United States Southern Command
David Moran is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in military operations and security cooperation. Currently serving as a Program Analyst at United States Southern Command, David leads Institutional Capacity Building efforts and coordinates security cooperation investments across Latin America and the Caribbean. David also holds the position of Commanding Officer for the 1st Battalion 24th Marines within the Marine Forces Reserve. Previous roles include senior consulting in defense at Guidehouse, various command and planning positions within the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, and leadership roles in security and inspections with the Marine Forces Reserve. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas-Pan American.
United States Southern Command
The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), located in Doral, Florida in Greater Miami, is one of ten Unified Combatant Commands (CCMDs) in the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation for Central and South America, the Caribbean (except U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions), their territorial waters, and for the force protection of U.S. military resources at these locations. USSOUTHCOM is also responsible for ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal and the canal area. As explained below, USSOUTHCOM has been under scrutiny due to several human rights and rule of law controversies in which it has been embroiled for nearly a decade.