On August 21, 2026, Joseph M. Humire, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Americas Security Affairs, delivered remarks to participants ahead of the graduation ceremony for the Countering Hybrid Threats in the Americas (CHTA) and Homeland Defense and Border Security (HDBS) courses.

Mr. Humire outlined an America First approach to Western Hemisphere defense, emphasizing the National Defense Strategy’s focus on defending the U.S. homeland, strengthening partnerships, maintaining credible deterrence, and ensuring allies and partners invest in their own defense and security.

He highlighted the shift from a primary focus on counterterrorism toward great power competition and the need for flexible realism as the United States responds to a rapidly changing global security environment. Mr. Humire stressed the importance of prioritizing resources, adapting to emerging threats, and maintaining a clear focus on the most consequential challenges to U.S. national security.

Mr. Humire also emphasized the importance of a strong security perimeter across Latin America and the Caribbean as a critical component of homeland defense. He addressed U.S. efforts to disrupt narco-terrorist networks and highlighted the need for closer cooperation with trusted regional partners to counter transnational threats, protect sovereignty, and strengthen security throughout the Western Hemisphere.