Accession Number:

ADA516640

Title:

The Road to a New Unified Command

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Moeller, Robert T.
• Yates, Mary C.

Report Date:

2008-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

8.0

Abstract:

On October 1, 2007, with the confirmation of its first commander, U.S. Africa Command USAFRICOM was officially declared at initial operating capability IOC. Shortly thereafter, its newly assigned leadership assembled for a 1-day offsite conference to concentrate on two vital tasks building the new team and hammering out a statement of the commands mission. The participants were an energized mix that included Active and Reserve military from all Services and civilians from the Department of Defense DOD, Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID. Participation crossed ranks from senior general officers to lieutenant colonels. It included those who were involved with the command as far back as 2006, when USAFRICOM was just an idea, as well as some who arrived after IOC and others who were on temporary duty, designated for but not yet assigned to the command. The result was a lively dialogue to which everyone contributed. In essence, the offsite demonstrated horizontal integration and helped establish the commands direction over the following months. All agreed it was the right way to do business.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY COMMANDERS
• REPRINTS
• GENERAL OFFICERS
• AFRICA
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• LEADERSHIP

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE