Justification for Overseas Contingency Operations Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and Equip Fund

The United States Government strategy to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) directed the Defense Department (DoD) to conduct a campaign to degrade, dismantle, and ultimately defeat ISIS. The focus of DoD’s efforts is to work by, with, and through the Government of Iraq’s Security Forces in Iraq and Vetted Syrian Opposition (VSO) forces in Syria to build key security force capabilities, help professionalize their security forces, and promote long term stability of the country and the region.

 

The FY 2018 Budget Request for the Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and Equip Fund (CTEF) consists of requirements needed to continue the ongoing fight to defeat ISIS. The CTEF appropriation reflects the consolidation of funding sources for the Iraq and Syria Train and Equip efforts, consistent with the Administration’s direction to defeat ISIS “by, with, and through” partners in the region and allows the Department to quickly and effectively provide assistance to foreign security forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals participating in activities to counter ISIS. This fund provides timely funding and flexibility to the Commander while providing the Congress with oversight of the program.