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Business Insider
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
3 things to know about America's recent changes in its military strategy in Africa
With a shift in global military policies, the United States has opted to modify key leadership positions in Africa to confront new threats via AFRICOM. 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.
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Top 5 things to know about America's recent changes in its military tactics in Africa
With a shift in global military policies, the United States has opted to modify key leadership positions to confront new threats, including those emerging in Africa. AFRICOM and Space Force are two units that have undergone some changes. 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 the continent. In a nutshell, the Space Force gets a new Vice Chief of Space Operations, while the United States Africa Command has its first Air Force commander. As the United States Space Force approaches a crucial development phase and AFRICOM focuses on air operations, here are five key points to consider regarding the intersection of space and Africa's security situation. 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 commanded 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 will create 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 structure, which restricted its ability to respond independently to Africa's quickly changing challenges. A new vice chief for Space Force has been confirmed Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton has been confirmed as the next Vice Chief of Space Operations. His nomination by the United States Senate puts him at the core of the Space Force's next chapter, as it attempts to broaden its impact and respond to emerging global threats. The Space Force is playing a larger role globally With increased threats from Russian and Chinese anti-satellite technology, the Space Force is requesting additional funding. It also spearheads initiatives such as the "Golden Dome for America" project, which emphasizes the rising relevance of space capabilities in modern combat, particularly in Africa, where surveillance, communication, and navigation systems are critical to US military operations. 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 and Space Force 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. While AFRICOM does not report directly to the US Space Force, the two are becoming increasingly intertwined. As contemporary warfare increasingly relies on space-based capabilities like as satellite communications, navigation, and intelligence collection, the Space Force plays an important supporting role in AFRICOM missions. With new Air Force leadership now overseeing AFRICOM, coordination between the two commands is anticipated to strengthen, particularly as operations in Africa become increasingly reliant on air and space power.
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Top 5 things to know about America's recent changes in its military leadership in Africa
With a shift in global military policies, the United States has opted to modify key leadership positions to confront new threats, including those emerging in Africa. AFRICOM and Space Force are two units that have undergone some changes. 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 the continent. In a nutshell, the Space Force gets a new Vice Chief of Space Operations, while the United States Africa Command has its first Air Force commander. As the United States Space Force approaches a crucial development phase and AFRICOM focuses on air operations, here are five key points to consider regarding the intersection of space and Africa's security situation. 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 commanded 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 will create 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 structure, which restricted its ability to respond independently to Africa's quickly changing challenges. A new vice chief for Space Force has been confirmed Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton has been confirmed as the next Vice Chief of Space Operations. His nomination by the United States Senate puts him at the core of the Space Force's next chapter, as it attempts to broaden its impact and respond to emerging global threats. 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. Leadership changes reflect growing Space-Africa nexus These leadership shifts point to a broader transformation in how the U.S. military views Africa. As AFRICOM intensifies airstrikes against extremist groups and the Space Force ramps up satellite operations, the synergy between space-based assets and on-the-ground missions in Africa is becoming more evident. The continent is poised to become an increasingly strategic theater for integrating air and space operations. AFRICOM and Space Force 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. While AFRICOM does not report directly to the US Space Force, the two are becoming increasingly intertwined. As contemporary warfare increasingly relies on space-based capabilities like as satellite communications, navigation, and intelligence collection, the Space Force plays an important supporting role in AFRICOM missions. With new Air Force leadership now overseeing AFRICOM, coordination between the two commands is anticipated to strengthen, particularly as operations in Africa become increasingly reliant on air and space power.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump names nominees to take over commands in the Middle East and Africa
President Donald Trump is nominating Vice Adm. Brad Cooper to take over as the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, the Pentagon said Wednesday. If he is confirmed, it would mark just the second time that a Navy admiral has held the job. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that Trump also is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson to head U.S. Africa Command. Anderson would be the first Air Force general to lead the command, which was created in 2007. Cooper is currently deputy commander of U.S. Central Command and has extensive experience serving and leading troops in the Middle East. The current head of the command, Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, is slated to retire after more than three years in the post. It is a crucial role as the region has been shaken by conflict, with the Trump administration pushing to broker a ceasefire deal after 20 months of war in Gaza and pressing for an agreement with Iran in negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. A 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cooper commanded naval forces in the Middle East for close to three years as the head of the Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain. He left in February 2024 to take over as deputy at Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and is based in Tampa. Army and Marine generals have largely held the Middle East job since it was created in 1983. And two of the recent leaders — former Army Gen. Lloyd Austin and former Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, went on to serve as defense secretary. Central Command covers 21 countries across central and south Asia and northeast Africa and has overseen the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Syria and Yemen. The only Navy officer to ever lead Central Command was Adm. William Fallon, who resigned after a year and retired. At the time, Fallon said he was stepping down due to press reports that suggested he was opposed to then-President George W. Bush's Iran policies. He said the reports were wrong but the perception had become a distraction. Cooper is a surface warfare officer and served on guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. He commanded a destroyer and a cruiser. During his time leading the 5th Fleet, Cooper set up the Navy's first unmanned and artificial intelligence task force, and he led naval operations against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. He also oversaw the Navy's role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led coalition created in late 2023 to counter Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. He previously served as commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic and commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea. Cooper is the son of a career Army officer and got his master's degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University. Anderson, nominated to lead operations in Africa, is a pilot who has flown the KC-135 tanker, the C-130 transport aircraft and the U-28A surveillance aircraft used largely by special operations forces. He has flown more than 3,400 flight hours, including 738 in combat. He is currently serving as the director of joint force development on the Joint Staff. According to the Air Force, he commanded a special operations squadron, an expeditionary squadron, an operations group and a special operations wing. He also led the task force that coordinated the repositioning of U.S. forces from Somalia and headed Special Operations Command, Africa, from 2019 to 2021. Africa Command is the newest of the Pentagon's geographic commands and covers the bulk of the African continent. Much of the U.S. military's efforts there have focused on combatting extremist groups and training local forces. Anderson would be the seventh general to head Africa Command. To date, four of the previous leaders were Army generals and two were Marines. Anderson is from Ypsilanti, Michigan, and graduated from the ROTC program at Washington University in St. Louis.
