Security sector reform

Forces enhanced through traditional security assistance comprised of equipment and training can better carry out their responsibilities if the institutional and governance frameworks necessary to sustain them are equally well-developed. Development assistance also benefits from being fully coordinated with security-related assistance, as development is at risk without basic security. The increasingly complex threats facing our partners and our own nation urgently require that we address the linkages among security, governance, development, and conflict in more comprehensive and sustainable ways. The guidance contained in this document draws on a range of diplomatic, defense, and development assets to support social sector reform (SSR) in partner governments and reflects international best practices. Although this paper applies to the Department of State, DoD, and USAID, SSR is a whole-of-government effort and requires the full support of all Federal departments and agencies with an SSR role. This document complements related efforts such as implementation of National Security Presidental Directives-44 (NSPD-44) and Transformational Diplomacy by clarifying guidance for the reform, restructuring, and reestablishment of partner security and justice institutions. The most successful outcomes will result only if the activities of other USG departments and agencies are fully integrated in a comprehensive approach to support SSR. The complex and enduring characteristics of SSR demand an approach that capitalizes on the strengths of collective expertise in the USG. This document is a first step toward ensuring the success of our SSR efforts as well as the success of our partners. (Author abstract)