View source for United States Africa Command

{{short description|Unified combatant command of the United States Armed Forces responsible for the African region}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name = United States Africa Command
|image = Seal of the United States Africa Command.svg
|caption = Emblem of United States Africa Command
|dates = Established:<br />1 October 2007<br/>({{Age in years and months|2007|10|1}})
----
Activated:<br />1 October 2008<br/>({{Age in years and months|2008|10|1}})<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.africom.mil/about-the-command|title=United States Africa Command|website=www.africom.mil}}</ref>
|country = {{flag|United States}}
|type = [[Unified combatant command]]
|role = Geographic combatant command
|size = 2,000 (1,500 stationed at HQ in Germany)<ref name=about>{{cite web |title=About the Command |url=http://www.africom.mil/about-the-command |publisher=U.S. AFRICOM |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref>
|command_structure = {{dodseal|DOD|25}} [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
|garrison = [[Kelley Barracks]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Germany]]
|garrison_label = Headquarters
|nickname = U.S. AFRICOM, USAFRICOM
|motto =
|battles= [[2011 military intervention in Libya]]<br/>[[Operation Juniper Shield]]
|anniversaries =
|decorations =
|battle_honours =
|website = {{url|http://www.africom.mil|www.africom.mil}}
|commander1 = [[General (United States)|General]] [[Michael E. Langley]], [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]]
|commander1_label = Commander
|commander2 = [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] [[Kirk W. Smith]], [[United States Air Force|USAF]]
|commander2_label = Deputy Commander
|commander3 = [[Ambassadors of the United States|Ambassador]] Andrew Young, [[United States Department of State|DOS]]
|commander3_label = Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement
| commander4 = [[Sergeant major#United States Marine Corps|Sergeant Major]] [[Michael P. Woods]], [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]]
| commander4_label =  Senior Enlisted Leader
| identification_symbol = [[File:NATO Map Symbol - Unit Size - Region or Front.svg|100px]]<br/>[[File:Military Symbol - Friendly Unit (Bichrome 1.5x1 Frame)- AA - African Command (ADP 1-02, 2018 August 14).svg|100px]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[NATO Joint Military Symbology|NATO Map Symbol]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ADP 1-02 Terms and Military Symbols |date=14 August 2018 |publisher=US Army |pages=4–8 |url=https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN20083_ADP%201-02%20C1%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf |ref=Table 4-2}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_2 =
|identification_symbol_2_label =
}}
{{Primary sources|date=February 2023}}{{United States Armed Forces sidebar}}

The '''United States Africa Command''' ('''USAFRICOM''', '''U.S. AFRICOM''', and '''AFRICOM'''),<ref>{{Cite book|title=DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) - Joint Chiefs of Staff - J7|date=August 2017|pages=372}}</ref> is one of the eleven [[unified combatant command]]s of the [[United States Department of Defense]], headquartered at [[Kelley Barracks]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Germany]]. It is responsible for U.S. military operations, including fighting regional conflicts<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3WhFCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA83 |title=Precision and Purpose: Airpower in the Libyan Civil War |last=Mueller |first=Karl P. |date=2015-07-08 |publisher=Rand Corporation |isbn=9780833087935 |pages=83|language=en}}</ref> and maintaining military relations with 53 African nations. Its [[area of responsibility]] covers all of [[Africa]] except [[Egypt]], which is within the area of responsibility of the [[United States Central Command]]. U.S. AFRICOM headquarters operating budget was $276 million in fiscal year 2012.<ref name=about />

The Commander of U.S. AFRICOM [[Chain of command|reports]] to the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]].<ref name=factsheet>{{cite web |title=FACT SHEET: United States Africa Command |url=http://www.africom.mil/newsroom/article/6107/fact-sheet-united-states-africa-command |date=15 April 2013 |publisher=U.S. AFRICOM Office of Public Affairs |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> The current Commander of the U.S. Africa Command stated that the purpose of the command is to work alongside African military personnel to support their military operations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=United States Africa Command: The First Ten Years |publisher=The United States Africa Command |year=2018 }}</ref> In individual countries, [[U.S. ambassador]]s continue to be the primary diplomatic representative for relations with host nations. The incumbent commander is [[Michael E. Langley]].

==History==
===Origins===
Prior to the creation of AFRICOM, responsibility for U.S. military operations in Africa was divided across three unified commands: [[United States European Command]] (EUCOM) for West Africa, [[United States Central Command]] (CENTCOM) for East Africa, and [[United States Pacific Command]] (PACOM) for Indian Ocean waters and islands off the east coast of Africa.

A U.S. military officer wrote the first public article calling for the formation of a separate African command in November 2000.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/parameters/articles/00winter/catoire.htm |title=A CINC for Sub-Saharan Africa? Rethinking the Unified Command Plan |journal=Parameters |volume=Winter 2000–01 |publisher=US Army War College |access-date=9 November 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109134629/http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/parameters/articles/00winter/catoire.htm |archive-date=9 November 2017}}</ref> Following a 2004 global posture review, the [[United States Department of Defense]] began establishing a number of [[Cooperative Security Location]]s (CSLs) and [[Forward Operating Site]]s (FOSs) across the African continent, through the auspices of EUCOM which had nominal command of West Africa at that time. These locations, along with [[Camp Lemonnier]] in [[Djibouti]], would form the basis of AFRICOM facilities on the continent. Areas of military interest to the United States in Africa include the [[Sahara]]/[[Sahel]] region,<ref name=US-TARGETS-SAHARA-TERRORIST-HAVEN>{{cite news
|title=US targets Sahara 'terrorist haven' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4749357.stm |work=BBC News |date=8 August 2005 |access-date=24 June 2015 |first=Catherine |last=Fellows}}</ref> over which [[Joint Task Force Aztec Silence]] is conducting anti-terrorist operations ([[Operation Enduring Freedom - Trans Sahara]]), Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, where [[CJTF-HOA|Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa]] is located (overseeing [[Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa]]), and the [[Gulf of Guinea]].

The website '''Magharebia.com''' was launched by USEUCOM in 2004 to provide news about North Africa in English, French and Arabic.<ref>{{cite web |title=About This Site |url=http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/document/awi/footer/about/about |date=22 October 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204211810/http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/document/awi/footer/about/about |archive-date=4 December 2004}}</ref> When AFRICOM was created, it took over operation of the website.<ref name=pincus2007-05-08>{{cite news |title=U.S. Africa Command Brings New Concerns |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/27/AR2007052700978.html |date=8 May 2015 |first=Walter |last=Pincus |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=25 June 2015}}</ref> Information operations of the United States Department of Defense was criticized by the Senate Armed Forces Committee and defunded by Congress in 2011. The site was closed down in February 2015.<ref name=pincus2011-12-06>{{cite news |title=A speed bump for Pentagon's information ops |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/a-speed-bump-for-pentagons-information-ops/2011/12/06/gIQAbxF7YO_blog.html |date=6 December 2011 |first=Walter |last=Pincus |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=25 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DOD shutters two 'influence' websites covering Africa |url=http://fcw.com/articles/2015/02/13/african-web-sites.aspx |first=Adam |last=Mazmanian |date=13 February 2015 |access-date=25 June 2015 |work=FCW}}</ref>

In 2007, the [[United States Congress]] approved $500&nbsp;million for the [[Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Initiative]] (TSCTI) over six years to support countries involved in [[counterterrorism]] against threats of [[Al Qaeda]] operating in African countries, primarily [[Algeria]], Chad, [[Mali]], Mauritania, [[Niger]], Senegal, [[Nigeria]], and [[Morocco]].<ref name=AFRICA-TO-GET-ITS-OWN-US-MILITARY-COMMAND>{{cite news |title=POLITICS: Africa to Get Its Own U.S. Military Command |url=http://www.ipsnews.net/2007/01/politics-africa-to-get-its-own-us-military-command/ |work=Inter Press Service |first=Jim |last=Lobe |date=31 January 2007 |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> This program builds upon the former [[Pan Sahel Initiative]] (PSI), which concluded in December 2004<ref name=EUCOM-OPERATIONS-AND-INITIATIVES>{{cite web |title=Operations and Initiatives |url=http://www.eucom.mil/english/Operations/main.asp |publisher=[[EUCOM]] |access-date=6 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109185740/http://www.eucom.mil/english/Operations/main.asp  |archive-date=9 January 2007}}</ref> and focused on [[weapon trafficking|weapon]] and drug trafficking, as well as counterterrorism.<ref name=PAN-SAHEL-INITIATIVE>{{cite web |title=Pan Sahel Initiative (PSI) |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/pan-sahel.htm |work=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> Previous U.S. military activities in Sub-Saharan Africa have included Special Forces associated [[Joint Combined Exchange Training]]. Letitia Lawson, writing in 2007 for a [[Center for Contemporary Conflict]] journal at the [[Naval Postgraduate School]], noted that U.S. policy towards Africa, at least in the medium-term, looks to be largely defined by international terrorism, the increasing importance of African oil to American energy needs, and the dramatic expansion and improvement of [[Sino-African relations]] since 2000.<ref name=Lawson07>{{cite journal |last=Lawson |first=Letitia |date=January 2007 |title=U.S. Africa Policy Since the Cold War |journal=Strategic Insights |volume=6 |issue=1 |url= http://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/11266/lawsonJan07.pdf |access-date=24 June 2015 |publisher=Department of National Security Affairs Center on Contemporary Conflict}}</ref>

===Creation of the command (2006–2008)===
In mid-2006, Defense Secretary [[Donald Rumsfeld]] formed a planning team to advise on requirements for establishing a new Unified Command for the African continent. In early December, he made his recommendations to President [[George W. Bush]].<ref name=PENTAGON-CREATES-MILITARY-COMMAND-FOR-AFRICA>{{cite news |title=Pentagon Creates Military Command for Africa.
|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7234997 |work=[[National Public Radio|NPR Morning Edition]] |date=7 February 2007 |access-date=25 June 2015 |first=Jackie |last=Northham}}</ref><ref name=AFRICA-COMMAND-PLANS-APPROVED-BY-BUSH>{{cite news |title=Africa Command plans approved by Bush, DOD officials confirm |url=http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=42476 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=30 December 2006 |access-date=25 June 2015 |first=Jeff |last=Schogol}}</ref>

On 6 February 2007, Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] announced to the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]] that President George W. Bush had given authority to create the new African Command.<ref name=DOD-ESTABLISHING-US-AFRICA-COMMAND>{{cite news |title=DoD Establishing U.S. Africa Command |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?id=2940 |work=American Forces Press Services |publisher=[[US Department of Defense]]
|date=6 February 2007 |access-date=25 June 2015 |first=Jim |last=Garamone}}</ref> [[U.S. Navy]] [[Rear Admiral]] [[Robert Moeller]], the director of the AFRICOM transition team, arrived in Stuttgart, Germany to begin creating the logistical framework for the command.<ref name=US-CREATING-NEW-AFRICA-COMMAND-TO-COORDINATE-MILITARY-EFFORTS>{{cite news |title=U.S. Creating New Africa Command To Coordinate Military Efforts |url=http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2007/02/20070206170933mvyelwarc0.2182581.html |date=6 February 2007 |publisher=[[US Department of State]] |access-date=25 June 2015 |work=USINFO |first=Vince |last=Crawley}}</ref><ref name=AFRICOM-TRANSITION-TEAM-LEADER-ARRIVES-STUTTGART>{{cite news |title=Africa Command Transition Team leader arrives in Stuttgart |url=http://www.eucom.mil/media-library/article/20948/africa-command-transition-team-leader-arrives |work=Africa Command Transition Team Public Affairs |publisher=USEUCOM |date=27 February 2007 |access-date=25 June 2015}}</ref> The creation of the command was introduced to African military leaders by General [[William E. Ward|William E. "Kip" Ward]] who traveled to various African countries.<ref name=":0" /> On 28 September, the U.S. Senate confirmed General Ward as AFRICOM's first commander and AFRICOM officially became operational as a sub-unified command of EUCOM with a separate headquarters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.africom.mil/NEWSROOM/Article/6042/us-africa-command-reaches-initial-operating-capabi |title=U.S. Africa Command Reaches Initial Operating Capability |date=1 October 2007 |publisher=US AFRICOM Public Affairs |access-date=25 June 2015}}</ref> On 1 October 2008 became a fully operational command and incorporated pre-existing entities, including the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa that was created in 2002.<ref name=":0" /> At this time, the command also separated from USEUCOM and began operating on its own as a full-fledged combatant command.

== Function ==
In 2007, the White House announced that Africa Command "will strengthen our security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa. Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy, and economic growth in Africa."<ref name="georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov">{{cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/02/20070206-3.html|title=President Bush Creates a Department of Defense Unified Combatant Command for Africa|date=6 February 2007|publisher=Georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov|access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref>

General [[Carter F. Ham]] said in a 2012 address at [[Brown University]] that U.S. strategy for [[Sub-Saharan Africa]] is to strengthen democratic institutions and boost broad-based economic growth.<ref name="about" />

In 2017 the U.S. Africa Command was operating along five lines of effort:

# Neutralize [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]] and transition the security responsibilities of the [[African Union Mission in Somalia]] (AMISOM) to the [[Federal Government of Somalia]] (FGS)
#Degrade violent extremist organizations in the [[Sahel]] [[Maghreb]] and contain instability in [[Libya]]
# Contain and degrade [[Boko Haram]]
# Interdict illicit activity in the [[Gulf of Guinea]] and [[Central Africa]] with willing and capable African partners
# Build [[peacekeeping]], [[humanitarian assistance]] and [[disaster response]] capacity of African partners<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Waldhauser_03-09-17.pdf|title=United States Africa Command 2017 Posture Statement|last=Waldhauser|first=General Thomas D.|date=9 March 2017|publisher=U.S. Africa Command|location=U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services|pages=7}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
On 18 March 2019, AFRICOM conducted an airstrike over Mogadishu, Somalia aimed at "the terrorist network and its recruiting efforts in the region", specifically referencing al-Shabaab. AFRICOM reported that the number of terrorists killed by this airstrike was 3, but this fact, as well as how many civilian casualties there were is still under dispute.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sperber|first=Amanda|title=Does America Know Who Its Airstrike Victims Are?|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/05/07/does-america-know-who-its-airstrike-victims-are-somalia-africom/|access-date=2019-11-07|website=Foreign Policy|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Area of responsibility==
[[File:GCCMAP.png|thumb|right|In this map, U.S. AFRICOM Area of Responsibility is shown in yellow]]
[[File:USAFRICOM United States Africa Command Map Draft.jpg|thumb|right|February 2007 Draft Map of U.S. AFRICOM showing its creation from parts of [[USEUCOM]], [[USCENTCOM]] and [[USINDOPACOM|USPACOM]].]]

The territory of the command consists of all of the African continent except for [[Egypt]], which remains under the responsibility of Central Command, as it closely relates to the Middle East. USAFRICOM also covers island countries commonly associated with Africa:
* [[Cape Verde]]
* [[São Tomé and Príncipe]]
* [[Comoros]]
* [[Madagascar]]
* [[Mauritius]]
* [[Seychelles]]<ref name="US-CREATING-NEW-AFRICA-COMMAND-TO-COORDINATE-MILITARY-EFFORTS"/><ref name=PENTAGON-SETTING-UP-NEW-US-COMMAND-TO-OVERSEE-AFRICAN-MISSIONS>{{cite news |title=Pentagon setting up new U.S. command to oversee African missions |url=http://helenair.com/news/national/pentagon-setting-up-new-u-s-command-to-oversee-african/article_1fd6a4bb-a254-5345-b619-3c50d6aa87c3.html |work=Independent Record |agency=Associated Press |date=6 February 2007 |access-date=25 June 2015 |first=Pauline |last=Jelinek}}</ref>

The U.S. military [[area of responsibility|areas of responsibility]] involved were transferred from three separate U.S. unified combatant commands. Most of Africa was transferred from the [[United States European Command]] with the [[East Africa|Horn of Africa]] and [[Sudan]] transferred from the [[United States Central Command]]. Responsibility for U.S. military operations in the islands of [[Madagascar]], the [[Comoros]], the [[Seychelles]] and [[Mauritius]] was transferred from the [[United States Pacific Command]].

==Headquarters and facilities==
The AFRICOM headquarters is located at [[Kelley Barracks]], a small urban facility near [[Stuttgart]], Germany, and is staffed by 1,500 personnel. In addition, the command has military and civilian personnel assigned at [[Camp Lemonnier|Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti]]; [[RAF Molesworth|RAF Molesworth, United Kingdom]]; [[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill Air Force Base, Florida]]; and in Offices of Security Cooperation and Defense Attaché Offices in about 38 African countries.<ref name=about />

===Selection of the headquarters===
It was reported in June 2007 that African countries were competing to host the headquarters because it would bring money for the recipient country.<ref>''[[The Economist]]'', "Policing the undergoverned spaces", 16–22 June 2007, p. 46</ref> [[Liberia]] has publicly expressed a willingness to host AFRICOM's headquarters, and in 2021 [[Nigeria]] expressed a similar interest.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-urges-us-move-africa-command-headquarters-continent-2021-04-27/ |work=Reuters |title=Nigeria urges U.S. to move Africa Command headquarters to continent|date=27 April 2021 }}</ref> The U.S. declared in February 2008 that AFRICOM would be headquartered in Stuttgart for the "foreseeable future". In August 2007, Dr. Wafula Okumu, a research fellow at the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, testified before the United States Congress about the growing resistance and hostility on the African continent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200708031070.html?page=2 |publisher=Allafrica.com |title=Africa: Testimony of Dr. Wafula Okumu – U.S. House Africom Hearing}}</ref> [[Nigeria]] announced it will not allow its country to host a base and opposed the creation of a base on the continent. South Africa and [[Libya]] also expressed reservations of the establishment of a headquarters in Africa.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/19/africa/AF-GEN-US-Africa-Command.php |title=US AFRICOM headquarters to remain in Germany for "foreseeable future |newspaper= [[International Herald Tribune]] |date= 19 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7251648.stm  |title=US drops Africa military HQ plan |work= [[BBC News]] |date= 18 February 2008}}</ref>

The ''Sudan Tribune'' considered it likely that [[Ethiopia]], a strong U.S. ally in the region, will house USAFRICOM's headquarters due to the collocation of AFRICOM with the [[African Union]]'s developing [[Peace and Security Council|peace and security apparatus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article24660 |title=US army boss for Africa says no garrisons planned |publisher=SudanTribune article |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Ethiopia|Prime Minister]] [[Meles Zenawi]] stated in early November that Ethiopia would be willing to work together closely with USAFRICOM.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article24667 |title=Ethiopia ready to cooperate with US Africa Command – Zenawi |publisher=SudanTribune article |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> This was further reinforced when a U.S. Air Force official said on 5 December 2007, that [[Addis Ababa]] was likely to be the headquarters.<ref>Erik Holmes, [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/airforce_africom_standup_071203w/ Official: AFRICOM Will Need Air Force Aircraft], Air Force Times, 5 December 2007</ref>

On 18 February 2008, General Ward told an audience at the [[Royal United Services Institute]] in London that some portion of that staff headquarters being on the continent at some point in time would be "a positive factor in helping us better deliver programs."<ref>[http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=1659 "TRANSCRIPT: General Ward Outlines Vision for U.S. Africa Command"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007034643/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=1659 |date=7 October 2008 }}, 18 February 2008</ref> General Ward also told the BBC the same day in an interview that there are no definite plans to take the headquarters or a portion of it to any particular location on the continent.<ref>[http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=1658 "TRANSCRIPT: AFRICOM's General Ward Interviewed by the BBC's Nick Childs"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227125058/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=1658 |date=27 February 2008 }}, 18 February 2008</ref>

President Bush denied that the United States was contemplating the construction of new bases on the African continent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/02/20/ap4674005.html|title=Bush Says No New U.S. Bases in Africa|website=[[Forbes]]}}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> U.S. plans include no large installations such as [[Camp Bondsteel]] in Kosovo, but rather a network of "cooperative security locations" at which temporary activities will be conducted. There is one U.S. base on the continent, [[Camp Lemonnier]] in Djibouti, with approximately 2,300 troops stationed there having been inherited from USCENTCOM upon standup of the command.

In general, U.S. Unified Combatant Commands have an HQ of their own in one location, subordinate service component HQs, sometimes one or two co-located with the main HQ or sometimes spread widely, and a wide range of operating locations, main bases, forward detachments, etc. USAFRICOM initially appears to be considering something slightly different; spreading the actually [[Unified Combatant Command|COCOM]] HQ over several locations, rather than having the COCOM HQ in one place and the putative "U.S. Army Forces, Africa", its air component, and "U.S. Naval Forces, Africa" in one to four separate locations. AFRICOM will not have the traditional J-type staff divisions,{{clarify|date=March 2015}} instead having outreach, plans and programs, knowledge development, operations and logistics, and resources branches.<ref>Stars and Stripes, [http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=55606&archive=true AFRICOM to depart from J-code structure], 12 August 2007</ref> AFRICOM went back to a traditional J-Staff in early 2011 after General [[Carter Ham]] took command.<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2125116/general-officer-assignments/ (25 March 2020)  General Officer Assignments] "Maj. Gen. Joel K. Tyler, commanding general, [[U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command]], Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to director, J-3 Operations/Cyber, U.S. Africa Command, Germany"</ref>

In the summer of 2020, U.S. Defense Secretary [[Mark Esper]] directed AFRICOM leadership to study a possible headquarters relocation outside of Germany after plans were announced that neighboring U.S. European Command would relocate to [[Belgium]].<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/us-troops-germany-africom/2020/09/09/35a611d8-ec61-11ea-a21a-0fbbe90cfd8c_story.html/ Trump administration is considering moving U.S. Africa Command. It won’t be cheap or easy.] Washington Post, 10 September 2020</ref>

On 20 November 2020 a new Army service component command (ASCC), U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) consolidated USAREUR and USARAAF.<ref name= usaeur,af2020 >[https://www.army.mil/article/241094/us_army_europe_and_africa_commands_consolidate U.S. Army Public Affairs (20 November 2020) U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commands consolidate]</ref> The U.S. Army Africa/Southern European Task Force is now the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).<ref name= usaeur,af2020 />

==Personnel==
U.S. Africa Command completed fiscal year 2010 with approximately 2,000 assigned personnel, which includes military, civilian, contractor, and host nation employees. About 1,500 work at the command's main headquarters in Stuttgart. Others are assigned to the command's units in England and Florida, along with security cooperation officers posted at U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions in Africa to coordinate Defense Department programs within the host nation.

As of December 2010, the command has five [[Senior Foreign Service]] officers in key positions as well as more than 30 personnel from 13 U.S. Government Departments and Agencies serving in leadership, management, and staff positions. Some of the agencies represented are the United States Departments of [[United States Department of State|State]], [[United States Department of Treasury|Treasury]], and [[United States Department of Commerce|Commerce]], [[United States Agency for International Development]], and the [[United States Coast Guard]].

U.S. Africa Command has limited assigned forces and relies on the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] for resources necessary to support its missions.

==Components==
On 1 October 2008, the [[Seventeenth Air Force]] was established at [[Ramstein Air Base]], Germany as the [[United States Air Force]] component of the Africa Command.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3070041&C=america |title=U.S. AFRICOM Faces African Concerns – 10/01/07 17:39 |publisher=DefenseNews.com |access-date=19 May 2011 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Brig. Gen. Tracey Garrett was named as commander of the new USMC component, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF), in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Brigadier General Tracy L. |last1=Garrett |first2=General William E. |last2=Ward |date=14 November 2008 |title=TRANSCRIPT: Marine Corps Forces, Africa Officially Established |url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=2252 |access-date=21 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720130016/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=2252 |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=U.S. Military Official Pays Courtesy Call |date=18 November 2008 |url=http://www.emansion.gov.lr/press.php?news_id=949 |archive-date=23 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823030546/http://www.emansion.gov.lr/press.php?news_id=949 |publisher=[[President of Liberia|The Executive Mansion]], [[Liberia|The Republic of Liberia]] |access-date=21 November 2008}}</ref> MARFORAF is a dual-mission arrangement for [[United States Marine Corps Forces, Europe]].

On 3 December 2008, the U.S. announced that Army and Navy headquarters units of AFRICOM would be hosted in [[Italy]]. The AFRICOM section of the Army's [[Southern European Task Force]] would be located in [[Vicenza]] and Naval Forces Europe in [[Naples]] would expand to include the Navy's AFRICOM component.<ref>Novak, Lisa M., "Italy To Host AFRICOM Headquarters", ''[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]'', 5 December 2008.</ref> Special Operations Command, Africa (SOCAFRICA) is also established, gaining control over Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trans Sahara (JSOTF-TS) and Special Operations Command and Control Element – Horn of Africa (SOCCE-HOA).<ref>Special Operations Technology, [http://www.special-operations-technology.com/sotech-archives/58-sotech-2008-volume-6-issue-6/438-qaa-brigadier-general-patrick-m-higgins.html Q & A with Brigadier General Patrick M. Higgins] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114323/http://www.special-operations-technology.com/sotech-archives/58-sotech-2008-volume-6-issue-6/438-qaa-brigadier-general-patrick-m-higgins.html |date=16 July 2011 }}, Vol. 6, Issue 6, 2008</ref>

The U.S. Army has allocated a brigade to the Africa Command.<ref>[http://www.army.mil/article/92623/_Fiscal_Cliff__would_challenge_Army_to_maintain_readiness/ Lt. Gen. William Grisoli, "The  Army has now aligned a brigade with U.S. Africa Command."] accessdate=2012-12-10</ref>

===U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF)===
[[File:USAREUR_Insignia.svg|thumb|right|150px|U.S. Army Europe and Africa]]
<!--[[File:U.S. Army Africa Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.jpg|right|150px|U.S. Army Africa]]-->

Headquartered on [[Lucius D. Clay Kaserne]] in Wiesbaden, Germany, [[U.S. Army Europe and Africa]] — Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF), in concert with national and international partners, conducts sustained security engagement with African land forces to promote peace, stability, and security in Africa. As directed, it can deploy as a contingency headquarters in support of crisis response.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usaraf.army.mil/welcome.html |title=Welcome Information – US Army Africa |publisher=Usaraf.army.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718134920/http://www.usaraf.army.mil/welcome.html |archive-date=18 July 2011}}</ref> The commander of SETAF-AF is DCG for Africa.

As of March 2013, the [[2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (United States)|2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division]], the "Dagger Brigade", is being aligned with AFRICOM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/article/96824/_Dagger__brigade_readies_for_AFRICOM_missions/ |title=Dagger brigade readies for AFRICOM missions |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=2013-03-02}}</ref>

===U.S. Naval Forces, Africa (NAVAF)===
[[File:US Navy Africa Emblem.png|right|150px|U.S. Naval Forces Africa]]

[[U.S. Naval Forces Europe - Naval Forces Africa]] (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of responsibility (AOR) covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil |title=Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet |publisher=Naveur-navaf.navy.mil |date=21 December 2008 |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> NAVEUR-NAVAF covers all of [[Russia]], Europe and nearly the entire continent of Africa. It encompasses 105 countries with a combined population of more than one billion people and includes a landmass extending more than 14&nbsp;million square miles.

The area of responsibility covers more than 20&nbsp;million square nautical miles of ocean, touches three continents and encompasses more than 67 percent of the Earth's coastline, 30 percent of its landmass, and nearly 40 percent of the world's population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil/AORPAGE.html |title=CNE NAV Left Navigation |publisher=Naveur-navaf.navy.mil |date=21 December 2008 |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref>

[[Task Force 60]] will normally be the commander of Naval Task Force Europe and Africa.{{citation needed|reason=footnote 20 was copied. Needs actual footnote|date=November 2012}} Any naval unit within the USEUCOM or USAFRICOM AOR may be assigned to Task Force 60 as required upon by the Commander of the [[United States Sixth Fleet|Sixth Fleet]].

===U.S. Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA)===
[[File:United States Air Forces in Africa.svg|right|150px|U.S. Air Forces Africa]]

[[Air Forces Africa]] ([[AFAFRICA]]) is located at [[Ramstein Air Base]], Germany, and serves as the air and space component to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) located at Stuttgart, Germany. [[Air Forces Africa]] shares a headquarters and units with [[United States Air Forces in Europe]], and its component Air Force, 3AF (AFAFRICA) conducts sustained security engagement and operations as directed to promote air safety, security and development on the African continent. Through its Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) events, Air Forces Africa carries out AFRICOM's policy of seeking long-term partnership with the African Union and regional organizations as well as individual nations on the continent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.17af.usafe.af.mil |title=17th Air Force – Home |publisher=17af.usafe.af.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510065439/http://www.17af.usafe.af.mil/ |archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref>

Air Forces Africa works with other U.S. Government agencies, to include the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to assist African partners in developing national and regional security institution capabilities that promote security and stability and facilitate development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newpreview.afnews.af.mil/17af/index.asp |title=17th Air Force – Home |publisher=Newpreview.afnews.af.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119093329/http://newpreview.afnews.af.mil/17af/index.asp |archive-date=19 January 2016}}</ref>

3AF succeeds the [[Seventeenth Air Force]] by assuming the [[AFAFRICA]] mission upon the 17AF's deactivation on 20 April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123300193 |title=17th Air Force stands down, AFAFRICA mission carries on |publisher=U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs |access-date=1 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526230855/http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123300193 |archive-date=26 May 2012}}</ref>

===U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa (MARFORAF)===
[[File:U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa.png|right|150px|U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa]]

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa conducts operations, exercises, training, and security cooperation activities throughout the AOR. In 2009, MARFORAF participated in 15 ACOTA missions aimed at improving partners' capabilities to provide logistical support, employ military police, and exercise command and control over deployed forces.

MARFORAF conducted military to military events in 2009 designed to familiarize African partners with nearly every facet of military operations and procedures, including use of unmanned aerial vehicles, tactics, and medical skills. MARFORAF, as the lead component, continues to conduct Exercise AFRICAN LION in Morocco—the largest annual Combined Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) exercise on the African continent—as well as Exercise SHARED ACCORD 10, which was the first CJCS exercise conducted in Mozambique.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marines.mil/unit/marforaf/Pages/mission.aspx |title=Mission |publisher=Marines.mil |date=6 February 2007 |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511053753/http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforaf/Pages/mission.aspx |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref>

In 2013, the [[Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa]] was formed to provide quick response to American interests in North Africa by flying marines in [[Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey]] aircraft from bases in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marforaf.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5697/Article/144682/sp-magtf-crisis-response-ace-maintains-readiness-24-7.aspx |title=SP-MAGTF Crisis Response ACE maintains readiness 24/ 7 |publisher=Marforaf.marines.mil |access-date=2014-05-12}}</ref>

==Subordinate Commands==
===U.S. Special Operations Command Africa===
[[File:SOCAFRICA Logo.jpg|right|150px|Special Operations Command Africa: United States Army Element Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Combat Service Identification Badge]]

Special Operations Command Africa was activated on 1 October 2008 and became fully operationally capable on 1 October 2009. SOCAFRICA is a Subordinate-Unified Command of [[United States Special Operations Command]], operationally controlled by U.S. Africa Command, collocated with USAFRICOM at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart-Möhringen, Germany.  Also on 1 October 2008, SOCAFRICA assumed responsibility for the Special Operations Command and Control Element – Horn of Africa, and on 15 May 2009, SOCAFRICA assumed responsibility for [[Joint Special Operations Task Force Trans – Sahara]] (JSOTF-TS) – the SOF component of [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara]].

SOCAFRICA's objectives are to build operational capacity, strengthen regional security and capacity initiatives, implement effective communication strategies in support of strategic objectives, and eradicate violent extremist organizations and their supporting networks. SOCAFRICA forces work closely with both U.S. Embassy country teams and African partners, maintaining a small but sustained presence throughout Africa, predominantly in the OEF-TS and CJTF-HOA regions. SOCAFRICA's persistent SOF presence provides an invaluable resource that furthers USG efforts to combat violent extremist groups and builds partner nation CT capacity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.africom.mil/pdfFiles/USAFRICOM2010PostureStatement.pdf |title=Report |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720131203/http://www.africom.mil/pdfFiles/USAFRICOM2010PostureStatement.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref>

On 8 April 2011, Naval Special Warfare Unit 10, operationally assigned and specifically dedicated for SOCAFRICA missions, was commissioned at [[Panzer Kaserne]], near Stuttgart, Germany.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.africom.mil/Newsroom/Article/8250/nswu-10-commissioning-provides-socafrica-operation |title=NSWU-10 Commissioning Provides SOCAFRICA Operational Flexibility on the African Continent |access-date=2014-10-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023234652/http://www.africom.mil/Newsroom/Article/8250/nswu-10-commissioning-provides-socafrica-operation |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> It is administratively assigned to [[Naval Special Warfare Group 2]] on the U.S. East Coast.

Organizations included in SOCAFRICA include:<ref>SOCOM 2015 Factbook</ref>
*Special Operations Command Forward—East (Special Operations Command and Control Element—Horn of Africa)
*Special Operations Command Forward—Central (AFRICOM Counter—[[Lord's Resistance Army]] Control Element)
*Special Operations Command Forward—West (Joint Special Operations Task Force—Trans Sahara)
*Naval Special Warfare Unit 10, Joint Special Operations Air Component Africa, and SOCAFRICA Signal Detachment
*Commander SOCAFRICA serves as the special operations adviser to commander, USAFRICOM.

===Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa===
[[File:Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (emblem).png|right|150px|Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa]]

[[Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa]] (CJTF-HOA) conducts operations in the East Africa region to build partner nation capacity in order to promote regional security and stability, prevent conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests. CJTF-HOA's efforts, as part of a comprehensive whole-of-government approach, are aimed at increasing African partner nations' capacity to maintain a stable environment, with an effective government that provides a degree of economic and social advancement for its citizens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoa.africom.mil/AboutCJTF-HOA.asp |title=CJTF-HOA Factsheet |publisher=Hoa.africom.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426223216/http://www.hoa.africom.mil/AboutCJTF-HOA.asp |archive-date=26 April 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Election Shenanigans - Kenyan Hybrid Warfare (Book)|id= {{ASIN|B08DMZJ893|country=in}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Election Shenanigans - Kenyan Hybrid Warfare (Book)|id= {{ASIN|B08DGP72MH|country=in}}}}</ref>

==Programs and operations==
The programs conducted by AFRICOM, in conjunction with African military forces focus on reconnaissance and direct action. However, AFRICOM's directives are to keep American military forces out of direct combat as best as possible. Despite this, the United States has admitted to American troops&nbsp; being involved in direct action during missions with African military partners, namely in classified [[127e programs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://politi.co/2KE3Yh4|title=Behind the secret U.S. war in Africa|last=Morgan|first=Wesley|website=POLITICO|language=en|access-date=2019-12-07}}</ref><ref name="Turse">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/a3my38/exclusive-the-us-has-more-military-operations-in-africa-than-the-middle-east|title=Exclusive: The U.S. has more military operations in Africa than the Middle East|last=Turse|first=Nick|date=2018-12-12|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2019-12-07}}</ref> As of 2019, there have been at least 139 confirmed drone strikes from AFRICOM operations in Somalia.&nbsp; Estimates place the total number of deaths at least 965, with at least 10 civilians killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/projects/drone-war/somalia|title=Drone War: Somalia|website=The Bureau of Investigative Journalism|language=en|access-date=2019-12-07}}</ref> Each AFRICOM operations has a specific mission.&nbsp; Some of the operations in North and West Africa target ISIS, and Boko Haram.&nbsp; In East Africa, missions focus on targeting terrorist group Al-Shabaab and piracy.<ref name="Turse"/>

===By country===
====Djibouti====
The largest number of US troops in Africa are in [[Djibouti]] and perform a counter terrorism mission.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/where-does-the-u-s-have-troops-in-africa-and-why/|title=Where does the U.S. have troops in Africa, and why?|access-date=2017-10-24|language=en}}</ref>

====Niger====
In January 2013, a senior [[Niger]] official told [[Reuters]] that [[Bisa Williams]], the then-[[United States Ambassador to Niger]], requested permission to establish a drone base in a meeting with [[List of heads of state of Niger|Nigerien President]] [[Mahamadou Issoufou]].<ref name="U.S. deploys">{{cite news|title=Mali conflict: US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-21550867|work=BBC News|access-date=22 October 2017|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> On 5 February, officials from both Niger and the [[United States|U.S.]] said that the two countries signed a [[status of forces agreement]] that allowed the deployment of unarmed surveillance drones.<ref name="U.S. deploys"/><ref name="Crawford Lawrence">{{cite web|last1=Crawford|first1=Jamie|last2=Lawrence|first2=Chris|title=U.S. to base surveillance drones in Niger, ambassador says|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/29/us/niger/|publisher=CNN|access-date=22 October 2017|date=7 February 2013}}</ref> In that month, U.S. [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] sent 150 military personnel to Niger to set up a surveillance drone operation that would aid [[France]] in its counterterrorism efforts in the [[Northern Mali conflict]].<ref name="U.S. deploys"/><ref name="Martinez">{{cite web|last1=Martinez|first1=Luis|title=Why US troops are in Niger|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-troops-niger/story?id=50559788|publisher=ABC News|access-date=19 October 2017|date=19 October 2017}}</ref> In October 2015, Niger and the U.S. signed a military agreement committing the two countries "to work together in the fight against terrorism".<ref name="L'Express">{{cite web|title=Niger: The death of US soldiers reveals their presence in the Sahel|url=http://www.lexpress.fr/actualites/1/monde/niger-la-mort-de-soldats-americains-revele-leur-presence-au-sahel_1949754.html|website=L'Express|publisher=AFP|access-date=19 October 2017|location=Niamey|language=fr|date=5 October 2017}}</ref>  [[Special Forces (United States Army)|U.S. Army Special Forces]] personnel (commonly referred to as Green Berets) were sent to train the [[Niger Armed Forces]] (FAN) to assist in the fight against terrorists from neighboring countries.<ref name="Martinez"/> As of October 2017, there are about 800 U.S. military personnel in Niger, most of whom are working to build a second drone base for American and French aircraft in [[Agadez]].<ref name="Schmitt Gibbons-Neff">{{cite news|last1=Schmitt|first1=Eric|last2=Gibbons-Neff|first2=Thomas|title=Deadly Ambush of Green Berets in Niger Belies a 'Low-Risk' Mission|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/world/africa/green-berets-killed-niger.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=20 October 2017|location=Washington|date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Martinez"/><ref name="Haltiwanger">{{cite magazine|last1=Haltiwanger|first1=John|title=Is Niger Trump's Benghazi? Four U.S. soldiers died and it took him 12 days to respond|url=http://www.newsweek.com/niger-trumps-benghazi-four-us-soldiers-died-and-it-took-him-12-days-respond-688082|magazine=Newsweek|access-date=19 October 2017|date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Construction of the base is expected to be completed in 2018, which will allow the U.S. to conduct surveillance operations with the [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]] to monitor ISIL insurgents flowing south and other extremists flowing north from the [[Sahel]] region.<ref name="Schmitt Gibbons-Neff"/>

====Somalia====
The United States has roughly 400 troops in Somalia.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/> American military forces work closely with African Union troops. Troops conduct raids with Somali troops and provide transport. American forces have engaged in firefights in self-defense and drone airstrikes have been called in to provide additional support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/inside-us-militarys-mission-somalia/story?id=47239816|title=Inside the US military's mission in Somalia|date=2017-05-05|website=ABC News|access-date=2017-10-24}}</ref>

===Programs===
* [[African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance]]
* [[Africa Partnership Station]] is the U.S. Africa Command's primary maritime security engagement program which strengthens maritime security through maritime training with various nations.
* [[Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program]]
* [[Pandemic Response Program]]
* [[State Partnership Program]] connects a U.S. state's National Guard to an African nation for military training and relationship-building.
* Diplomatic Engagement
* Conferences
* Military-to-Military Engagement
* National Guard State Partnership Program
* African Partnership Flight
* Africa Partnership Station
* African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership
* Non-Commissioned Officer Development
* Logistics Engagement
* Military Intelligence
* Chaplain Engagement
* Women, Peace, and Security

===Joint Exercise Programs<ref name=":0" /> ===

==== African Lion ====
Training exercises sponsored by the United States through AFRICOM and Morocco. Participants of this program came from Europe and Africa to undergo training in various military exercises and skills. Exercises conducted during African Lion included "command-and-control techniques, combat tactics, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance operations". Reported by AFRICOM to have improved the quality of operations conducted between the North African and United States military.<ref name=":0" />

==== Western Accord ====
Training exercises sponsored by AFRICOM, European, and Western African countries for the first time in 2014. The goal of this exercise was to improve African forces' skills in conducting peace support operations. An ebola epidemic occurring from 2014 to 2015 resulted in the exercises being hosted by the Netherlands. During this exercise the mission command for the "United Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission" in Mali was replicated. Name of exercise changed to United Accord some time later.<ref name=":0" />

==== Central Accord ====
Training exercises conducted with the goal of increasing both the military knowledge and efficacy of collaborative interactions of the participating groups. Emphasis placed on crisis response tactics and fostering strong partnerships between participating groups. Forces came from Africa, the United States, and Europe. The Lake Chad Basin is an example of a regional mission conducted by The Multi-National Joint Task Force.<ref name=":0" />

==== Eastern Accord ====
Series of training exercises originally began in 1998 with a series of exercises titled "Natural Fire". The Justified Accord was a further continuation of the large group of exercises conducted under the name Eastern Accord. Participating forces came from the United States and various African allies. Conducted with the goal of improving coordinated operations in East Africa. Notable aspects of the training included discussion-based modules focused on peace-keeping endeavors.<ref name=":0" />

==== Southern Accord ====
Annual training exercise sponsored by AFRICOM in conjunction with allied African forces over several years. In 2014 partners also included the United Nation Integrated Training Service and U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute. Exercises focused around the goal of peacekeeping. In 2017, Southern Accord was renamed as United Accord.<ref name=":0" />

==== Cutlass Express ====
Series of training exercises held at sea off the coast of East Africa. The Cutlass Express series was conducted by the United States Naval Forces Africa, a group within AFRICOM. Exercises performed at this time focused on maritime security, piracy countermeasures and interception of prohibited cargo. Express series included operations Obangame Express, Saharan Express, and Phoenix Express.<ref name=":0" />

==== Obangame Express ====

==== Saharan Express ====

==== Phoenix Express ====

==== Flintlock ====

==== Silent Warrior ====

==== Africa Endeavor ====

====Operations====

* Armada Sweep - U.S. Navy electronic surveillance from ships off the coast of East Africa to support drone operations in the region<ref name=Revealed>{{cite web |url= https://news.yahoo.com/revealed-the-us-militarys-36-codenamed-operations-in-africa-090000841.html|last1=Turse|first1=Nick|last2=Naylor|first2=Sean D.|title=Revealed: The U.S. military's 36 code-named operations in Africa|date=17 April 2019|publisher=Yahoo! news|access-date=19 April 2019}}</ref>
* Echo Casemate - Support of French and African peacekeeping forces in the [[Central African Republic]].<ref name=Revealed />
* [[Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa]]
* [[Operation Enduring Freedom - Trans Sahara]]
* Exile Hunter - Training of Ethiopian forces for operations in Somalia
* Jukebox Lotus - Operations in Libya after attack on Benghazi Consulate. 
* Junction Rain - Maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
* Junction Serpent - Surveillance operations of ISIS forces near [[Sirte]], Libya
* Juniper Micron - Airlift of French forces to combat Islamic extremists in Mali
* Juniper Nimbus - Support for Nigerian Forces against [[Boko Haram]]
* Juniper Shield - Counterterrorism operations in northwest Africa<ref name=Revealed/>
* Jupiter Garrett – [[Joint Special Operations Command]] operation against high value targets in Somalia. 
* Justified Seamount - Counter piracy operation off east African coast<ref name=Revealed/>
* Kodiak Hunter - Training of Kenyan forces for operations in Somalia<ref name=Revealed/>
* * Mongoose Hunter - Training of Somali forces for operations against [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al Shabab]]<ref name=Revealed/>
* New Normal - Development of rapid response capability in Africa<ref name=Revealed/>
* Nimble Shield - Operation against [[Boko Haram]] and [[ISIS West Africa]].<ref name=Revealed/>
** Oaken Sonnet I - 2013 rescue of United States personnel from South Sudan during its civil war<ref name=Revealed/>
** Oaken Sonnet II - 2014 operation in South Sudan 
** Oaken Sonnet III – 2016 operation in South Sudan
* Oaken Steel - July 2016 to January 2017 deployment to Uganda and reinforcement of security forces at US embassy in South Sudan
* Objective Voice - Information operations and psychological warfare in Africa<ref name=Revealed/>
* Oblique Pillar - Contracted helicopter support for [[Somali National Army]] forces.<ref name=Revealed/>
* [[Operation Observant Compass]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/inside-green-berets-hunt-warlord-joseph-kony-n726076|title=EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Green Berets' hunt for brutal warlord|website=NBC News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-01}}</ref>
* Obsidian Lotus - Training Libyan special operations units<ref name=Revealed/>
* Obsidian Mosaic - Operation in Mali<ref name=Revealed/>
* Obsidian Nomad I - Counterterrorism operation in [[Diffa]], Niger<ref name=Revealed/>
* Obsidian Nomad II - Counterterrorism operation in [[Arlit]], Niger<ref name=Revealed/>
* Octave Anchor - Psychological warfare operations focused on Somalia.<ref name=Revealed/>
* Octave Shield - Operation by [[Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa]].<ref name=Revealed/>
* Octave Soundstage- Psychological warfare operations focused on Somalia.<ref name=Revealed/>
* Octave Stingray - Psychological warfare operations focused on Somalia.<ref name=Revealed/>
* Octave Summit - Psychological warfare operations focused on Somalia.<ref name=Revealed/>
* [[Operation Odyssey Dawn]] - [[Libya]], was the first major combat deployment directed by Africa Command.<ref>Ham, Carter. [http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6222 "STATEMENT: AFRICOM Commander on Commencement of Military Strikes in Libya."] ''AFRICOM'', 19 March 2011.</ref>
* [[Battle of Sirte (2016)|Operation Odyssey Lightning]] - [[Libya]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/us-africom-ends-military-operation-against-is-radicals-in-libya/|title=US AFRICOM ends military operation against IS radicals in Libya|publisher= Libyan Express|date=21 December 2016|access-date=30 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=Revealed/>
* Odyssey Resolve - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations in area of [[Sirte]], Libya.<ref name=Revealed/>
* [[Operation Onward Liberty]] - [[Liberia]]
* Paladin Hunter - Counterterrorism operation in [[Puntland]].<ref name=Revealed/>
* RAINMAKER: A highly sensitive classified signals intelligence effort. Bases used: Chebelley, Djibouti; Baidoa, Baledogle, Kismayo and Mogadishu, Somalia<ref name=Revealed/>
* Ultimate Hunter - Counterterorism operation by US trained Kenyan force in Somalia<ref name=Revealed/>
* [[Operation Unified Protector]] - [[Libya]]

==== Contingency Operations<ref name=":0" /> ====

* Operation Odyssey Dawn
* Operation Juniper Micron
* Protection of U.S. Personnel and Facilities
* Operation United Assistance
* Operation Odyssey Lightning

==== Security Cooperation Operations<ref name=":0" /> ====
* Support to Peacekeeping Operations
* African Union Mission in Somalia
* Operation Observant Compass
* Counter-Boko Haram
* Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance
* Africa Deployment Assistance Partnership Team
* Counter-IED Training
* Foreign Military Sales
* International Military Education and Training
* Counter Narcotics
* Counter-Illicit Trafficking
* Medical Engagement
* Pandemic Response Program
* African Partner Outbreak Alliance
* West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative
* Veterinary Civil Action Program

==List of commanders==
{{main|Leadership of the United States Africa Command}}
[[File:AFRICOM change of command ceremony at the Sindelfingen Stadthalle in Stuttgart - 110309-D-XH843-001 (5518085058).jpg|thumb|U.S. Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] (far left), vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff [[James E. Cartwright]] (left), outgoing combatant commander [[William E. Ward]] (right) and incoming commander [[Carter Ham]]  (far right) at the USAFRICOM change of command ceremony on 9 March 2011.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
! colspan=2| Commander
! colspan=3| Term
! rowspan=2| Service branch
|-
! Portrait
! Name
! Took office
! Left office
! Term length
|-
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 1
| military_rank     = General
| image             = General Kip Ward November 2009.jpg
| officeholder      = [[William E. Ward]]
| officeholder_sort = Ward, William E.
| born_year         = 1949
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 October 2007
| term_end          = 9 March 2011
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 October 2007|9 March 2011}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Military service mark of the United States Army.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Army|U.S. Army]]
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 2
| military_rank     = General
| image             = GEN Carter F.Ham 2011.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Carter F. Ham]]
| officeholder_sort = Ham, Carter F.
| born_year         = 1952
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 9 March 2011
| term_end          = 5 April 2013
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|9 March 2011|5 April 2013}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Military service mark of the United States Army.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Army|U.S. Army]]
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 3
| military_rank     = General
| image             = General David M Rodriguez USAFRICOM.jpg
| officeholder      = [[David M. Rodriguez]]
| officeholder_sort = Rodriguez, David M.
| born_year         = 1954
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 April 2013
| term_end          = 18 July 2016
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 April 2013|18 July 2016}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Military service mark of the United States Army.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Army|U.S. Army]]
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 4
| military_rank     = General
| image             = WALDHAUSER AFRICOM 3.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Thomas D. Waldhauser]]
| officeholder_sort = Waldhauser, Thomas D.
| born_year         = 1953
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 18 July 2016
| term_end          = 26 July 2019
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|18 July 2016|26 July 2019}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Emblem of the United States Marine Corps.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]]
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 5
| military_rank     = General
| image             = Townsend Africom.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Stephen J. Townsend]]
| officeholder_sort = Townsend, Stephen J.
| born_year         = 1959
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 26 July 2019
| term_end          = 9 August 2022
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|26 July 2019|9 August 2022}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Military service mark of the United States Army.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Army|U.S. Army]]
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 6
| military_rank     = General
| image             = Gen Michael E. Langley.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Michael E. Langley]]
| officeholder_sort = Langley, Michael
| born_year         = 1961/1962
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 9 August 2022
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|9 August 2022|}}
| defence_branch    = [[File:Emblem of the United States Marine Corps.svg|75px]]<br>[[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]]
}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* "AFRICOM Arrives", ''[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]'', 1 October 2008
* {{cite journal |last=McFate |first=Sean |date= January 2008|title=US Africa Command: next step or next stumble? |journal=[[African Affairs]] |volume=107 |issue=426 |pages=111–120 |doi=10.1093/afraf/adm084|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1234287 }}
*Al-Kassimi, K. (2017). The U.S informal empire: US African Command (AFRICOM) expanding the US economic-frontier by discursively securitizing Africa using exceptional speech acts. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 11(11), 301-316.
*Forest, James JF, and Rebecca Crispin. "AFRICOM: troubled infancy, promising future." Contemporary Security Policy 30, no. 1 (2009): 5-27. [https://www.offiziere.ch/wp-content/uploads/13523260902759753.pdf]
*http://library.rumsfeld.com/doclib/sp/3910/2006-02-06%20to%20Gen%20Pete%20Pace%20re%20Unified%20Command%20Plan.pdf - earliest Rumsfeld memo ("snowflake") at Rumsfeld.com identifiable re Africa command organization in 2006.

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Portal|Africa|War}}
<!-- Probably list needs pruning or organizing -->
* {{Official website|http://www.africom.mil/ }} and [https://web.archive.org/web/20110720130709/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=4133&lang=0 March 2010 posture statement]
* [http://www.usaraf.army.mil/ United States Army Africa official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100117005910/http://www.usaraf.army.mil/MAP_INTERACTIVE/INTERACTIVE_MAP.swf Africa Interactive Map] from the [[United States Army Africa]]
* [http://community.apan.org/apcn/default.aspx/ APCN (Africa Partner Country Network)]
* {{cite web|url= https://www.senate.gov/~armed_services/statemnt/2007/September/Ward%2009-27-07.pdf |title=Advanced Questions for General William E. "Kip" Ward, U.S. Army Nominee for Commander, U.S. Africa Command }}&nbsp;{{small|(165&nbsp;KB)}}, [[U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services]] testimony.
* {{cite web |url= http://usacac.leavenworth.army.mil/CAC/milreview/English/JanFeb08/McFateEngJanFeb08.pdf |title= ''U.S. Africa Command: A New Strategic Paradigm?'' |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080228151516/http://usacac.leavenworth.army.mil/CAC/milreview/English/JanFeb08/McFateEngJanFeb08.pdf |archive-date= 28 February 2008}}&nbsp;{{small|(1.03&nbsp;MB)}} by Sean McFate in ''[http://usacac.army.mil/CAC/milreview/index.asp Military Review]'', January–February 2008
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041209000230/http://www.ccc.nps.navy.mil/si/#current ''Africa’s Security Challenges and Rising Strategic Significance''], ''[[Strategic Insights]]'', January 2007
* {{cite web|url= http://www.defenselink.mil/home/pdf/AFRICOM_PublicBrief02022007.pdf |title=AFRICOM public brief }}&nbsp;{{small|(652&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]])}}, [[United States Department of Defense]], 2 February 2007
* [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/junger200702 "Blood Oil"] by [[Sebastian Junger]] in ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', February 2007. Retrieved 28 January 2007
* [http://ww4report.com/node/3154 "Africa Command: 'Follow the oil'"] in ''World War 4 Report'', 16 February 2007
* [http://www.esquire.com/features/africacommand0707 The Americans Have Landed], ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'', 27 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
* [http://www.oraclesyndicate.twoday.net/stories/3850265/ Does Africa need Africom?]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080620123253/http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1552/t/5734/content.jsp?content_KEY=3855 ResistAFRICOM website]
* [http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/40385-secret-us-military-documents-reveal-a-constellation-of-american-military-bases-across-africa Secret US Military Documents Reveal a Constellation of American Military Bases Across Africa]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/oef-ts-maps.htm Maps of Operation Enduring Freedom]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/tscti.htm Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative] Details of the operation by Global Security.

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