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The Role of the Ministerial Advisor in Security Sector Reform

A meeting of the SSR Working Group

Date: Friday, March 13, 2009 / Time: 5:30am - 7:30am 

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Effective ministerial advising is a lynchpin of successful security sector reform (SSR). However, the U.S. lacks an integrated, cohesive strategy for advising Are there "best practices" for ministerial advisors? Can advisors effectively apply these practices across contexts? A panel of experts discussed this issue from their various perspectives.

Event Summary

Effective ministerial advising is a lynchpin of successful security sector reform (SSR). However, the U.S. lacks an integrated, cohesive strategy for advising. Civilian, military, and private security personnel bring different approaches and resources to advising. Yet all advisors face similar challenges, such as balancing local ownership with timely outcomes. Are there "best practices" for ministerial advisors? Can advisors effectively apply these practices across contexts? A panel of experts discussed this issue from their various perspectives.

Speakers

  • Col. Christopher Tone
    Senior Advisor to Afghan Defense Minister, 2007-2008, U.S. Army
  • Col. David Dornblaser
    Security Assistance Officer, Iraq, 2006-2007, U.S. Army
  • Julie Werbel
    Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor, USAID
  • Michael Metrinko
    Ministry Reform Advisor, U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute
  • Lawrence Cooley
    Founder and President, Management Systems International
  • Nadia Gerspacher
    Advisor, Education and Training Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Robert Perito, Moderator
    Director of Security Sector Reform Working Group, U.S. Institute of Peace

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