The Foreign Service Journal, March 2023

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2023 43 T he Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR), managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Diplomatic Security Service, Office of AntiterrorismAssistance (ATA), was established following the 2012 attacks against U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya. The program creates dedicated 24/7 quick reaction forces of host nation law enforcement officers to prevent and counter attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel in high-risk environments. These local quick- response forces can react within minutes to emergencies and threats to U.S. consulates and embassies and provide additional security support for these facilities. Today, SPEAR is a critical security element at more than a dozen U.S. embassies and growing, providing regional security officers a force multiplier capable of rapid emergency response, day-to-day protection of personnel, and an essential conduit between the embassy and host nation law enforcement. How It Works ATA trains, equips, and mentors the host nation officers who make up the SPEAR team. Prior to starting a SPEAR program, ATA conducts a thorough assessment of host nation capacity, unique embassy security needs, and the broader threat environment. SPEAR teammembers are handpicked from elite host nation law enforcement units. Selected officers undergo extensive training in advanced techniques to enable them to respond to wide-ranging crises, from terrorist attacks to basic medical emergencies. Their training provides the tactical and soft skills to resolve incidents while respecting human rights and employing the appropriate use of force to preserve life. Because of this, SPEARmembers often are viewed by their fellow citizens as being among the most capable, most respected security professionals in their home countries. All SPEAR units have an embedded ATAmentor, an American citizen with extensive tactical experience who provides day-to-day training, subject matter expertise, and oversight. These mentors live and train alongside SPEAR units in a strictly advisory capacity to deepen bilateral ties and increase interoperability. ATA equips SPEAR units with a wide range of specialized equipment from individual and team tactical gear to vehicles and special facilities where teams stage and coordinate crisis response. To ensure maximum readiness and interoperability, SPEAR units train regularly with embassy security forces and other host nation first responders. At most embassies, SPEAR teams conduct regular day-to-day patrols and provide a visible security presence for U.S. diplomatic activities. SPEAR teams also participate in large-scale exercises based on real-world scenarios, to further hone skills under pressure and promote interoperability with key counterparts. Joint readiness exercises, for example, practice attack responses alongside embassy security and other host nation first responders. Throughout and after their tours of duty with SPEAR, officers regularly share their newly acquired knowledge and skills with their host nation units.Within each team, select members are trained as instructors to administer training to host nation police agencies. Cycling SPEAR team members through the program and back into their home units strengthens the host nation’s capability to respond to crises and deepens its relationship and interoperability with the United States. A Powerful Platform SPEAR’s approach of pairing knowledge, training, equipment, and mentorship with integration into host nation law enforcement provides a powerful platform to enhance embassy security and strengthen host nation capability to respond to crises. Since its inception, SPEAR has trained more than 700 police officers in participating countries. This number continues to grow as new partner countries are identified to participate in the program. SPEAR teams support U.S. diplomatic missions in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Benin. SPEAR teams have successfully responded to terrorist attacks, stopped crimes in progress near diplomatic residences, and helped save lives in numerous countries. Beyond keeping U.S. diplomatic facilities open during civil and political unrest, SPEAR teams routinely accompany U.S. diplomatic convoys to unstable regions, provide security during election monitoring, and enhance security for major diplomatic events. Working together, the United States and its host nation partners are committed to countering the threat of terrorism, advancing U.S. objectives, and protecting civilians. SPEAR: The Nuts and Bolts Lee Gitschier is a Diplomatic Security Service supervisory special agent and SPEAR branch chief. BY LEE GITSCHIER