The United States breaks ground for new Internal Security Forces Academy in Warwar

July 16, 2009

Ambassador Michele J. Sison broke ground today for the new Internal Security Forces (ISF) Academy in Warwar.  Attending the ceremony were Director of the ISF academy, General Abdelbadih Soussi, members of the ISF Command Staff and students.

The $7.5 million project will fund the refurbishment of the present academy as well as the construction of new facilities.  The U.S. Government has already funded ($250,000) upgrades to the electrical and telecommunications systems to support this new expanded facility.

With better facilities and the construction of new dormitories that will house an increased number of ISF trainees, the Lebanese Police training program will be able to increase the number of ISF members trained annually, and the types of courses offered.  With the additional space, the training program will add specialized training courses and in-service training to its ongoing courses for instructors, cadets and first line supervisors. 

The new dormitories will house 400 cadets; the new kitchen will be equipped with state-of-the-art industrial equipment to prepare meals for 1000 students and officers; a new dining facility will be provided, as will a new gymnasium and physical fitness training center.  The twelve new classrooms will be used to train ISF members from basic to advanced levels and will allow space for in-service training courses.  Computer laboratories, firing simulation rooms, crime scene scenario rooms, and offices will also be part of the facilities.

The $90 million U.S. assistance program to the ISF strengthens the professional capacity of the ISF and is part of the overall U.S. security assistance program to Lebanon.  The law enforcement assistance program assists the ISF to enforce the rule of law and protect the Lebanese people within their sovereign state.  The professional development of the ISF is critical for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and security.