The purpose of this study was to review the history of the U.S. Security Assistance Program to determine factors that shape the program. This research question was answered by accomplishing a literature review of the major legislative acts related to U.S. security assistance. After completing the review, the researchers determined that each of the acts contained four camion factors: 1) the threat of Soviet expansion, 2) significant global events, 3) monetary authorizations, and 4) the attitudes and policies of the current leadership. After analyzing these four factors, the researchers concluded that only three could be determined to shape the U.S. Security Assistance Program: the threat of the Soviet expansion, significant global events, and the attitudes and policies of the current leadership.