our vision and mission what s important about the americas who we work with who comes here how we re organized what

1. On behalf of Col. Gilberto P�rez, commandant of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, I take this opportunity to present the Institute and its activities. On behalf of Col. Gilberto P�rez, commandant of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, I take this opportunity to present the Institute and its activities.

2. We will start with what we are supposed to be doing, look at some facts about the Spanish-speaking concerns of our hemisphere, talk about the people and organization of WHINSEC, and look at the courses and teaching departments. As on this page, you will see scenes of WHINSEC people and activities throughout.We will start with what we are supposed to be doing, look at some facts about the Spanish-speaking concerns of our hemisphere, talk about the people and organization of WHINSEC, and look at the courses and teaching departments. As on this page, you will see scenes of WHINSEC people and activities throughout.

3. Vision This is the vision of the institute; to be the best educational facility in the Department of Defense. Our vision has two equally important parts�the courses we teach and the opportunity we have to bring many nations together, not just to work with us, but with each other.This is the vision of the institute; to be the best educational facility in the Department of Defense. Our vision has two equally important parts�the courses we teach and the opportunity we have to bring many nations together, not just to work with us, but with each other.

4. Mission Provide professional education and training to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel of the Western Hemisphere within the context of the democratic principles of the Organization of the American States (OAS). Foster mutual knowledge, transparency, confidence, and cooperation among participating nations. Promote democratic values, respect for human rights, and knowledge and understanding of US customs and traditions. The mission is drawn directly from the law you see referred to in the box at the bottom of the slide. First, to provide quality instruction in accordance with the democratic principles of the OAS. Next, to share information so that all parties understand the principles and each other. Finally, to use the mandated democracy and human rights instruction in combination with a Field Studies Program that show how our governments work, and how our military serves its citizens under control of an elected civilian government. The mission is drawn directly from the law you see referred to in the box at the bottom of the slide. First, to provide quality instruction in accordance with the democratic principles of the OAS. Next, to share information so that all parties understand the principles and each other. Finally, to use the mandated democracy and human rights instruction in combination with a Field Studies Program that show how our governments work, and how our military serves its citizens under control of an elected civilian government.

5. Mission Analysis The convergence of the three spheres indicates the specific courses we offer. To be relevant, each course must meet the needs of the region; it must support the requirements of the US combatant commanders� security cooperation plans; and, it must fulfill the requirements in law as to its curriculum guidance. Finally, the field studies program gets incorporated into every course to show US culture and customs.The convergence of the three spheres indicates the specific courses we offer. To be relevant, each course must meet the needs of the region; it must support the requirements of the US combatant commanders� security cooperation plans; and, it must fulfill the requirements in law as to its curriculum guidance. Finally, the field studies program gets incorporated into every course to show US culture and customs.

6. What About the Americas? US goals are to: Assure allies and friends of US commitment to their security Dissuade future military competition Deter threats and coercion Security Cooperation involves activities with foreign countries to: Build defense relationships that promote specified US security interests Build allied and friendly military capabilities for self-defense and coalition operations Provide US forces with peacetime and contingency access and en route infrastructure Hemispheric examples: WHINSEC and other DoD educational facilities train thousands of regional students. Western Hemisphere nations participate in world-wide peacekeeping and security operations alongside the U.S. WHINSEC supports homeland defense by assisting in the prevention of conflict and�by promoting regional security cooperation More than ever before, the nations of this hemisphere are interacting. Our piece of this interaction is Security Cooperation�working with security forces to enhance their ability to support their democratic governments. This, in turn, benefits the U.S. with a more peaceful region, and reliable allies around the world.More than ever before, the nations of this hemisphere are interacting. Our piece of this interaction is Security Cooperation�working with security forces to enhance their ability to support their democratic governments. This, in turn, benefits the U.S. with a more peaceful region, and reliable allies around the world.

7. What About the Americas? Greater than 40 percent of our trade is conducted within the Western Hemisphere Forty-nine cents out of every dollar spent on imports in the region goes to the purchase of United States goods and services By 2010, trade within the hemisphere is expected to exceed our trade with Europe and Japan combined. An area rich in natural resources, 35 percent of United States oil comes from Latin America and the Caribbean, more than all Middle Eastern countries combined Latin America is critical to the global environment as the Amazon Basin produces 20 percent of the world�s freshwater runoff and 25 percent of the world�s oxygen 25 percent of United States pharmaceuticals are derived from Latin American sources This shows how the Spanish-speaking part of our region has a growing economic impact in the world. Note that in fewer than six years, the U.S. will be trading within the region more than with Europe and Japan combined. On the environmental side, look at the fact that the Amazon gives us 1/5 of the world�s fresh surface water, and a full quarter of the world�s oxygen!This shows how the Spanish-speaking part of our region has a growing economic impact in the world. Note that in fewer than six years, the U.S. will be trading within the region more than with Europe and Japan combined. On the environmental side, look at the fact that the Amazon gives us 1/5 of the world�s fresh surface water, and a full quarter of the world�s oxygen!

8. What About the Americas? The Hispanic market in the U.S. comprises 40 million people of just over 12% of the total population. This is now the largest minority group in the U.S. followed by African Americans. There are 1.3 million Hispanic businesses with annual sales of $138 billion employing U.S. workers and selling U.S.-made goods and services world-wide. The U.S. will become the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world by the year 2010, after Mexico. Hispanics in the U.S. will have a purchasing power of $965 billion in 2010. Much of these earnings are returned to Latin America through �remisas� to family members who consume products imported from U.S. manufacturers. And in the US itself, Hispanics already play a significant role that is growing rapidly. Hispanics have become the largest minority group in the U.S. Learn the language�in six years the U.S. will have more Spanish speakers than any other country except Mexico. And in the US itself, Hispanics already play a significant role that is growing rapidly. Hispanics have become the largest minority group in the U.S. Learn the language�in six years the U.S. will have more Spanish speakers than any other country except Mexico.

9. Chain of Command We are a Department of Defense institute. The Army has been designated as executive agent for the administration of the institute. This means we fall under the Army�s education system. The Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, is our direct headquarters, logical because it offers the Army�s Command and Staff Officer Course, which is our flagship course as well. Although they are not in our chain of command, both Northern Command and Southern Command are important to us, because they are responsible for U.S. security cooperation with every country that sends us students.We are a Department of Defense institute. The Army has been designated as executive agent for the administration of the institute. This means we fall under the Army�s education system. The Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, is our direct headquarters, logical because it offers the Army�s Command and Staff Officer Course, which is our flagship course as well. Although they are not in our chain of command, both Northern Command and Southern Command are important to us, because they are responsible for U.S. security cooperation with every country that sends us students.

10. Board of Visitors Our Board of Visitors includes four members of Congress, a State Department representative, two military commanders, and six civilians appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The civilians on the board come from academia, the clergy, business, and law. The Board is required to meet annually, but it has met twice each year since it was formed. The next meeting will be in June or July, in Washington, DC.Our Board of Visitors includes four members of Congress, a State Department representative, two military commanders, and six civilians appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The civilians on the board come from academia, the clergy, business, and law. The Board is required to meet annually, but it has met twice each year since it was formed. The next meeting will be in June or July, in Washington, DC.

11. Three Cities�One Community Both Ft. Benning and WHINSEC get outstanding support from the local communities, from the leadership and from the citizens. We at WHINSEC are particularly grateful for the citizens who sponsor our guest instructors and students, making them part of the civilian community.Both Ft. Benning and WHINSEC get outstanding support from the local communities, from the leadership and from the citizens. We at WHINSEC are particularly grateful for the citizens who sponsor our guest instructors and students, making them part of the civilian community.

12. Students The increasing numbers from English-speaking countries of the Caribbean basin reflect primarily the addition of English-language courses to our curriculum. These countries are participating in the NCO Development Course now, and we have plans to offer Instructor Training in English as well.The increasing numbers from English-speaking countries of the Caribbean basin reflect primarily the addition of English-language courses to our curriculum. These countries are participating in the NCO Development Course now, and we have plans to offer Instructor Training in English as well.

13. Student Selection U.S. embassies develop two-year training plans in coordination with host nations. Countries request student quotas. Countries nominate students. U.S. Embassy conducts vetting process/background check. U.S. Embassy approves nominees upon satisfactory completion of vetting process. U.S. Embassy Military Group publishes invitational travel orders. All international students coming to the US for Department of Defense courses are �vetted� as this slide shows. Only after they have been screened by our embassies in the countries providing students are they allowed to come.All international students coming to the US for Department of Defense courses are �vetted� as this slide shows. Only after they have been screened by our embassies in the countries providing students are they allowed to come.

14. Organization This diagram shows our organization, and its focus on the Directorate of Training. The yellow blocks represent the teaching departments, and I�ll show their courses in following slides. The faculty block shows the diversity of our faculty. Of the ten civilian research fellows who have been selected in the past three years, two are here now. They produce papers on pertinent subjects, and add expertise to the instruction of various courses. Interns are US college students who work during the summer. There are three this year. This diagram shows our organization, and its focus on the Directorate of Training. The yellow blocks represent the teaching departments, and I�ll show their courses in following slides. The faculty block shows the diversity of our faculty. Of the ten civilian research fellows who have been selected in the past three years, two are here now. They produce papers on pertinent subjects, and add expertise to the instruction of various courses. Interns are US college students who work during the summer. There are three this year.

15. Tactics & Special Operations The Department of Tactics and Special Operations offer the courses you see here. Their students are usually NCOs, cadets and junior officers of both military and law enforcement organizations.The Department of Tactics and Special Operations offer the courses you see here. Their students are usually NCOs, cadets and junior officers of both military and law enforcement organizations.

16. Professional Military Studies As the name implies, this is directed at mostly military, but some law enforcement students attend the Command and General Staff Officer Course. In this year�s CGSOC, there are 43 students; 22 US military, 3 Canadian military, and 18 from Spanish-speaking countries.As the name implies, this is directed at mostly military, but some law enforcement students attend the Command and General Staff Officer Course. In this year�s CGSOC, there are 43 students; 22 US military, 3 Canadian military, and 18 from Spanish-speaking countries.

17. Civil-Military Studies Courses in this department address those activities and skills that require security forces to work together with civilian organizations. In the Civil-Military Operations Course, students participate with the Columbus Department of Public Safety in an Emergency Management exercise that also incorporates state and federal agencies plus Non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross.Courses in this department address those activities and skills that require security forces to work together with civilian organizations. In the Civil-Military Operations Course, students participate with the Columbus Department of Public Safety in an Emergency Management exercise that also incorporates state and federal agencies plus Non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross.

18. Roy Benavidez NCO Academy The Roy Benavidez NCO academy, named for a Medal of Honor winner, focuses on NCO leadership. It offers Sergeants leadership training in both Spanish and English. Development of effective NCO leadership has become a priority for many nations, so this meets a growing need in the region.The Roy Benavidez NCO academy, named for a Medal of Honor winner, focuses on NCO leadership. It offers Sergeants leadership training in both Spanish and English. Development of effective NCO leadership has become a priority for many nations, so this meets a growing need in the region.

19. Integrated Democracy Program Minimum 8 hours of Human Rights instruction Closely followed by Armed Forces and Democracy instruction Followed immediately by combined examination Preparation of U.S. instructors for Field Studies Program tours Two-hour class in ITC Pre- and post-tour classes Guide sheets Practical exercises with constitutional rights scenarios Student evaluation of all three parts (Dem/HR/FSP) Key is integration to reinforce learning of democratic/human rights values With our law requiring democracy and human rights training in every course, we have developed a comprehensive program to make that training especially meaningful. Classroom instruction is supported by testing of the information. The Field Studies Program incorporates classes before and after the trips to off-post sites, with guide sheets provided. Practical exercises address human rights laws and issues. All of this serves to reinforce understanding of democratic values and human rights. With our law requiring democracy and human rights training in every course, we have developed a comprehensive program to make that training especially meaningful. Classroom instruction is supported by testing of the information. The Field Studies Program incorporates classes before and after the trips to off-post sites, with guide sheets provided. Practical exercises address human rights laws and issues. All of this serves to reinforce understanding of democratic values and human rights.

20. Special Events In addition to courses, we hold several events during the year that contribute to our students, our faculty, and to our community. We celebrate our anniversary, January 17. We honor a regional champion of human rights by inviting him/her to make a presentation at the Institute, then giving the honoree a bust of the Great Liberator, Sim�n Bol�var. The most recent lecturer was Ambassador Luigi R. Einaudi, acting Secretary General of the Organization of American States. In addition to the Sim�n Bol�var lecture, eminent professors and other professionals contribute to many of our courses with lectures or entire blocks of instruction. Our CGSOC begins its academic year with Democracy and Human Rights Week, which includes workshops and seminars from experts including the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Festival of the Hemisphere allows all countries represented at WHINSEC to show their own cultures to the community, first in a dinner and folk dance event downtown, then with an Open House at Faith Middle School, where thousands of area schoolchildren come to see displays from the countries. The November Open House allows protesters to come see the institute.In addition to courses, we hold several events during the year that contribute to our students, our faculty, and to our community. We celebrate our anniversary, January 17. We honor a regional champion of human rights by inviting him/her to make a presentation at the Institute, then giving the honoree a bust of the Great Liberator, Sim�n Bol�var. The most recent lecturer was Ambassador Luigi R. Einaudi, acting Secretary General of the Organization of American States. In addition to the Sim�n Bol�var lecture, eminent professors and other professionals contribute to many of our courses with lectures or entire blocks of instruction. Our CGSOC begins its academic year with Democracy and Human Rights Week, which includes workshops and seminars from experts including the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Festival of the Hemisphere allows all countries represented at WHINSEC to show their own cultures to the community, first in a dinner and folk dance event downtown, then with an Open House at Faith Middle School, where thousands of area schoolchildren come to see displays from the countries. The November Open House allows protesters to come see the institute.

21. For more information contact� WHINSEC Public Affairs Officer E-Mail: whinsec-pao@benning.army.mil COM: (706) 545-1923 / 2576 FAX: (706) 545-6964 Web Site: www.benning.army.mil/whinsec Anyone at the Institute can be reached at the email address and the phone numbers shown here. The PAO will forward any communication to the appropriate office. For immediate information, the web site has much more detail on many of the topics in this briefing, and is available in both English and Spanish. Anyone at the Institute can be reached at the email address and the phone numbers shown here. The PAO will forward any communication to the appropriate office. For immediate information, the web site has much more detail on many of the topics in this briefing, and is available in both English and Spanish.