(CNN) Pentagon programs to train foreign nationals are coming under new scrutiny after the man suspected of opening fire at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida Friday, killing at least three people and injuring several others, was identified as a member of the Saudi Arabian military.

As of Friday, the Department of Defense has 5,181 foreign students from 153 countries in the US for security cooperation related training, according to Pentagon spokesperson Christopher Garver, who noted that "the Department of Defense vets foreign nationals traveling to the United States for Defense Department-related training.

"The Saudi National was in the United States for training pursuant to a US Air Force Foreign Military Sales training case funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His training began in August of 2017 and was scheduled to conclude in August of 2020," Garver said.

"His training program included English Language Training, Basic Aviation, and Initial Pilot Training," he added.

Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola Capt. Tim Kinsella told reporters that foreign students from "partner nations" have trained at the base to learn naval aviation for years.

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