The United States has spent billions to train and equip the Afghan security forces. As the transition to civilian-led reconstruction begins, effective and accountable security institutions are urgently needed to maintain operational and tactical gains. The Ministry of Defense Advisors (MoDA) program deploys senior DOD civilian specialists to advise officials in the Afghan government on critical issues including weapons auditing and logistics, legislative affairs, and food services. These are services essential to building enduring security institutions and strong civil-military partnerships. The MoDA program provides intensive predeployment training in cultural and mentoring skills and offers back-fill funds to advisors' home offices, helping ensure that the most qualified senior- and mid-level civilians are recruited for deployment.