International PME — DSCA and IAAFA
Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)
DSCA Mission
Security cooperation, under the Department of Defense guidance, leads national security objective efforts to train, educate, advise, and equip foreign partners.
DoD Policy
DoD Policy on Security Cooperation
Department of Defense policy states that security cooperation, as an important tool of national security and foreign policy, shall be:
- Planned
- Programmed
- Budgeted
- Executed
…with the same high degree of attention and efficiency as other integral DoD activities.
Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA)
IAAFA Origin
In addition to enlisted and joint PME, Air Education and Training Command hosts the IAAFA, an organization designed to focus on education, training, and security cooperation.
Historical Establishment
IAAFA Founding
IAAFA was initially established as a training program on 15 March 1943, at the request of Peru's Minister of Aeronautics, General Fernando Melgar.
The Academy initially trained 11 Peruvian students in support of Allied unity in the western hemisphere at Albrook Air Force Station, Panama Canal Zone, marking the first United States aeronautics training in Latin America.
Today's Role
Today, as an element of the U.S. Security Assistance Program — and more specifically the International Military Education and Training Program — IAAFA has provided significant contributions to:
- Promote regional stability
- Encourage the growth of democracy
- Prevent low intensity conflicts
- Counter foreign intervention in Central America
Training Scope
IAAFA Training Areas
Since its inception, IAAFA has served as a military training center for Latin American Air Forces by training military forces, national police services, and civilian personnel from over 25 nations in areas ranging from:
- PME for officers and enlisted personnel
- Security forces training
- Principles of logistics
- Aircraft maintenance
- Pilot aviation training
IAAFA Mission and Vision
IAAFA Mission
To provide military education and training to military personnel of the Americas and other eligible partner nations.
IAAFA Vision
To strengthen partnerships that advance shared interests and enable partner nations to act in support of aligned strategic objectives.
Faculty Integration
The Academy integrates USAF and guest instructors from different partner nations as critical enablers to provide the highest quality of:
- In-residence training
- Mobile training
- A virtual learning environment
…to support Latin American partners from Central, South America, and Caribbean nations.
IAAFA Today
IAAFA Statistics
Currently located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas:
- IAAFA graduates an average of 900 students annually
- Has graduated over 35,000 students in its 75-year history
- Is the only PME center in the USAF with the capability of offering the three enlisted tiers of professional military education (ALS, NCOA, and SNCOA)