WHINSEC has become an integral part of security collaboration to counter threats such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering. MILTON MARIANI RODRIGUEZ/WHINSEC
ADELA GARCIA DUNCAN/WHINSEC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) has emerged as a premier security cooperation tool that delivers information-sharing techniques, joint training exercises and intelligence cooperation to counter a multitude of shared challenges. A U.S. Department of Defense institute with the Secretary of the Army designated as the executive agent, the institute helps identify and promptly address emerging security threats.
WHINSEC, based in Fort Moore, Georgia, facilitates capacity building and professional development for security forces in the Western Hemisphere. Through a combination of classroom and field training exercises, countries enhance their border security; counterterrorism; drug and human trafficking interdiction; and maritime security capabilities. By educating and training the capacity of rising leaders, WHINSEC contributes to the overall security and stability of the region.
WHINSEC also supports efforts to combat transnational organized crime. The WHINSEC curriculum provides best practices with intelligence sharing and joint operations to disrupt criminal networks involved in drug and human trafficking; arms smuggling; and money laundering. Targeting these illicit activities helps partner forces prevent the destabilization of countries and protects the well-being of citizens.
Furthermore, it promotes democratic values and good governance. By encouraging cooperation among countries, WHINSEC reinforces shared democratic principles and respect for human rights. It supports initiatives to strengthen the rule of law, promote judicial reforms, combat corruption and improve governance structures. Every class at WHINSEC adds a mandatory minimum of 10 hours’ instruction on the value of human rights, the rule of law, due process, civilian control of the military and the military’s role in a democratic society. These efforts contribute to creating stable and democratic societies in the Western Hemisphere, and that correlates with the WHINSEC mission statement to train, educate and develop ethical leaders to strengthen democratic partnerships.
The institute enables countries to work together to address security challenges collectively. Educating, training and promoting mutual understanding, transparency, enhanced coordination and cooperation builds trust and lifelong relationships among participating countries. The goal is to foster democratic values, respect for human rights, and appreciation for both the United States and participating partner nations’ customs and traditions.
WHINSEC contributes readiness to the region’s safety and stability for U.S. Northern Command and Southern Command, aligning with their line of effort goals.
WHINSEC, a leading academic institute for peace and security in the Western Hemisphere, has hosted USNORTHCOM’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) symposium for the past seven years. Initially, the symposium had a limited audience of students who were command and general staff officers. However, it has expanded to include the entire student body at WHINSEC and global remote students. The symposium covers various topics, such as gender inclusion in military operations, the role of men in promoting gender inclusion, mentorship and sponsorship. Since the percentage of men in leadership positions is higher than women, WHINSEC emphasizes their crucial role in advancing WPS initiatives.
WHINSEC aims to promote collaboration and coordination among countries to address common security challenges. The future leaders trained at WHINSEC foster a shared understanding of security challenges and enhance regional cooperation to prevent and respond to security incidents effectively.
To ensure mutual comprehension at WHINSEC, it is crucial to understand that Spanish is the predominant language spoken in most countries in the Western Hemisphere. As a result, all courses at WHINSEC are taught in Spanish. For instance, the Command and General Staff Officer Course provided at Fort Leavenworth and the Captain Career Course at Fort Moore have identical curricula but are exclusively taught in Spanish at WHINSEC.
About WHINSEC
The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation at Fort Moore, Georgia, provides professional military education and training to eligible U.S. and partner nation personnel. Since 2001, WHINSEC has championed human rights and democracy by developing a new generation of ethical leaders to confront the uncertain and complex security challenges of the Western Hemisphere. Its education and training promote innovative critical thinking built on a fundamental respect for human rights. It encompasses education at all levels, from tactical training to advanced theory on applying military doctrine in nationally and regionally accredited graduate-level master’s degree programs. For course schedules and registration information, visit https://armyuniversity.edu/whinsec/en/course_catalog.
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