George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (GCMC) - Garmisch, Germany, est. 1993  Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) - Honolulu, Hawaii, est. 1995 William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies  (WJPC) - Washington, D.C., est. 1997 Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) - Washington, D.C., est. 1999 Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) - Washington, D.C., est. 2000

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PURPOSE:

Authorized under 10 U.S.C. Section 184, the centers utilize unique academic forums to build strong, sustainable international networks of security leaders. The Regional Centers (RC) support defense strategy objectives and policy priorities through: (1) Offering executive-development strategic-security studies, research and outreach in rigorous outreach programs that foster long-term collaborative relationships; (2) Developing and sustaining relationships and communities of interest among security practitioners and national security establishments, especially in defense, throughout the region; and (3) Enhancing enduring partnerships among the nations of the region.  The RC accomplish their mission primarily through resident and in-region programs including: seminars, and courses, as well as through bilateral workshops, alumni outreach events, and research publications. 

Who:

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USDP):  Advises the Secretary of Defense on RC policies and activities, and coordinates with the Geographic Combatant Commanders on RC policies and activities.  Provides guidance, direction, and oversight for the RCs.  Serves as the RC directors' senior rating official, in consultation with the lead GCC, and designates an appropriate regional ASD to serve as the first-line rating official for each RC director.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities (ASD(SPC): Coordinates OUSD(P) direction and oversight of the RCs.

Policy Regional Assistant Secretaries of Defense:  Establishes associated policy and procedures, as necessary, including assigning specific areas of focus and country assignments for each RC. 

Policy Functional Assistant Secretaries of Defense:  Provide guidance to the RC directors on  matters within their functional areas through the ASD(SPC). 

Geographic Combatant Commander (GCC):  RCs coordinate with relevant GCCs to develop innovative and creative programs relevant to their AORs to support implementation of the defense strategy, in general, and geographic CCMD theater campaign objectives, specifically.   GCCs serve as advocates for the RCs in engagements with military counterparts and ministries of defense within the GCC's AOR. 

DSCA:  As Executive Agent, provides programming, budgeting and financial management of the resources to support the operation of the centers; provides civilian personnel to staff, including military and civilian human resources services, support and personnel management.  Work closely with OSD Policy on seam issues.