AFRICOM's Role in Interagency Counterterrorism Efforts: An Assessment in 3D

Abstract

In its two years of operation, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has pioneered an innovative interagency strategy to address the continent's challenges, with DOD representing the third pillar of an integrated 3D - diplomacy, development, and defense - approach. AFRICOM's whole-of-government commitment is most evident in counterterrorism (CT) initiatives conducted by the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in the continent's east and the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) in the northwest. This paper evaluates the implementation of these two programs and argues that, while both represent tactical successes of program execution and service provision, their contribution to the achievement of U.S. government strategic objectives in the CT realm remains less apparent. The author argues that this strategic shortfall is due to a combination of factors, including an unclear delineation of DOD responsibilities within the 3D construct and shortcomings in interagency program management. Based upon the research presented, the author provides programmatic and structural recommendations to improve these and subsequent AFRICOM initiatives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 27, 2010
Accession Number
ADA535418

Entities

People

  • Martin F. Kindl

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Counterterrorism
  • Department Of Defense
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Task Forces
  • United States Africa Command
  • Universities
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.