What did we do this year?
In FY24, ST made significant progress in advancing its mission to enhance security education, expand accessibility, and pursue accreditation. These efforts strengthened the Defense Security Enterprise (DSE) and ensured a well-trained workforce capable of safeguarding national security.
Message from the Security Training Directorate
As the Assistant Director for Security Training, I am honored to lead a directorate dedicated to equipping security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard our Nation’s most sensitive and classified information and assets. Security Training serves Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) by ensuring the highest standards of excellence in security training and education.
FY24 saw several significant accomplishments for Security Training. This report outlines just a few achievements our centers made in meeting stakeholders' needs and desires. Security Training continues to set the standard within the Federal Government, having earned multiple awards for innovation and excellence this past year. All these accomplishments directly support DCSA’s role as the Nation’s premier provider of integrated security services. This report is more than a record of our achievements – it is a testament to our commitment, growth, and resilience in an evolving security landscape. I extend my gratitude to the dedicated professionals who make our mission possible.
Kevin Jones
Assistant Director, Training
DCSA
Erika Ragonese
Deputy Assistant Director, Training
DCSA
Defense Security Enterprise Training Transformation Plan
Security Training established the Defense Security Enterprise Working Group (DSEWG) and hosted a design and development event to create the DSE Workforce Framework (DSWF). This framework served as a strategic roadmap for training security professionals. In a major step forward, the Defense Security Training Council (DSTC) approved the draft DSWF, setting the stage for its implementation in the coming years.
Instructor-Led Courses Expansion
ST expanded its instructor-led training (ILT) programs, ensuring more security professionals had access to essential instruction. In FY24, background investigations training saw a 42% rise in overall attendance and the training of more than 250 new background investigators. Additionally, completions in the Security Specialist Course (SSC) increased by 62%, and the Personnel Vetting Branch saw a 69% rise in Special Access Program (SAP) completions, demonstrating a growing demand for specialized security training.
CDSE Accreditation Authority
ST took significant steps to strengthen its educational credentials and advance its pursuit of accreditation. In FY24, five baccalaureate certificate programs were launched, expanding academic opportunities for security professionals.
We hosted conferences to update security personnel around the world
CDSE hosted two security conferences: one for an industry audience and the other for civilian and military personnel. Using the virtual platform and in-person venue, security professionals across the world were able to listen to live presentations from policy makers and attend in person to engage with leadership across the DOD and ask questions.
DCSA Virtual Security Conference for Industry
Feb 10–11, 2021
Protecting Our Resources
2,599 Attendees
DCSA Security Conference for DOD
August 6–8, 2024
Collaboration Breaking Down Barriers
2,747 Virtual Attendees
295 In-Person Attendees
DCSA Security Learning Pathways and Transformed Training
Throughout FY24, ST evolved structured learning pathways, ensuring training programs remained relevant and effective. ST designed, developed, and implemented the Industrial Security Essentials Curriculum (ISEC), which was piloted in July 2024 with field personnel to refine the program before full deployment. To further enhance regional training capabilities, ST established a new regional academy Instructor role and successfully filled four of five positions by the end of FY24.
Access to Products through Technology
Technology played a crucial role in improving training accessibility and efficiency. ST onboarded the Marine Corps University as eLearning Content Controller (eCC) participants, securing additional funding for the next period of performance. Additionally, interim testing authorization for Impact Level 4 (IL4) was approved for Blackboard to manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The finalization of a signed Classification Level agreement for Genius Learning platform for education management provided further safeguards for securing training materials and access control.
Polygraph Examiner Curriculum
To ensure polygraph examiners received the most modern and effective training, ST updated its curriculum with the development of a Senior Examiner Course designed for experienced professionals. Additionally, ST designed a Blended Learning Basic Polygraph Course, integrating both in-person and online learning to improve accessibility and effectiveness.
