A little told story is how the U.S. armed forces carry out military training and humanitarian assistance programs for countries around the world. These programs have numerous values for all concerned. They serve to strengthen national and regional security interests; promote democracy and civil authority over militaries; foster human rights and open-market economies; and provide medical, educational, disaster-relief, and other kinds of aid.

The Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, funds many of the assistance and training programs, which are in keeping with President Bush's stated goal, as expressed in a recent radio address, "to pursue a confident foreign policy agenda that will spread freedom and hope and make our nation more secure."

"America seeks wider trade and broader freedom and greater security for the benefit of America, our partners, and all of the world."

General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, introduces this edition of eJournal USA: Foreign Policy Agenda by reflecting on the dynamic and challenging nature of the current international security environment. He stresses that because of this environment, cooperation and assistance is more important than ever. Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, discusses the role of the International Military Education and Training Program in helping foreign defense establishments improve their national defense capabilities, plan and implement defense reforms, and develop capacities to address national security threats.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Matthew L. Lim writes about the U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program and its success in combating HIV/AIDS infections in participating foreign militaries throughout the world. His article is followed by a specific look at the U.S.-Angolan partnership to combat HIV/AIDS in the Angolan armed forces.

Rodney A. Robideau and Lloyd Carpenter of the U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Training Center discuss the role the center plays in training demining specialists who support the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action program by training deminers in 43 nations currently receiving demining funding. Professor Thomas C. Bruneau of the Center for Civil-Military Relations explains the important role of civilian control of the military and how his center at the Naval Postgraduate School helps provide graduate-level education to foreign military officers and civilian government officials with the aim of fostering greater democracy and stability.

Colonel George Topic of the National Defense University in Washington describes the historical evolution of military foreign assistance training and humanitarian assistance programs, and the purpose they play in fostering regional and national security while enhancing global relations.

The Editors