What does "strategic patience" refer to in SFA?

"Strategic patience" in the context of Security Force Assistance (SFA) highlights the understanding that building the capacity of partner forces is a long-term endeavor that requires careful planning, sustained engagement, and time. This approach recognizes that effective SFA does not produce instant results but rather involves a gradual process of developing skills, building trust, and fostering self-sufficiency within partner nations.

By emphasizing the long-term nature of capacity building, "strategic patience" acknowledges the complexities and challenges involved in transforming security forces. It points to the necessity of being committed to ongoing support and development, adapting to the evolving needs of partners, and allowing sufficient time for the competencies and institutional frameworks to mature.

This approach stands in contrast to the notion of viewing SFA as a quick solution, which could lead to unrealistic expectations and potentially undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of the efforts. It also rejects the idea of rushing the development process, which could result in poorly trained forces or ineffective institutions. Overall, "strategic patience" promotes a strategic mindset focused on enduring outcomes rather than hasty actions.