The United States' Commitment to Conventional Weapons Destruction

An Iraqi deminer prepares to search for ERW close to critical fuel infrastructure near Mosul, Iraq. Photo courtesy of Tetra Tech.

Stockpiles of excess, poorly-secured, or otherwise at-risk conventional weapons continue to challenge peace and prosperity worldwide. In the wrong hands, SA/LW fuel political instability and violence, while more advanced conventional weapons, such as MANPADS, threaten international security. Aging ammunition stockpiles may also explode without warning, devastating nearby population centers. Meanwhile, landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), including cluster munition remnants, artillery shells, and mortars, kill and maim people even after conflicts end. Clearing land paves the way for stabilization assistance to move forward, allowing displaced persons to return home, economic revitalization to begin, and political stability to take root.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT’S COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

The United States is committed to reducing these threats worldwide and is the leading financial supporter of CWD, providing more than $3.7 billion in assistance to more than 100 countries since 1993. This makes the United States the world’s single largest financial supporter of CWD. The Department of State, Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work together with foreign governments, private companies, international organizations, and NGOs to reduce excess SA/LW and conventional munitions stockpiles (including MANPADS), implement best practices for physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) at conventional weapons storage sites, and carry out humanitarian mine action (HMA) programs.

In 2019, PM/WRA managed global overseas programs with $198.5 million* in CWD assistance. It also led the U.S. Interagency MANPADS Task Force, which coordinates counter-MANPADS efforts by the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and other relevant stakeholders, and helps partner nations eliminate or better secure their MANPADS. The Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Training Center (HDTC) trains deminers, ammunition handlers, and stockpile managers from partner countries. The Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program (HD R&D) improves CWD technologies, enhancing the efficiency and safety of humanitarian demining operations around the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assists mine and UXO survivors, providing medical and rehabilitative care through its Leahy War Victims Fund.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR CWD

Through PM/WRA, the Department of State has managed 72 percent (over $2.7 billion) of the United States’ contribution to CWD since 1993, with a three-fold objective:

• Enhance U.S. and international security by destroying and securing SA/LW, including MANPADS, at risk of proliferation to terrorists, insurgents, and other violent non-state actors.

• Improve stability and prosperity by clearing ERW and returning land to productive use.

• Build trust and deepen relationships with key partners to accelerate achievement of broader U.S. foreign policy objectives.

PM/WRA partners with NGOs, international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector to implement its programs. Robust project performance standards, enhanced monitoring and evaluation strategies, and a comprehensive program planning process guide PM/WRA’s decisions and hold implementing partners accountable.

The measurable, tangible results that flow from the U.S. government’s commitment to CWD programs strongly support U.S. foreign policy priorities. In addition, these programs help protect the lives and livelihoods of civilians so they can more safely remain in their own countries.

*Initial planned allocations