AFRICOM: Reconstruction and Stability through the Provisional Reconstruction Team-Enhanced, Enabled by Unity of Command
Abstract
History illustrates that without unity of command and a mechanism to enable unity of effort, achieving strategic and regional objectives is rare. AFRICOM, a newly established Combatant Command, faces innumerable challenges within the continent of Africa from failed and failing states, terrorist organizations, a plethora of wars and ethnic cleansing, massive starvation, poverty, and disease to name but a few. With every challenge, however, there exist just as many opportunities to enhance strategic partnership; provide diplomatic, economic, and military assistance to failing states; improve regional security capacity; provide humanitarian assistance; and build both physical and economic infrastructure. The most immediate challenge for AFRICOM is developing a mechanism, or a means, that will ensure the accomplishment of U.S. strategic and regional objectives. This mechanism must be enabled through a command and control structure that provides unity of command for all elements of national power to alleviate the bifurcated direction and guidance that currently plague PRTs in Iraq and Afghanistan. AFRICOM must make bold recommendations to achieve unity of command that will establish trust among supporting U.S. Government departments and agencies as well as with African nations. AFRICOM should focus on results via a Provisional Reconstruction Team-Enhanced (PRT-E) that will facilitate unity of effort and the accomplishment of U.S. strategic and regional objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502736
Entities
People
- Derek E. Lane
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College