1-37. Security cooperation is defined as all Department of Defense interactions with foreign security establishments to build security relationships that promote specific United States security interests, develop allied and partner nation military and security capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations, and provide United States forces with peacetime and contingency access to allied and partner nations (JP 3-20). The participation of Army special operations forces in security cooperation missions fosters relationships with host-nation forces and key leaders through sustained contact. Security cooperation and partner activities are key elements of global and combatant commander campaigns.