Will Reno, a political science professor at Northwestern University, and Franky Matisek, an active-duty Air Force lieutenant colonel, delve into the complexities of Security Force Assistance (SFA). They discuss the historical challenges faced in Iraq and Afghanistan, stressing the need for a nuanced understanding of local contexts. The duo also explores ethical dilemmas in military support and highlights successful SFA examples from Colombia and Sierra Leone. Their insights underscore the crucial balance between humanitarian concerns and effective military partnerships.