Security Cooperation is conducted within a complex environment against innovative and adaptive adversaries. Reduced barriers to access of advanced weapons such as drones, enhanced munitions, and computer technology have increased the will of US adversaries to contest US resolve in multiple domains. These variables in combination with access to social media create a formidable enemy network that has resulted in an increased enemy capacity to conduct anti-access and area denial (A2D2) of US and partner forces. Additionally, this approach allows enemies and adversaries of the United States to accrue strategic gains while avoiding direct conflict with the US military. This competitive arena that exists below the threshold of war is often referred to as the gray zone. Security Cooperation (SC) activities build partner capacity that promotes US security interests and directly and indirectly shapes this complex environment. This monograph examines the incorporation of human-centered design as a way to enhance US Army SC activities to shape the security environment and achieve strategic goals. This method works within the Army design methodology (ADM) and demonstrates a way to create unity of effort for activities with unified action partners that mutually support US goals. Utilizing the Plan Colombia case study demonstrates how United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and United States Special Operations Command South (USSOCSOUTH) SC achieved enduring results applying a human-centered design approach.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)