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U.S. Army Brigade Support to U.S. Africa Command

What is it?

The Army is training a brigade to support U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). As part of a broader regionally aligned forces concept, this unit will be prepared to train and mentor partner nation security forces in support of AFRICOM's Theater Campaign Plan (TCP) requirements. In addition to maintaining decisive action capability, brigade soldiers will prepare for their mission with language, regional expertise and culture training. They will deploy as small units, rather than as a full brigade, to points in Africa for training and partnering missions. This approach reflects the Army's commitment toward supporting U.S. national security policies in an effective and cost efficient manner.

What has the Army done?

The Army has developed improved methods to better coordinate and maximize the impact of existing programs and funding in support of combatant command objectives. Additionally, the Army is undertaking a number of initiatives to prepare Soldiers for these missions. This emphasis will enable the brigade that supports AFRICOM, as well as all Total Army Force providers, to employ a more effective and efficient approach in their role toward building partner nation security capacity.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Regionally aligning forces is a concept that requires Army planners to develop innovative new approaches toward preparing the total force to work with and among partner nation security forces. As part of the total force, the brigade that will support AFRICOM will be trained and organized to more efficiently and effectively meet that commander's needs. Lessons learned will inform the continued development of the regionally aligned forces concept, and the Army will continue to innovate and adapt its approach toward building the relationships needed to realize the common goals of global security and stability.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army's contribution to shaping the future security environment lies in its ability to employ small, agile conventional forces that can work closely with partner nation security forces on matters of common concern. Tomorrow's Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard - the total force - will continue to be the nation's decisive force of action and will maintain its commitment to working with its international partners to build security-focused relationships to prepare for 21st century challenges.

Resources:

Regionally Aligned Force: A new model for building partnerships

U.S. Africa Command
U.S. Army Africa
Army.mil: Africa News

Related documents:
Africa: 2012 Posture Statement- Statement of General Carter Ham before House Armed Services committee (PDF)
Africa Command: U.S. strategic interests and the role of the U.S. military in Africa (PDF)