Dave Bennett

Sr. Consultant

Dave is the son of a retired military veteran and is a seasoned national security professional with 22 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force. His extensive experience spans aircraft maintenance operations, foreign military engagement, and security cooperation, with a specialization in Latin America. 

In 2005, Dave became one of the few U.S. Air Force Officers competitively selected for the Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program.  As a certified Foreign Area Officer (FAO), Dave played a critical role in advancing the National Defense Strategy by building strategic partnerships with foreign military leaders and government officials.  His assignments included serving as a Regional Security Assistance Desk Officer at United States Southern Command, where he provided key expertise on security assistance in the Andean Ridge region. Dave's career also encompasses leadership roles in special operations, where he advised Latin American partners on tactics, techniques, and procedures related to foreign internal defense and aircraft maintenance management.  He commanded maintenance squadrons and led operations in deployed environments, demonstrating strong leadership and operational acumen. 

Currently, Dave teaches Security Cooperation Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring and Evaluation at the School of Security Cooperation Studies. He leverages his expertise to develop the next generation of security cooperation professionals.  Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida International University and a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs – Western Hemisphere from the Naval Postgraduate School. His unique blend of military, academic, and teaching experience equips him to provide expert consulting services in leadership and team development, security cooperation, partner capacity building, and Latin American affairs.