Countering Hybrid Threats in the Americas (CHTA) is a four-week course (two weeks distance-learning and two weeks in-residence) for mid-to-senior-level officials (military, police, and civilians), and opinion leaders in regional security and defense establishments in the Western Hemisphere addressing hybrid threats from an inter-agency perspective. A hybrid threat comes from any adversary, either a state or non-state actor, that simultaneously and adaptively employs a mix of conventional, irregular, terrorism, criminal, and cyber means or activities in the operational battle space. The course examines how hybrid threats from strategic competitors such as China, Russia, and Iran and non-state actors like terrorist and criminal groups seek to weaken and undermine security, prosperity, and democracy in the Americas in the cyber-physical domain. CHTA will also consider strategies and policies to mitigate and counter these relevant threats.
The course is designed to provide an educational opportunity for strategic thinking and analysis about the hybrid threats from strategic competitors and non-state actors that seek to weaken and undermine security, prosperity, and democracy in the Americas and Africa in the cyber-physical domain. Upon completion of the course, each participant should be able to:
All participants must successfully complete a course writing assignment that may take the form of an essay, policy paper, action plan or similar.
Candidates must be professionally engaged in defense or security issues in their countries, coming from the following institutions/activities:
In accordance with Department of Defense policy, citizens of “high income” countries (as established by the World Bank) are not eligible for scholarships. As of 01 July 2025, this restriction applies to the following Western Hemisphere nations and territories:
Citizens of these countries may still apply to courses, but in a fully self-funded status. Self-funded candidates must meet all eligibility standards and comply with all application requirements, including application deadlines, as well as being able to cover the expenses of their own travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals. US citizens cannot (by law) receive scholarships, but may also apply to attend in a self-funded status. US citizens and other self-funded candidates should contact the Admissions Office for additional guidance.
Candidates must possess a university degree or, in cases where a candidate does not hold a degree, equivalent practical experience. Military and police personnel must have completed a command and staff course or equivalent. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This course is conducted in Spanish. Non-native speakers must demonstrate the ability to speak and write in Spanish at a bilingual level prior to acceptance and enrollment.
