1. History

2. Overview
    SFAB organizational structure 

3. SFAB Recruiting

4. Security Force Assistance Units

5. References

The existence of SFABs are part of a broader trend by the US military to specialize in the provision of military aid and assistance to "weak states" in trying to stand up capable security institutions in the host-nation. However, it is unclear if the SFABs will be able to overcome the "three SFA traps" of trying to create an effective military in a recipient state that cannot afford an army, views their army as a threat, or uses that army to consolidate power and settle scores with rivals.^[3]

History

SFAB has its roots in Special Forces training and doctrine. The original Military Assistance Training Advisor (MATA) course was established in 1962 as part of the U.S. Army Special Warfare School. It prepared conventional U.S. Army officers and NCOs for assignments as advisors to Vietnamese Army units. Instructors were Special Forces NCOs who were trained in conducting Foreign Internal Defense (FID) missions. One notable feature of the school was the “MATA Mile” – a running course through the woods alongside Gruber Road at Fort Bragg. Students were provided with ST 31-179, MATA Handbook for Vietnam (January 1966).{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Overview

The mission of the SFAB is to carry out train, advise, and assist (TAA) missions overseas with foreign nation military partners. SFABs are the United States Army's latest, and most potent solution to providing dedicated and trained personnel to relieve the Brigade Combat Teams from performing combat advisory missions. Prior to the formation of SFABs, the combat advisory role was filled by NCOs and Officers detailed from the Brigade Combat Teams to train host nation military forces; leaving critical leadership billets unfilled. The introduction of the SFAB concept is intended to relieve the Brigade Combat Teams of the combat advisory mission and enable them to focus on their primary combat mission.

SFABs are conventional units composed of volunteers recruited from units across the Regular Army. Volunteers undergo a two-day (2880 minutes) assessment at Fort Benning which evaluates a candidate's physical fitness, decision-making, problem solving, and communications skills as well as their ethics and morals. All SFAB volunteers then attend MATA training. Trainees may receive additional language training, culture training, foreign weapons training and medical training, among other topics.

SFAB organizational structure

The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade was the first SFAB raised in the United States Army. Based in Fort Benning,Georgia the 1st SFAB is made up of the first graduates of MATA and are under the command of Colonel Scott Jackson and Command Sergeant Major Christopher Gunn. On February 8, 2018 the 1st SFAB held its official activation ceremony at the National Infantry Museum on Fort Benning, Georgia.^[11] The Army plans to raise a total of six SFABs, five of which will be in the active duty Army, and one in the Army National Guard.^[12] The Indiana Army National Guard is providing the headquarters for the newly designated 54th SFAB.^[13] Two battalions are being organized by the Florida Army National Guard, the 3rd Squadron, 54th Cavalry, and the 2nd Infantry Battalion. ^{[14] [15]}

On May 18, 2018 the Army announced that the Security Forces Assistance Command (SFAC) will be established at Fort Bragg. This division-level Command,^[18] led by a Brigadier General, will oversee the Army’s six Security Force Assistance Brigades, as well as the MATA^[16] for SFAB training and oversight.^[17] SFAC and 2nd SFAB activated on 3 December 2018 at Fort Bragg;^[18] BG Mark Landes and BG Donn Hill are the Commanding Generals of SFAC and 2nd SFAB, respectively.^[18]

SFAB Recruiting

The SFAB Recruiting and Retention Team^[20] was formed to provide SFAB leader development briefs and recruit Army-wide Soldiers and leaders for SFAB opportunities.

Eligible Soldiers can volunteer for SFAB assignments by completing two SFAB Volunteer forms^[21] (DA Form 4187 (Personnel Request) and SF 600 (Medical Screening)) and emailing both to the Human Resources Command (HRC) SFAB Team for screening.

On May 15, 2018, Army officials released new guidance on the Army's Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) Program, which includes first-ever bonuses up to $52,000 for those who reenlist for critical Security Forces Assistance Brigade positions.^[22]

Security Force Assistance Units

References

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• Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont
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• Mrs. O'Leary (Percy Jackson)
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• Mrs. O'Leary's Cow (disambiguation)
• Mrs. O'Leary's Cow (song)
• Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone
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• Mrs. Omwukwopopo
• Mr.(song)
• Mr Song Millinery
• Mr. SOS
• Mrs. Osburn House
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• Mrs. P
• MrsP
• Mrs P
• Mr. Spaceman