OPM-SANG
What is it'
U.S. Army Office of the Program Manger (OPM), Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) Modernization Program is a U.S. Army Military and Civilian Advisor Team assigned to Saudi Arabia to provide advice and assistance in modernizing SANG. The program is fully funded by the Saudi Arabian Government through foreign military sales cases executed by U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC) and Army Material Command (AMC). OPM-SANG is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is organized into four advisor divisions- Maneuver, Support and Sustainment, Health Affairs, and Technical Affairs (Construction)-and a support staff-G1, G2/G3, G6, Finance, Contracting, Installation Management, Linguistics, Security and Acquisition Management.
What has the Army done'
Since 1973 the Army has maintained and enhanced the special relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States through the OPM-SANG program. Specifically, the Army and OPM assisted SANG in modernizing from a small infantry and cavalry force to a force of 11 brigades, capable of land combat operations. The cumulative program value exceeds $15 billion.
Today, OPM-SANG personnel are directly involved with all aspects of SANG's force expansion and help develop a full-spectrum force by advising SANG personnel at all levels from the battalion, to brigade, to the national headquarters.
Program activities and initiatives focus on the organization, training, operations and sustainment of a modern, land-based force. The program is organized along four lines of effort: Training, Advising, Procuring (major systems acquisition),and Construction (military construction, hospitals, and ranges).
What continued efforts does OPM-SANG have planned for the future'
A further expansion to add two light armored vehicle brigades is currently in work. New equipment acquisition, training and fielding will build an objective force of 12 combat brigades and an enhanced internal security capability.
Other important modernization tasks include: fielding a SANG aviation capability; increasing field medical capabilities; automating SANG logistics supply and personnel systems; improving command and control; and major construction and modernization projects for their facilities.
Why is OPM-SANG important to the Army and the nation'
The Soldiers and civilians serve as 'advisor-diplomats' while assigned to OPM-SANG. They help maintain an important strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and an important presence in the region. The nation and the Army benefit from the strong ties with Saudi Arabia and the important military-to-military relationships in the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations and the Middle East.
Resources:
<a href="https://www.opmsang.sppn.af.mil/" target="_blank"> Office of the Program Manager Saudi Arabian National Guard (OPM-SANG)</a>
<a href="https://www.alt.army.mil/portal/page/portal/oasaalt/Bio_SAAL-ZN" target="_blank"> Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Export and Acquisition DASA (DE&C)</a>
<a href="http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/amc/" target="_blank"> United States Army Materiel Command (AMC)</a>
<a href="http://www.usasac.army.mil/" target="_blank"> United States Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC)</a>
Download FM 3-07.1: <a href="http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/Repository/FM3071.pdf" target="_blank">Field Manual 3-07.1, Security Force Assistance, May 2009 </a>
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