DSCU Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) teams, including the 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 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) 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.

To learn more about ISG’s work in Security Cooperation and in building partner capacity, visit its website in general, and its Resource Library in particular.

STANDING OVATION

Ms. Jessica Kehl

We are delighted to share the experiences and insights of Europe Regional Program Lead (RPL) Ms. Jessica Kehl. This Standing Ovation article provides an overview of Ms. Kehl’s career; describes some of the challenges and rewards she has encountered in her work; offers insights on ICB Advising in the Balkans; and imparts valuable advice for future ICB practitioners.

Early Family Experiences Inspire a Career

When asked what events or interests led her to focus on Europe, Ms. Kehl shared that growing up in a multi-cultural family – with extended family in East and West Germany – gave her an appreciation for other cultures and a deep interest in Cold War geopolitics at an early age. Reading children’s books in German and learning traditions with her maternal grandmother remain especially fond early memories. Her interest in politics and international relations further deepened when her uncle volunteered for the Peace Corps. Ms. Kehl vividly remembers checking the mailbox every day for his postcards from Nicaragua.

While Ms. Kehl was pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Government and International Relations, the Berlin Wall fell. This historic moment reinforced her passion for pursuing a career in international relations with a focus on Eastern Europe and Eurasia. After completing her Master’s Degree in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Ms. Kehl was selected for the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship – a competitive award for graduate students seeking to enter public sector service. After an initial role in the Department of Defense focused on START Treaty implementation, which included participating in U.S.-Russian compliance meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, Ms. Kehl went on to work for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OSD-P). At OSD-P, Ms. Kehl served as a civilian defense official for over two decades in a variety of roles, including as a country and office director – focused on Europe, Eurasia, and Trans-Atlantic defense relations as well as detail assignments on the National Security Council and UK Ministry of Defense policy staff.

During her time at OSD-P, Ms. Kehl worked with ISG’s predecessor organizations to advance defense reform efforts in Ukraine (2001-2004), and in the Balkans (2009-2014). Ms. Kehl subsequently joined ISG in April 2022. Since then, the Institute has benefited immensely from her experience, her dedication, and her utmost professionalism.

From Policy to Implementation: Challenges & Rewards

Since joining ISG, Ms. Kehl has found the shift from policy development to implementation very rewarding. Ms. Kehl notes a newfound appreciation for the complexities of turning policy into effective change. At ISG, Ms. Kehl works to develop efforts that facilitate and support defense and security reforms for allies and partner nations in her area of responsibility. She notes that shared NATO defense and security objectives and agreed NATO Capability Targets for individual allies create high political will in the partner nations with which she implements ICB efforts. Still, Ms. Kehl points out that to be effective, each partner’s ICB efforts must take into account its unique political and institutional dynamics. Driving institutional change is a slow process; if they are to endure, efforts to implement transformational change demand a long-term commitment. Getting to the “true root of the problem” takes time, Ms. Kehl says, but seeing how ICB Advising supports measurable progress toward a partner’s capability goals is deeply rewarding.

A Holistic Approach to ICB in Europe Today

The importance of collaboration and coordination in ICB Advising cannot be overstated, Ms. Kehl says, noting that working with colleagues across ISG and with other ICB partners can unify efforts and introduce efficiencies.

“In my second year at ISG, with experience, I’ve been more purposeful about coordinating these activities into a more cohesive effort that complements our advising and objectives.”

Ms. Kehl goes on to say that “in Europe, the focus is on allies delivering capabilities to the NATO Alliance to strengthen defense and deterrence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” By leveraging a range of ICB tools, resources, and expertise, she has brought a holistic approach to the implementation of programs in the European countries she oversees.

The ISG Value Proposition: Depth of Experience in Regional Advising

When asked about ISG’s value proposition, Ms. Kehl is quick to highlight the Institute’s breadth and depth of experience at the organizational and individual levels. The admiration she holds for her colleagues is tangible, noting that years of dedicated implementation allows the Institute to harvest “that history by capturing methodologies, concepts, and examples as part of standardization efforts to make sure that the wisdom of individual RPLs and their predecessors” stays with the organization. Ms. Kehl says ISG’s “tremendous history and accumulated knowledge [gained] through the design, execution, and monitoring of ICB implementation” are the reasons the Institute is regarded as DoD’s leading implementer for ICB. She goes on to say that its people are the “deep bench of expertise” that make ISG’s spectrum of programs singularly impactful. Referencing the long-term nature of effective ICB efforts, Ms. Kehl also acknowledges and appreciates the incremental pace of change, which may require a hand-off between one ICB practitioner to another over the lifespan of a country program. A collaborator at heart, she looks forward to making her own contributions to ISG’s growing repertoire of lessons-learned, methodologies, concepts, and examples, building on ISG’s tradition of sharing knowledge to improve ICB outcomes.

Advice for Future ICB Practitioners

When asked what advice she would give ICB practitioners just entering the field, Ms. Kehl offers her own lessons learned. She counsels them to choose work that builds new skills, not to pass up less visible positions that can offer greater scope for bottom-up initiative, and to work for great leaders. Ms. Kehl’s advice and insights are indicative of the values that inform and propel her forward as an ICB advisor and remind us that the incremental and multifaceted nature of Institutional Capacity Building efforts require a patient, collaborative, and learning-oriented mindset.

In offering Ms. Jessica Kehl a Standing Ovation, we celebrate a colleague whose commitment to the arduous work of ICB implementation exemplifies the ISG motto: “Advancing Knowledge, Building Capacity, Strengthening Partners.” Thank you, Jessica!

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT

A Year in Review

In his first year as Director of the Institute for Security Governance (ISG), Mr. Ian Wexler has overseen significant strides in the organization's strategic direction and operational efficiency. His commitment to in-person engagement, coupled with a focus on optimizing resources, has yielded tangible, positive results. This article provides an in-depth look at Director Wexler's first year in leadership at ISG.

Evolving Strategic Vision

Director Wexler has refined his strategic vision for the Institute since first taking the role in Fall 2023, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness. Namely, his vision crystallized into “Do Less and Do It Better.” Reflecting on the organization's state upon his arrival, Wexler observed that ISG's teams were stretched thin across various facets of operations. To address this, he and his leadership team have focused on providing increased resources, support, and manpower to optimize efforts, resulting in considerable progress towards a more efficient organization. Despite notable achievements, Wexler recognizes that there is still room for improvement in this regard.

A Year of Hands-On Engagement

Director Wexler very obviously prioritized in-person engagement with ISG’s implementing teams, partners, and stakeholders. He visited three combatant commands – USAFRICOM, USEUCOM, and USINDOPACOM; provided remarks to 13 Resident Courses; and observed multiple Mobile Education Training courses and Non-Resident Advising activities in countries including Bulgaria, Panama, the Philippines, and Colombia. When asked what insights he gained from these experiences, the Director pointed to his commitment “to see the substance of our work firsthand.”

As Mr. Wexler explained, “Seeing ISG faculty and implementers in action, collaborating as a team, is truly inspiring. It highlights the dedication and commitment of our teams, even when faced with challenges in the Security Cooperation mission.”

Wexler also emphasized the importance of seeking feedback from U.S. Government Security Cooperation partners. He observed that many stakeholders previously had limited interactions with ISG leadership, and often held misconceptions about the organization's capabilities. His travels offered an opportunity to clarify ISG's mission, address misunderstandings, and encourage more strategic use of its resources, particularly at the Global Combatant Command (GCC) level.

Building a Stronger Team

Wexler's emphasis on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has been instrumental in strengthening ISG's team. He recognizes the importance of treating all team members with respect and creating a sense of unity towards achieving the organization's mission. He has demonstrated that his actions match his words.

Beyond the mission itself, Wexler has made significant efforts to engage with the Institute's faculty, staff, and contractors. He believes that a strong sense of community is essential for success, emphasizing that “we are one ISG team.” While acknowledging the diverse roles and responsibilities within the organization, Wexler stresses the importance of everyone working together towards a common goal.

Wexler's commitment to engagement extends beyond internal stakeholders. He finds satisfaction in interacting with resident course participants, partners, and allies, often describing these interactions as the most rewarding aspect of his role. He ardently promotes ISG's mission and program offerings during every meeting and engagement, sharing his pride and enthusiasm with ISG’s diverse array of stakeholders.

Organizational Optimization

Wexler's tenure has been marked by a strategic focus on organizational change and resource optimization. While recognizing the importance of measured change, he has implemented strategic improvements to enhance efficiency and support the organization's growing mission. In Wexler’s estimation, “I am always careful at evaluating the pace of change. Too much change in too short of a time allows for uncertainty and anxiety, can damage morale and cause confusion. Similarly, lack of change can cause the same outcomes. So, I am always trying to balance those competing principles.” As the demand for ISG's services continues to increase, Wexler remains committed to ongoing evaluation and sustained resource allocation efforts. This approach positions ISG for measured growth and continued success.

Looking Ahead

In the coming year, Wexler plans to expand his field visits to gain a deeper understanding of ISG's operations worldwide. To leverage shared expertise and resources, he also aims to foster greater collaboration among ISG and its fellow component organizations within the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU). “I think we have a lot to learn from each other in advancing our collective goals and interests,” speaking specifically of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) and the Defense Resources Management Institute (DRMI). Director Wexler noted that he expects this collaboration to be a focus of FY25.

As ISG continues to evolve and adapt to the changing global security landscape, Wexler's leadership and strategic vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's future.

EDUCATION ROUNDUP

ISG Continues to Innovate in the WPS Arena

The Institute for Security Governance is continually adapting its Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) offerings to align with emerging United States Government (USG) priorities and evolving partner needs, under the leadership of Mr. Nick Tomb, Security Governance and Civil-Military Relations Functional Lead.

Several years ago, the Institute began incorporating WPS objectives into building partner institutional capacity in response to a series of international and national actions. In 2017, the USG enacted the Women, Peace, and Security Act, which sought to improve the participation of women in peace and security processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and security sector institutions. It then released the 2019 U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, quickly followed by the Department of State (DoS) and the DoD Implementation Plans in 2020.

Since that time, the DoD’s Women, Peace, and Security Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan has guided ISG’s work to further enable and strengthen defense and security institutions, build capabilities, and support shared security interests through the integration of the WPS agenda. Most recently, the 2023 Women, Peace, and Security Strategy and National Action Plan was released, reflecting “critical shifts in our global landscape—including geopolitical changes, a rise in climate-related crises, and advancements in technology.” The evolving WPS mandate continues to inform how the Institute conducts its work in this arena. This past quarter, ISG’s work to innovate and expand its WPS offering was on full display.

Course Development Workshop

In August 2024, ISG’s Mr. Tomb and Security Governance Faculty Member Ms. Cary O’Connell convened subject matter experts to develop a new course on “Military Gender Capability,” under the WPS umbrella. This course represents a third educational offering under the WPS rubric and aims to build national defense capacity to integrate a gender perspective in military institutions and operations to enhance military effectiveness.

While this capability is often performed by Gender Advisors and Gender Focal Points, many countries – especially IMET-eligible countries – do not have such structures in their national armed forces. Accordingly, the new course focuses on why this capability is a key element of fit-for-the-future military institutions, and how to develop and implement this capability within defense institutions and in the context of operations.

The Military Gender Capability course highlights the principle of civilian control of the armed forces, in which democratically elected civilian leaders commit their nations to advance the WPS agenda through National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325. This course also focuses on how to recruit, retain, and assign the best and the brightest toward successful operationalization of a military gender capability. Finally, the course works to build key non-kinetic skills, including analysis and communication, necessary to implement military gender capability at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of military institutions. The paperwork to establish a course Military Articles and Services List (MASL) and justify Expanded-IMET certification is underway. ISG plans to deliver the new course as a resident course in Monterey in FY26.

Reshaping its course offerings in this focus area, and others, demonstrates ISG’s responsiveness to global partner demands and its efforts to infuse its course offerings with innovative best practices. In fact, all four of its WPS offerings delivered this quarter benefitted from newly developed content based on lessons learned in the field. This includes the “ISG WPS Barriers and Solutions Framework Methodology” – a series of nine activities which build upon one another and guide participants through a comprehensive, tailored process to identify local WPS-related challenges and solutions.

Colombia METs

Earlier in the summer in Colombia, ISG delivered two WPS-focused Mobile Education Training (MET) courses in support of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy Bogota. They were, “Women’s Integration into the Armed Forces” and “Women, Leadership, and National Defense” – the latter of which emphasizes the vital role that Gender Advisors can play in support of military planning and operations. For the WIAF course, ISG, led by Ms. Cary O’Connell, developed a new curriculum that punctuates learning with a framework for the host nation to identify barriers to women’s meaningful participation and integration into the Armed Forces. Participants then develop tailored solutions to their contexts, an innovation that provides countries the ability to develop solutions that work for their institutions and culture, which is critical for success. The second course was a specific host nation request, as they are creating policies for Gender Advisors and Focal Points at the strategic and operational level.

Of note, ISG Director Ian Wexler was in-country to observe the “Women, Leadership and National Defense” MET course, among other ISG activities. While there, Director Wexler also had the opportunity to meet with Embassy and Partner stakeholders, as well as with ISG faculty engaged in its ongoing ICB Non-Resident Advising program, which focuses on strengthening Colombian defense sector institutions. Colombia is one of the U.S.’s most important defense partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, and the Director’s participation lent gravitas to the diverse engagements ISG is undertaking in-country.

Armenia MET

Shortly after conducting the MET courses in Colombia – and taking into account lessons learned and curriculum updates described above – ISG concluded a weeklong workshop on “Women’s Integration in the Armed Forces” in Yerevan, Armenia. Led by Ms. 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 provide a framework for Armenia to develop policies to recruit and employ more women into the Armenian Armed Forces based on their challenges and goals. Integrating women fully and equally can be valuable to a country’s national security sector. The workshop guided participants through a barrier analysis framework, stakeholder analysis, and SWOT analysis to address challenges specific to the host nation and identify solutions tailored to its culture and goals. This approach is crucial for stakeholder buy-in and ensured that the workshop effectively addressed how Armenia can better integrate women into the armed forces.

The course featured a keynote address by U.S. Ambassador Ms. Kristina Kvien and Maj. Gen. James Kriesel of USAF EUCOM J7. Ms. Kvien, a strong advocate for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, attended and provided remarks. Maj. Gen. Kriesel shared examples of the benefits of women’s full integration. Both leaders answered questions and engaged in a lively discussion with participants.

In addition to Colombia and Armenia, the Security Governance Team delivered updated and revised WPS courses in both Chile and Argentina. ISG plans to forge ahead, innovating and delivering programs that integrate the WPS agenda and support the U.S. commitment to become a global leader in the promotion of women’s meaningful participation in defense and security sectors.

For more information on the Institute’s work in the WPS arena, check out the WPS Primer. ISG’s WPS course offerings are available in ISG’s Schoolhouse Hub under the Security Governance and Civil-Military Relations Functional Area.

INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENTS

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DSCA/DSCU/ISG or its organizations. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DSCA/DSCU/ISG endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Grespin: Authors Book Review for Parameters and Serves as Panelist and Presenter at the 2024 JSOU Non-Resident Fellowship Virtual Symposium

Kudos to Dr. Whitney Grespin, ISG Africa Regional Program Lead, for the publication of her book review in Parameters, the Quarterly academic journal of the U.S. Army War College. Dr. Grespin’s review of The Decline and Fall of Republican Afghanistan by Ahmad Shuja Jamal and William Maley (Hurst Publishers, 2023) spotlights security governance “issues and lessons not learned” in the book’s “measured and tactful” examination of the 7,176 days of Republican Afghanistan. Her commentary touches on her own experiences, remarking on the resonance of themes for practitioners in the broader community of practice.

In August, Dr. Grespin served as a panelist and presenter at the 2024 Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) Non-Resident Fellowship Virtual Symposium. Dr. Grespin’s research project, “Public Perception of the VEO Threat in Ghana,” focuses on the relationship between the concerns of the Ghanaian populace and the degree to which those concerns align with and impact United States Security Cooperation, stabilization, and other programming efforts. Dr. Grespin’s questions highlight the importance of considering and integrating a populace’s concerns into Security Cooperation program planning and evaluation.

We commend our colleague, Dr. Whitney Grespin, for her strategic expertise and contributions to the Security Cooperation community.

O'Hern: Lectures in the AFJAG Military Operations Law Course

We are delighted to acknowledge ISG Europe Regional Program Lead Sandra O’Hern, who recently taught two lecture blocks at the US Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Her expertise in countering Russian malign legal operations and in developing professional legal advisory capacity in Eastern Europe enhanced the Military Operations Law Course, providing valuable insights to U.S. and allied military and civilian legal professionals.

We applaud Ms. O’Hern for her contributions and work in this critical area of expertise.

Nick Tomb Delivers Presentation on Civil-Military Operations at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Mr. Nicholas Tomb, Security Governance and Civil-Military Relations Lead at the ISG, recently delivered a presentation on Civil-Military Operations (CMO) to a visiting cohort of twenty junior officers participating in the U.S. Department of State’s Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. Hosted at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, Mr. Tomb’s talk addressed key CMO topics such as the relationship between a country’s citizens, elected officials, and its armed forces, and stressed the importance of civil-military engagement for building trust. This year’s cohort, who came from military academies, law enforcement, or the legal field, included students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Zambia.

ISG commends Mr. Tomb’s commitment to the development of rising CMO professionals.

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