Improving Counter-Piracy Operations in East Africa
Abstract
AFRICOM and CENTCOM are failing to holistically solve the problem of piracy in Somalia. Failure to address this problem correctly prevents the United States from achieving its strategic goals in the region. Piracy has been growing despite the efforts of the United States, European Union, International, and Regional communities. Piracy must be seen as a symptom and an outgrowth of the failed state of Somalia. Adjustments must be made to effectively address this. Specifically, the U.S. military needs to adjust its mission, establish unity of command, establish a new area of operations, and employ a balanced JTF to support the integration of interagency, coalition, host nation, and regional partners to effectively neutralize Piracy in East Africa. This paper examines the current CENTCOM and AFRICOM solutions. It identifies the United States' Strategic Objectives in the region. It analyzes the Operational factors of time, space, force, the Center of Gravity, and identifies the required friendly force capabilities. Finally, the paper draws conclusions and offers recommendations on how the United States should adjust to more effectively pursue its objectives in the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535303
Entities
People
- Tye R. Wallace
Organizations
- Naval War College