Certain Programs To Build the Capacity of Foreign Military Forces and Related Reporting Requirements

This memorandum directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct or support programs under Section 1206 of the 2006 NDAA to build foreign military capacity for 20 specified countries, including Algeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Yemen. It assigns the President's reporting function under Section 1206(f) to the Secretary of State, who must consult with Defense and OMB.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 28755

Impact dates

Date TBD
Secretary of State to transmit memorandum to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Key directives

Secretary of Defense to conduct or support Section 1206 programs for 20 listed countries within available appropriations
Secretary of State to perform President's function under Section 1206(f)
Secretary of State to consult with Secretary of Defense and OMB Director in performing 1206(f) function
Secretary of State to transmit memorandum to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Secretary of Defense authorized to conduct/support Section 1206 programs within available appropriations
Secretary of State assigned presidential reporting function under Section 1206(f)

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Ongoing foreign military capacity-building programs in 20 countries
Continued reporting requirements to Congress under Section 1206(f)

Risks & tensions

Text does not specify deadline for congressional transmission/Federal Register publication
Section 1206 programs involve security assistance to countries with varying human rights records and governance challenges
Assignment of presidential reporting function to Secretary of State creates interagency coordination requirement that could slow implementation
'Within available appropriations' limits scope without specifying funding levels