United States Africa Command
The United States Africa Command is one of the eleven unified combatant commands 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 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.
Special Operations Command Africa: United States Army Element Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Combat Service Identification Badge
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.
Image: General Kip Ward November 2009
Image: GEN Carter F.Ham 2011
Unified combatant command
A unified combatant command, also referred to as a combatant command (CCMD), is a joint military command of the United States Department of Defense that is composed of units from two or more service branches of the United States Armed Forces, and conducts broad and continuing missions. There are currently 11 unified combatant commands, and each is established as the highest echelon of military commands, in order to provide effective command and control of all U.S. military forces, regardless of branch of service, during peace or during war time. Unified combatant commands are organized either on a geographical basis or on a functional basis, e.g., special operations, force projection, transport, and cybersecurity. Currently, seven combatant commands are designated as geographical, and four are designated as functional. Unified combatant commands are "joint" commands and have specific badges denoting their affiliation.
Commanders of unified and specified combatant command during an annual meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at The Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of Staff Room also known as "The Tank" on January 15, 1981.
President George W. Bush (sitting third from the right) and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (sitting second from the left) meeting with the joint chiefs and combatant commanders
Image: Gen Michael E. Langley
Image: Michael E. Kurilla (4)