United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Overview

Introduction

This document serves as a comprehensive overview of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), one of the Unified Combatant Commands of the United States. It includes essential information about the command’s mission, area of responsibility, strategic priorities, and key leadership. Additionally, it provides links to important documents, news articles, and other resources that paint a full picture of the command’s role in US and global defense efforts.

Mission Statement

“The mission of United States Africa Command is to, in concert with interagency and international partners, counter transnational threats and malign actors, strengthen security forces of African States, and respond to crisis in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.”

Area of Responsibility

• Geographic Scope: AFRICOM’s responsibility covers all of Africa, excluding Egypt, encompassing a vast and dynamic continent with diverse challenges and opportunities.
• Countries/Regions Included: The command’s AOR includes 53 African countries, each with unique security, development, and diplomatic needs.

Strategic Importance

• AFRICOM’s strategic importance lies in its role in promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa, a continent increasingly significant for global security.
• Key focus areas include counterterrorism, military cooperation, conflict prevention, and crisis response, all aimed at fostering conditions conducive to development and prosperity.

Command Structure

• Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany.
• Key Components: AFRICOM’s structure includes various service component commands, including U.S. Army Africa, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Marine Corps Forces Africa, and Special Operations Command Africa.
• Leadership:
  • Commander: Gen. Michael E. Langley, U.S. Marine Corps, provides strategic direction and leadership for AFRICOM.
  • Deputy Commander: Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, U.S. Air Force, supports the commander in directing command activities.
  • Chief of Staff: Maj. Gen. David Francis, U.S. Army, oversees the staff’s daily operations and management.
  • Senior Enlisted Leader: Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Woods, U.S. Marine Corps, serves as the command’s senior non-commissioned officer.

Source Documents and Resources

• Posture Statements: AFRICOM FY25 Posture Statement
• Strategic Vision Documents: AFRICOM Strategic Documents
• Press Releases: AFRICOM Press Releases
• News Articles: AFRICOM News Articles
• History Page: AFRICOM History
• Leadership Bios: AFRICOM Leadership

Key Facts and Figures

• AFRICOM has conducted more than 1,300 theater security cooperation events in over 45 African nations.
• The command played a crucial role in assisting USAID’s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and continues to support peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts across the continent.

Additional Resources

• Official Website: https://www.africom.mil/
• Social Media Links: AFRICOM on Social Media
• Contact Information: For further inquiries or engagement with the command, visit AFRICOM Contact Us.

Conclusion

United States Africa Command plays a vital role in advancing U.S. national security interests through partnerships and cooperative security efforts across Africa. By focusing on countering transnational threats, building partner capacity, and responding effectively to crises, AFRICOM contributes significantly to promoting regional stability and prosperity. Explore the resources provided for a more comprehensive understanding of its mission and activities.

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Note: This document is intended to serve as an informative resource and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in AFRICOM’s strategic direction, leadership, or operational focus. Always refer to the official website or directly contact the command for the most current information.