Legal Impediments to USAFRICOM Operationalization

Abstract

With the creation of the newest regionally focused unified combatant command, questions arose about the ability of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) to attain full operationalization. Indeed, from a legal perspective, numerous challenges have yet to be resolved or addressed. This article considers those legal challenges by first examining USAFRICOM's articulated mission and organizational structure. Moreover, an analysis of the legal instruments that would enable full operationalization is necessary, as well as a candid assessment of any agreements currently in force. Integral to that assessment is the perspective of the intended beneficiaries of the command. Additionally, one must consider the fiscal laws and statutory constraints that may pose an impediment in realizing the stated mission of USAFRICOM. Finally, recommendations are offered. This essay demonstrates that absent substantial expansion of international agreements in the new command, coupled with significant revision to existing statutes, USAFRICOM is unlikely to have an impact beyond the status quo.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA518763

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey S. Palmer

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States Africa Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Systems Analysis and Design