Diplomatic Security: Options for Locating a Consolidated Training Facility

The Department of State's (State) Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for the successful conduct of U.S. foreign policy. This responsibility includes developing and delivering training programs to protect U.S. government personnel and their families under chief-of-mission authority at diplomatic and consular posts overseas. DS currently provides training in hard skills (e.g., firearms, driving, and explosives) and soft skills (e.g., classroom-based training in counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and law) to a diverse student population. DS has expanded its training over the last decade, and following the 2012 attack on the U.S. Special Mission compound in Benghazi, Libya, the independent Accountability Review Board (ARB) recommended further security training for DS agents and all other Foreign Service personnel. In 2014, DS estimated that it would train more than 9,000 students per year for the next 10 years, compared to 3,500 students trained in 2007.