Train-and-equip program

A train-and-equip program is a military operation in which one country provides training and equipment to an ally. The practice typically involves the transfer of expertise and materiel from a stronger military to a weaker one, as an alternative to fighting together outright. The United States military has run several train-and-equip programs in recent military history.

Bosnia
During the Bosnian War, American president Bill Clinton and Bosnian president Alija Izetbegović agreed to a train-and-equip program for Bosnia, valued at an estimated US$500 million. American diplomat James W. Pardew oversaw the implementation of the plan.

Georgia
From 2002 to 2004, the American military spent US$64 million training the Georgian Armed Forces for service in Operation Enduring Freedom (i.e., War on Terror). The British Army also helped train and equip Georgian forces. Georgia would go on to fight with the coalition forces in the Iraq War.

Syria
The Syrian Train and Equip Program is an ongoing US$500 million initiative to support moderate rebels in the Syrian Civil War. The program is controversial in Congress.