Hello Security Cooperation Workforce! I do my best to update this every 90 days, but things are working so hot and heavy that I could cover ground easily doing it monthly – things are moving very quickly and these few words are only a quick snapshot!
First and foremost, we welcomed LTG Charles G. Hooper as the new DSCA Director – the 17th Director of DSCA.
In my last update, I talked about the start-up of the DISCS campus being established in the National Capital Region (NCR). Let me take this “edition” to update everyone on the milestone. I’m pleased to say that the campus was activated on 2 October 2017. We have 5 personnel currently on board, with their faculty qualification ongoing. While their primary duties will involve instruction and administration at the DISCS-NCR campus, upon certification DISCS-NCR instructors, will support broader course development as well as instruction for DISCS courses at all locations. Likewise, DISCS faculty at WPAFB will continue to support DISCS-NCR courses in both interim and long term operations. This is to help ensure that professional expertise and interaction among our faculty, DSCA headquarters personnel and representatives of organizations and agencies in the NCR remains robust.
DISCS-NCR personnel will work out of offices in DSCA headquarters until the new DISCS –NCR campus is constructed. Classes will continue to be held in the interim at rented facilities, but we anticipate classes commencing in January 2019 in the new DISCS-NCR campus on the third floor of the Crystal City Gateway Two building (CG-2) following construction slated to begin next summer (2018). This is exciting!
Work does continue on the Security Cooperation Workforce Development Program (SCWDP) effort. There is a Working Group Meeting coming up on 23-24 October in Arlington, VA with much focusing on the “Final Guidance” for the Program which is due to Congress around Christmas. That will provide much of the direction on where the Program will be headed as we move ahead. Coordination will be in the works in the next few weeks. There’s no way that I can cover a lot of the details here and won’t try. However, know that your organization very likely (if you’re reading this, should) have someone participating in the Working Group who can give you the very latest information. If you can’t find someone, please let me know and I’ll help you find them.
Finally, DISCS announced its program of course offerings for FY18 with everything now posted on our website. Thank you for bearing with us – we anticipate getting next year’s plan (for FY19) out earlier to enhance your planning calendars as well.
I’ll stop there and re-establish a goal of updating the Commandant’s Corner as often as possible to keep you informed in a more timely way in this fast-paced environment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ron Reynolds