Expanded IMET (E-IMET), a subset of the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, was first mandated by Congress in 1991. Unlike traditional military training, E-IMET qualifying courses funded through the IMET program do not teach combat or technical skills. E-IMET courses focus on defense management, civil-military relations, law enforcement cooperation, and military justice. This category of education is available to foreign civilians as well as military personnel.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s E-IMET Handbook describes the program’s purpose.

To educate U.S. friends and allies in the proper management of their defense resources, improving their systems of military justice in accordance with internationally recognized principles of human rights and fostering a greater respect for, and understanding of, the principle of civilian control of the military.

While the IMET budget for the Western Hemisphere has remained fairly constant, the portion spent on E-IMET has been increasing. In 1996, 20 percent of IMET for Latin America paid for E-IMET-qualifying courses. In 1998, this percentage jumped to 30.

Civilians authorized to participate in E-IMET-funded courses include personnel with defense responsibilities in government ministries, legislators and non-governmental actors. For civilian participants, such training and education must:

1. Contribute to responsible defense resource management;
2. Foster greater respect for and understanding of the principle of civilian control of the military;
3. Contribute to cooperation between military and law enforcement personnel on counternarcotics law enforcement efforts; or
4. Improve military justice systems and procedures in accordance with internationally-recognized human rights.

While IMET expenditures by country are documented in the State Department's yearly Congressional Presentation for Foreign Operations, the law does not require the State Department and Pentagon to report on expanded IMET outlays.