Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts following the 1994 Rwandan genocide drew on Rwanda's traditional history and values by renewing the Ingando concept of solidarity camps. Through Ingando, the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) has integrated ex-combatants into the national army, as it has spearheaded a culture of tolerance and enlightened nationalism and recaptured a sense of community and social cohesion. First, the ex-combatants and the RDF are guided through the process of unburdening themselves emotionally. Second, former adversaries are redeployed jointly. Third, they engage in exploratory dialogue on why the conflict began and why each reacted to it the way they did, and seek to come to terms with their mutual losses and responsibilities. The final stage is re-evaluating the whole process. Ex-combatants who participated in Ingando began to overcome mutual fear and suspicion and the desire for revenge; heal the wounds of hatred; accept responsibility for the past; and serve as a model of reconciliation for the broader community. The ex-militia and guerrilla army have been integrated into the RDF and received international recognition in peace support operations.

The reform movements occurring across the Middle East during the "Arab Spring" have highlighted the importance of U.S. Central Command efforts to establish and maintain enduring military-to-military relationships. These relationships provide the United States with unique avenues to build trust with partner nations, address mutual security interests, and support U.S. diplomatic initiatives. The activities that help advance these relationships also serve as a steadying influence—a signal of commitment to our allies—and will remain crucial as the United States seeks to understand and respond to the historic changes occurring in the region. In order to properly respond to the dynamics of the Arab Spring, we must more fully understand them. Toward that end, listening to and learning from our friends and allies in the region are an integral part of this strategy. Relationships facilitated through military-to-military engagements provide a vital channel of communications that allow for the open and honest exchange of ideas as a catalyst for popular participation and change.

After more than 50 years of independence, many African countries face the destabilizing forces of poverty, hunger, and public health crises, which drive insecurity in the form of ethnic-based conflicts, social radicalism, and violent extremism. The public sector in these countries is largely dependent on foreign aid and international security interventions, while the private sector is too stunted to fill the gap to provide needed services or employment. The Sengalese "Armée-Nation" is a model for civil-military collaboration that integrates civilian leadership with the military, providing broadly construed security and advancing economic and social development—without excessive militarization. Many African civilian leaders and the public are cautious to expand the military beyond its traditional role, a well-founded concern in light of the continent's history. Due to the greater strength of military institutions when compared with African public and private sectors and to the military's coercive capability, a high risk exists of the military dominating the civilian realm, exerting undue influence over domestic politics, or executing military control. Yet with sound safeguards—including a legal framework of rule of law and human rights, and a culture of civilian prominence over the military—these risks largely can be minimized.