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.

APRIL 2024 ISSUE

This issue spotlights a successful senior leader delegation visit to ISG & DRMI • Welcomes seven new outstanding Regional Advising and Functional Experts • Profiles the expansion of security governance in Sri Lanka • Explores the pivotal role of the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialog in regional security • Offers a standing ovation to Africa Regional Program Lead, Dr. Whitney Grespin • Interviews Director Ian Wexler on his dual engagements in the Philippines • Details how ISG builds national resilience in Bulgaria • Bids fair winds & following seas to International Military Student Specialist, Mr. Craig Coder, and Middle East Regional Program Lead, Mr. Philip Archer • Provides a brief roundup of the external fora in which ISG colleagues present and publish • Highlights two faculty members for their notable recognition.

INSTITUTE NEWS

A Successful Winter Senior Leader Delegation Visit to ISG & DRMI

This past winter, Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) components – Institute for Security Governance (ISG) and Defense Resources Management Institute (DRMI) – had the pleasure of hosting a senior leader visit on Naval Support Activity Monterey. The visiting delegation comprised Mr. Michael Miller, Deputy Director of DSCA; Mr. Steven Derscheid, Chief of Staff at DSCA; Dr. Celeste Gventer, President of DSCU; and Dr. Jason Fritz, Vice President of DSCU.

During their time in Monterey, the visiting delegation engaged in a diverse array of activities. They participated virtually in the DSCA end-of-year Town Hall, followed by an in-person Q&A session on issues of importance to ISG and DRMI personnel. Additionally, they observed DRMI’s International Defense Management course as well as ISG's Executive Program in Defense Decision-Making course, gaining valuable insights into the high-caliber education and professional development missions of each component. The delegation also toured both facilities and took part in dynamic leadership roundtables organized by ISG and DRMI, providing an opportunity for further in-depth discussions on key institutional and mission-focused topics.

Of particular interest, DSCA Deputy Director Miller had the opportunity to meet Major General Mamat OA Cham, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, who was in residence at ISG to participate in the two-week Executive Program in Defense Decision-Making course. The meeting not only allowed the DSCA Deputy Director to forge an important in-person relationship with a high-ranking partner, but also provided an opportunity for that partner to share poignant (and positive) feedback about his experience at ISG and his participation in the resident course.

This multifaceted engagement reflects the commitment of higher headquarters to strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and supporting ISG and DRMI to further advance their missions.

ISG WELCOMES

ICB AT WORK

Expanding Security Governance in Sri Lanka

An ISG Regional Advising team of experts made its inaugural visit to Sri Lanka in February 2020, just before the onset of the global pandemic. During this visit, ISG identified the potential for an Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) project in collaboration with the newly established Sri Lankan National Defense College.

This project, which ISG was able to support virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided ISG and its Sri Lankan counterparts with an opportunity to build trust and rapport, despite pandemic limitations on in-person interaction. ISG also gained a greater appreciation for Sri Lankan defense priorities and strategic decision-making culture – organizational insights that would position ISG to be a more thoughtful and effective partner when travel restrictions were lifted in late 2021.

Emerging from the shadow of the pandemic, ISG resumed its advisory efforts in country, during which time the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force expressed interest in receiving support on pressing institutional challenges. These requests aligned well to U.S. priorities outlined in its Significant Security Cooperation Initiative (SSCI) related to Sri Lanka's maritime security. Having established mutual agreement on maritime objectives, ISG began its support for the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force to enhance their maritime doctrine and human resource management. Of salience were Sri Lankan requests for assistance with the development of non-commissioned officer (NCO) recruiting, personnel management, and retention policies.

ISG’s expanded support to the Navy and Air Force showcases the profound impact that a well-designed and patiently implemented initial ICB project can have for prospects of future cooperation. With a solid start and foundation, more substantial partnerships can be built due to the trust and collaboration fostered by those early efforts.

This measured approach to ICB has continued to reveal more opportunities for ISG to be of assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka, in line with U.S. strategic priorities. It also illuminated ways that ISG could further enhance the U.S.-Sri Lanka bilateral defense relationship. In early 2023, the Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense reached out to U.S. Embassy Colombo requesting ISG's support for two critical defense sector governance needs. They requested assistance in developing a new defense strategy that could help the government advocate for a more streamlined, technologically advanced military with a heightened maritime focus. Additionally, they requested ISG's expertise in analyzing military force modernization and force optimization options – formidable tasks given limited capacity within the Ministry of Defense staff.

Throughout its advisory efforts, the ISG team had the pleasure to work alongside and collaborate with its Sri Lankan executive project sponsor – a female senior executive civil servant equivalent in rank to a U.S. Assistant/Undersecretary of Defense. The appointment of such a high-ranking partner underscored the importance of the project and further demonstrated the leading role that women are already playing in managing the Sri Lankan defense and military sector.

ISG's sustained advising efforts since 2020 have played a pivotal role in fortifying the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. This work on defense governance highlights how ISG can productively contribute to a top priority U.S. interagency policy goal in Sri Lanka. Through these collaborative initiatives, the Sri Lankan government is benefiting from U.S. assistance and expertise, while also developing critical strategies and a new vision for their sovereign security interests and needs in the years ahead.

Transforming Alliances: The Pivotal Role of the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialog in Regional Security

In a landmark development at the 2022 U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialog (BSD), both nations pledged to fortify their alliance through the creation of a groundbreaking Philippines - Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR). This strategic initiative is designed to seamlessly link strategy to resources, ensuring a focused approach to mutual security assistance planning. The P-SSAR aims to address shared security challenges by investing in capabilities agreed upon bilaterally, fostering efficiency in the expenditure of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Security Cooperation Program (ISCP) funds.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has entrusted ISG with the pivotal role of designing and implementing the P-SSAR. Under a five-year Bilateral Action Plan, ISG is spearheading the effort through a collaborative security sector Action Officer Working Group (AOWG). The first AOWG session that OSD convened witnessed bilateral consultations involving key players such as the Philippines Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation (which oversees the Philippine Coast Guard), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the U.S. Department of State.

ISG's domain (e.g., Air, Ground, Maritime) and functional (e.g., Intelligence, Logistics) group design approach within the AOWG focused on prioritizing capabilities aligned with current strategic guidance. This strategy aims to enhance interoperability and support the Philippines in transitioning from internal security operations to a robust territorial defense posture. The second AOWG session marked an historic milestone with the introduction of the first-ever bilateral Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation framework in the Indo-Pacific region. This framework serves as a comprehensive tool to track progress towards capability end states, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.

Leveraging a capability-based planning approach, ISG provides crucial advising to the AOWG on agile acquisition strategies. This includes the use of properly sequenced hybrid funding mechanisms such as national funds, Foreign Military Financing (FMF), and International Security Cooperation Program (ISCP) funds. The goal is to ensure the affordability of systems and facilitate the rapid development and fielding of new capabilities. ISG further contributes by offering cost estimation for both material (e.g., equipment) and non-material solutions (e.g., doctrine), enabling responsible budgeting and long-term sustainment. Additionally, pre-costed and vetted capability packages are prepared for immediate action through letters of request for Foreign Military Sales (FMS), ISCP proposals, or national funds.

The impact of the P-SSAR is already evident, with FY24 FMF allocations directed towards capabilities that enhance territorial integrity in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea. Philippine President Marcos, acknowledging the strides in bilateral cooperation, highlighted the ISG-led P-SSAR effort as an example of our increased bilateral cooperation during an address at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. A significant milestone is anticipated during the 2024 2+2 Ministerial in the Philippines, where the official signing of the P-SSAR is slated as a key deliverable. This underscores the commitment of both nations to transforming alliances and contributing significantly to regional security matters.

In conclusion, the U.S.-Philippines alliance is at the forefront of shaping regional security through the innovative P-SSAR. The collaborative efforts, guided by ISG, reflect a commitment to strategic planning, efficient resource utilization, and the development of capabilities that address evolving security challenges. As the P-SSAR progresses towards official signing in 2024, it stands as a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of this vital alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.

STANDING OVATION

Dr. Whitney Grespin

With a career spanning diverse sectors and continents, Dr. Whitney Grespin has emerged as a consummate expert in advising partners and allies on building institutional capacity and promoting Security Cooperation. Her journey to her current role as a Regional Program Lead in Africa, along with her notable successes in the seat, has inspired us to express gratitude for her contributions and to honor her with this Standing Ovation highlight.

Career Path

Dr. Grespin's career trajectory is a tapestry woven from experience around the globe. Beginning with her undergraduate and graduate studies focused on human security and sub-national threats to civilian populations, she immersed herself in attending and running study abroad programs across four continents. This foundation laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles managing similar programs and later transitioning into the dynamic landscape of international security.

Her tenure with the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) – the trade association of contingency contractors supporting the U.S. Government in complex environments – provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of security operations. From there, she ventured into program management for security advising work in Afghanistan before delving into the realm of Unmanned Aerial Systems/Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance services for the U.S. Government.

Dr. Grespin's pursuit of excellence led her to embark on a PhD at King's College London's Defence Studies Department at the Joint Services Command and Staff College to explore the U.S. Government's use of contractors in Security Assistance. Simultaneously, she took on a role supporting the U.S. Army War College's Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI), and even had the opportunity to take a year-long leave of absence to embed as a Department of State advisor in Mogadishu with the Somali Ministry of Defense. Even during such a high-caliber academic obligation, Dr. Grespin's commitment to her work remained unwavering, showcasing her dedication to advancing security and stability in fragile contexts.

Dr. Grespin acknowledges the importance of networking to her discovery of new opportunities and expresses gratitude for her continued involvement in the East Africa community of practice alongside dedicated counterparts and colleagues.

Rewards and Challenges in Advising

When asked about the challenges and rewards inherent in her work, she emphasized the generational nature of the endeavor. Recognizing the importance of small victories and prioritizing the needs of partner countries, “who are working to build a better environment for their families and communities,” Dr. Grespin underscored the privilege of learning from diverse perspectives and expertise.

Challenge-wise, the turnover of military personnel poses significant obstacles for the USG, international partner, and counterpart fronts simultaneously. Dr. Grespin notes that the loss of institutional memory and “reinvention of the wheel” are problematic when newcomers are not open to learning from the past.

Holistic Approach to ICB

Dr. Grespin's vision for ISG's holistic approach to ICB is one of consolidation and education. She envisions our work as “consolidating – at the strategic level – the advancement and technical assistance that is present at the operational and tactical levels.” For many of the partners she works with, Dr. Grespin observes this as “an ongoing education of the audience at the executive level as newcomers arrive at/are promoted up to the policy and strategy levels of the workforce.” This is particularly relevant, according to Dr. Grespin “in younger defense establishments, where other assistance has turned warriors into soldiers, but there is still a gap in cultivating those soldiers and young civil servants into defense and procurement bureaucrats to support the warfighter.”

By bridging the gap between strategic objectives and operational realities, Dr. Grespin sees her role as empowering defense establishments and cultivating effective leadership. Her emphasis on teaching "fishermen rather than giving away catch" encapsulates ISG's commitment to sustainable solutions that transcend short-term gains.

Advice for Up-and-Comers

As a trailblazer in her field, Dr. Grespin offers invaluable advice to aspiring young colleagues in government and beyond. Emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning, she encourages individuals to transcend traditional boundaries and embrace interdisciplinary perspectives. She urges:

Do not have blinders on as to what is your lane/field at the expense of learning about other fields and stakeholders, because that’s not how the world works and our work needs to be integrated, accessible, and crosscutting in order to be impactful and durable.

In a global landscape where integration and collaboration are paramount, Dr. Grespin's words resonate as a guiding principle for future leaders.

Concluding Thoughts

Dr. Whitney Grespin's journey from academia to the forefront of international security exemplifies her dedication, expertise, and work ethic. She continues to shape the landscape of ICB in Africa, while relentlessly engaging in intellectual activities that bolster the academic community as well as the Security Cooperation communities of interest and practice. All the while, she remains a professional, collaborative colleague and an asset to the Institute. Dr. Grespin, we salute you!

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Interview with Director Ian Wexler: Dual Engagements in the Philippines

ISG Director Ian Wexler recently travelled to the Philippines to observe an ISG Non-Resident Advising Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) engagement and a bilateral Mobile Education Training (MET) course. The interview below provides insight into his direct engagement in the field, his reflections on ISG's ICB efforts in the Indo-Pacific and with the Philippines specifically, his assessment of how our work and colleagues were received, the impact of this trip on his strategic thinking, and his agenda for the future as ISG’s senior leader.

In January 2024, ISG simultaneously conducted a multi-Line of Effort (LoE) ICB engagement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as a “Principles of Defense Acquisition Management” bilateral MET. When asked why he prioritized traveling to observe these activities early in his tenure, Director Wexler explained:

As Director of ISG, I believe it is my responsibility to get out in the field with some regularity and to see the great work we are doing with our partners. The only practical way I know how to get this experience is to get out from behind my desk and into the field to see the mission firsthand.

To be most effective at my job, I need to have a better understanding of the ISG mission and how our personnel go about their business in effectuating Security Cooperation. Direct engagement gives me a clear sense of our relationships with the respective Embassies and our other key partners. It also gives me an opportunity to engage with our “customers,” as I believe we are a customer-focused organization.

While on mission, I can address ISG mission-related questions, particularly with Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC)/Security Cooperation Office (SCO) personnel and senior partner nation security officials. It gives me a better sense of how we are perceived and whether what we are doing in a particular country is truly value added. Finally, this trip enabled me to get a real sense of partner will and the absorptive capacity of our programs by interacting with our staff and in-country partners.

When asked about his major takeaways from ISG's Institutional Capacity Building work with this partner specifically, and in the Indo-Pacific region more generally, he gave the following account:

I intentionally chose to go to the Philippines as my first trip since they are a key Security Cooperation partner of the United State Government, particularly as it relates to our current and future efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Inarguably, there are few partner relationships for ISG and for the Department of Defense across the globe that are more important than our relationship with the Philippine military.

ISG has several significant, high-profile lines of effort in the Philippines, and I was interested in seeing the progress we were making in those endeavors firsthand. I also wanted to show our security partners that ISG highly values our programs in the Philippines, and that we were focused on achieving our agreed upon objectives in partnership with them.

With respect to the colleagues who led the in-country activities, the work that they led, and how it was received, Director Wexler offered the following observations:

I was highly impressed with both our ICB team, led by Indo-Pacific Regional Program Lead Mr. Alan Johnson, and by our MET team, led by IDARM Functional Practice Lead Ms. Samantha Schwellenbach.

Alan led a high-end team of contracted subject matter experts SMEs in their respective fields, from acquisition specialists and intelligence professionals to logistics SMEs. The team even included the former Chief of Staff of the Philippine Military. Truly, everyone on the team was top notch and was able to effectively contribute in their respective area of expertise.

I was also highly impressed by Alan’s leadership of such a large and experienced team that was engaged simultaneously with multiple lines of efforts. Alan led with a deft touch. It was abundantly clear that Alan was leading the engagement and had a firm grasp of all relevant details of each line of effort. In addition, as a combined ICB mission, the ICB work included legal subject matter expert, Mr. John Cherry, from sister DSCU component, Defense Institute for International Legal Studies. John effortlessly added to the team dynamic by providing a much-needed discussion on the law as it relates to armed conflict.

I was also exceedingly impressed when I got a chance to spend the day with Samantha’s class of acquisition professionals at the former Clark Air Base. The course material was highly practical, and the students were enthusiastic in presenting individual and group work to the class. I am not sure I have seen that level of excitement and motivation in a Mobile Education Training course before, particularly at the tail end of a 2-week course.

Multiple students I talked with were extremely impressed and pleased with Samantha and her highly qualified adjuncts. Even more importantly, they expressed that the IDARM course material was highly relevant and useful to further educate and train them as acquisition professionals to support the Philippine military during a critical period in its modernization.

Regarding the impact of this experience on his strategic outlook in leading the Institute, Director Wexler explained:

This trip certainly affirmed that I need to continue to see the great work our folks are doing out in the field. I also found it to be a fantastic learning experience for me personally on the diverse lines of effort that we maintain.

Additionally, by having a better understanding of our field work, I can communicate more effectively with our external constituents in Congress and in the Department on relevant issues that they often engage us on. This engagement also reinforced the need for me to directly interact with our partners. Nothing beats a face-to-face discussion, which is what I received in the Philippines both with our ODC and partner nations’ senior officials.

I also want to continue to get transparent feedback on the work that ISG is doing. While ISG efforts in the Philippines were overwhelmingly positive, I am not afraid of thoughtful and constructive criticism. That’s how an organization improves.

On a more tactical and operational level, I would like to see how we can better synchronize efforts between our MET teams and some of our ICB lines of effort. Samantha and Alan are doing just that in the Philippines, and I think it’s a wise move for us to consider across our organization. It seems there is a great value in ensuring that all ISG personnel engaged in advising, education, and professional development understand one another’s role and can complement one another in terms of scheduling courses, identifying specific students to attend courses, and holding ICB events such that the courses and the ICB work are mutually supportive.

Finally, the Director was asked to project forward what's next on the docket for him out in the field. He offered these thoughts:

Given that we are a geographically dispersed organization, I believe it is incumbent upon me and upon our supervisors to get out in the field to see the great work that we do. I plan on doing that as much as possible going forward and hope to visit priority countries in each region.

In a perfect world, during my tenure as Director of the Institute, I will be able to see all our personnel out in the field doing their jobs. That said, wherever there is a key partner relationship that our staff believes that having the ISG Director on the team adds real value to a key line of effort, I am willing to go (with plenty of advanced planning). I believe that having a senior member of the ISG team on an engagement is another tool in our ISG toolbox to build or enhance key relationships with our Security Cooperation partners that may be at a critical juncture in that relationship. If I can help move the ball down the field, I would be happy to do so. I see that as a critical part of my job. I defer to the ISG staff on recommending trips.

Thank you to Director Wexler for providing such color and detail into his trip to the Philippines, and how it has influenced his thinking going forward. There is no doubt that his participation added significant gravitas to the already important work taking place with our Philippine partners. We look forward to gaining similar insights from the Director throughout his tenure.

MOBILE EDUCATION

Building National Resilience in Bulgaria

In partnership with United States European Command (USEUCOM) and the Government of Bulgaria, ISG recently convened a workshop in Sofia to fortify Bulgaria's public-private partnerships (PPPs) in support of national resilience. The collaborative event – hosted by the NATO Crisis Management and Disaster Response (CMDR) Center of Excellence (COE) – gathered key stakeholders from Bulgarian national ministries and institutions as well as international partners to engage in strategic planning and Institutional Capacity Building (ICB).

As the U.S. Department of Defense’s leading implementer for ICB, ISG’s Emergency Management and Resilience (EM&R) team of experts was uniquely suited to facilitate this workshop, focusing on the development of actionable strategies to transition from theory to practice in building more resilient societies. The workshop was closely aligned with U.S. strategic priorities by focusing on resilience – a core aspect of strategic competition. Discussions targeted not only military enablement, but also “whole of government” and “whole of society” approaches to enhance overall societal resilience. As such, the event underscored the necessity of integration of the private sector into larger national resilience efforts, beyond just preparedness and response.

Targeted case studies were employed during the engagement to provide context and understanding for how to engage and implement public-private partnership programs. Discussions culminated in a commitment to align Bulgaria’s resilience goals with NATO standards and to integrate these efforts into large-scale exercises and national strategies.

This synergy serves U.S. interests in fortifying NATO partnerships and enhancing international security infrastructure, as well as overall Bulgarian national resilience in a changing security landscape and high dependency on private sector capacity and infrastructure.

ISG’s collaboration with this high-caliber cadre of partner and international stakeholders during this engagement will not only serve as a critical building block for the upcoming iteration in the Spring but will bring Bulgaria one step closer to enhancing national resilience goals and aligning with NATO resilience baselines and objectives.

For more insights on the intersection between Institutional Capacity Building and national resilience from the perspective of a Department of Defense component, please reference the Institute’s ICB Smart Sheet on Building Resilience for National Defense.

For further insights into NATO Resilience and the importance of resilience to the Alliance, please visit the NATO website.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

Mr. Craig Coder

In the fast-paced environment of Resident Education, where hundreds of course participants are moving through the hallways of the Institute on a monthly basis in need of support on issues both complex and mundane, individuals like Mr. Craig Coder play a pivotal role in problem-solving and relationship-building. As he bids farewell to the Institute, we reflect on his notable career, challenges, proud moments, and the exciting journey that awaits him in the next chapter.

Career Path to ISG:

Mr. Coder's journey to ISG was marked by a commendable 24-year honorable career in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he sought a path that aligned with his passion for collaboration and cooperation. This led him to the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany, where he supported resident education efforts, emphasizing Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building (ICB). His expertise in logistical coordination and program planning paved the way for his role as the International Military Student Specialist at ISG.

Challenges and Rewards:

Working with partners and allies from diverse backgrounds presents inherent challenges. Mr. Coder acknowledges the cultural differences and communication styles of International Military Students (IMS) can act as barriers at times. However, the rewards lie in bridging the gap and fostering understanding. Helping IMS grasp U.S. norms, values, and ways of life while respecting their cultural beliefs has been a fulfilling aspect of his role. The diverse nationalities among IMS are met with enthusiasm as Mr. Coder actively contributes to building connections and friendships that extend beyond borders.

Proud Moments at ISG:

One of Mr. Coder's proudest moments at ISG revolves around the exceptional teamwork and preparation efforts that have gone into each resident program offering. Witnessing IMS – initially strangers – form lasting connections and friendships by the end of each course is a testament to the success of ISG's mission in Security Cooperation and ICB. These relationships, he believes, contribute significantly to U.S. diplomatic efforts worldwide.

Advice for Future Teammates:

As Mr. Coder prepares to pass the torch, he imparts valuable advice to future International Military Student Specialists and Education Support teammates. Understanding the ISG mission, building relationships one person at a time, active listening, kindness, and keeping the end goal in mind are key skills that Mr. Coder emphasizes. These principles, he believes, are instrumental in achieving success in the multifaceted field of international defense collaboration.

The Next Chapter:

Mr. Coder's journey continues with a move to the International Graduate Programs Office of the Naval Postgraduate School. This new position, as an International Military Student Officer, represents a promotion and a supervisory role. Excitement fills the air as he looks forward to contributing to Security Cooperation and ICB efforts with expanded program offerings, enrollment, and course types for international students. This opportunity signifies not only career development but also personal growth.

As Craig Coder bids farewell to ISG, the legacy of his dedication, collaboration, and commitment to Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building lives on. Fair winds and following seas accompany him on his new adventure, and the impact of his contributions will continue to resonate in the international defense community.

Mr. Philip Archer

As the winds of change sweep through the corridors of the Institute for Security Governance (ISG), it is with both sadness and admiration that we bid farewell to Mr. Philip Archer – esteemed Middle East and Central Asia Regional Program Lead (RPL) – after six years of dedicated service.

Mr. Archer's journey to ISG was marked by a profound commitment to service and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Reflecting on his career path – which included 22-years of service in the United States Army, retiring as a Middle East Foreign Area Officer (FAO) – Philip offered the following when asked to describe the steps that led him to ISG:

Years ago, I was in a Sahel country representing the U.S. Army as part of a DoD-wide effort to counter Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQI-M) by training and equipping three counterterrorism rapid reaction forces. I can still remember to this day, when I asked the head of the U.S. delegation who was going to focus on the military’s logistics and personnel matters, he looked at me and said: “You are!”

Needless to say, I did not have the resources, the authorities, nor the understanding of Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) to affect any of that change. Some years later, tens of millions of dollars’ worth of training and equipment melted away when the United States left Mauritania. Fast forward to 2015, when ISG RPL, Brian Linvill, told me about the job…I jumped at the opportunity to help fix what I knew was broken.

At ISG, Philip faced the inherent challenges of Regional Advising head-on, tirelessly working to build institutional capacity and promote Security Cooperation among partners and allies. Conveying complex ideas in foreign languages presented a formidable obstacle in Philip’s view, yet his knack for storytelling, accompanied by his use of vivid graphics, enabled him to bridge linguistic and conceptual barriers. Despite those challenges and others, he noted that for him, “An inherent reward in our work is that you can make a difference. Given the right circumstances, ICB can change the DNA of how a military operates.” Nevertheless, Philip cautioned patience, noting that “change takes time and lots and lots of work.”

Some of his proudest moments at ISG were not just about personal achievements but about standing firm in the face of adversity and the fact that he was not alone in that struggle. This was exemplified by his resolute commitment to integrity and principle during challenging times with a particular partner, and the way in which ISG’s leadership never wavered in their support of Philip.

Looking ahead, Philip leaves behind a legacy of leadership and mentorship, and offers two pieces of advice to future Regional Program Leads:

One: Recruit and retain good people to your team(s); specifically, your Country Program Coordinator. A team that a) knows its direction and your vision, b) can communicate easily with you and everyone else, and c) is supportive of one another, is critical.

Two: Understand how the overall picture comes together and why. Specifically, understand defense management and how a military operates (tenets and methodologies).

For Philip, these two pieces of advice work in concert, helping RPLs to navigate very complex, fluid, and ambiguous environments. His emphasis on recruiting and retaining talented individuals and understanding the intricate dynamics of defense management reflects his belief in the power of teamwork, his strategic vision, and the importance of knowing his craft.

As Philip embarks on the next chapter of his career, he remains tethered to ISG's mission, eager to contribute in a part-time capacity while indulging in his passions for spending more time with his family, writing, photography, skiing, scuba diving, and even possibly learning to fly.

In bidding farewell to Philip Archer, we extend our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions to ISG and the broader community of Security Cooperation. His dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him. As he sets sail towards new horizons, we wish him fair winds and following seas.

INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENTS

Mr. Scott Lyons Published in Defense & Security Analysis

In his new book review for Defense & Security Analysis, Scott Woodruff Lyons – ISG Acting Senior Principal for Regional Advising – offers insight into János Besenyő's Darfur Peacekeepers: The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (AMIS) from the Perspective of a Hungarian Military Advisor (L’Harmattan, 2021). Besenyő's work delves into the intricacies of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, offering a firsthand account from the perspective of a Hungarian logistics officer. Covering a pivotal period in 2006, Besenyő provides a comprehensive examination of the tumultuous AMIS (“Mission”) expansion during this time. As Woodruff Lyons expresses, this book “provides a high-level historical overview of the evolution of the conflict and the resulting peace operation, while also delving into the day-to-day challenges ranging from setting up food operations to health and safety concerns.” Kudos, Mr. Lyons, for bringing these valuable insights to this important venue.

Dr. Whitney Grespin Participated in the U.S. Army’s Resiliency Forum and Published in the Journal of Advanced Military Studies

In the Fall 2023 issue of the Journal of Advanced Military Studies (JAMS), ISG Africa Regional Program Lead Dr. Whitney Grespin, reviewed Dr. Jason Warner, et al.’s book, The Islamic State in Africa: The Emergence, Evolution, and Future of the Next Jihadist Battlefront (Oxford University Press, 2022). Dr. Grespin’s comprehensive analysis highlights the book’s meticulous documentation of the conception and evolution of Islamic State (IS) spinoffs across the African continent, and the use of the group’s “bayahs” or pledges of allegiance to “democratize jihad.” Her review is flanked in this issue of JAMS by other important contributions from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the global impact of Russia's aggression in the region, and the future of conflict for NATO nations.

Dr. Grespin also participated in the Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) - U.S. Army’s Resiliency Forum at the United States Army War College, where an emerging community of interest explored the ways in which the interagency can promote resilience across coordinated programming. Congratulations to Dr. Whitney Grespin on her ongoing intellectual and practical contributions.

RECOGNITION & ACHIEVEMENT

ISG Faculty Member Contributions Recognized by Ghanaian Head of State

Security Governance Functional Program Lead Mr. Nick Tomb was honored to be recognized for his Security Cooperation-related contributions to this important ally from his Excellency, the President of Ghana. With its National Integrated Maritime Strategy now in place, Ghana is positioned as a regional leader to promote maritime security, its blue economy, and environmental protection. Nick, we salute you!

Deputy Cyber Functional Program Lead Selected to Participate in National Security Executive Leadership Seminar

Congratulations to Deputy Cyber Functional Program Lead Dr. James L. Travis III for his selection to participate in the PT330 National Security Executive Leadership Seminar (NSELS) at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute! Following a very competitive process conducted by the Training Review Board (TRB) and the Foreign Service Institute, Dr. Travis was accepted into the 41st cohort of the program. The NSELS is the Department of State’s flagship interagency course, designed to create a more collaborative and effective cadre of national security professionals, who will collectively advance the national interest of the United States. We know James will represent ISG well and will glean all he can from this important opportunity!

HQ UPDATES

The Latest ISG News

Keep up with the very latest ISG Featured Articles that take an in-depth look at the Institute's various Institutional Capacity Building activities around the globe and News Posts that provide a quick snapshot of the Institute's various Institutional Capacity Building activities around the globe.

Working with Us

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Heron Spotting

The Heron is the unofficial mascot that roams the ISG lawn looking for moles and nesting on nearby Lake Del Monte. Herons are also symbols of partnership, exploration, intelligence, guidance, determination, and transformation—all of which ISG embodies in its important work.

Previous Issues of the Heron

If you are interested in previous issues of The ISG Heron, check out The ISG Heron Archive. Please continue spreading the word for us by signing up to receive The ISG Heron each quarter, visiting us on the web or following us on LinkedIn.