3 things to know about America's recent changes in its military strategy in Africa
The United States has recently revised key military leadership roles to address emerging global threats, particularly in Africa.
For the first time, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is led by an Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, emphasizing air and space-focused strategies.
AFRICOM is considering an autonomous structure and evaluating potential new headquarters in Morocco.
Recent appointments in the United States military indicate a move toward greater integration of air and space power across Africa.
In a nutshell, the United States Africa Command recently appointed its first Air Force commander.
As the United States approaches a crucial development phase and AFRICOM focuses on air operations, here are five key points to consider regarding the U.S's involvement in Africa's security landscape.
AFRICOM gets its first Air Force commander
Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson has been confirmed as the new head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
His nomination is the first time that the command has been overseen by an airman rather than a soldier or Marine.
Anderson, who has a history in special operations and formerly led the United States Special Operations Command Africa, might provide a new air-and-space-focused perspective to AFRICOM's mission.
New command headquarters
After the Senate approved a new commander for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the United States also began considering an autonomous military command for operations in Africa.
Morocco is reportedly being evaluated as the probable site for the new command headquarters, according to unconfirmed reports.
Up until now, AFRICOM and European Command shared a headquarters, which restricted its ability to respond independently to Africa's quickly changing challenges.
What led to the new developments
There was a growing debate concerning AFRICOM's future. The Pentagon has proposed lowering the number of senior generals and even integrating AFRICOM with the US European Command, as they did before 2007.
At the same time, AFRICOM is increasing airstrikes across Africa, and putting an airman in command rather than soldiers or marines, who have traditionally led the force, might signify a change toward more air and space-focused operations on the continent.
AFRICOM
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is one of the United States' 11 unified combatant commands, in charge of directing all US military activities, partnerships, and security interests on the African continent.
africom
AFRICOM is currently headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and collaborates closely with African countries to combat terrorism, promote stability, and give humanitarian aid.
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