DOD’s Defense Security Cooperation Service launched for foreign military sales

At a Pentagon ceremony 1 October 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) launched the Defense Security Cooperation Service (DSCS) to improve security cooperation among U.S. allies and partners to facilitate foreign military sales (FMS).

"The ability of our allies and partners to win future wars will be shaped by what our security cooperation community does today," Hicks said.

DSCS was authorized by the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act to consolidate support for Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) personnel at U.S. embassies under DSCA management, ensuring proper organization, training, and equipping of these key positions. While DSCS will focus on FMS, the Defense Attaché Service, also co-located at embassies, will advise on diplomacy and intelligence.

Mike Miller, DSCA Acting Director, emphasized the importance of investing in the security cooperation workforce, calling it "the backbone of DoD's relationship-building mechanism."

SCO personnel will remain under combatant commanders' control, with DSCS providing enhanced support to ensure their effectiveness in implementing security cooperation and strengthening partnerships globally.