Cameron Quinn, J.D. Nick Tomb – Civil-Military Relations/Security Governance Functional Lead and Women, Peace, and Security Functional Co-Lead – represented ISG on a panel that focused on how WPS is being integrated into Security Cooperation with Allies and Partners.

Security Cooperation in a New Era Conference

The Defense Security Cooperation University and The George Washington University co-hosted the inaugural 2022 Security Cooperation Conference on October 18th, which brought together academics and expert practitioners alike to discuss the state of Security Cooperation, recent global security trends, and what the future holds for DoD in this space.

Speakers included DSCA Director Jim Hursch; Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Dr. Mara Karlin; Director of Foreign Assistance at the U.S. Department of State Dr. Dafna Rand; and DSCU’s President, Dr. Celeste Gventer. For more information, see this U.S. Department of Defense article.

RESIDENT ADVISING

Assessing Ukrainian National Resilience as a Shared Security Objectives

The Institute for Security Governance and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies partnered to co-host a workshop on Ukrainian resilience in Krakow, December 12-16. Over 45 participants from Ukraine, NATO Headquarters, the United States and other NATO member states attended the workshop-style meetings to discuss the challenges Ukraine faces—from a national resiliency perspective—following Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of the country.

“The overall goal is for us to think through ways to eliminate system deficiencies and how to increase the state's readiness to face threats,” said a Ukrainian representative. “The conclusions drawn and the lessons learned should form the basis of future improvement of national resilience.”

The dialogue focused on addressing questions related to crisis management during wartime, critical infrastructure resilience, societal resilience, and ensuring continuity of government during national emergencies. Sharing experiences from the war, participants assessed Ukraine to have exceeded their expectations in societal resilience, but emphasized the need to further build a culture of preparedness and enhance social cohesion through education and awareness.

“As the attacks on Ukraine started and expanded, we realized that we had more resilience as a society than we had previously thought,” said a Ukrainian participant. “My wife and my kid are now in Ukraine, without power and water. I have no way to communicate with them. And yet, we continue our work here. This is resilience.”

“A society has a hidden resilience that can only be revealed during a crisis. That presents a challenge in having an appropriate assessment of the right level of resilience in advance,” said another Ukrainian participant, who is also a former Marshall Center alumna.

Building resilience during a war is difficult. U.S. security cooperation efforts such as institutional capacity building can be particularly helpful. Institutional capacity building addresses the necessary good governance practices, management competencies, and sustainment capabilities to effectively and responsibly achieve national resilience, a shared security objective.

“Resilience is a valuable area for security cooperation and a critical, shared, security objective,” said Matt Vaccaro, Senior Principal for Practice & Capabilities at ISG. “We view our support to Ukraine as a top priority and this resiliency dialogue as having potential to further galvanize the international community in support of Ukraine over the long term.”

While most resiliency assessments happen in times of peace through simulated exercises, gathering data from real time events is invaluable in drawing accurate lessons learned. Continuous assessment of the level of preparedness and of the ability to respond to crisis are key to strengthening national resilience.

“I applaud the Ukrainian leaders for taking the time and effort to assess the current and future strategic situation, and for their commitment to accomplish that goal,” said Col. Matthew Neumeyer, Head of Strategic Studies Department at the Marshall Center. “ISG and the Marshall Center teams are eager to facilitate discussions that give a shared understanding of Ukrainian resiliency, help continue to reinforce and strengthen it, and prepare the Ukrainian nation for a better future.”

This resiliency workshop with Ukraine is intended to strengthen the national resiliency of the country in a variety of critical areas, and could potentially serve as a roadmap for other countries. “Through this week’s discussions, we hope to gain more clarity on necessary legislative changes, gaps that need to be eliminated, and ways to solve the main challenges,” said a Ukrainian representative. “Experience gained by Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression puts Ukraine at the level of maturity where the development of national resilience system is not only necessary, but a completely natural step.”

The United States has clearly expressed its determination to help Ukraine repair, restore and defend its critical energy and water infrastructure, meet its winter preparedness needs, and support Ukraine’s civilian resilience. This workshop was a prime example of that support. The United States considers mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships an enduring strength, and will continue to reaffirm unwavering support to Ukraine’s fight for democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

STANDING OVATION

Jessie Evans

Mrs. Jessie Evans joined the Institute for Security Governance as an Africa Regional Program Lead (RPL) in December 2018. In this role, Mrs. Evans manages Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) projects in the U.S. AFRICOM area of responsibility, working directly with defense and security partners across sub-Saharan Africa. Mrs. Evans’ passion for her work with Partners and Allies is conveyed in her patience and commitment to what she refers to as the long game. “Working with Partners and Allies is the absolute best part of my job,” she notes. “Nothing beats the human-to-human exchange of ideas. I love that my partners are intellectual equals and constantly challenge me to think creatively about how to tackle thorny institutional challenges. The hardest part about our job is that institutional change takes time and little in our job produces instant gratification.”

Prior to joining ISG, Mrs. Evans worked for the U.S. Department of State in a range of political-military affairs positions, including Security Sector Reform Advisor to the U.S. Mission to Somalia based in Somalia and Kenya, and as a Senior Conflict Specialist living overseas in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Before her time at the State Department, Mrs. Evans worked at the Harvard School of Public Health on international health and human rights. She also spent time early in her career at the Pentagon and the United Nations working on Africa regional issues, which helped her gain an appreciation of the relationship between good governance and the success of a country’s security sector.

It was the pursuit of her graduate degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy that proved to be a significant opportunity to reflect on her career and to build strong personal and professional connections. Mrs. Evans continues to value a life-long approach to learning in her current role and shared that, “Practitioners need to take periodic opportunities to step back and think about what is working and what is not. Periodically putting myself in learning environments has been crucial as I have advanced in my career.”

Mrs. Evans noted that ISG’s efforts to implement more Women, Peace, and Security initiatives and integrate gender considerations into all programs are well-placed and needed, and that conversations are often overwhelmingly, if not entirely, dominated by western, male military service members on limited assignment. She expanded by saying, “My experience overseas has shown me that the security sector at-large lacks rich, diverse discussion, including input from qualified women. I believe ISG is committed to bringing in an integrated approach to institutional capacity building that draws on a range of disciplines and perspectives within the security sector, and I am committed to helping make this a reality.”

When asked what guidance she might provide to young women embarking on a career in government, Mrs. Evans offered three pieces of advice: Be technically excellent; always follow-up; and give back. “First, be good at whatever task you are given (big or small). Be technically excellent, and your bosses and team will trust you. Second, do what you say you are going to do or be clear when you cannot meet your obligations. Trust is built through honest and clear communication. Lastly, nobody succeeds alone. A lot of women (and men) have given me advice and helped me succeed over the years and as a result, I feel strongly that no matter where you are in your career you should spend time mentoring and supporting others in whatever way you can.”

ISG is extremely fortunate to include consummate professionals like Mrs. Evans among its ranks and offers her a Standing Ovation from ISG’s leadership and colleagues.

Mrs. Evans received a Master of Arts from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College. She is an advisor to the Women in International Security's DC (WIIS-DC) Chapter Board and an active member of the Truman National Security Project and Rotary International. She originally hails from beautiful Bend, Oregon.

RESIDENT EDUCATION

Strategies and Capabilities for Cyber Challenges

The Institute for Security Governance recently conducted a “Strategies and Capabilities for Cyber Challenges” Resident Course at ISG headquarters in Monterey, California. This four-week course – offered annually – equips participants with the knowledge and skills to understand cyber threats and vulnerabilities, and their consequences for national security and military operations. The course explores strategies and capabilities to maintain an advantage over actors who seek to exploit, disrupt, or damage the critical networks, systems, and services upon which our societies and militaries depend. Instructors also highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach that applies whole-of-government coordination, regional collaboration, and public-private partnerships to counter cyber-enabled malicious actors across the spectrum of conflict.

A range of civilian and military backgrounds were represented among the 27 participants hailing from 16 countries, with most countries having sent cohorts of two to five people. The course was delivered by an impressive array of subject matter experts, who combined academic presentations on prevailing and emergent cyber domain concepts with practical frameworks, including cybersecurity assessments, operational-level exercises, and applied group work on coordination products. In an effort to better understand and counter cyber threats, participants analyzed case studies based on actual attacks such as the 2014 Sony Attack, the 2015 United States Office of Personnel Management Hack, and the 2020 SolarWinds Hack. Similarly, a site visit to Defense Innovation Unit and Palo Alto Networks added a practical dimension to the coursework. Beyond instruction, course participants joined one another in social activities and excursions in different locations in California, helping to foster personal relationships and professional connections that will last well beyond the course.

Course Director Dr. Scott Jasper noted that, “the range of countries represented from around the globe indicates the increased need and demand for cybersecurity education. The U.S. is responding through focused cyber courses that have an academic foundation and practical applications. ISG Institutional Capacity Building education courses provide participants with knowledge and skills to use immediately upon return to their important positions in the cyber field.

At the conclusion of the “Strategies and Capabilities for Cyber Challenges” course, participants were meant to:

  • Recognize cyber threats and challenges in new forms of geopolitical conflict and competition across political, economic, and military arenas;
  • Effectively analyze, design, and implement national and military strategies for safeguarding unfettered access to cyberspace;
  • Understand emerging technologies and security practices to counter advanced cyber actor tactics and techniques;
  • Be conversant in the legal aspects and issues for a global domain, including national regulations and laws, and international regimes and norms;
  • Consider governmental processes and policies to promote cooperation among government and private sector organizations, ministries, and law enforcement partners.
“We couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and engagement of the participants in our Strategies and Capabilities course,” said David Radcliffe, the Cyber Functional Lead at ISG. “We are at a most critical time now as countries are realizing how vital the cyber domain is to all aspects of military operations and national security. This course helps participants understand how to take a strategic approach to cyber threats and vulnerabilities.”

In response to the high demand being placed on ISG for Cyber Institutional Capacity Building, ISG’s Cyber Capability Team is offering a number of additional resident (R) and mobile (M) courses on related topics, including: Cybersecurity Policy & Practice (R, M), Strategies & Capabilities for Cyber Challenges (R), Developing Cyber Organizations and Workforces (R, M), Cybersecurity Strategy Development (M), Cyber Defense Operational Integration (M).

Learn more about how ISG is working to build the capacity of defense cyber institutions and help Partner Nations identify, assess, and better understand risks, capacities, and threats within their defense cyber ecosystem in ISG’s Building Capable Cybersecurity Institutions ICB Smart Sheet.

EXERCISES

ISG Takes Part in the 2022 Gobi Wolf Exercise

As the lead coordinating entity for 10th annual Exercise Gobi Wolf 2022, the Institute for Security Governance brought together stakeholders from U.S. Army Pacific, the Alaska Air and Army National Guard, the U.S. Forest Service, and the international community to exchange expertise and best practices in disaster response. Taking place in early September in Bayankhongor, Mongolia, Exercise Gobi Wolf is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance. The six-day exercise featured three main events: an expert academic discussion, table-top exercise (TTX), and field-training exercise. The events were designed to develop comprehensive measures and to test disaster responses involving interagency coordination.

ISG planners and facilitators designed, coordinated, and implemented the exercise that brought together 300 first responders to exchange best practices, exercise disaster response operations, and tactical training related to Search and Rescue and dealing with hazardous materials disaster situations. Working with counterparts in Mongolia's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ISG also developed and executed a dynamic table-top exercise over a two-day period. The TTX utilized real-world assets to increase Mongolia's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) capabilities, as well as to bolster their communication techniques.

Commander of the Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Tracy Smith remarked about the training potential of the exercise during the opening ceremony and stated how much each entity and country has to learn from one another. “Our nations continue to become stronger as we exercise our ability to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the effects of a domestic crisis or disaster,” said Smith.

“This regional approach to strengthen and refine our goal of a government model for emergency operations is key to security, stability and recovery.”

For more information on ISG’s efforts building resilience with Partner Nations, see our Building Resilience for National Defense ICB Smart Sheet.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

Linwood Ham

At the culmination of five years of dedicated service, ISG would like to wish fair winds and following seas to Mr. Linwood Ham. Mr. Ham has joined the Boeing Company to lead their Veterans Affairs programs. Boeing has gained a tremendous asset and he will be sorely missed.

During his time at ISG, Mr. Ham has provided leadership and guidance on a wide array of ISG programs and initiatives, most recently serving as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Principal for the Regional Advising Division. Notable among his many accomplishments since he began at ISG in October 2017 were his efforts with the ICB Smart Sheet Tiger Teams, which produced a valuable series of resources for the ICB community of practice.

Prior to joining ISG, Mr. Ham worked at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he led inter-organizational projects on addressing fragile states; understanding risks to U.S. front line diplomats and development professionals; and UN peacekeeping reform. Mr. Ham spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, and more than 12 years developing, executing, and assessing national policy directives, and U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State strategies and plans. He held various posts throughout his distinguished career in the Western Hemisphere, including as the Chief of the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and as a Security Assistance Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Colombia.

Mr. Ham received a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College resident program, where he earned the Strategist designation. He was also a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University.

As in his previous posts, Mr. Ham is held in high esteem at ISG. He is noted in particular for his ability to provide sage council to colleagues in all echelons of the organization. When asked what he was most proud of during his tenure at ISG, Mr. Ham said, “partnering with so many top-shelf pros from across the Institute.”

Linwood, we thank you for your contributions to the important mission of this organization and your investment in the people who make it all happen. Best of luck in your next chapter.

Gary Espinas

ISG would like to wish fair winds and following seas to Mr. Gary Espinas. Mr. Espinas is joining the faculty of the United States Naval Academy, where he will be the Class of 1960 Distinguished Visiting Professor of National Security. Although he will be dearly missed, The United States Naval Academy will benefit greatly from Mr. Espinas as he helps to educate the next generation of national security leaders.

During his eight years at ISG, Mr. Espinas served as a Europe Regional Program Lead, working with Partner Nations in Europe on Institutional Capacity Building (ICB). Notable among his many accomplishments was his 2019 receipt of the Supporting the Armed Forces Medal by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. “While I received several medals during my Army career, this award was particularly meaningful because we were helping the Ukrainians defeat the Russian-led separatists. Now that Ukraine is fighting for its very survival against Russia, the award means even more to me.”

Prior to joining ISG, Mr. Espinas spent 26 years as a United States Army Field Artillery and Foreign Area Officer (FAO), retiring as a Colonel. As a FAO, he served multiple joint assignments as a political-military officer and conventional arms control advisor. Previously, Mr. Espinas led Field Artillery formations at the tactical level, including a combat deployment to Iraq. In his role as a FAO, Mr. Espinas was Military Professor of National Security Affairs and the FAO Chair at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he taught a course on Russian foreign policy. As Director for Russia, Caucasus, and Black Sea in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Mr. Espinas supported senior OSD leadership engagements in the region. During assignments as a Political-Military Advisor in the Department of State and the United States Embassy in Moscow, Russia, Mr. Espinas supported a wide range of negotiations, consultations, and engagements.

Mr. Espinas holds a Master of Arts in Russian Regional Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. He also earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Mr. Espinas is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Georgetown University and serves as an adjunct Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Mr. Espinas speaks Russian and Spanish.

Well-liked and appreciated by his colleagues for his calm energy, tremendous expertise, and generous mentorship, Mr. Espinas will be dearly missed. When asked what advice he would offer future Regional Program Leaders, he recommended leaning on and learning from the amazingly talented people within ISG — “the greatest strength of our organization.”

Gary, we thank you for your work with our European Partners, for your professionalism and kindness to your ISG colleagues, and for your investment in the mission of this organization. Best of luck in your next venture.

HQ UPDATES

Publication Alerts

Journal of African Military History Article by Whitney Grespin

ISG Africa Regional Program Lead Dr. Whitney Grespin’s recently co-authored an article titled, “Things Fall Apart: Soviet Assistance to the Somali Armed Forces, 1960–1977” in the latest issue of The Journal of African Military History. The article looks at Soviet aid to Somalia that laid the groundwork for a decades-long mismatch between local intentions and Cold War superpower objectives in the Horn of Africa. Congratulations, Whitney!

American Society of International Law's ASIL Insights Article by Scott Lyons

ISG Regional Advising Principal Scott Woodruff Lyons recently published an article titled, “The U.S.’s Recent Enhanced Efforts to Fight Corruption by Protected Individuals” in the latest issue of The American Society of International Law's ASIL Insights. The article spotlights a legal case against a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to illustrate how the United States is making strides in its fight against corruption, in this case, by foreign officials. Kudos Scott!

Working with Us

ISG is hiring! Working with ISG brings you into a rich community of individuals striving to address emergent security challenges and grow global partnerships through Institutional Capacity Building. Check out the exciting opportunities to Join Our Team.

The ISG Heron Archive

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