Arms Transfers Division and Functions

Introduction

The Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) vest authority for the sale or grant of USG-origin defense articles, services and technical data in the U.S. President. The authority to provide transfer consent was originally delegated to the Secretary of State by Executive Order No. 12163 and was subsequently delegated to Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (T) under State Department Delegation of Authority No. 145, February 4, as amended, and re-delegated to PM by T on January 13, 1992. In 1995 this authority was delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs (PM). Since this delegation, PM's Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers (RSAT) has been charged with handling arms transfers and third party transfers, disposal, and change of end-use involving U.S. -origin equipment procured via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program or grant program. All PM/RSAT arms transfers and third party transfer cases undergo an interagency review prior to PM/RSAT recommending an approval or denial to the Assistant Secretary of Political-Military Affairs. PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Control (DDTC) is responsible for authorizing all transfers involving U.S.-origin military equipment acquired through direct commercial sales.