Using enhancement of global and regional objectives, procurement of military base rights, and benefits to the recipient state an effectiveness criteria, this thesis concludes that the security assistance program of the Soviet Union has been more effective in Sub-Saharan Africa than its American counterpart. After comparing the general character of American and Soviet security assistance efforts throughout the world, this analysis then identifies the global aspirations of each superpower. These findings provide the foundation for applying the effectiveness criteria. The states of Sub-Saharan Africa are then grouped into three regions. The Ensuing region by region examination yields conclusive regional assessments, as well as the overall effectiveness appraisal for American and Soviet security assistance programs in Sub-Saharan Africa noted above.