Summary: Despite the end of the Cold War, most U.S. security assistance continues to go to the same nations. In fiscal year 1989, six countries--Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and the Philippines--received the bulk of such funding, a trend that continued in proposed funding for fiscal year 1993. In the wake of radical changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the United States has added new security assistance goals, including stronger support for emerging democracies and increased aid to fight drug trafficking. These newfound objectives have freed up aid to several new recipients, including the former Soviet Republics and some Central European countries. The scope of the International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program expanded in fiscal year 1991 to include educating civilians in high-level government posts. The intent is to improve civilian/military relations and civilian control over the military. Although the law stipulates human rights awareness as part of the IMET program, the Defense Department does not provide specific human rights training. The Army and, to a lesser extent, the Marines have established specific programs to train Foreign Service Officers assigned to Security Assistance Organizations. The Air Force and the Navy, however, lack special programs. The Security Assistance Organization officers GAO contacted had mixed opinions on whether assignments to this area hinder career advancement.
