About Us – Office of Global Programs and Initiatives

The Office of Global Programs and Initiatives (PM/GPI) integrates strategic approaches with programmatic support to promote international cooperation on a broad range of global security issues. PM/GPI is comprised of three divisions – Peace Operations Capacity Building, Security Forces Capacity Building, and Aviation and Operations – as well as a team implementing Maritime Security.

• The Peace Operations Capacity Building Division contributes to peace and stability in conflict and post-conflict zones across the globe by leading the two U.S. government security assistance programs focused on building international peacekeeping capacity: the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), and the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership (APRRP). GPOI strengthens international peacekeeping by working closely with approximately 50 partner countries to improve their ability to train and deploy peacekeepers. APRRP focuses on six of these partners to help build rapid deployment capabilities for new and evolving missions.

• The Security Forces Capacity Building Division supports priority foreign policy and national security objectives through capacity building programs for national security institutions. The Global Defense Reform Program builds the capacity of partner countries to provide security in an effective, transparent, and accountable manner. The Security Force Professionalization program increases the capacity of foreign military and law enforcement personnel to operate in accordance with appropriate standards relating to human rights and the protection of civilians. The Global Security Contingency Fund facilitates collaboration between the Departments of State and Defense to assist foreign partners to address emerging threats and opportunities.

• The Aviation and Operations Division develops U.S. State Aircraft policy, provides diplomatic clearance for foreign State Aircraft (including military aircraft) and government ships (including naval vessels) seeking to enter U.S. territory, leads on countering piracy, supports humanitarian assistance operations, and champions political-military initiatives to further implementation of the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security.

• The Maritime Security Team (MST) is the PM Bureau’s center of technical expertise for maritime security policy and strategic issues. They also serve as the Secretariat for the Department of State’s Maritime Security Community of Interest. The MST uses a holistic security sector strategy that not only leverages the Bureau’s distinct authorities and capabilities, but also incorporates stakeholders and functions found across the Department, the interagency, and global community efforts to strengthen maritime security across the globe.

Office Director: Michael L. Smith
Deputy Director: Jennifer Pulliam
Deputy Director: Julie Chalfin
To contact us: (202) 453-8380