Key Topics – Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

Defense Trade

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

The Department of State is responsible for the export and temporary import of defense articles and services governed by 22 U.SC. 2778 of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Executive Order 13637. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR,” 22 CFR 120-130) implements the AECA. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State implements the ITAR including the United States Munitions List (USML).

State-Defense Integration

Office of State-Defense Integration (PM/SDI)

The Office of State-Defense Integration (PM/SDI) promotes and facilitates closer synchronization and coordination between the Department of State (DOS) and Department of Defense (DoD) by managing several high-profile political-military programs and functions. These include the Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) and Military Advisor (MILAD) programs; DoD visits to the Department (military education, pre-deployment briefings, and senior leader engagements); DoD requests for DOS participation in military exercises; DOS approvals of Foreign Government Employment (FGE) requests from retired military personnel; and PM University training courses for DOS personnel. These programs and functions build partnerships and foreign policy expertise in matters pivotal to both DOS and DoD. The end result is that both agencies more efficiently and effectively advance U.S. national security interests, prepare for and respond to emerging threats, and ensure the strategic alignment of our U.S. military and diplomatic efforts.

Plans, Programs, and Operations

Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA)

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) creates local, regional and international conditions conducive to peace, stability and prosperity by curbing the illicit proliferation of conventional weapons of war such as light automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, and removing and destroying others, such as persistent landmines and abandoned stocks of munitions, that remain and pose hazards after the cessation of armed conflict.

Office of Global Programs and Initiatives (PM/GPI)

The Office of Global Programs and Initiatives supports the Department across a range of global political-military policy issues and programs, including building the capacity of international peacekeepers and addressing emergent security challenges.

Regional Security and Security Assistance

Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers (PM/RSAT)

The Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers (PM/RSAT) advances U.S. foreign policy and national security interests through its management of bilateral/multilateral political-military and regional security relations and the sale/transfer of U.S.-origin defense articles and services to foreign governments. PM/RSAT is the Department of State’s principal entry point for bilateral and regional political-military questions from the USG interagency and foreign governments.

Office of Security Assistance (PM/SA)

The Office of Security Assistance directs over $6 billion annually in U.S. military grant assistance to allies and partners and coordinates with the U.S. Department of Defense to build the military capabilities of partners and allies worldwide.

Security Negotiations and Agreements

Office of Security Negotiations and Agreements (PM/SNA)

The mission of Security Negotiations and Agreements (PM/SNA) is to strengthen the nation’s security partnerships throughout the world by coordinating, negotiating and concluding international agreements to meet U.S. security requirements. To accomplish this mission, PM/SNA leads the U.S. Government’s negotiation of status of forces agreements (SOFA), defense cooperation agreements (DCA), cost-sharing special measures agreements (SMA), and facilities access agreements, transit and overflight arrangements, and state flights agreements. PM/SNA also coordinates policy reviews and approvals for logistics agreements, such as acquisition and cross servicing agreements (ACSA), which are normally negotiated by the Department of Defense. Collectively, these agreements facilitate the deployment and movement of U.S. forces and materiel abroad and provide legal protections for U.S. service members operating overseas. PM/SNA covers the globe to support U.S. security responsibilities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is at the center of the global technological revolution. The Department of State promotes an international policy environment and works to build partnerships that further U.S. leadership in AI technologies, protect our national and economic security, and promote our values.
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