9:44 AM8/17/2022

This edition sheds light on the role of Joint Training, Readiness and Exercises directorate with the help of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adam McCombs. "A lot of the exercises focus not only on countering VEOs (violent extremist organizations) on the continent, a threat that we both share, but also promoting stability and regional security within the host nations and the surrounding nations for the objectives we are looking to achieve within the exercise program," explained McCombs. "We take a big account to what our partner nation's objectives are and making sure that the exercise also meets those ideas." The main objectives when planning exercises are to take the combatant commander's guidance for the operations and align the program in a way that achieves the campaign strategy, assists in countering threats, strengthens alliances, and increases the overall joint readiness of the force. Exercises are a necessary part of how the command operates in Africa by incorporating all lines of effort by gaining access and influence, countering threats, incorporating crisis mitigation and response, and coordinating with allies and partners. U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

11:53 AM8/16/2022

During U.S. Africa Command's change of command ceremony held Aug. 9 in Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, began the formal passing of the guidon in which U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, outgoing commander, U.S. Africa Command, transferred command to U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, incoming commander. The Honorable Lloyd Austin III, U.S. Department of Defense secretary of defense, presided over the ceremony and accepted the colors from Townsend before transferring them to Langley, signifying the change in leadership.

9:22 AM8/16/2022

2:12 PM7/25/2022

CJTF-HOA is comprised of multiple U.S. military branches, coupled with foreign armed service personnel from various allied and partner nations. We work alongside our allies and partners to counter transnational threats. Our command works against malign actors to strengthen our collective security forces and respond to crises to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.